Davenport House (New Rochelle, New York)

The Davenport House in New Rochelle, New York is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significant architecture in Gothic Revival style, designed by architect Alexander Jackson Davis. The "architecturally significant cottage and its compatible architect-designed additions represent a rare assemblage of mid-19th through early 20th century American residential design."^[2]:5 The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.^[1]

The cottage was built in 1859 for Lawrence Montgomery Davenport on an extensive shore property that still bears the family name. ^[2]:2 With a commanding view of Long Island Sound, meadows, and groves of fruit trees, the property was ideally situated for Davis' scenic sense. The original 1 ¹⁄₂-story blue-stone cottage features a large center gable, bargeboards, symmetrical chimneys, decorative shields, and diamond-paned oculi windows. ^[2]:5

Mrs. Anthony Walton White Evans purchased the home in 1865, and in 1871 hired Davis to design a one-story wing on the south side of the house.^[2]:4 The addition included a library, semi-circular billiard room and conservatory.^[2]:2 In 1875, the family hired architect Frederick Coles to add a similar wing on the north side. Shortly after, a second story was added to both the north and south wing adding numerous bedrooms and bathrooms to both. In 1912 the north wing was further expanded and includes the large kitchen, pantry, a small dining room, and second stairwell.^[2]:3

The home remained in the Evans family until 1922 when its next owner, Leroy Frantz, transformed the first floor of the southern wing into a ballroom.^[2]

All rooms in the building have "intricately designed parquet floors". The main entrance hall has an open staircase, molded cornices, and a red marble fireplace. The semi-circular library has a wood-panelled ceiling, a fireplace and bookcases. The former billiard room has molded cornices, dado, and sliding interior shutters. The parlor and dining room have molded cornices, glazed sliding doors, and red marble fireplaces. Some of the other rooms have fireplaces and the semi-circular master bedroom has a sleeping porch.^[2]:3

References

Books

• Downing, Andrew Jackson. The Architecture of Country Houses. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.,1969.
• Sanchis, Frank E. American Architecture: Westchester County, New York. North River Press, Inc.,1977.
• Scharf, John T. History of Westchester County. Philadelphia: L.E. Preston and Company, 1886.
• Vaux, Calvert. Villas and Cottages. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.,1970.
• Withey, Henry F. and Elsie R. Biographical Dictionary of American Architects. Los Angeles: Hennessey and Ingalls, Inc.,1970.