The house was built by a local shoemaker and farmer who was involved in a religious dispute that divided the town.

Facing south, the 1+1⁄2-story wood-frame structure is five bays wide, with a large central chimney and a gambrel roof that slopes toward the back in a saltbox configuration.

A "Beverly dodge" projection extends from the back half of the west side, with a shed-roof sloping to the rear.

Decorative elements are minimal, with a simple door treatment and sash windows that extend up to the cornice.

It was built by James Nichols, who engaged in the locally significant business of shoe making, an activity he would have performed on this property, selling his product to a merchant in the town center.