Some abandoned houses are more striking than others, so obviously beautiful that you cannot help but stop and gaze for a while. Others make less of a statement to a passerby, but have a story to tell all the same. And sometimes you come across a house with an odd feeling about it. This house in Weathersfield felt that way to me.
Weathersfield, VT
The side of house – part of the roof has collapsed in the ell.
Cornice returns, intact paired brackets and pilasters accompanied by a large antenna.
An abandoned children’s picnic table makes this story seem even sadder. Also note the detailed porch posts, ending at the bay window on the main block of the house.
Wood windows remain, appearing some shade of green.
What was it about this house that felt eerie or sad? Further gazing revealed that this house falls into the category of those abandoned houses that are simply trashed to pieces, broken and vandalized for no purpose, and essentially left for ruin. A look inside any window could tell you that. And this house had been stripped of its aluminum siding, revealing metallic insulation beneath and clapboards in great condition. Someone methodically removed all of the metal on this house, as if they were leaving on bad terms or knew no one was coming back for the house.
clapboards
almost all stripped, except for a few pieces here and there.
Just a glimpse through the window of the completely trashed house.
What do you make of places like this? Do they strike you the same way? Interestingly enough, this house probably looks much better without its aluminum siding, thereby elevating its visible potential. Thoughts?
Preservation in Pink 
You know, I have rarely stopped to look so closely when a place is this far gone, but your post has really opened my eyes to a lot of the reasons that historic preservation interests me. I think people should engage with the past, treasure how God has worked in our lives and community, and find innovative ways to appreciate them again. Seeing this much disregard is what makes it feel uncomfortable to me.
I’ve no doubt the house looks better without the aluminum siding. It’s sad to see homes with this kind of detailing left to deteriorate. I hope someone can restore it before it is too far gone. No “For Sale” sign on the property? It’s interesting that the one side of the house has so few windows. It makes me wonder why it was designed that way. Any idea what year this was built?
The side w/ so few windows is probably the north side. Very common in the Northeast. I´d like to know well-preserved the rest of the town is ? It´s named after Wethersfield, Conn., according to Wikipedia. Also noticed that brick is used for foundations in Vt. quite frequently (or so its seems). I´d be curious to know if this is a phenomenon that is specific to certain parts of Vt., or certain periods in the state´s history ???
Ah, yes, I completely understand it if it’s the north side.
brick became popular after 1820 – I am pretty sure it has to do with availability of fuel locally for kilns.
In my experience the brick is used where the foundation is exposed, above grade. below would be field stone. Granite and marble were other choices for above grade foundations. By the 1880’s foundation stones on fancier houses were rusticated and laid in patterns
This house is very close to where I live, and the scary part is my husband said people use to live in it awhile ago, and they were actually kicked out because it was NOT safe! My Husband said the house has never really been in good condition, he grew up in weathersfield all his life and said he remembers being a kid and the house was in bad condition
Interesting that this poor house has been neglected for so long. Thanks for sharing.
I have heard recent rumors that there is a lady who still lives in it, I highly doubt it though, as you could see it was in very bad condition!
This Fine old House has been demolished in the spring of 2013. Such a lost of history
This house has been torn down. The lady who owned it tried to keep it up once her husband died (he was very young when he died) but finances prevented her from keeping ahead of the deterioration.
So sad to hear. Thank you for the update.