Eleazer Arnold House
A rare "stone-ender" colonial home showcasing 17th-century Rhode Island architecture with a massive fieldstone chimney.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Eleazer Arnold House
Best Time
Special events offer enhanced experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare "stone-ender" colonial home showcasing 17th-century Rhode Island architecture with a massive fieldstone chimney.
"A fascinating glimpse into colonial architecture, especially its unique "stone-ender" design."
Engage with Tour Guides
Historic New England guides offer excellent insights into the Arnold family and house renovations. :speaking_head:
Focus on Architecture
Visit to learn about the unique "stone-ender" architecture, not for detailed stories of daily life. :classical_building:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Massive Stone Chimney
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the iconic fieldstone chimney, the defining feature of this "stone-ender" colonial home. It's a testament to 17th-century craftsmanship.
Attic Ladder to the Chimney
Attic
Discover the ingenious ladder leaning against the chimney, designed for accessing the roof to extinguish fires. A fascinating historical safety feature.
17th-Century Architecture
Throughout the house
Explore the weathered clapboards, diamond-paned windows, and overall structure, offering a rare glimpse into early Rhode Island life and architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the "Stone-Ender" Architecture
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Engage with Tour Guides
Historic New England guides offer excellent insights into the Arnold family and house renovations. :speaking_head:
Focus on Architecture
Visit to learn about the unique "stone-ender" architecture, not for detailed stories of daily life. :classical_building:
Not Ideal for Mobility Issues
Be aware of stairs and low lighting; it's not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges. :wheelchair:
Great for School Groups
The open space makes it suitable for children's groups, though younger kids may need help with stairs. :children_crossing:
Tips
from all over the internet
Engage with Tour Guides
Historic New England guides offer excellent insights into the Arnold family and house renovations. :speaking_head:
Focus on Architecture
Visit to learn about the unique "stone-ender" architecture, not for detailed stories of daily life. :classical_building:
Not Ideal for Mobility Issues
Be aware of stairs and low lighting; it's not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges. :wheelchair:
Great for School Groups
The open space makes it suitable for children's groups, though younger kids may need help with stairs. :children_crossing:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Eleazer Arnold House as a fantastic example of colonial "stone-ender" architecture, highlighting its unique stone chimney and historical preservation. While the house offers a valuable glimpse into the past, its lack of accessibility due to stairs and low lighting is a significant drawback for some. It's particularly recommended for its architectural merit and suitability for educational group visits.
"The Arnold house is a must see if you want first hand knowledge of colonial homes in this part of New England. It's it's called a "stone ender" and it's fascinating. Be sure to go all the way up to the attic and observe the ladder which leans against the top of the chimney. A fascinating fact: The attic ladder is kept there so that during a chimney fire the occupants could climb the ladder to the top of the chimney and open a hatch in the roof, then pour water down the chimney to extinguish the fire! What a great design idea they had! Be sure to Make use of the excellent tour guides from historic New England!"
Mike Longenbaker
"I visited Eleazer Arnold House on the same day I visited Clemence-Irons House. Both are properties of Historic New England. I wanted to visit this house for many years and can now go for free with my Historic New England Membership. The tour focuses on the life of the Arnold family and the renovations of the house.
Between the step up to the entranceways, narrow staircase, and low lighting, the property not accessible to those with mobility issues, in a wheelchair, or with a visual impairment. I met a legally blind older visitor who wanted to take a tour but felt unable to navigate the space.
In contrast, this house are a great spot to take children, including school group, scouting groups, or church groups. The lack of original furniture combined with the availability of open space both in and around the building enables small groups to safely explore the area. Younger children may need assistance navigating the stairs.
Edit: I revisited this site during an open house event celebrating Abraham Lincoln's birthday, and I had an even better experience than the first time. I look forward to seeing what other events are in store at this historic building."
Abigail Epplett
"Great example of a "stoneside cottage" . This is one of the unique houses in New England. But go because you want to learn about the architecture not the method of living in that era. The house is restored to the way it looked probably when built and does not have furnishings and such. you'll see the workmanship and all but I tend to like the stories of how a family lived in these days."
David Tomczak
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Eleazer Arnold House is located in Lincoln, Rhode Island. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. Parking availability should be confirmed with Historic New England prior to your visit.
Information regarding dedicated parking is limited. It's advisable to contact Historic New England directly or check their website for the most up-to-date parking information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is free for Historic New England members. For non-members, there is an admission fee. It's recommended to check the official Historic New England website for current pricing and operating hours.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good practice, especially during peak seasons or for group visits. Check the Historic New England website for any specific booking requirements.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and may be subject to change. Always consult the official Historic New England website for the most accurate and current visiting hours before planning your trip.
Yes, Historic New England members can visit the Eleazer Arnold House for free. Membership offers access to numerous historic sites managed by the organization.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
A "stone-ender" is a colonial New England home style characterized by a massive fieldstone chimney, often forming one end of the house. The Eleazer Arnold House is a prime example of this unique architectural design. +1
Unfortunately, the Eleazer Arnold House is not accessible for individuals with mobility issues, in wheelchairs, or with visual impairments due to its historic structure, including step-ups and narrow staircases.
Tours focus on the life of the Arnold family and the house's renovations. The excellent tour guides from Historic New England provide valuable historical context. +1
The house is restored to its likely original appearance but does not typically feature extensive original furnishings. The focus is more on the architecture and historical structure.
Yes, the house is considered a great spot for children, including school and scouting groups, due to the available open space both inside and around the building. Younger children may need assistance on the stairs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with Historic New England staff upon arrival or consult their website for specific guidelines on interior photography.
The exterior, particularly the iconic stone chimney and weathered clapboards, offers excellent photographic opportunities. The unique architectural details are also worth capturing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be aware that the house is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs, and the low lighting and uneven surfaces require supervision. However, the hands-on aspect of imagining life in a 17th-century home, combined with the guidance from Historic New England interpreters, can make for an educational and memorable outing. Consider attending during an open house event for potentially more engaging activities.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Appreciate the restoration efforts by Historic New England, which allow visitors to see the house as it likely appeared when built. The focus here is on the architectural integrity and historical context rather than extensive period furnishings. Engaging with the knowledgeable tour guides will significantly enhance your understanding of the house's significance and the lives of its former inhabitants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The "Stone-Ender" Architectural Marvel
Visiting the Eleazer Arnold House offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the ingenuity of early American builders. The restoration efforts by Historic New England aim to preserve the integrity of the original structure, allowing visitors to observe the craftsmanship and materials used centuries ago. It's a chance to understand how homes were built to withstand the New England climate and to serve the daily needs of families living in that era.
Beyond the main structure, the house features unique elements like the attic ladder designed for chimney fire emergencies. This detail, along with the overall layout and construction, provides a tangible connection to the past. For those interested in architectural history, the Eleazer Arnold House is a must-visit, offering a deep dive into a specific and fascinating regional building tradition.
Navigating the Historic Interior
Despite these challenges, the interior offers a glimpse into the past. The house tours, led by knowledgeable guides from Historic New England, focus on the Arnold family's life and the historical renovations. While original furnishings are minimal, the structure itself tells a story of colonial living. The open spaces within the house, combined with the surrounding grounds, make it a suitable location for educational visits for school or scouting groups, provided younger children receive assistance on the stairs.
For those who can navigate the interior, the experience is rewarding. It's an opportunity to appreciate the architectural details and imagine life in a different era. Special events, like the Abraham Lincoln's birthday celebration, have also been noted to enhance the visitor experience, suggesting that checking for upcoming events could add another layer to a visit.
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