The Thomas Lee House

 While we were out reveling in the glorious 60 degree weather today, we passed an old home heralding the year 1660 – that’s 351 years and the house is in remarkable shape.  Right next to it is a little red school house dated in the 1700’s.   I took some pictures and then came home and did a little online research –

The Thomas Lee House, located in East Lyme, CT  is one of the oldest wood frame houses in Connecticut, still in its primitive state. The original circa 1660 dwelling consisted of a timber frame erected on six 2-story wall posts, enclosing a ground floor with the Judgement Hall below and the Chamber above. Shortly after 1700 the house was doubled by adding the West Parlor and West Chamber.  After two hundred years of Lee ownership, the house was sold to a neighboring farmer, who used the building for a chicken coop and to store hay, intending to tear the building down eventually.   The East Lyme Historical Society, with help from the Connecticut Society of Colonial Wars, the Society of Colonial Dames, the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities,  and several Lee family descendants, was able to purchase the property in 1914.  Today, it continues to be owned and maintained by the East Lyme Historical Society. 

The  old and interior photos is provided from a TL site on the web…the house was closed today and I’m not sure that it’s open to the public. 

 The weather was downright balmy today, I am giddy with spring fever.  And damn it, there’s nothing like spring weather and shedding of the winter layers to smack you with winter weight gain reality. Ah well…

 These are photos of some of my kayaking stomping grounds at the mouth of the Connecticut River…

Osprey nest to the right… there are many along the river and its highways and byways…

Saybrook Light off in the distance…

Ice melts in winter lace form along the waters edge..

19 thoughts on “The Thomas Lee House”

  1. Great photos-That first one is almost eerie looking though, isn't it? Love the history and what a great old place. I love that so much history has been preserved. Hugs- Diana

  2. Oh my goodness what wonderful pictures you are sharing this morning. The snow lace is so so pretty .. It's going to be 78 here today. I just slipped on shorts and crap someone has replaced my thighs with a new bigger pair!!! I am looking at new camera's can I ask what you are using ?
    Have a wonderful weekend enjoy the sunshine.. hugs from Savannah, Cherry

  3. What a transformation in the saving of that house. Goodness, was it ever dilapidated looking in the first photo.

    Weight gain? Not even going to talk about it… ugh.

    DI

  4. What a grand old house, I just loved the photos! Thank goodness the Historical Society stepped in! I loved all the scenery photos, and the weight gain, well I told myself that as soon as the snow melts and I start walking it will melt right off! Yup, I just said that to myself as I attempted a little stroll with my dog!

  5. I'm here from the Blue Ridge Girl, and I love your place! That house is an old salt box style – look at those leaded glass windows! Fantastic! I'd love to visit it someday.

    Your photos are stunning and that sunset is to die for!

  6. Love the photos–grew up in CT on the sound and soooo miss the salt water!! The smells, the sounds, waves, birds…And yeah, winter weight gain…into the next size up and it's time to stop it right there, thank you very much! xo

  7. An AMAZING house – we don't have homes like that out here in the Wild West! Things over 100 years (other than … you know… Mesa Verde type stuff) are on the rare side.

  8. I love the pictures of the Thomas Lee home. It looks like what I think the Alcott family house would have been like. Love all the outdoor pics and the ice pic in particular. Joni

  9. Love these photos Karen…those you took of the old house are so beautifully exposed…and that sunset! Wish I had a chance to get out and about today but Fridays are my days to babysit my grandchildren….

  10. Karen I am captivated by your post, the house and photos. Can you imagine they used that house as a chicken coop! Wow! Your photos are so goregous & brings back happy memories of when we stayed at the Saybrook Inn… gotta get back there someday soon 🙂

  11. We love going down there to Old Saybrook. Did you take those near Great Island? Haven't checked out that house on our passes through Old Lyme. Will have to make a little detour one of these trips. Thanks for sharing!

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