Acadian House, Historic saltbox house in Guilford, US
Acadian House is a historic saltbox in Guilford, Connecticut, featuring traditional timber frame construction with a long sloping roof and a prominent central T-shaped stone chimney. The facade displays three bays arranged around a central entrance framed by simple molding and a four-light transom window.
Joseph Clay built the core section of this residence in 1670, making it one of Connecticut's oldest surviving colonial structures. The building remained largely intact through subsequent centuries, representing early colonial construction methods.
The house earned its name from Acadian refugees fleeing Nova Scotia after their forced departure in 1755. Local residents kept alive the memory of these displaced families, connecting the building to broader regional migration stories.
The residence is located on Union Street in the downtown area and can be easily recognized from the outside, though it remains in private ownership and is not operated as a museum. Daytime visits work best for appreciating the architectural details from street level.
The main facade sits at an unusual angle to the street, creating a distinctive presence. Asymmetrical windows flank the entrance, and the rear roof extends down to the first floor level.
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