Boardman–Mitchell House

The Boardman-Mitchell House is a three-story Italianate villa in Stapleton built along Bay Street. The structure features tall windows on the first floor, projecting eaves, and ornate corbels that define its mid-19th century residential character.

The house was built in 1848 and first housed Dr. James Boardman who worked at Seaman's Retreat hospital. It later became home to Captain Mitchell, a maritime figure known for his lifesaving efforts at sea.

The house demonstrates how American builders adopted European architectural styles and blended them with local preferences during the industrial expansion of the 1800s. The ornate exterior and formal layout reflected the status and taste of Staten Island's prosperous families of that era.

The house can be reached from Bay Street and also has access from Brownell Street, providing flexible approach options. Its location on a steep bluff means visitors should be prepared for elevation changes when viewing the exterior.

The house sits on a steep bluff and houses an unusual detail in its history: a pair of original front doors that were stored in the basement for many years. This hidden element speaks to how older homes sometimes preserve elements of their past in unexpected ways.

Location: Staten Island

Inception: 1848

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

Address: 710 Bay Street

GPS coordinates: 40.62470,-74.07457

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:25