FIRST BAMPFIELD HOUSE

Architect Name:
Architectural Style:
Builder Name: JOHN MERRALL
Designated: Yes - 4/6/1981

Historical Notes

BUILT BY LOCAL LUMBER MERCHANT JOHN MERRALL, THIS WAS THE FIRST HOME OF THE BAMPFIELD FAMILY ON THEIR ARRIVAL IN CLIFTON IN 1860. JAMES BAMPFIELD OPERATED THE GREAT WESTERN RESTAURANT IN THE EAST WING OF THE RAILROAD STATION. THE HOUSE WAS ALSO REPUTEDLY USED AS A BROTHEL FOR MANY YEARS EARLIER IN THIS CENTURY.

Architectural Notes

THE HOUSE IS A UNIQUE VARIANT OF THE REGENCY STYLE WITH A PERFECTLY SQUARE PLAN, TALL LIMESTONE BLOCK WALLS AND A HIGH RAISED BASEMENT. THE BASEMENT WAS DYNAMITED OUT OF THE UNDERLYING BEDROCK AND BUILT IN THE EARTH AND RUBBLE TECHNIQUE WITHOUT MORTAR. THE ATTACHED REAR PORCH SHED AND ROOF DORMERS ARE LATER ADDITIONS.