First Colonial Revival Home in America

In another first for Heidi Pribell Interiors, I’ve returned to the Arthur Astor Carey House, 28 Fayerweather Street in Cambridge, having worked with Governor William Weld’s family to prepare the home for sale in 2012.   The new owners have asked me to restore and update the premises in this total gut renovation of America’s first Colonial Revival home, a landmark property on Reservoir Hill.

Harvard Classmates

The original design of the home draws inspiration from John Hancock’s home.  The residence was commissioned by John Jacob Astor’s grandson Arthur Astor Carey, through former classmate Richard Clipson Sturgess of the architectural firm Sturgiss & Brigham.  It represents the earliest expression of the Colonial Revival movement, a milestone for Cambridge and the country.

Early Preservation Effort

As we embark on this process of restoration, I am drawn to the early measured drawings of John Hancock’s 1737 home.  Architect John Hubbard Sturgiss recorded the Hancock home in full architectural detailing before it was demolished in 1863. His measured drawings were the first of their kind in this country. Through our own process of discovery and documentation, I will draw guidance for the design process.

John Hancock Exterior

Exterior of Fayerweather Street