While scouting for a location for a publicity photo shoot, I was fortunate to find a Victorian painted lady with a fascinating past.

Far too often fine examples of Victorian architecture fall beneath the wrecking ball of modern developers. It takes true passion to fight to save a building that seems long past its glory days. Such a battle took place in the quaint community of Wethersfield, Connecticut. The Silas W. Robbins House is a fine example of Second Empire architecture that was narrowly saved from demolition by two local history lovers.

The house was originally built in 1873 by seed baron Silas Webster Robbins. Today, the 9,000 square foot house is a celebration of the period’s exuberant architectural excess. From the mansard roof to the stained glass windows, the house is brimming with fascinating ornamental features.

These features were lovingly restored after the house was almost destroyed by fire in 1996. At the time, developers planned to raze the house to build four new homes on the two-acre site.  Fortunately, a local couple decided that the time had come to save the painted lady from the wrecking ball. John and Shireen Aforismo purchased the property, and began a laborious six-and-a-half year project to restore the home to its former glory.

They succeeded in truly breathtaking style. Working with original architectural features and local craftsmen, the couple created a showcase for the Second Empire style. The house has become an inn that welcomes visitors to share in the splendor of sumptuous Victorian living.

For more information on the restoration of the Silas W. Robbins House, please visit the inn’s website at www.silaswrobbins.com. I hope that one day you may see the Inn in person. This is one painted lady that is definitely worth a visit!