Heritage House, Redding
Built before 1795, this two-story four bedroom house and barn are located to the west of Redding Green in the Redding Center Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Standing on a small rise, Heritage House faces another eighteenth-century dwelling across the street with protected rolling fields stretching to the horizon behind it.
The house rests on a stone foundation and has a wood shingle exterior, painted white. A one-story, entry porch with a gable roof forms the focal point of the symmetrical facade. Thin columns support the arched entryway. The windows have six-over-six sashes with simple surrounds.
The property was originally part of John Read's New Farm in 1729 and remained in the Read family until it became the churchparsonage in 1848. Some alteration took place in the mid-nineteenth century but many original features remain. There are wide plank floors in many rooms, a large fireplace with beehive oven and cooking crane and a second original fireplace. An Italianate-style bay window projects from the west side of the house, and a two-story addition with screened porch faces the rear lawn. Included is a historic barn with board and batten siding located behind the house.
Used for many years as a senior center, the Town of Redding is now offering Heritage House for sale. A structural engineer has conducted an analysis of the building, which was funded by a grant from the Connecticut Trust. His report is part of the bid package. The house must be used as a single-family residence. It is structurally sound, but needs updating and repairs recommended by the engineer. There is a new oil storage tank in the basement and a new septic system. Heritage House abuts a historic graveyard on one side and the police station to the rear. A twenty-foot buffer separates the lot from municipal property and is protected with a conservation easement. Approximately 2,230 sq feet living space on a 0.78 acre lot.
The house is being sold with preservation easements, which will protect its historic integrity.
List price $450,000. Viewing by appointment. An open house will be scheduled in early June. Contact: Office of the First Selectman, 203-938-2002.
Suggested landscape plan for Heritage House
| 
