From Revolution To Restoration: Preserving Fairfield County’s Historic Homes With Expert Painting
A Fiery Turning Point: The Burning of Fairfield
Imagine standing in Fairfield, CT, on a warm July day in 1779. The air is thick with smoke, and the crackle of flames drowns out the usual coastal breeze. British troops, led by General William Tryon, have set the town ablaze—homes, churches, and barns reduced to ash in a matter of hours.
This devastating attack was meant to punish Patriot resistance, but instead, it fueled a legacy of resilience and restoration that still defines Fairfield County’s architectural heritage today.
At Stanwich Painting, we see these historic homes not just as structures but as living pieces of history—ones we’re honored to preserve with expert craftsmanship and historically accurate finishes. As the premier painting company in Fairfield County, we specialize in protecting and enhancing these cherished properties with every brushstroke.
From Ashes to Elegance: Rebuilding Fairfield County
In the aftermath of the British attack, Fairfield County residents faced a pivotal moment. Their homes and town structures lay in ruins, but rather than abandon what had been lost, they saw an opportunity to rebuild—stronger, more refined, and with a sense of enduring craftsmanship that would define the region for centuries to come. Determined to restore their community, they chose to rebuild, blending tradition with innovation to create homes that would stand the test of time.
Colonial & Federal Styles: A Timeless Legacy
Before the war, Fairfield County homes followed classic Colonial designs—steep roofs, central chimneys, and weathered wood siding. After the fires, rebuilding efforts introduced the Federal style:
Brick facades for durability
Symmetrical designs for elegance
Decorative fanlights & moldings for sophistication
These homes became the foundation of Fairfield County’s architectural charm, and today, you can still find Colonial, Federal, and blended styles in historic districts across Greenwich, Darien, Riverside, and New Canaan.
Many modern Fairfield County homes continue to draw inspiration from these early designs, incorporating traditional color palettes and structural symmetry that reflect their storied past.
Preserving History, One Coat at a Time
The Challenge of Painting Historic Homes in Fairfield County
Owning a historic home is a privilege—but it comes with unique maintenance challenges.
Exterior painting in Greenwich, CT, means protecting 200-year-old wood from coastal humidity and salt air.
Interior painting in Darien may involve refreshing Federal-style moldings while preserving their character.
Older homes in Riverside often require careful prep work to address crumbling brick and aged clapboard siding.
The New England climate presents its own set of challenges. Cold winters, humid summers, and coastal salt exposure demand specialized coatings and preparation to ensure longevity. The choice of materials and application techniques must balance historical accuracy with modern durability.
That’s where expertise matters. At Stanwich Painting, we bring historical knowledge, premium materials, and meticulous craftsmanship to every project.
Authentic Colors & Finishes: Honoring the Past
Pre-1779 homes featured lead-based paints (now hazardous) and natural pigments in sage greens, barn reds, and creamy whites—colors that reflected Fairfield’s farms and Greenwich’s rocky shores.
Post-war rebuilds favored deeper hues and refined neutrals, mirroring America’s transition from rustic Colonial to sophisticated Federal.
At Stanwich Painting, we honor these traditions by using:
Historically accurate color palettes
Modern, eco-friendly paints (Benjamin Moore, Fine Paints of Europe)
Weather-resistant coatings to protect against New England’s harsh climate
Many Greenwich homeowners choose Federal-style blues and soft whites for timeless curb appeal, while Darien’s historic districts embrace muted grays and deep reds to match their 18th-century origins.
Why Homeowners Trust Stanwich Painting
We’re not just painters—we’re craftsmen dedicated to preserving history. With expert surface preparation, precision techniques, and high-quality materials, we ensure your home’s character and durability for years to come.
Local Expertise – Deep knowledge of Fairfield County’s historic homes
Premium Finishes – High-end paints and specialized restoration techniques
Meticulous Prep Work – Sanding, priming, and careful application for a flawless finish
Living in a Legacy: The Value of Historic Homes
Owning a historic home in Fairfield County, Greenwich, or Darien means holding a piece of American history. Whether it’s a surviving Colonial saltbox or a Federal-style gem, these homes deserve care that respects their past while preparing them for the future.
Thinking of Repainting Your Historic Home?
Preserve its architectural authenticity
Protect against weathering and aging
Enhance curb appeal and property value
At Stanwich Painting, we specialize in bringing history to life—one brushstroke at a time.
Step Into the Past—And Protect the Future
Take a journey through Fairfield County’s past by exploring the Fairfield Historic District, where restored homes tell the stories of resilience and craftsmanship. Visit the Burr Homestead, a symbol of post-war reconstruction, or step inside Greenwich’s Putnam Cottage, where Revolutionary War history comes to life through its carefully preserved walls.
Whether you’re in Greenwich, Darien, Riverside, or New Canaan, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation today, and let’s give your home the expert care it deserves.
Transform and protect your historic home with expert painting services. Contact Stanwich Painting today for a free estimate in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Riverside, or New Canaan.
Call us at 475-252-9500 or Text at 475-252-9500
Historical References:Burrows, Edwin G., and Mike Wallace. Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898. Oxford University Press, 1999.Provides historical context on British raids in the Revolutionary War, including events in Connecticut.
Connecticut Historical Society. The Burning of Fairfield.Documentation on the July 7-8, 1779 burning of Fairfield by British troops. (www.chs.org)
Fairfield Museum and History Center.Exhibits and records related to the Revolutionary War in Fairfield County. (www.fairfieldhistory.org)
Putnam Cottage, Greenwich Historical Society.A historic site detailing Revolutionary War events in Greenwich, CT. (www.greenwichhistory.org)
Architectural References:McAlester, Virginia Savage. A Field Guide to American Houses. Knopf, 2015.Defines Colonial and Federal-style architecture and their evolution.
Morrison, Hugh. Early American Architecture: From the First Colonial Settlements to the National Period. Dover Publications, 1987.Covers the transition from Colonial to Federal architectural styles.
National Park Service: Preservation Briefs.Guides on historic home preservation, including period-accurate painting techniques. (www.nps.gov)
Benjamin Moore Historic Color Collection.Offers historically accurate paint colors used in restoration projects. (www.benjaminmoore.com)