It’s a nice old Gambrel roof colonial, riverfront, should have sold easily before now even with the history. But, riverfront is prime property. The lot is narrow but deep. The house was plopped down sideways on the lot, with the “front” entry on the side. Peculiar.
I've seen that often with houses in the inner suburbs. A way to pack more lots onto a street. It is a bit odd in that you likely end up with your kitchen windows facing the neighbors house instead of the back yard.