Mark Twain House, Hartford CT

This is one of my favorite Victorian homes to visit.

Front of Mark Twain House

 

The house was built for Mark Twain’s  (AKA: Samuel Clemens) Family in 1874.  It was designed by the architects Edward T. Potter and Alfred H. Thorp.  At the time it was built it was called one of the “oddest looking buildings in the State ever designed for dwelling.”  (Hartford Daily Times, March 23, 1874)

Balcony 2

 

I love all the details of the facade – the stickwork,

CHimney Detail

The brickwork

Porch Woodwork

The woodwork…

Conservatory

The Conservatory….

 

Most of all, I love the interiors by Louis C Tiffany and Candace Wheeler – I cant show them here, but they are not to be missed!

View from Visitor's Center

For more photos of the Mark Twain House visit my Flickr site.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Hartford CT

Front Harriet Beecher Stowe House

 

This Gothic Revival style home was built in 1871 for Franklin Chamberlin in the Nook Farm neighborhood of Hartford CT.  The Stowe’s bought the 17 room residence in 1873 and Harriet lived there for 23 years – until her death.  I knew Harriet Beecher Stowe authored Uncle Tom’s Cabin – a powerful anti-slavery novel, but I did not know much else about her.  Harriet was an accomplished author of thirty books and numerous articles.  She was also the “Martha Stewart” of her day – having authored The American Woman’s Home in 1869 – a manual for women on all aspects of child rearing, house keeping, cooking and nutrition, and interior decoration.

The interior of the house shows her sense of style and showcases several of her paintings. Well worth a trip to Hartford, Ct.

North-East exposure

 

For more photos of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Visit my Flickr site.

Katherine Seymour Day House, Hartford CT

West Side Day House 1

Built in 1884 for Franklin and Mary Porter Chamberlin in the Nook Farm neighborhood of Hartford CT.  Queen Anne in style, it was designed by the architect Francis Kimball.  It is a 20 room building that features nature inspired carvings both outside and inside.  Named after Harriet Beecher Stowe’s grand niece, today it is used as the administrative offices of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.  It is not open to the public, but the exterior architecture is enchanting.

Detail - Front Entrance

Nature Carving Detail

Exterior, Corner Nook

Rear View, Day House

For more photos, please see my Flickr site.

 

Thayer Smith House, Hartford CT

Thayer Smith House

I don’t know much about this beautiful house except it was built in the 1870′s for Charles and Eliza Thayer Smith. It stands across the street from the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in the Nook Farm neighborhood of Hartford CT.

Thayer Smith House