Belmont (Bensalem, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Belmont
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Belmont, April 2012
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3779 Bristol Rd., Bensalem, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | c. 1850 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000460 |
| Added to NRHP | May 3, 1988 |
Belmont is a special old house located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, in Bucks County. It was built around 1850. This house is shaped like an "L" and is about two and three-quarter stories tall. It's made of stone and covered with a smooth material called stucco. Belmont is a great example of the Greek Revival style. It also has a cool porch that wraps around part of the house, called a verandah.
This historic home was built for a mill owner named Paul Townsend in 1850. He owned the house until he passed away in 1890. Today, you can find Belmont across the street from the Neshaminy Mall on Bristol Road. In 1988, Belmont was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's officially recognized as an important historical site.
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Discovering Belmont: A Historic Home
Belmont is more than just an old house; it's a piece of history in Bensalem. It shows us what homes looked like over 170 years ago. The house stands on a small piece of land, about 0.1 acre, which is like a small park.
What Makes Belmont Special?
Belmont has several unique features that make it stand out. Its "L" shape is interesting, and the way it's built with stone and stucco gives it a strong, classic look. The house has a hipped roof, which means all sides slope downwards to the walls.
- Built in 1850: This makes Belmont a very old building, showing architecture from the mid-1800s.
- Stucco Finish: Stucco is a type of plaster used to cover walls, giving them a smooth, finished appearance.
- Wraparound Verandah: This long porch is perfect for relaxing outdoors and enjoying the surroundings.
Greek Revival Style Explained
The Greek Revival style was popular in the United States from the 1820s to 1860s. It was inspired by the ancient temples of Greece. Buildings in this style often have:
- Tall, stately columns (though Belmont doesn't have many, its overall shape and details show the style).
- Simple, strong shapes.
- A sense of balance and order.
Belmont's design, with its classic lines and solid feel, fits right into this style.
The Original Owner: Paul Townsend
Paul Townsend was a mill owner, which means he likely owned a factory that processed materials like grain or textiles. In the 1800s, mills were very important for local economies. Owning a mill meant Paul Townsend was an important person in the community. He lived in Belmont for 40 years, from 1850 until his death in 1890.
Why is Belmont a Historic Place?
Being on the National Register of Historic Places means a building or site is important to the history of the United States. It helps protect these places so future generations can learn from them. Belmont was added to this list in 1988 because it's a good example of Greek Revival architecture and has a connection to the history of Bensalem.
