Historic 1700s Black Rock house on the market for nearly $600K
The five-room house at 150 Seabright Ave. may be small, but its place in history is long and significant to both the Black Rock neighborhood and the country.
The house is a rare example of the utilitarian village homes – or trademan’s houses – of the 18th century. And, according to historical documents, it was the birthplace of Commodore Isaac Chauncey, commander of the naval forces in the Great Lakes during the War of 1812 and the first president of the U.S. Board of Navy Commissioners — roughly the equivalent of the modern-day Secretary of the Navy.
“One of the things that makes Black Rock what it is its history,” said neighbor Keith Cryan, whose family has owned the house. “It’s a rare opportunity for an antiques buff.”
Built in 1769, the home originally faced Middle Wharf at the foot of Beacon Street and was moved to its present location in 1840 by Captain Joseph Bartram, another neighborhood street name, according to Black Rock historical records. The home has been renovated over the centuries and the Federal-era front porch that dates from around 1790-1810 is believed to have been removed from the Captain James Wilson house on Brewster Street.
Around 1865, it was purchased by housepainter John N. Fancher and was home to his daughter Hattie and her husband, Charlie Noren, who was a Bridgeport postmaster, according to Cyran. The home has been in the family since the 1860s.
The Colonial cape is located in the Black Rock Historic District, which is on the National Register. The .15-acre waterfront property overlooks Black Rock Harbor and Long Island Sound and stands within walking distance of Captain’s Cove Seaport, the Black Rock and Fayerweather yacht clubs, the S.S. Norden Club and Port 5 Naval Veterans Club.
The home’s main level includes a living room and parlor, each with original fireplaces and one with a beehive oven. The living room has cabinets over the hearth that date back centuries. An addition houses the home’s kitchen area and there is a full bath on the main level.
The kitchen includes a vintage sink and room for modern appliances.
Up a narrow ship’s staircase, a central hallway offers access to two bedrooms and a second full bath. Original wide plank flooring speak to the home’s age.
“There were nine children in the Chauncey family,” said Cryan, wondering aloud where all the family members must have slept.
This house is on the market for $559,000. Tax incentive programs are available for historic home rehabilitation and preservation.
For details contact listing agent John Kleps of Berkshire Hathaway NE Properties at 203-258-8733 or johnkleps@bhhsne.com.