When expert restorer Rick Gallagher informed Wes Fredericks (board member of Historic Deerfield) and his wife, Jeanne, that a rare, highly original 1740 Connecticut River Valley saltbox colonial was fated to be bulldozed soon by a developer, they quickly agreed to see it, thinking that it might be just what they wanted for their retirement.  Their first house had been an antique saltbox circa 1739 and they were living in an enlarged 1694 saltbox within commuting distance of New York City.  

“Be sure to wear boots!” cautioned Rick.  He explained that the building was loaded with clutter since the prior owner had been an elderly hoarder.  The debris was piled as high as the top of the beds, but underneath it all, they saw a gem of early American architecture that had not “suffered from affluence,” as Rick put it.  The original sound structure had not even been modified for bathrooms, and retained original wideboard floors, wainscoting, paneling, mantelpieces, trim, a lovely corner cupboard, a rare original back staircase, buttery,and a separate summer kitchen that had salvageable woodwork and bricks that could be used in an addition.  The son of the original owner, Deacon John Peck of Cheshire, CT, had housed the poor in his attic and eves accessed by the back staircase and had built a summer kitchen to provide them with food.

   Wes’s retirement plans recently changed so this architectural treasure in very good, restored condition is available for purchase along with the documented photos and “as is” drawings.  At the purchaser’s option, BuiltRite Restoration could be engaged to erect the building on the purchaser’s property.  Wes and Jeanne have invested over $230,000 so far in the rescue of this house and hope to recoup as much of that as possible.  Payment terms would depend on whether BuiltRite is involved in next steps.

For further information:

Wes and Jeanne Fredericks, 203-966-8486; jeanne.fredericks@gmail.com

For technical questions: Rick Gallagher, builtriterestoration@gmail.com