478 Harbor Rd
Southport, CT 06890, USA

Captain William Webb Wakeman House, 478 Harbor Rd (formerly 137 Rose Hill Rd), Southport, Fairfield County, CT

The Wakeman residence was erected atop Rose Hill, overlooking the harbor circa 1828-33. Designed in the high Greek Revival manner, the structure`s prototypical details and generous classical proportions create an appearance of dignified elegance. The three-bayed facade is framed by a two-story portico. Supported by four fluted columns, the capitals and entablature are similar to the "composed" order of Minard Lafever and the "composite" order of Asher Benjamin, popularized in the 1830s and 40s in their pattern books for architects and builders. The principal gable pediment is ornamented with a Greek Palladian-shaped window opening. Interior doorway trim is in bold relief of roll molding and seashell and acanthus motifs. Captain Wakeman`s principal concern was in the prosperous shipping trade between New York and Savannah, and was also involved in the East Indian and China transport. As was the case of many of Southport`s residents, his wealth was accumulated through Mill River`s harbor economy.