I had errands to run in Guilford today – the town we were married in and had our first house and child. I love the historic green, the wonderful old homes and the great shops in this shoreline town and sometimes I wish we had stayed. Plus, it’s right along the water, who could ask for more?
I took pictures of the oldest stone house in New England – built in 1639 under the direction of Henry Whitfield, a practicing reverend from England who also served as one of the founders of the town. Background history for the house possibly suggests it was built with the help of local Native American inhabitants who assisted in the transport of fieldstone from a local quarry. Archaeological excavations on the grounds revealed many artifacts as well as the remains of a temporary or seasonal structure occupied by Native Americans, or possibly the Whitfield family until the stone structure was built.
I love the history of those homes, just to think of the families that lived there and the hardships they faced. I have someone in mind for the Roba Dolce contest!
This is a beautiful structure, Karen. I always wonder what it would be like to live back then. I'm sure it was very difficult, at best. Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your surroundings with us. 🙂
I've always loved the old stone houses – the one you featured is huge…. and lots of windows. It's a real beauty!
🙂
ButterYum
I like the spaceship house! Would love to see the interior layout of it.
DI
I love the old stone house. But that bed looks awfully uncomfortable!
The spaceship house is not for me. But I would go to dinner if they were to invite me ~
You live in such a picturesque area, Karen, and your photos of these homes are just beautiful. My husband really gets into historical homes and would love do the tour. He has our stone fireplace at the lake surrounded by cast iron pieces, too, as he intends to learn how to cook as they did back in the day. He was born in the wrong era!
XO,
Jane
New England is filled with old houses, buildings and factories. The stone house is just lovely, but I really like the old red shack. Enjoyed my visit!!
Karen, what wonderful pictures of that stone house. That other place does look like a spaceship.
Visiting New England is on my wish list. I just want to wait until we have the time to "do it all"! The first house looks just like I would expect…so interesting.
Love history and old houses. That is hard to believe in that time a house was built so well.
I saw my Grandmothers cottage in Ireland it had a hearth that big they cooked in it. Thanks for this post.
yvonne
I love your neighborhood. The stone house . . oh am I drooling. I love stone.
The house on the hill looks like something you'd see on HGTV. and maybe it was, I don't watch them much anymore.
The blacksmith is now looking at the iron works in your pictures.
Patti
Beautiful memories!! I would live year round by the shore if I could…but for now I am happy to visit and live by the lake for a portion of the year!
Love your pictures. The little house reminds me of one we saw out in South Dakota last year.
Lovely shots Karen. Isn't it amazing that the stone house is still standing after so many years? I love that spaceship too. Reminds me of the Jetsons. It would be great if the inside matches the outside. Can't imagine heavy oak furniture in the spaceship. It would be so wrong.
And that red one is straight out of Little House on the Prairie. Love that photo. It is definitely wall hanging worthy 😉
Too much TV? Moi?
The Henry Whitfield house is so beautiful. I am struck by how solid and strong it's built. A perfect example of new England, along with the little red shack.
Beautiful pictures Miss Karen I love the little red shack.. Have a wonderful weekend. hugs from Savannah, Cherry
The house is awesome, they sure built it to last! Would love to take a tour!
Now I could truly imagine living in that first house!! Beautiful.
I really enjoyed this post and the photos. I love anything historical.
What a beautiful house! I haven't walked around Guilford although I have driven by many times…will have to change that!
…and that sapce ship condo! Wild!