About

Welcome to 20 Westminster Street: A Historical and Architectural Journey

This site is designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the history and architecture of the historic residence located at 20 Westminster Street in Walpole, New Hampshire. Here, you will find detailed biographies of the home’s former owners, highlighting their contributions not only to the village of Walpole but also to the broader region. We delve into their lives, the impact they had on the community, and their connections to this storied property.

In addition to the history of the house itself, the site features a self-guided Walking Tour that places 20 Westminster Street within the larger historical landscape of Walpole. The tour invites visitors to experience the village on foot, exploring nearby historic buildings, streetscapes and landmarks that help illuminate the social, architectural and civic context in which the house developed.

The site also offers an in-depth look at the house’s Greek Revival architecture, a style that defined much of early nineteenth-century America. We explore the architectural elements that make 20 Westminster Street a significant example of this style, illustrating how it reflects the classical ideals and craftsmanship of the period. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about this remarkable house and its setting, we invite you to discover the rich legacy of 20 Westminster Street and the village that surrounds it.

About the Author

Stephen Ballard is a retired attorney living in Walpole, New Hampshire. He believes that understanding, stewarding and sharing the stories of historic places deepens community life and anchors the present in a meaningful past.

Over the years, he has lived in and restored several historic houses in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. He was instrumental in securing a National Register of Historic Places listing for Annefield, an Italianate villa attributed to builder Jacob W. Holt (1811-1880) in Charlotte County, Virginia, a property he formerly owned. His credentials include more than 25 years of experience in real property law, land use and historic preservation, with bar admissions in California and the District of Columbia.