Nixon Homestead
Why it's listed
Set on a 1.8 acre lot on West Main Street in Westfield, the Nixon Homestead began in 1856 as a modest one-and-one-half story gabled dwelling. Around 1890 it was greatly enlarged into a two-story frame house with an asymmetrical plan, multiple gables, varied windows, and clapboard and shingle siding. Colonial Revival touches include a prominent Palladian window in the front gable and a classically inspired entrance. Inside, original woodwork survives in the oldest section, along with Colonial Revival mantelpieces and leaded glass windows. The original verandah was replaced in 1963. The property also includes a frame package house/barn, with its oldest section dating from the 1880s, and formal gardens east of the house that survive from the Nixon vineyard complex. The house is linked to Samuel F. Nixon (1860-1905), a Westfield native who served as village trustee, town supervisor, state legislator, and speaker of the assembly from 1899 until his death. He was also active in the Nixon Brothers' Marble and Granite Works and the Chautauqua and Erie Grape Company.
Significance in brief: The house is presented as a representative example of late nineteenth century eclectic architecture, combining Queen Anne massing with Colonial Revival details. It is also tied to Samuel F. Nixon, a local and state political figure who served as speaker of the New York State Assembly and as a businessman.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 83001654, listed September 26, 1983. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 119 W. Main St., Westfield |
|---|---|
| County | Chautauqua County |
| Listed | September 26, 1983 |
| Reference number | 83001654 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne with Colonial Revival detailing |
| Areas of significance | Politics/Government, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition, on its original site, and still used as a residence; the exterior is visible from the public road. |
| Acreage | 1.8 |
| Coordinates | 42.31770, -79.58461 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 83001654.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14707105
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.