Preservation and Restoration

Architects: Charles W. Michal, AIA

Owner: C&S Wholesalers

Location: Keene, New Hampshire

'Stoneholm' is the name for this historical residence, the centerpiece of a prosperous farm property established by Obadiah Blake Snr in 1740. His decendent, Elijah Blake, constructed Stoneholm in 1844.

The structure is an excellent example of the Greek Revival style, characterized in this instance by the gable-front orientation, pedimented gable, post-and-lintel door surround with transom and sidelights, and 6-over-6 double-hung windows. The rare use of large hand-wedged granite blocks for the exterior (only two other structures survive in Keene display this use of stone) enhances the significance of the building. Uniquely, all the cornices on the building are also constructed of local granite, from nearby Marlborough, NH. The interior, also primarily in the Greek Revival style, is very close to original, although two first floor rooms have been combined into one large conference room as part of our conversion of the home into a corporate retreat.

Restoration efforts included rebuilding four brick chimneys, including two missing chimneys thought to have been lost in the 1938 hurricane. The beautiful variegated-slate roof was completely rebuilt, with all salvageable original slate reused, and new slates matched for color and style.