[MassHistPres] House in Westport in Need of Rescue - revised

[Laura B. Driemeyer]

Jane and Anne,

 

That was my impression also upon looking at the finishes.  I was struck by
how many of the interior finishes seemed to be early nineteenth century (ca.
1800-1830) based on a quick look at the photos provided.

 

Laura

 

Laura B. Driemeyer, Ph.D.

Architectural Historian

Preservation Company

From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Anne Forbes
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 12:24 PM
To: Jane Loos; masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] House in Westport in Need of Rescue - revised

 

Jane,

I'm sticking my neck out here, but I was struck by the features in the
photos that point to a Federal period date for this house, rather than
1850s.  While the full-length sidelights are likely to be 1850s, the
fireplace surround, the stairway detailing, the proportion of panels and
latch of the interior door, as well as the 6-panel front door (if it's not a
later reproduction - it was hard to see in the photo), all signal 1800-1825
to me.  

 

If a case could be made for the building being decades earlier than is
generally believed, with so many intact features, it might help the WHC's
arguments and make the house more attractive to buyers.

 

What do others on the list-serve think?

 

Anne Forbes,

Acton

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Jane Loos <mailto:jane.loos at gmail.com>  

To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu 

Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 11:53 AM

Subject: [MassHistPres] House in Westport in Need of Rescue - revised

 

This email is sent to request advice and hopefully introductions to
businesses or private people who may be interested in a handsome 1850's
house on the Historic Inventory of  Westport, Massachusetts. The Westport
Historical Commission (WHC) invoked a delay in its proposed demolition.   

 

The property is located at 98 Horseneck Road, Westport MA.  One of the
architects formerly on WHC visited the site and made the following
comments-- "It is a charming house and could be restored. Despite the
neglected condition of the house, the frame appears to be in good shape. "

 

Recent photos attached.

 

Many thanks   Jane Loos, WHC Secretary   

  _____  

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