Converse House and Barn

Converse House is a 2.5-story wooden Victorian residence on Washington Street with asymmetrical architecture marked by vertical board siding and polychrome exterior with decorative Gothic gables. A distinctive hip-roofed tower and seven-sided porch form the striking front facade of the structure.

Colonel Charles A. Converse, a local businessman, commissioned this residence around 1870, marking a period of architectural evolution in Connecticut. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and belongs to the Chelsea Parade Historic District.

The interior shows fine craftsmanship through oak floors, walnut paneling in the dining room, and a fireplace with tiles showing Dutch landscape scenes. These details reveal the wealth and taste of the family who lived here.

The house stands in the Chelsea Parade Historic District in Norwich and is viewable from the street as you walk through the neighborhood. The best time to see the architectural details clearly is during daylight hours with good weather.

The porch features an unusual seven-sided shape, a rare design choice that sets it apart from standard Victorian porches of the era. This geometric oddity makes the structure a notable example of experimental Victorian architecture.

Location: Connecticut

GPS coordinates: 41.53417,-72.08333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:43