A. Everett Austin House, National Historic Landmark in Hartford, US
The A. Everett Austin House is a residential building in Hartford with an unusual footprint that stretches in length but remains remarkably narrow. The exterior follows neoclassical principles with Ionic pilasters and decorative detailing, while the interior presents two completely different design languages from floor to floor.
The house was constructed in 1930 and draws inspiration from 16th-century Venetian villas in its overall design. It served as the home of Arthur Everett Austin Jr., director of the Wadsworth Atheneum, until 1944.
The first floor displays the refined taste of 18th-century design with silk-covered walls that reflect traditional European craftsmanship. Upstairs, a completely different aesthetic language appears, showing how the owner embraced newer approaches to interior design.
The residence is accessed through the Wadsworth Atheneum since it sits on the museum's grounds. Check ahead about tour availability since visits are not offered daily and reservations help ensure access.
The house merges two opposing design philosophies under one roof, with Rococo elegance downstairs and modern International Style features upstairs. This bold combination reflects the owner's evolving taste for contemporary architecture in the 1930s.
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