Capt. Nathaniel Parker Red House, Colonial house in Reading, Massachusetts.
The Capt. Nathaniel Parker Red House is a Georgian-style building in Reading, Massachusetts, notable for its distinctive red exterior and symmetrical two-story design. The structure comprises five separate sections with independent entrances on both the north and south sides, each displaying its own architectural details.
The building started as a tavern before 1755 along an important coach road, serving as a meeting place for figures involved in the American Revolution. Its role as a public gathering space influenced its design with multiple entries to accommodate different visitors and social groups.
The house takes its name from a sea captain who lived here and made his mark on the local community. Its bold red color stood out among other colonial homes, reflecting the owner's status and confidence.
The building sits at 77-83 Ash Street and is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive red color. Visitors can view the different entrances and architectural features on the north and south sides from the street.
The two separate entrances show subtle differences in their design, with the south-facing entry featuring more elaborate ornamental work than its counterpart on the north side. This architectural distinction reveals how colonial spaces reflected social hierarchies in everyday use.
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