Blackberry River Inn
History
The first parts of what is known as Blackberry River Inn today were erected in 1763. It was extensively renovated in the 1920s according to designs of architect Alfredo S.G. Taylor, an architect from New York City who summered in Norfolk. Taylor designed a large number of works in Norfolk, and the alterations to this house were among the more ambitious of his renovation projects, leaving little indication of the original appearance. Distinctive in this example are his use of semi-elliptical arches, and the absence of a Palladian window, a feature he commonly included in renovations.
Seth H. Moseley (born October 16, 1881, in New Haven) who also owned the Collingwood Hotel in New York, NY (known as Hotel Metro today and located at 43-49 West 35th Street) was the owner of the property until his death on Dec 7, 1938. Up until 1939, the property was used as a farm and known as Blackberry River Farm. After the death of Mr. Moseley, Dorothea and James Schwarzhaupt bought the property and transformed it into an inn.
After 1970
On July 19, 1971 the owners Dorothea and James Schwarzhaupt sold the inn to a local corporation which modernized the property and among other changes added the swimming pool.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The listed property included 9 acres (3.6 ha) in Norfolk and 1 acre (0.40 ha) in North Canaan. The current owners acquired the property on June 21, 1993. Today Blackberry River Inn is operated as a bed and breakfast.
See also
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ D. Ransom (October 31, 1978). "Connecticut Historical Commission Historic Resources Inventory: Blackberry River Inn / Moseley House-Farm". National Park Service. and Accompanying photo from 1978
- ^ 1971 Sale