Salt House

Built between 1814 and 1826 along State Route 222 southwest of Bethel, this two-story brick house with a gabled roof is counted among the earliest homes in Clermont County. It was built by John Salt and his brother Edward. John was a trader who reportedly made fifty-two flatboat trips to New Orleans. The house was originally H-shaped, though a large rear room has made the plan L-shaped. Its brickwork is Flemish bond, and a recessed central bay holds a porch with four smooth columns. The north and south ends have stepped gables, each with three chimneys. Inside, a central hall has three rooms on each side, separated by brick partition walls. A brick outbuilding with a stone foundation stands north of the house, and frame barns sit to the south. The combination of plan, step gables and portico was judged sophisticated and unusual for its date, and the house remains in excellent condition after passing through only three owners. Local legend says the young Ulysses S. Grant visited often.