Fall 2026

Welcome to Fall 2026!

Welcome to the autumn issue of Historic Homes Magazine. As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn to brilliant shades of amber and rust, it is easy to find ourselves transported back in time. In 18th-century America, fall was a season of intense, community-driven rhythm defined by the smoky aroma of hearth fires, the frantic rush of the harvest, and the urgent preservation of everything needed to survive the harsh winter ahead. Without the modern luxuries of electricity or central heating, early Americans lived in total harmony with the seasons, finding warmth in heavy woolens, closely gathered families, and the sturdy craftsmanship of their timber and brick homes.

To capture that authentic early American spirit for this issue, our editorial team traveled to three extraordinary historic treasures, each offering a unique lens into our architectural and cultural past. We began our journey in West Bloomfield, New York, at the 1803 Watrous-Peck House, a stunning five-bay Georgian colonial where we stood in awe of its remarkable, meticulous restoration—particularly the hand-building of its period-correct 12-over-12 window sashes. From there, we tucked into East Nassau, New York, to explore Historic Eastfield Village. This incredible 52-acre preservation laboratory stands as the life’s work of the late Don Carpentier, who piece-by-piece reassembled 20 historic structures dating from 1787 to 1840. Walking through early spaces like the 1793 William Briggs Tavern, we caught a fascinating, hands-on look at the pre-industrial trades and craftsmanship that defined early American life. Finally, we journeyed to Philadelphia to tour Stenton, a majestic country-seat plantation house built between 1723 and 1730 by James Logan, secretary to William Penn. As one of the region's oldest and best-preserved Georgian estates, walking through the unaltered rooms that once temporarily quartered General George Washington allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the deep, complex stories of colonial Pennsylvania.

Whether analyzing the hand-forged nails at Eastfield Village, the precision of a colonial window sash, or the grand proportions of a Georgian estate, we are reminded once again why "it's all in the details". Inside this issue, you will find immersive features on these incredible heritage sites alongside practical inspiration for bringing that same historic warmth into your own spaces this season. From traditional hearth cooking methods to timeless autumn design elements, we invite you to slow down, pour a warm drink, and step back in time with us.

Sheila