The Adamses returned in 1788 to occupy the house, farmland, and orchards. They were disagreeably surprised by the house, however, after their years in England. To Abigail Adams, it resembled a 'wren's nest' with all the comfort of a 'barracks.'" They would call it "Old House." During the subsequent 12 years, with Adams resident in Philadelphia first as vice president and then as president, Abigail Adams attended to the house and farm. She greatly expanded it, adding what is now the right side of the front facade, with a fine hallway and large parlor on the ground floor and a large study above. The additions were built in the Georgian style with a gambrel roof creating a nearly full attic story.

Adams returned to the house full-time in 1801 after his defeat for a second presidential term. His son John Quincy Adams also returned to the house at that time, after completing his ambassadorial term in Berlin. Further extensions to the house were made by his son, Charles Francis Adams.

Peacefield, also called the Old House, was acquired by John and Abigail Adams while they were in Europe. Their return made it a family base even when John’s vice-presidential and presidential duties kept him away for long periods. Abigail managed household and farm affairs, and decisions about enlargement reflected the needs of a working family, visiting relations and public figures. The house was never a static presidential exhibit during their lifetimes.

John Adams returned to Quincy after leaving the presidency in 1801. He continued reading, corresponding and reflecting on the Revolution from the house. His relationship with Thomas Jefferson, renewed through letters, helped shape later accounts of the founding generation. John Quincy Adams also used the family property between diplomatic and political assignments. Peacefield thus connects several generations of American public life rather than one period of John Adams’s career.

Later family members preserved extensive books, papers, furnishings and memories while adapting the residence to new needs. The grounds and buildings eventually became part of Adams National Historical Park. Guided tours protect the interiors and help visitors distinguish changes made by different generations. The property also sits within a larger Quincy landscape of birthplaces, farms and civic institutions associated with the Adams family. The visitor centre is the starting point for house tours during the seasonal opening. Gardens and grounds can be experienced separately, while access to historic interiors depends on staffing and preservation needs.