Inspiration
Historic Homes & Gardens You Need to Tour
Old houses have treasures to find and secrets to uncover, and in Connecticut, there are over four centuries of homes to explore. Some were home to well-known historic figures, like Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Others were built by individuals who became larger than life, such as actor William Gillette’s “castle” on the Connecticut River and dictionary namesake Noah Webster’s West Hartford birthplace. Still others house amazing art collections or are surrounded by lush, expertly-tended gardens. You’ll find dozens of these historic houses, many of which are National Historic Landmarks, all over the state—and each has a story to tell.
Interested in learning about more historic homes in Connecticut? Check out Preservation in Action, a book that takes readers on a one-of-a-kind tour through exquisitely preserved, chronicled and illustrated historic buildings.
The Earliest Settlements
When English colonists arrived in the 1630s, they set up settlements throughout the state. Some of these houses still survive today, and are open for tours and educational visits. Most offer detailed glimpses into the lives of the early American colonists, having been documented in carefully preserved journals and family letters.
Henry Whitfield State Museum, Guilford
Connecticut's oldest house (1639) and New England's oldest stone house.
General David Humphreys House (c.1698), Ansonia
Home of the nation’s first ambassador and aide to General George Washington.
The Colonial Days
In the 1700s, Connecticut was at the forefront of the new nation’s fight for independence. Nicknamed “the provision state” by General George Washington, Connecticut was the site of several decisive battles during the Revolutionary War. Today, there are homes throughout the state that have a fascinating military heritage, as well as others that blazed new trails in arts and culture.
Nathan Hale Homestead, Coventry
A Connecticut Landmark and the family home of Connecticut's state hero.
Webb Deane Stevens Museum, Wethersfield
Meticulously restored colonial homes, one of which served as General George Washington’s HQ.
Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich
A National Historical Landmark and home of Connecticut’s first art colony.
Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, West Hartford
This home of the author of the first American dictionary is a National Historic Landmark.
Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, Ridgefield
Look for the British cannonball embedded in its exterior from a 1777 battle.
The Civil War, Industry and the Victorians
During the Civil War, Connecticut once again played a role in provisioning, supplying everything from riddles to brass uniform buttons for the Union army. In this time, several homes in Connecticut played a role in fighting slavery, including sites along the Connecticut Freedom Trail. In the late 1800s, the Victorian era ushered in mansions of beauty and splendor, many of which still stand today as breathtaking reminders of a golden age.
Twenty-five room Victorian mansion where Mark Twain lived and wrote from 1874-1891.
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) - Closed until Fall 2024, Norwalk
Built in 1864, this 62-room Victorian mansion has been called “America’s First Chateau.”
Hempsted Houses, New London
Home to generations of the Hempsted family, as well as the Underground Railway.
Roseland Cottage Museum, Woodstock
19th century Gothic Revival cottage and parterre gardens were a seasonal escape for the Bowen family...
20th Century Works of Art
Artists, and art collections, played a large role in early 20th century Connecticut. From wealthy industrialists looking to build a house for their collections to colonies of artists working and living together to create a distinctly American art form, estates and homesteads took on a distinctive look alongside this greater purpose. Today, many of these homes have been restored to their original, and often very unique glory.
The Glass House, New Canaan
Built on a pastoral 49 acres, this elegant modern structure houses art and sculpture.
Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington
One of America’s first female architects designed this art-filled home for her family.
Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme
Home to the Lyme Art Colony, where some of America’s most beloved artists lived and worked.
Great Homes with Green Thumbs
It is not just our historic houses that deserve a tour. Many of Connecticut’s house and estate gardens are the work of famous landscape architects and world renowned garden designers—and are today tended by experts and volunteers alike who are dedicated to sharing these works of art.
Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem
Popular with gardeners, this elegant home’s formal gardens feature roses, peonies and lilacs.
Hollister House Garden, Washington
Get lost in this elegantly wild English garden featuring dramatic hedges and lavish plantings.
Ogden House & Gardens, Fairfield
Mid 18th century home features a wildflower trail and a colonial era kitchen herb garden.
Phelps-Hatheway House, Suffield
Federal style home and landscaped grounds with formal flower beds and herb garden.
Butler-McCook House & Garden, Hartford
18th century house with a Victorian-era garden designed by a prominent landscape architect.
Stay for a Spell
Want to sleep in an old house? Check into one of our historic B&BS and Inns, many of which date back to colonial times and offer a cozy and uniquely Connecticut experience.
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