Taylor Boathouse
Why it's listed
Built around 1905 on the shore of Three Mile Bay in Lyme, this two-story wood frame boathouse served the summer estate of John B. Taylor, a Watertown utilities executive who grew up in the hamlet. It rests on a concrete base with a walkway around three sides and has a low hipped roof with wide bracketed eaves. Flush boards, wood shingles and novelty siding divide the walls into bands. The boat bay opens to the east, and the upper floor holds servants' quarters with three bedrooms, a kitchenette and an arched gallery overlooking the water. The main house and grounds were altered too much to qualify, but the boathouse kept its integrity. It is regarded as an excellent example of the private resort boathouses that accompanied lakeshore estates after 1890, and it appears to be the only one remaining in Lyme. It has been used mainly for light storage in recent decades.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is an intact, representative example of a regional building type, the family or private resort boathouse, and probably the only one left in Lyme. It reflects the area's growth as a seasonal recreation destination after 1890 and is tied to utilities magnate John B. Taylor. It has survived virtually as built.
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 90001330, listed September 6, 1990. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Bay View Dr., Three Mile Bay, Chaumont |
|---|---|
| County | Jefferson County |
| Listed | September 6, 1990 |
| Reference number | 90001330 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Shingle, Colonial Revival and Bungalow elements (resort boathouse type) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Entertainment/Recreation, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition rated good; has been used for light storage; stands virtually as built, with the original folding wood panels over the boat opening missing. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 44.07940, -76.20011 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
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 90001330.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7689883
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.