FORT BELVEDERE
ca. 1857
201 South Water Street
Captain James Frisby Taylor is credited with the construction of this Italianate house sometime after his purchase of Lot No. 22 in 1857. This is one of the town’s richest examples of high Victorian style, notable particularly for its marriage of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, Pure and handsome.
The large rectangular frame structure was built over a full “English” basement which originally housed the kitchen and other service rooms. Its low-pitched roof, over two stories is adorned with an open cupola or belvedere in the center.
The lyre pattern balustrade, bracketed cornice and square columns of the cupola are repeated on the front and rear porches of the house. At the comers of the house there are tall paneled pilasters. Both facades are five bays long with bold double doors having sidelights and transom. Each of the windows has a bracketed cornice with fretwork in the frieze. “
The “powerful” entrance through-hall features the grand stairway with original massive turned walnut newel post. Balusters and walnut railing represent the finest mill work at the time.
There are two room on the southwest side and one stunning large room with bay. Although one room, it is divided by a striking arch and has a fireplace with black slate mantels in either section, There are plaster cornices in all of the 1st story rooms.
The double-tiered porch on the Chester River side completes this fine example of 19th c. architecture.
Although not direct waterfront there are beautiful views of the river and lovely brick walled garden. The garden level is entered from the basement level.This level features full length windows creating additional living spaces including a bedroom en suite and informal sitting room/office.
There are four commodious bedrooms with the same high ceilings, wood floors and wonderful views and a bath. Here one finds access to the exciting belvedere with commanding fine views of the Chester River.
GARAGE & APARTMENT
Completing this fine property and located immediate to the main house, stands a modern garage and one-bedroom apartment. The design compliments the main house. The tall ceilings and stunning spaces creates a sophisticated living quarters with fireplace second story porch, fully-equipped modern kitchen and - best of all - an elevator.
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