185 Washington St, Norwich, CT 06360
$299,900 ~ Sold for $280,000
This High Victorian Gothic in Norwich, CT, was built by Colonel Charles Augustus Converse (1814-1901) after he acquired the 108 foot by 220 foot lot for $5,000 from General William Williams circa 1866. He lived here with his wife Caroline Frances Balcom Converse.
Charles was one of six children, and came to Norwich from Massachusetts at the age of 15. He started his career as a bookkeeper, and when that business closed he opened his own business manufacturing files, augers and bits. Charles became so successful that he built what is known as Falls Commonwealth Works, which housed a grist mill, cork-cutting factory, flour mill, woolen mill, nail factory, foundry, dye works and the pistol factories of Ethan Allen & Thurber, Norwich Falls Pistol, T & K Bacon, Norwich File, Chelsea File and Hopkins & Allen.
In the mid-2000s, 185 Washington Street underwent an accurate restoration including new copper flashing and a standing seam copper roof on its protruding octagonal front porch.
A very special part of Norwich, CT, History -The house was built about 1870, and is a prominent local example of the High Victorian Gothic style. It was the home of Colonel Charles A. Converse, a local businessman and philanthropist. Over 3300 square feet of living space, well landscaped, rear garden, 4 fireplaces, Victorian library with built-ins, 4 bedrooms plus an office, custom kitchen with granite counters, viking appliances, bathroom completely restored vintage style. The front facade is dominated by a hip-roofed tower on the right, in front of which is a distinctive seven-sided porch. Front-facing windows are set in peaked-gable openings, and there is decorative woodwork attached to the steep Gothic roof gables. The interior features fine oak flooring, walnut paneling in the dining room, and a fireplace surrounded with Dutch landscape in tile. The barn appears to be of similar age to the house, which was built c. 1870 but has had some considerable upgrades including concrete flooring.
