Chappell Farmhouse
Why it's listed
Built around 1835 on the west side of Ridge Road north of Cazenovia village, this two-story, three-bay frame farmhouse sits on a stone foundation under a gable roof, with its gable end facing the street. The east front has a side-hall entrance, a pediment with a lunette, and twelve-over-twelve windows. The main doorway has sidelights, panelled pilasters and a dentiled entablature in the Greek Revival manner, while the form, slender trim and south entrance follow the earlier Federal style. The interior is largely intact, with wide pine floors, panelled doors with original hardware and a turned-baluster staircase. Two frame barns of the mid- to late nineteenth century stand to the north and south. The property was listed as an example of rural vernacular building that kept Federal traditions into the 1830s, and for the barns that recall Cazenovia's farming past. Local tradition credits John Chappell with building the house. Twentieth-century subdivision has reduced the farm to 2.2 acres.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it an important example of vernacular rural farm architecture from the early nineteenth century in Cazenovia. It shows the transition from Federal to Greek Revival style, with a Federal form and detailing and a Greek Revival main entrance. Its two intact late nineteenth-century barns recall the town's importance as a prosperous farming community.
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 87001864, listed November 2, 1987. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Ridge Rd., Cazenovia |
|---|---|
| County | Madison County |
| Listed | November 2, 1987 |
| Reference number | 87001864 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Architect and builder unknown; local tradition says it was built by John Chappell |
| Architectural style | Late Federal/early Greek Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Agriculture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Private residence in good condition; the second barn is used as a garage. No threats are known. |
| Acreage | 2.2 |
| Coordinates | 42.94788, -75.85610 (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 87001864.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5073370
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.