Revonah Manor Historic District photo
ParkConnecticut, US

Revonah Manor Historic District

Revonah Manor Historic District offers a journey into Stamford's first planned suburban community.

About

Revonah Manor Historic District offers a journey into Stamford's first planned suburban community. This charming Connecticut neighborhood, encompassing 23.1 to 25 acres, showcases an exceptional collection of early 20th-century residential architecture and a meticulously designed streetscape. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, the district is celebrated for its significance in community planning, development, and architectural cohesion, presenting a rare and well-preserved example of upper-middle-class suburban ideals.

The district's allure lies in its predominant architectural styles, including stately Colonial Revival, picturesque Tudor Revival, and distinctive Arts & Crafts homes, many designed by architect Lawrence Barnard. Visitors can admire the grand proportions of houses like the Tudor Revival residence at **46 Chester Street**, the Arts & Crafts beauty at **81 Revonah Avenue** with its gambrel roof and oversized Doric columns, or the Colonial Revival elegance of **79 Urban Street** featuring a late-Georgian entry. The uniform 50-foot setbacks and wide, tree-lined streets further enhance the visual harmony and character of this carefully crafted enclave.

A visit to Revonah Manor is an immersion in architectural history and a testament to early suburban vision. It's a place where every turn reveals a meticulously preserved facade or a subtle detail from a bygone era, making it a memorable destination for those interested in urban planning, historical architecture, and the evolution of American residential landscapes. The district's quiet, residential nature invites leisurely strolls, offering a peaceful escape and a unique educational experience. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

The Revonah Manor Historic District originated in 1909 through the vision of real estate entrepreneur Herman Henneberger and his son-in-law Henry Jevne. They acquired a substantial 180-acre parcel from the Alfred Hoyt heirs, marking one of Stamford's largest cash transactions at the time. The developers initially envisioned a community with larger estates, but later subdivided the southern portion into smaller, restricted lots to create Stamford's first planned, upper-middle-class suburban neighborhood. Designed to attract affluent Protestant families seeking a sanitary and controlled environment with convenient access to Manhattan, the development enforced strict covenants regarding lot sizes, construction costs, and even social homogeneity. The name "Revonah" itself is "Hanover" spelled backward, a nod to a friend's Catskills retreat. The district rapidly took shape, with a peak building period between 1910 and 1915, transforming former rural land into a cohesive and architecturally significant residential community by 1935.

What to do here

Enjoy a self-guided architectural walking tour, focusing on the various architectural styles and their distinguishing features. Observe how the uniform setbacks and tree-lined streets contribute to the district's planned aesthetic. Note the quality craftsmanship and preserved details of the early 20th-century residences.

Seasonal info

Spring: Mild temperatures, blooming trees and gardens enhance the scenic beauty.

Summer: Can be warm; the mature trees offer shade along the sidewalks.

Fall: Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage create a picturesque backdrop for the historic homes.

Winter: Offers stark views of the architecture; can be cold, so dress accordingly.

Accessibility

The district features continuous sidewalks along its tree-lined streets, making it generally pedestrian-friendly. The topography has a gentle slope, which should accommodate most walkers. As a residential neighborhood, visitors should be prepared for typical urban walking conditions.

Don't miss

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The overall cohesive streetscape featuring a blend of Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Arts & Crafts homes. Specific architectural examples include the Tudor Revival home at **46 Chester Street**, the Arts & Crafts residence at **81 Revonah Avenue**, and the Colonial Revival house at **79 Urban Street**. Don't miss the distinct features like gambrel roofs, half-timbering, Doric columns, and rubble stone bases. The small park at the southwestern corner of Chester and Urban Streets provides a moment of greenery amidst the historic homes.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes

The best way to experience the district is on foot, allowing you to take in all the architectural details.

Bring a camera

The diverse architectural styles and cohesive streetscapes offer excellent photographic opportunities.

Research specific addresses

Before your visit, identify key addresses like **46 Chester Street** (Tudor Revival) or **81 Revonah Avenue** (Arts & Crafts) to help you spot prime examples of the featured styles.

Respect privacy

Remember that Revonah Manor is an active residential neighborhood. Be mindful of residents and their property.

Visit during daylight hours

Natural light will best highlight the architectural features and provide a safer walking experience.

Look for unique details

Pay attention to decorative elements such as distinctive windows, doorways, gables, and material combinations (brick, stucco, stone) that define each architectural style.

Frequently asked questions

The Revonah Manor Historic District is significant as Stamford's first planned, upper-middle-class suburban neighborhood, developed between 1909 and 1935. It is celebrated for its cohesive architectural styles, uniform streetscape, and its representation of early 20th-century community planning and development.
The district predominantly features Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival architectural styles. Visitors will also find excellent examples of Arts & Crafts homes and a few Queen Anne style residences, all contributing to the district's distinctive character.
Yes, as a residential neighborhood, the Revonah Manor Historic District is publicly accessible for walking tours. Visitors are welcome to stroll along the sidewalks and admire the historic homes and planned streetscapes, though it's important to remember it is an active residential area and to respect residents' privacy.

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