We are so fortunate to live in an area that has one of the best and oldest inventories of antique and vintage houses in the United States. Connecticut, being one of the 13 Original Colonies was in the original settlement pattern of the settlers beginning in the early 1600s. This house, named the David Beers House (1401 Unquowa Road) was very early and it’s predecessor, burned down by British General Tryon and his men, aided by some of the citizens loyal to the King could have been built as early 1639, which was the date of the Fairfield Settlement (originally called Mill River Village.)
This house was so well loved that it was modified to make it more livable as innovation and styles changed. This home is the perfect example of this. The dated the house was built is circa 1789 and it has all modern amenities such as central air. We must respect these changes, as they are the reason we still have these homes to appreciate. So, I have one foot in the world of the purist and one foot in the world of making a home easier to live in for today’s standards. In a perfect world, the homes that were built in the 1700s should look like a house built in the 1700s on the outside and on the inside but unless we want to use buckets for water and outhouses for our needs, we have to accept that these changes are universal. The changes will keep the homes alive and well and the owners living in them there to love them. Education is key. Changing wood floors that are original to luxury vinyl should never happen nor should removing fireplaces. Obviously, I could go on and on. Suffice it to say, if you need help with your restoration projects, I have the contacts, the resources and the ideas. Please contact me today for experienced guidance. (please see my own renovation projects on this website)