About 63 Maple Street

63 Maple Street was built in 1860 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is a classic Greek Revival style that was popular in the mid 1800’s. Its construction was strongly influenced by this type of architecture with some slight modifications that are taller and narrower and use a cross-gable form. The home was built for George Converse and his wife Amelia (Billings) and their three daughters. The home remained in that family with various members living there until it was sold to Robert Keeney, Jr. (Grandson of Lafayette Keeney the founder of the Somersville Manufacturing Company after WW II.)

Robert and his wife, Jane enlarged the home to accommodate their seven children. If we were to give credit to the one person who deserves special recognition for making this house a beautiful home it would be Jane, the lady of the house! As you wander through this home you will see bits and pieces of this organized, fastidious woman. Numerous built-in bookcases, storage shelves, crown moldings, work surfaces, cedar closets, fabulous floors, and yes, lights in every closet. Surely not standard in most 1860 colonials. She thought of every last detail and it has been a pleasure to discover them as well as maintain them as they enhance the original beauty of this house. Such wonderful and detailed craftsmanship contributing to this GEM of a house!

The first time we stepped into this home, we could feel it had a magical quality. Was it the river/Mill Pond location, the vast and storied history, or simply the grand structure of the unique American colonial? After the purchase went through in late 2019, little did we know, but we would peel the layers of paper and paint, unfolding a living tale of life then and now along the banks of the Scantic River here in Somersville, CT and realizing that this beautiful home would be perfect for a traditional English Tea Room which has been Nancy’s dream.

We, along with some very talented and creative craftsmen contractors, have meticulously and lovingly restored the house careful to maintain its historical and architectural beauty. We’ve added many traditional touches with emphasis on the English style and time period. (i.e. Display case with mementos of the English Royalty, crystal chandeliers, Queen Anne furniture, and English bone china tea pots and service.)

In the warmer months, enjoy the outdoor patio adjacent to the fish pond, the traditional English rose gardens, the walking paths and observe the bald eagles as they soar overhead and frequent the Mill Pond and Scantic River. One will also notice the peepers that sing from the river bank and across the Mill Pond you will hear the cows from a local farm and just down the road the miles of white fence will contain young colts as they take their first steps.

Throughout the year, you will enjoy a variety of wildlife, wild turkey, deer and with an occasional fox that will trot through the yard which are all part of the ambience of the English Tea Room and its surroundings. Step back in time, take in the elegance, enjoy the scones, jam, finger food, English tea and savor a calming and relaxing time with your family and friends.