Historic House

Reported to be the oldest home in Monroe County--older than Presidents Washington and Jefferson’s homes--Shawnee Falls Studio, Gallery & Guesthouse is a fine example of vernacular federal architecture, circa1736-1740, according to architectural historians. Situated beside stream and waterfall, the pumpkin-colored clapboard and stone farmhouse is accented by deep green shutters, flowering window boxes, slate roof, stone paths, white picket fence, herb, vegetable, and perennial gardens. Many original accoutrements such as curving “pie stairs”, iron hardware, original doors and window panes, deep sills, wide plank floors, old plaster walls over hand-hewn oak lathe, original kitchen hearth and four other fireplaces grace the Caldwell home--a blend of history, art, and modern comfort.

In the living room, antiques and cushy armchairs with leather tufted footstools, meld comfortably with original wood floors, artisan-crafted iron window rods and Gwendolyn’s paintings. Off the living room, the library houses the Caldwell’s extensive book collection, reflective of their travels, degrees, and diverse interests, plus, magazines, DVDs, and CDs—all of which they happily share with their guests.

Through a 1700s door, enter the dining room, painted in apricot hues of washed milk paint over old plaster. The original kitchen hearth dominates the room, with a tall spinning wheel to one side and artisan-crafted iron tools to the other. The English manor house table in front of the hearth, surrounded by rusticated Italian country chairs, is the site for delicious breakfasts. An antique Irish hutch displays Gwendolyn’s blue and white china, a primitive rug drapes an 1800s bench, authentic tribal masks and several abstract expressionist paintings adorn the walls.

Past the powder room with rock-surround sink and exposed original wall, is Shawnee Falls Studio--Gwendolyn’s gallery and classroom.

“Pie stairs” to the second floor, lead down a long hall to two of three guest rooms: The Waterfall Room, cozy, with bath just outside the door, and at the end of the hall, near a stairway to the studio, The Provence Room that shares the same bath. A second set of pie stairs leads to the third floor Artist’s Garret Suite with sitting room, double bedroom, and bathroom.