Arnold House, 1693
A National Historic Landmark
487 Great Road
Lincoln, R.I. 02865
ArnoldHouse@HistoricNewEngland.org

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Open : 11am - 4pm on :

June 13
July 18
August 15
September 19
October 4
October 11

Admission : Free on June 13, October 4 and October 11; $5 on other dates. Historic New England members free.

Group tours available with advanced reservations. Please call (401) 295-1030, June 1 through October 15.

Click here for information about school programs for this site.

Built by Eleazor Arnold in 1693, the Arnold House is a rare surviving example of a "stone-ender," a once common building type first developed in the western part of England. With an exposed fieldstone end wall and pilastered chimney, the Arnold House was originally a two-story structure with an integral lean-to and four rooms on each floor.

A front gable, possibly original, once topped the structure. The result was a much grander dwelling than the typical Rhode Island stone-ender.

Donated to Historic New England in 1919 by Preserved Whipple Arnold, the house has undergone two phases of restoration. In 1920, stabilization efforts were directed by Norman Isham, a leader in architectural restoration, and in 1950, a complete structural rehabilitation of the house and chimney was undertaken.

It was during the latter work that the decision was made to remove later alterations and return the building to its 17th century appearance. While some details, including the leaded glass windows and the front door and surround, are 20th century replacements, the overall image of the building is still a recognizable icon of early settlement in Rhode Island. The Clemence-Irons House, another Rhode Island stone-ender, is nearby.