Property + Buildings

Ambler Farm is set on twenty-two acres of rolling fields complete with stone walls and breathtaking views. There are several buildings and gardens on the property.

Raymond-Ambler House
Built circa 1799 by Josiah Raymond

We look ahead to restoring the White House, which served as the home for the Raymond + Ambler families for nearly 200 years.  This house will become the cornerstone for representing farm life over the last two centuries and is key to accomplishing the mission set out by the deed of sale to the Town - to make this entire property a living example of farm life in Wilton from 1800 to 2000. Unfortunately, the house has deteriorated significantly due to deferred maintenance over the last few decades.

Exploratory demolition commenced in Fall 2008. Some interesting items have turned up during the start of this demolition and cataloging process. They include the discovery of several old shoes and pieces of clothing under the attic floor boards. In addition there are signatures of various carpenters who worked on the house. Walt Smith, local expert on historic preservation, did a walk through with Bob Russell and Rich Vail, members of the Raymond-Ambler House Committee, and by examining the nails and other elements of construction, he believes the original house may have been built around 1830. We originally thought the house dated from 1799. Further investigation is required to see if the timing of the original construction, Victorian update, and the various additions can be determined.

Yellow House
Built circa 1800 by Josiah Raymond

 

Ambler's Property + Program Manager currently resides in the renovated Yellow House with his family.



Carriage Barn
Built in 1880 by George Taylor
Renovation of the Carriage Barn was completed in 2006. The 40' x 50' barn is used as education + meeting space. A kitchen addition serves a wide-range of activities and programs. The Carriage Barn is available for rent by community organizations.

Red Barn
Built in 1899 by George Taylor
The red dairy barn has been partially renovated. As funds are available, it is planned to renovate the original Ambler house and complete the red dairy barn.

Smaller buildings include the Corn Crib (1904) and Ice House (1900). Three buildings were torn down after the town acquired the farm because they were too far gone to be saved - a sheep pen, a pig barn, and a farm workers' cottage.

The Gardens

West Field: The 1.2-acre garden in the West Field was completed in 2008, complete with fencing and well for irrigation.

Heirloom Gardens: There is a 4,500 square foot garden behind the Yellow House.