Home & Garden

Sitting in the heart of Uptown Kingston, parts of Helen and Tim Atkinson’s home date from as far back as Colonial times. The site’s original Saltbox was burned down during Britain’s siege of Kingston. The original basement and foundation remain, however, and a three-story Greek Revival was built over the foundation in 1840. Two Victorian additions were built during the 19th century. “This house definitely has its own character,” says Helen. “It turns up surprises—old keys, old photographs. The attic and basement are each like a whole different, weird realm.”

Built in 1773 by John DeWitt, the home was part of the DeWitt family’s 200-acre farm and timber mill. DeWitt, a captain in the Revolutionary Army and a Member of the Continental Congress, also served as sheriff of Dutchess County. The home was added onto by a succession of families in the subsequent 250 years and now sits on nine acres that include protected wetlands and a section Crum Elbow creek.