From The Archives

Homestead History & Profile

Nestled in the quaint New England community of East Kingston, originally known as Kingston East Parish, the Rose-bud Estate has provided many wonderful memories for its inhabitants for approximately three centuries. Built originally to serve the needs of a prosperous family farm, (rumored to have been Josiah Bartlett’s second home), the classic colonial structure wraps around a center chimney design that includes five working fireplaces.

The traditional timber beam construction supports 2400 feet of original construction and an addition in the rear of the house includes 1,000 feet of an ‘open-plan’ family room, modernized kitchen area and state-of-the-art home office. Wide pine boards dress the floors of several rooms in the home including the dining room and study, which also showcase original raised panel sections of wall along with a china cupboard and handsomely trimmed bookcases.

At one point in time, a renowned stenciling artist named Moses Eaton was contracted to hand stencil the master bedroom walls in exchange for room and board. Today, this remarkable stenciling pattern of roses and swirled lines is preserved under a protective fabric wall covering. During the period in which the owners who contracted for work lived in the home, the residence was referred to as Rosebud Estate due to this hand stenciling design.

Throughout the later part of the twentieth century, the homestead supported three horse barns, and an Olympic-sized and smaller sized dressage arena and jumping course. Conveniently located next to state-owned conservation land, the property offers direct access to miles of horseback riding, hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking trails. For kayak enthusiasts, the town provides access to over four miles of still water paddling on Country Pond and the Pow Wow River. A solar-heated in-ground pool, attractively landscaped for total privacy, offers an additional source of physical stimulation or simply an oasis for leisure relaxation in the summer months.

Under the guidance of world renowned landscape architect, Artemas P. Richardson, the property offers an inspiring seasonal display of colors, textures and perfumes with flowering pear, apple and thundercloud plum trees; lilac, bear berry, euonymus, juniper, and rose bushes; and several variations of flowers. Well-defined flower and shrub beds provide for little year-round maintenance.

Today an accomplished author and organizational behavior consultant, who has appeared on television and radio shows and is recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as an international expert in small business development and training, resides in the home with his wife and cat.