If you’ve driven by the old "Viking House" on State Road recently, you might have noticed a gorgeous new house where the worn-down brown structure once stood.

For years, the iconic giant Viking statue stood proud and tall, overlooking Route 6 as a staple and unofficial mascot of North Dartmouth.

Now, the property has been completely transformed, turning the once-decaying house into something spectacular and eye-catching along the busy roadway.

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The home, formerly owned by Maryann and Richard Sylvia, was a well-known local landmark.

Maryann, who passed away in recent years, had lived in the house for decades, operating a small Norwegian trinket shop on the property. The towering Viking statue became synonymous with the house, drawing the curiosity of passersby and securing its place in Dartmouth history.

READ MORE: The Story Behind Dartmouth's Mysterious Viking

In 2022, the Viking statue was sold, with initial interest from a Tiverton, Rhode Island man. Ultimately, the statue found a new home, though its exact location remains uncertain.

Dartmouth Norwegian Viking Statue
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Around the same time, Westport residents Ricardo and Brittany Borges became interested in purchasing the property. After three years of planning and renovations, they have turned a house in desperate need of some "TLC" into a beautifully restored structure that blends historic charm with modern functionality.

Set to be completed by spring 2025, the Viking House’s finished product will include a business on the first floor and two rental units above, with the lower back unit handicap accessible that's fully equipped with a wheelchair ramp.

The business, Britique Beauty Bar, will be Brittany Borges’ first self-owned salon. With 10 years in the beauty industry, she got her start after graduating from Rob Roy Academy in Fall River. Her salon will offer hair services, facial waxing, and more, with up to three chairs (available for rent) and one rental room available for beauty professionals. Those interested can reach out to britiquebeautybar@yahoo.com.

Ricardo Borges took great care in preserving the Viking House’s historical charm. Working with local businesses – including veteran-owned contractors – he ensured the structure maintained its old-world aesthetic while reinforcing it with modern upgrades. RMB Holdings, DBS, Veteran Built Construction, Scott Lafleur Painting, Ferreira Plumbing & Heating, Mike Watts Heating & Air Conditioning, and Adam Santos Electric are among the dream team that took on the challenging project.

“I had to pull permits from the Historic Society and focused on keeping the preservation of the older look, but modernized it, redoing the structure inside and out,” Ricardo said.

The small Norwegian trinket shop that once sat on the property will now serve as a garage, retaining the same historic charm as the house. The parking lot behind it will accommodate seven vehicles, including a handicap accessible space, with three additional spaces for employee parking on by the Summit Avenue side.

While the Viking statue may no longer stand at its original post, the Viking House itself has been reborn into an eye-catching blend of Dartmouth’s past and future.

Exterior and Interior Renovations of The Legendary Dartmouth Viking House

Dartmouth’s historic Viking House has been transformed into a modern business and rental space while preserving its old-world charm.

Gallery Credit: Gazelle

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