New Hampshire boasts an impressive array of architectural marvels that showcase the state’s rich history and artistic expression.
From historic mansions to modern designs, these buildings reflect a variety of architectural styles and periods.
Discovering these architectural gems provides a unique glimpse into New Hampshire’s cultural and historical evolution.
Each building tells its own story, offering insights into the lives and times of those who designed and inhabited them.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Zimmerman House
The Zimmerman House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Built in 1951, this house is a fine example of Wright’s Usonian style. The home features built-in furniture, large windows, and a continuous concrete floor mat, creating a sense of spaciousness despite its modest size of 1,458 square feet.
Wright designed the house for Dr. Isadore Zimmerman and his wife, Lucille. The couple lived there for 36 years, celebrating its unique design and functionality.
The interior decor includes autumnal shades of brick, honey brown, and Cherokee red, enhancing its cozy atmosphere.
2. Shaker Meeting House
The Shaker Meeting House in Canterbury, New Hampshire, is a remarkable example of Shaker architecture.
Built in 1792, this historic building showcases simple yet functional design elements that embody the Shaker principles of utility and beauty.
Located on the Canterbury Shaker Village property, the Meeting House serves as a testament to the Shaker way of life and their craftsmanship.
Inside, visitors can see original wooden furnishings and craftsmanship that reflect the Shakers’ dedication to quality and simplicity.
3. Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site is located in Cornish, New Hampshire. This site preserves the home, gardens, and studios of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a notable American sculptor.
Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and view many captivating bronze sculptures.
The site also includes the artist’s home, known as Aspet, which served as Saint-Gaudens’ residence.
Learn more about the estate and its serene setting by visiting the National Park Service page.
4. Portsmouth Harbour Trail
The Portsmouth Harbour Trail in New Hampshire features over 70 points of scenic and historic interest. It includes 10 buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can explore the trail on guided walking tours and witness its historic homes and vibrant waterfront areas.
The trail often highlights key sites like the blossoming Prescott Park and the bustling Market Square.
The trail offers both self-guided and guided walking tours, making it accessible year-round for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
5. Castle in the Clouds
Castle in the Clouds, also known as Lucknow, is a historic mansion located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. This 16-room mountaintop estate offers breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Designed in the Arts and Crafts style, Castle in the Clouds was built in 1913 for Thomas Plant, a wealthy shoe manufacturer.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as touring the mansion and stables, hiking, and picnicking.
The estate also features a Carriage House for casual dining and ice cream.
6. Millyard Museum
The Millyard Museum in Manchester is housed in the historic Amoskeag Millyard. This area was once a hub for textile mills and industry.
The museum features exhibits detailing the history of Manchester.
These include displays on early inhabitants and the development of the textile industry.
Programs at the Millyard Museum include walking tours, lectures, and workshops.
Visitors can explore both permanent and changing exhibits, providing a comprehensive look at the city’s rich past. For more information, you can visit the Millyard Museum.
7. The Fells Historic Estate & Gardens
Located on Lake Sunapee, The Fells showcases early 20th-century summer estate architecture. It spans 1,000 acres and offers diverse attractions like hiking trails and a 40-acre nature preserve.
The estate includes a Colonial Revival house and several gardens.
Visitors can enjoy the rose garden, rock garden, water garden, and Japanese garden. The John Hay Estate at The Fells also features woodland trails and picturesque views of Lake Sunapee.
8. MacDowell Colony
MacDowell Colony is an artist’s residency in Peterborough, New Hampshire. It was established in 1907 by composer Edward MacDowell and his wife, pianist Marian MacDowell.
The colony spans a 450-acre site and includes 32 studios, where artists focus on their work.
The Savidge Library serves as a central gathering place for residents.
Renowned for fostering creativity, MacDowell Colony has supported over 8,300 artists, including many award winners.
The colony’s serene environment is designed to inspire artistic excellence.
9. Peterborough Players Theatre
Peterborough Players Theatre, founded in 1933, is a historic gem in New Hampshire. A single mother named Edith Bond Stearns started this fully professional equity theater during the Great Depression.
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The theater is located in a converted 18th-century barn, adding to its charm. It is situated just three miles outside downtown Peterborough.
With a long-standing reputation, the Peterborough Players offers a traditional summer season of performances that attract many theater enthusiasts.
The venue itself has become an integral part of the local cultural landscape.
10. The Currier Museum of Art
The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a hub for art lovers. It showcases European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs, and sculptures.
The museum features two Frank Lloyd Wright homes, the only Wright buildings open to the public in New England.
Ann Beha Architects expanded the museum, doubling the gallery space while maintaining its boutique feel.
Learn more about the museum on the Currier Museum website.
11. Clark House Museum
The Clark House Museum is a historical gem located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Built in 1778, the house sits on its original foundation.
This museum offers a glimpse into life on a 100-acre farm from the 18th century.
It stands within the Clark Museum Complex, which includes several other historic buildings.
Visitors can explore the Clark House and learn about its past roles as a farmhouse, tavern, and inn.
The museum’s beautiful surroundings make it an attractive spot for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
12. Strawbery Banke Museum
The Strawbery Banke Museum is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is an outdoor history museum that preserves a complete neighborhood’s evolution over 350 years.
This museum features more than 37 restored buildings.
Visitors can explore elegant mansions, working-class homes, and a colonial tavern. It offers a unique glimpse into different aspects of historical daily life.
13. Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion is a 40-room clapboard house located at 375 Little Harbor Road in Portsmouth. This historic home was once the residence of New Hampshire’s first Royal Governor, Benning Wentworth.
Built in the 18th century, its architecture includes unique angles, gables, and ells. The mansion also features a ballroom and various rooms reflecting colonial design.
Visitors can explore this New Hampshire landmark by booking a private or guided tour.
To learn more about the mansion and tour options, visit the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion website.
14. America’s Stonehenge
America’s Stonehenge, located in Salem, New Hampshire, is a privately owned site featuring large rocks and stone structures. The site spans roughly 30 acres and is often compared to England’s Stonehenge.
Visitors are intrigued by the claims that the site could be as old as 4,000 years, suggesting ancient connections.
The structures’ origins and purposes remain a mystery, drawing interest from amateur researchers and New Age enthusiasts alike.
To explore this unique site, it is recommended to book a guided tour in advance. Learn more about America’s Stonehenge.
15. Harrisville Historic District
Harrisville Historic District, located in the southwest part of New Hampshire, is a well-preserved mill village. It spans about 200 acres and includes roughly 135 structures.
The village retains its early textile mills and has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1977.
Visitors can enjoy a self-guided audio walking tour to explore its rich history and architecture.
For more detailed information, visit their official site.
16. Canterbury Shaker Village
Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, New Hampshire, is a National Historic Landmark showcasing Shaker architecture and culture. Founded in the 19th century, the village spans 694 acres with 29 restored Shaker buildings.
It features impressive gardens, fields, trails, and ponds.
The Trustees’ Office, built in 1831, served as the community’s hub and housed a U.S. Post Office.
The site is one of the most intact and authentic Shaker communities.
It offers tours, programs, and exhibits, providing a glimpse into Shaker life and practices. Visitors can learn about Shaker craftsmanship, religion, and communal living.
17. Livingston Memorial Building
The Livingston Memorial Building, located in New Hampshire, stands as a fine example of early 20th-century architecture. Built in 1905, it features classic Colonial Revival elements.
Visitors often admire its symmetrical design and brick facade.
Wide columns and a grand staircase highlight the entrance, creating a welcoming yet impressive look.
Inside, the building boasts high ceilings, detailed woodwork, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. This architectural gem maintains its historic charm while serving modern-day needs.
18. Janice M. Bissell Covered Bridge
The Janice M. Bissell Covered Bridge is an iconic structure in New Hampshire. This bridge stands out due to its classic wooden design and picturesque setting. It spans the Sugar River, offering a lovely view and a glimpse into the engineering methods of the past.
Constructed in the 19th century, the bridge has been well-preserved.
Visitors often stop to take photos and enjoy the surrounding nature. For more details, explore the history of New Hampshire’s covered bridges.
19. Andrew Brook Trail
Andrew Brook Trail is a popular hiking route located near Newbury, New Hampshire. This 6.2-mile out-and-back trail offers scenic views and a moderately challenging adventure.
Hikers can enjoy the beautiful lake near the trail and the possibility of encountering other enthusiasts on this well-traveled path.
The trail has an elevation gain of around 1,692 feet, making it suitable for those looking for a bit of a workout.
You can find more details about the Andrew Brook Trail and plan your visit accordingly.
20. Robert Frost Farm
The Robert Frost Farm, located in Derry, New Hampshire, is a historic site where the famous poet Robert Frost lived from 1900 to 1911. This two-story, white clapboard farmhouse exemplifies traditional New England architecture.
Today, the property is a state park and historic house museum. It offers a glimpse into Frost’s life and the inspiration behind many of his poems.
The grounds and farmhouse are beautifully restored, maintaining the essence of the early 20th century.
Historical Significance of New Hampshire’s Architecture
New Hampshire’s buildings reflect the state’s rich history. Colonial influences and the Industrial Revolution both left lasting marks on the region’s architectural landscape.
Colonial Era Influences
Buildings from New Hampshire’s colonial era showcase simple, functional designs.
Settled in the early 1600s, towns like Portsmouth feature rows of antique structures. Traditional styles such as Cape Cod and Georgian are common.
Materials used during this time were mostly wood, as it was readily available.
Houses typically had steep roofs to manage snow loads. Windows were small and numerous for light and ventilation.
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Public buildings, like meeting houses and churches, were central to towns and displayed sturdy, timber-framed constructions.
Historical sites such as the Fells Historic Estate and Gardens illustrate this period.
Built in the late 1800s, the estate uses designs rooted in colonial styles. Each building from this era carries a unique story, offering a glimpse into early American life.
Impact of the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to the architecture in New Hampshire. During this period, factories and mills became prominent.
This shift introduced brick and stone as primary building materials, emphasizing durability and fire resistance.
New architectural styles emerged, including Neo-Classical and Victorian.
Structures like the Stone Memorial Building in Central Weare were constructed, showcasing grandeur and intricate designs.
The introduction of railroads also influenced building styles, as transport of materials became easier and more efficient.
Urbanization led to more complex and larger building projects.
Historic towns such as Concord saw the construction of significant public buildings, reflecting the growth and prosperity of the time.
The architectural landscape of New Hampshire was forever transformed by the innovation and industrial growth of this era.
Architectural Styles in New Hampshire
New Hampshire boasts a mix of historical and modern architectural styles.
From the classic Federal Style homes to the elaborate Victorian houses and sleek Modernist designs, the region showcases diverse architectural beauty.
Federal Style Characteristics
Federal Style homes are known for their symmetry and elegance. Originating from the late 1700s to early 1800s, these buildings often feature brick exteriors, gable roofs, and decorative elements like fanlights and sidelights around the front door.
The interiors usually have central hallways, with rooms arranged in a balanced manner.
Crown mouldings, large windows, and classical motifs are common.
Portsmouth is renowned for its well-preserved Federal Style architecture, making it a rich destination for enthusiasts.
Victorian Era Designs
The Victorian Era brought a flair for the ornate to New Hampshire.
These buildings are often multi-storied with steeply pitched roofs, turrets, and detailed woodwork. They include substyles like Queen Anne, known for its asymmetry, and Italianate, with its bracketed cornices and tall, narrow windows.
Decorative elements like patterned shingles, vibrant paint schemes, and wrap-around porches are typical.
Smaller towns and cities across New Hampshire have many examples of Victorian architecture offering a peek into 19th-century elegance.
Modernist Approaches
Modernist architecture in New Hampshire emphasizes simplicity and function.
Designs often include clean lines, open floor plans, and large glass windows that bring in natural light. Innovations in material use and construction techniques are typical.
Firms like DeStefano Maugel Architects in Portsmouth are known for incorporating modernist principles while respecting the environment and local context.
This approach creates buildings that feel contemporary yet grounded in their surroundings.
Preservation Efforts and Restoration Projects
Restoring and preserving architectural buildings in New Hampshire involves local historical societies and funding from preservation laws and grants. These efforts help maintain cultural heritage and support community pride.
Role of Local Historical Societies
Local historical societies play a crucial role in preserving New Hampshire’s architectural heritage. They often identify buildings that need preservation and raise awareness about their historical significance.
These societies organize fundraising events that gather community support and funding.
For example, the NH Preservation Alliance celebrates projects that rescue and revitalize historic buildings.
They often partner with organizations like The 1772 Foundation, which recently awarded a grant to rehabilitate windows in historic buildings.
Educational programs are also important, as they inform the public about the value of preserving historical structures.
Influence of Preservation Laws and Grants
Preservation laws and grants provide essential financial support. The New Hampshire Land & Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) is a notable example.
LCHIP grants fund significant rehabilitation and restoration projects, ensuring the preservation of historic buildings.
In addition, laws protect architectural landmarks by establishing guidelines for maintenance and restoration. Compliance with these laws ensures that any modifications to historic buildings stay true to their original design and significance.
For example, the historic Pine Valley Mill in Milford was restored following these guidelines and funding support.
Grants from organizations like The 1772 Foundation help communities complete major projects, such as Hill Center Church, by providing the necessary funds.
These combined efforts support the ongoing preservation of New Hampshire’s rich architectural heritage.
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