Architectural Story
This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also a good example of a middling farm dwelling.
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Restoration Story
The Newport Restoration Foundation moved the house from 855 West Main Road to its present location in 1970 and restored it in 1971 as part of the larger Prescott Farm project.
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People Story
Not much is known about the house prior to its purchase by NRF. The house dates to ca. 1730 although the first definitive record of the building is not until 1786. The Anthony family is recorded as having lived in the house from 1786 until 1918 when Joseph S. Anthony left the property to his son-in-law Thomas J. Sweet. It is this transition in ownership that inspired NRF to refer to the house as the Sweet-Anthony House.
Since the early 1970s, the house has housed many residents. Initially it was used as living quarters for a farm caretaker and later was used to house NRF staff, interns, an artist-in-residence and is now part of NRF’s unique tenant steward program and rented as a private property.
