The Lampkin Farmhouse (1690-1720). Photo by Dan Damon.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Two of Plainfield's many historic homes are currently on the market.
But their futures are probably as divergent as can be.
One of Plainfield's oldest extant structures, the Lampkin Farmhouse on Terrill Road, originally constructed between 1690 and 1720, is currently on the market -- for an astounding $129,000 (details here).
But, before you whip out your checkbook, consider this: the building, which is the estate of the late Viginia Terrell, a legendary Plainfield grand dame, is currently marked by a brillliant red placard which declares the building 'uninhabitable'.
And therein lies part of the tale. The house is, to put it mildly, decrepit. And it has a barn that appears to be in just as bad shape. Add to this that it sits -- literally -- on the side of the road. That would be the ever-busy Terrill Road, where a corner of the building comes within less than a yard of the roadway.
The farmhouse, from the rear, note the tarp. Photo: Dan Damon.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
A view of the barn. Photo: Dan Damon.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
The red placard warns the structure is uninhabitable. Photo: Dan Damon.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Over the years, many people, both friends and real estate professionals, tried to help Mrs. Terrell salvage the situation of this property, but to no avail.
Though the property is historic, that does not mean it cannot be torn down, which is what seems to be on its horizon. The estate, through its attorneys, have applied for a demolition permit. The only step remaining is to secure the review of the Plainfield's Historic Preservation Commission.
Barring a white knight rescue, the Lampkin Farmhouse's days look to be numbered.
The same cannot be said of the OTHER historic property on the market.
In fact, you might be surprised to think it IS historic.
And that is because it was built in the late 1950s, a classic postwar starter home, of which Plainfield has hundreds of examples.
Hundreds, except that none of the others ever had Paul Volcker as owner and resident.
That would be Paul A. Volcker, former chair of the Federal Reserve under presidents Carter and Reagan, who, as a young banker started his family and career here in Plainfield.
And that house, at 912 Carnegie Avenue, is currently on the market. You can get more info from The Burney Group, (908) 668-5252.
The house where Paul Volcker lived, at 912 Carnegie Avenue.
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2 comments:
In all due respect to Historic Preservation lovers [of which I am and LOVE Jockey Hollow even though I was first dragged there by my folks on those Sunday afternoon family adventures that did not cost anything - oh I wish I could thank them now when I realize how truly precious they were]. Please do not propose the City taking on another rehab project that will only have the funds and drive to get it halfbaked.
I'm not sure how much of an appraisal bump the seller will get for the Paul Volcker connection, but the agent involved may want to contact Volcker- with things getting worse, he may be looking to downsize back into it.
I'm hopeful that the Lampkin farmhouse can be rescued, but experience up here in Connecticut tells me that its proximity to the main street may be its death knell.
Trying to give it some extra exposure and also have the link to Tribune News story at my blog- Historic House Blog.
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