For Sale: 52 E 1st
Paris,  ID  83261 Home - MLS #2095157

The Nye House is a rare, historically significant, and magical property nestled in the heart of historic Paris, Idaho. Located just minutes from Bear Lake, this charming farmhouse is known by some locals as "the fairy tale house." Built by English immigrant and skilled carpenter James Nye, the Idaho Daily Statesman once noted that the Nye House was "quite an ornament to our town." James Nye was a skilled carpenter who was called to the Bear Lake Valley in 1877 for his craftsmanship and contributed to some of the area's most significant early buildings, including the first chapel in Paris and the Paris Tabernacle. The Nye House, which he began shortly after arriving in Paris, was completed in 1884. The home was originally a one-room structure with a lean-to kitchen. The home grew along with his family-which eventually included nine children. Inside the house, much of his original woodwork remains intact, including hand-turned interior banisters and trim. Both interior woodwork and exterior architectural elements such as the ornate brackets, balustrade, and the scalloped door hood have been faithfully restored. The overdoor on the east side-featuring buttons, dropped finials, and appliqu-is a standout example of his artistry. The original dining table-handcrafted by James Nye-has been preserved and is included in the home. His original woodworking shed still stands, complete with many of his tools, offering a rare and tangible connection to the past. Over the past thirty years, the 4-bedroom, 2-bath home has been thoughtfully restored by its current owners, who acquired it from Nye's descendants. With deep respect for its historic character, original features such as the hand-carved banisters, antique door hardware, and wood trim have been restored, while modernizing for comfort and efficiency. Updates include new plumbing and electrical systems, full insulation, double-pane Pella wood windows, a propane fireplace insert, and a new main suite bathroom. The kitchen maintains its vintage charm with a fully functioning original wood-burning stove, now paired with modern appliances. A dedicated laundry room and pantry add practicality, while a new water main, sewer line, and rebuilt front and back porches-all completed in 2024-ensure lasting reliability. The exterior siding and railings have also been replaced, carefully matching the home's original craftsmanship. The property spans is fully landscaped with mature trees, stunning perennial gardens, and a vegetable garden. A large firepit sits behind the vegetable garden, and an automatic sprinkler system with hose spigots makes caring for the grounds easy and efficient. Located only minutes from Bear Lake's crystal-clear waters-yet lightyears away from the crowds and traffic of the lakeside towns-the Nye House offers a rare combination of heritage, charm, and recreation. Whether you're hiking, boating, or simply relaxing under the trees, the home's setting provides effortless access to outdoor adventure and slow-paced, small-town charm. From roasting marshmallows in the firepit to exploring the garden beds, this is a home that invites peace, wonder, and connection. The Nye House also includes a rare collection of original outbuildings, each carefully preserved or rebuilt using historically accurate materials: The original barn collapsed under the weight of heavy snow in the early 2000s, and its replacement was designed with reverence for the original structure. The new barn is constructed using post and beam framing and is sided with wood salvaged from the original barn. It was rotated to face the house for better orientation and use. Today, the barn features a spacious open main level that can function as a game room, workshop, or studio, with an upper sleeping loft offering additional flexible space for guests or creative retreat. The shed was the original workshop, where James Nye likely built many of the home's furnishings and exterior det