Arriving in Essex, NY from Charlotte, Vermont by ferry, or by NYS Route 22 from the North travelers are greeted by a row of stately homes known as Merchant Row. Four elegant historic mansions overlook Lake Champlain and Vermont’s Green Mountains beyond. Built by wealthy merchant families in the 1800s, Merchant Row has withstood the test of time and remain some of the most beautiful homes in the Essex village.
Dower House
The Dower House (aka the Daniel Ross House) is the northernmost residence of Merchant Row with gambrel roof, white clapboard exterior and red shutters. It is the earliest of the Merchant Row Mansions, likely built sometime between the late 1780′s and the turn of the century, and is also the earliest surviving residence in Essex, NY. Predominantly Georgian in style and constructed of wood and sided with clapboard, the Dower House is two stories high with the gambrel roof’s gable ends situated perpendicular to Lake Shore Road, orienting the front of the house toward the street with an impressive view of Lake Champlain and Vermont’s Green Mountains… [Continue Reading]
Rosslyn
Rosslyn, the second oldest home on Essex, New York’s Merchant Row, is located just south of the Dower House. This historic home (also known as the W.D. Ross Mansion, Hyde Gate, and The Sherwood Inn) was built by William D. Ross for his bride Mary Ann Gould (c. 1826-8). Expansive lawns, locally quarried stone walls, an early 19th century inspired fence and the alignment (and spacing) of Rosslyn’s outbuildings contribute to the classical proportions of this stately property. Primarily Georgian in style, Rosslyn also exhibits elements of Federal and Greek Revival architecture… [Continue Reading]
Harmon Noble House
The Harmon Noble House (also known as Sunnyside and sometimes called the Noble-Schreiber House), a stately brick mansion, is the third house on Merchant Row. It was built in c. 1835 by one of Ransom Noble’s sons, Henry Harmon. The home’s Greek Revival front entryway portico offers a late example of the Federal style, demonstrating the transitional nature of this home. The five-bay brick residence is a combination of Federal and Greek Revival architecture… [Continue Reading]
Greystone
Greystone exhibits conservative Greek Revival design that does not flaunt the classical temple style but does incorporate handsomely executed Greek Revival details on the house’s Federal plan. Constructed between 1853 and 1856 of native greystone by Ransom Noble’s youngest son, Belden Noble, Greystone was the last of the Merchant Row homes constructed, and is arguably the crown jewel of Merchant Row. Its stately, imposing presence greets ferry commuters as they arrive in Essex, NY… [Continue Reading]
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