Parsons Homestead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Parsons Homestead
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 520 Washington Rd., Rye, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 52 acres (21 ha) |
| Built | 1757 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000420 |
| Added to NRHP | December 5, 1980 |
The Parsons Homestead is a historic house located at 520 Washington Road in Rye, New Hampshire. This old home was likely built around 1800. It also includes parts from even older buildings. It is a great example of a special type of Federal style house. This unique style was common in the local area. The Parsons Homestead was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it is an important historical site.
Exploring the Parsons Homestead
The Parsons Homestead stands in the center of Rye village. You can find it on the southeast side of Washington Road. It is almost directly across from Lang Road.
What the House Looks Like
This house is a two-and-a-half-story building. It is made of wood and has a roof that slopes down on the sides. The outside walls are covered with clapboards. Inside, you will find two brick chimneys. The front of the house has five sections, called bays.
The middle section of the front sticks out. It has a pointed roof, like a small triangle. This special design is a unique local style of Federal architecture. Today, only a few houses still have this feature. The main front door is at the bottom of this middle section. It has thin windows on the sides and a half-round window above it. The other sections of the house have regular windows. These windows are framed with decorative wood.
A Glimpse into its History
People used to think the Parsons Homestead was built in 1757. However, there is not much proof for this earlier date. Experts now believe the house was built closer to 1800. Some parts of the house, like a staircase and some wooden posts, seem to have been reused. They might have come from an even older building. The detailed woodwork inside the house is very beautiful. It is considered some of the best from that time period in Rye. We do not know who built this historic house.
