Images of Swett–Ilsley House
Swett–Ilsley House and its collection
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The Swett–Ilsley House, built around 1670, is a significantly extended Colonial house situated at 4 High Road, Newbury, Massachusetts, United States. This historic building is a testament to the architectural evolution of the colonial period, with various extensions and modifications made over the centuries.
Ownership and Function of Swett–Ilsley House
Currently, the Swett–Ilsley House is owned by Historic New England, previously known as the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA). The house operates as a study museum, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to delve into the history and architecture of the New England region.
Restoration of Swett–Ilsley House
In 1911, the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA) purchased the Swett–Ilsley House, marking its first architectural acquisition. Under the guidance of restoration architect Henry Charles Dean, SPNEA undertook a restoration project, removing layers of lath and plaster to reveal the house's original timbers, early 18th-century paneling, and one of the largest fireplaces in New England.
History & Anthropology Historic house