Westport is known for big — okay, gargantuan — homes.
But one of the smallest is also one of our most beloved.
#29 North Avenue — the tiny saltbox just south of Staples High School, which juts almost into the sidewalk — has long been an object of admiration (and curiosity).
29 North Avenue, in 2014.
There’s some dispute about its history. It dates, in some form, to the 1770s.
Jacques Voris — a descendant of the area’s famous Mills family — says it was built by Revolutionary War veteran John Mills (1760-1829) for his daughter Charity and her new husband Hezekiah Mills (a cousin).
Charity Mills — who lived to be over 100 — had 13 children, “all born in that Mills homestead” on what was then called Eleven O’clock Highway.
Jacques’ research shows it was constructed in the right of way — without title to land. In fact, John seemed to have no claim to the spot whatsoever. Nevertheless, he set up a blacksmith shop for his daughter and son-in-law.
In 1950, a local newspaper described it as built before the Revolutionary War. It featured a huge chimney; “Indians” sometimes seated themselves before the fireplace.
Other sources say the house was built in the 1830s, using beams from the original kitchen of a previous dwelling on the site.
At any rate: It’s old. And in recent years it was vacant, mouse-infested and deteriorating.
An investment group bought it, in foreclosure. When they listed it for sale (at the lowest price of any property in town), potential buyers lined up. All wanted to tear it down and build a new home — just like the ones behind it on Greystone Farms Road, which in the 1990s replaced the orchards and fields behind it.
Never mind that #29 North Avenue stood on a small, awkward piece of land that would make rebuilding difficult and costly (and require numerous zoning variances).
The barn at 29 North Avenue. (Photo/Michelle Perillie)
Annette Norton — who’d grown up in Fairfield, always loved Main Street, and after opening the funky, eclectic Savvy + Grace helped revitalize downtown — had other ideas.
She saw promise in the 930-square foot house. Despite dark rooms, a cramped kitchen and ugly 1970s tiles, she loved its charm.
And she knew it had potential.
As the pandemic raged — and her store remained closed — Annette bought the house.
Most contractors were slammed with work, on much bigger projects. She found Javier Pasato, who shared her passion.
“It was disgusting,” Annette says of the condition of the house. Mice feces dropped from the ceiling. There was termite damage throughout. Even the insulation was gone.
Together, they embarked on a year-long, top-to-bottom renovation/ rehabilitation project.
29 North Avenue, today.
They’re not architects or interior designers — but you wouldn’t know it from their work.
They refinished the floors, retiled the kitchen, opened up a skylight to the second floor, combined 2 closets to make a new bathroom, and used lighter paint (and new windows on the door) to brighten the interior.
The 2 bathrooms blend old and new.
They removed sheetrock, exposing original beams. Annette found a historic fireplace mantel in Bozrah. She and her daughter Chloe drove there; Javier then installed it, replacing bricks installed by a previous owner.
Fireplace before (left) and after. Note the narrow staircase, and refinished floors.
They repaired the cedar roof, replaced the siding, fixed the pipes, added central air conditioning, and installed energy-efficient windows.
The kitchen is small. But with restored tiles, a skylight and a serving island, it works well.
Every inch of the small house makes sense. A reading nook hides the air conditioning unit; hooks on the wall work in place of a coat closet.
From hooks to storage under drawers, Annette Norton takes advantage of every available inch. Original beams and white paint give the small, historic space a bright look.
Outside, the stone wall dating back to the original Mills masons was rebuilt. (Annette constructed a new one nearby too — herself — using leftover stones.) There are new entertainment areas outside in back and front, with heat lamps.
Everyone driving by — and that means everyone in Westport — notices all the changes. That’s because the exterior is painted a welcoming white, and Annette removed the imposing, deteriorating fence that half-hid the house.
She moved in in August. “I understand why people like tiny homes,” she says. “My life is so much easier. When I lived in a 3,000-square foot Colonial, I spent every weekend cleaning. Now it’s just an hour.”
The barn is Annette Norton’s next renovation project.
She’s not the only one who loves her house. A constant stream of passersby — drivers, joggers, walkers — thank her.
“Great colors!” one person said. “It looks so bright!”
“It’s beautiful. Such charm!” another added.
Some people even knock on her door. That’s a bit intrusive.
New front door, with entertainment area.
Annette has given everyone who lives or drives on North Avenue a gift. But it hasn’t been easy. Along the way, she doubted what she was doing.
Annette had similar thoughts when she opened Savvy + Grace. That space too had needed plenty of work.
One day, a sparrow flew into the store. It took a while to shoo it out. Someone who watched it happen told Annette that sparrows — though tiny — have survived a long time, against larger birds of prey.
“When you see one, it reminds you that even if you feel small, you’ll make it,” the woman said.
In the midst of both COVID and renovation, a sparrow flew into #29 North Avenue. That was a sign, Annette thought, that eventually everything would be okay.
Soon, she found a small wooden sparrow. Javier installed it at the top of her bannister. Every day, it reminds Annette that despite whatever else is happening — with both her store and her home — her life will work out fine.
(At “06880,” we keep our eye on every part of town. To help us do it, please consider a contribution. Click here — and thank you.)
The sparrow, at the top of the stairs. (All photos courtesy of Annette Norton)