From the Revolutionary era through the early twentieth century, Suffield’s historic residences remain notable for their enduring beauty and architectural significance. This December, visitors are invited to tour five distinguished properties on North Main Street, each thoughtfully decorated with holiday-themed arrangements by the skilled designers of the Suffield Garden Club.
This year’s tour features the following treasures:
480 NORTH MAIN
Built in 1795, Alden House, or “Aldenheim”, was built by Dr. Howard Alden. He and his wife Rhoda (Williston) and their 12 children lived there until his death in 1841, after which the property changed hands many times. In 2018, the property was subdivided, and the house and barn were renovated with modern updates. The owners were dedicated to preserving and restoring their original character.
Built in 1900, this barn as well as the main house were previously part of the 20-acre property at 480 North Main Street. Old photos show the barn once faced west and sat closer to Main Street. Today it looks south, welcoming friends and neighbors. Set back from Main Street, it’s become a favorite gathering spot for the owners, who see it as a perfect backdrop for celebrations in the heart of the town where they both grew up.
According to the Suffield Historical Society, the best research to date gives this historic farmhouse a build date of 1837 by Daniel M. Warner. When the 37-acre property was purchased and subdivided in 2018, it included a house, a barn, a tobacco warehouse and a large tobacco shed used to hang and cure tobacco leaves. The tobacco shed can still be seen at what is now 510 North Main Street.
Built in 1818 by or for Apollos Norton, this distinguished historic residence underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2016 by its current owners. The exterior was meticulously restored to reflect its original architectural detailing, including solid mahogany trim around the window alcoves, eaves and gable roof. Inside, thoughtful restoration uncovered and preserved wide plank floors, exposed brick walls, authentic wood beams, and more.
Built in 1776 and known as The Saddle Shop, Consider Williston, who fought in the Revolutionary War, had this shop built to house his leather goods business where he made and sold saddle bags and saddles. It was eventually converted to a private home and displays stunning colonial era wide pine floors, exposed beams, and even the original fireplace. The exterior wood siding and gently sloping roof preserve the Georgian-Saltbox typical of late 18th century New England dwellings.
The Holiday House Tour is set for December 6 from 2 to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Shuttle buses will run between Suffield Senior Center parking lot and North Main Street for attendees.
Tickets for the Holiday House Tour will be available for purchase beginning November 1. You can buy tickets in person at the Garden Club’s 6:30 p.m. event, “Sustainable Suffield” on November 3 at the Kent Library. Tickets are also available at Suffield Hardware, located at 63 Mountain Road, or online via the Suffield Garden Club’s Facebook, Instagram, and official website: Facebook.com/SuffieldGardenClub; Instagram.com/SuffieldGardenClub#; www.SuffieldGardenClub.org.
Advance tickets are priced at $35. On the day of the event, tickets will be available for $40. On December 6, tickets may be picked up or purchased at the Suffield Senior Center between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
No pets, no strollers and no photography please.