Chichester House (Kingston, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Chichester House
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West elevation, 2008
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 116 Fair St., Kingston, New York |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1870 |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001392 |
| Added to NRHP | December 28, 2001 |
The Chichester House is a special old house in Kingston, New York. It was built around 1870 and has a unique style called Second Empire. This house is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. This means it's a historic building worth protecting! It was listed at the same time as the Boice House, which is nearby and has a similar style.
Contents
What Does the Chichester House Look Like?
The Chichester House is made of brick and has three stories. It sits on a strong foundation of stone and brick. The main part of the house has three sections, called bays. There is also a slightly set-back section on the north side.
Unique Roof and Details
The roof is very special. It's a mansard roof, which means it has a unique shape that curves inwards. The roof is covered with patterned slate shingles. You can see round-arched dormers sticking out of the roof. These dormers have fancy decorations. The edge of the roof also has an ornate, overhanging eave.
Porches and Inside Features
A front porch covers the main part of the house. It is rounded on the southern side. This porch is in the Classical Revival style. Its posts stand on stone supports. The main entrance leads into a narrow entryway. After that, you enter a wide hallway. This hallway has detailed ceiling moldings.
The main staircase also has beautiful details. You can see carved balusters and a newel post. The two living rooms on the south side have special ceilings with decorative blocks. They also have fireplaces with finely crafted frames. The rooms on the north side of the house are decorated in a similar way.
What Else is Part of the Property?
Behind the main house, you'll find the original carriage house. A carriage house was once used to store horse-drawn carriages. Today, this building is used for storage. It is still in its original condition. Because it's so well-preserved, it's considered an important part of the historic property. This means it helped the Chichester House get listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A Glimpse into Its History
The Chichester House was built around 1870. At that time, this area was one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Kingston. Old records show that a "Mrs. Chichester" lived here. The house has remained a private home ever since. It has also stayed mostly the same over the years.
