Arnold House, 1693
A National Historic Landmark
487 Great Road
Lincoln, R.I. 02865
ArnoldHouse@HistoricNewEngland.org
Directions
Open:
Saturday, June 5, 11-4, free
Saturday, June 19, 11-4, $5
Saturday, July 17, 11-4, $5
Saturday, August 21, 11-4, $5
Saturday, September 18, 11-4, $5
Sunday, October 10, 11-4, free
Saturday, October 23, 11-4, $5
Tours on the hour, last tour at 4
Free to Historic New England members
Group tours available with advanced reservations.
Please call (401) 295-1030.
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.
