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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

MY WORLD Hearthside — The House That Love Built

Great Road Historic District
at the intersection of Breakneck Hill Road.
This Historic Great Road is in walking distance from my home, about 30 minutes and near the Lincoln Woods State Park.
Along this famous Great Road in my hometown of Lincoln, RI, appears this gorgeous unique fieldstone two-1/2 story 10-room home mansion with 10 fireplaces built in 1810 built by Stephen Hopkins Smith.

The Hearthside, is considered to be one of the "finest examples of early nineteenth century Federal-style houses in Rhode Island. It is located at 677 Great Road (Rt. 123), (Great Road Historic District) at the intersection of Breakneck Hill Road.
Legend has it that Smith built this house to impress a young lady from Providence with winnings from a Louisiana State Lottery, which he kept a secret from her. Upon completion of the house Smith took the young lady for a ride to see this beautiful house, which she commented to him, "Why anyone would want to live in the wilderness!" As a result of her rejection, he never married. In 1996 the town became the owners of this site, and Hearthside has become the backdrop to many public and private social events.
Read about this "Legendary Tale of Stephen Hopkins Smith"

Open second Saturday afternoon of each month

Hearthside House (1810)
677 Great RoadLincoln, RI 02865
(401) 726-0597

This home is on the RI National Register. On this National Registry there are 10 other properties all on Historic Great Road which is in walking distance from my home and near the Lincoln Woods State Park.

If you would like to see other blogs from all around THE WORLD on Tuesdays, please go here. "Have a great and happy Tuesday everyone!"

8 comments:

George said...

What a beautiful home. I think the young lady made a major mistake.

Chat with Kathleen said...

I definitely think so, too. George, Thanks for visiting, I always look forward to your visit and comment.

Arija said...

What a very sad tale burdens this lovely house!Reminiscent of the Great Gatsby!

Chat with Kathleen said...

So true, Arija,
The character in the Great Gatsby, Daisy, was a very materialistic person that needed to have money just like the girl from Providence that Stephen Hopkins Smith loved. It is terrible when someone focuses on the outward rather than the inward.

SaraG said...

Great post and beautiful photo's.
Thanks for sharing your part of the world with us!!

Chat with Kathleen said...

Thanks, Sara, for coming by to visit. I never realized until I did this blog how many historic
19th century homes we have here in Lincoln, RI

Anonymous said...

oh, what a sad love story. The house is beautiful!! Why would she say that.

Chat with Kathleen said...

Marites, I agree I would have loved that house. The world is made of all kinds of people.