Col. Charles Codman Estate, historic house in Massachusetts, United States
The Col. Charles Codman Estate is a historic house built in 1870 on Bluff Point Drive in Barnstable, Massachusetts, featuring Queen Anne architecture with decorative shingles and detailed dormer windows. The two-and-a-half-story L-shaped building has a wraparound porch on the eastern and southern sides, along with a combination of gable and hip rooflines that create its distinctive silhouette.
The house was designed by Boston architect John Sturgis in 1870 with Queen Anne styling, and later owners added Colonial Revival elements including expanded dormers. It was formally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, recognizing its architectural importance to the Barnstable area.
The estate takes its name from Colonel Charles R. Codman, a Civil War veteran who made it his summer retreat. The wraparound porch and water views reflect how wealthy families of that era sought leisure and relaxation by the coast.
The house sits on a quiet road near the coast and can be viewed from the street, though it is not open daily to the public. Visitors should come prepared with cameras since the exterior architecture is visible from various angles as you walk through the surrounding Cotuit Historic District.
The house displays a remarkable blend of Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles, with later owners creating joined dormers that expanded interior space while maintaining the original character. This architectural evolution reveals how owners adapted their homes over time to meet changing needs while preserving what made the house distinctive.
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