The Isaac Winslow House was built circa 1699 for the Honorable Isaac Winslow (1671 - 1738) at the place name "Careswell," so called after the Winslow family's ancient estate "Kerswell" in Worcestershire, England.  The house was the third to be built on land granted in the 1630s to Mayflower passenger and governor of Plymouth Colony, Edward Winslow, who erected the first homestead.

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The house was built during the transition between First Period and early Georgian architecture.  Some of the original, first period design is evident in places such as the front stairs, which are adorned with large balusters with bold turnings.  In the mid-18th century, there were renovations done to reflect the more Georgian style of the time.  Panels were added to fireplace walls and the opening to the fireplaces were surrounded with tiles and carved woodwork.  The fireplace in the upstairs hall chamber room, high for its width, was capped with a shelf integrated with the paneling and bolection molding, and is most unusual for the period.  Plaster was added to the ceilings while wallpaper and paint added color to the walls.  Other notable features are the early dairy and pantry rooms, the 18th century sponge painted decoration on the winter kitchen walls and ceiling and numerous two-panel doors throughout the house.  The interior of the house is still distinguishable by its mixture of late First Period and Georgian detailing. 

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The exterior of the house reflects the mid-18th century renovations.  The exterior corners of the house were adorned with ornamental quoins, made to resemble stone.  A formal front entry vestibule was added with a huge front entrance door topped with triangular pediment bearing dental detail and at its center, a carved 8-pointed star.

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Still virtually untouched by modernization, the original house does not have running water or electricity.  The restoration and preservation of this classic first period colonial mansion that embodies this nation’s early history has been a labor of love for those who have persevered over the years to present it as seen today.

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For more information on the historical significance of the architecture of the House, please refer to the Finch Report (2016) cited below: