Winchester's Carriage House at Sanborn can be Saved

At the Fall Town Meeting on Nov. 7, a passing comment by School Committee Chair Christopher Linskey went by almost unnoticed. Yet, it likely means the ultimate survival and resurrection of one of Winchester’s most valuable treasures.

The historic carriage house at the Sanborn Estate has long been under the aegis of the school district due to its proximity to the campus. The 100-year-plus structure is in such a state of disrepair that some in town had lately been arguing for its demolition. For its part, the School Committee could not envision a use for it, nor did it have the funds for its restoration. As a result, Mr. Linskey announced that the carriage house would be “excessed” back to town.

The Winchester Historical Commission and the Winchester Historical Society, advocates for the town’s cultural heritage, joined together to determine a long-term plan for its preservation and use.

The house and its adjacent carriage house were built in 1907 as a country estate for Oren Sanborn, scion of the Chase & Sanborn coffee fortune. The house and outbuilding were designed in the Beaux-Arts style by the Boston architectural firm of Hill and James. This firm designed one other house in Winchester in the same style at 4 Swan Road.

The Town purchased the Sanborn Estate in 1969, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 in recognition of its architectural significance. In 2004, the Town and the Historical Society received a grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on the reuse of the Sanborn House and Grounds.

Although the study focused on the House, it concluded, “The Carriage House in its current location is integral to the historic setting of the Sanborn House and should be retained and preserved for future use.” The Carriage House was boarded up when construction on the new Ambrose building began.

The current condition of the building, although compromised by roof leaks and consequent interior mold, is structurally sound. In fact, its problems are localized, limited and correctable. DPW has stopped the leaks. What is needed now is information about real costs to stabilize and return the building to use.

The Historical Society, the current steward for the Sanborn House, has worked to bring that aging building into active use, securing grants and private donations to transform the House through extensive interior and exterior renovations.

Now it’s time to focus on the Carriage House and its possible future use. The Historical Society and Historical Commission look forward to working with the relevant boards, commissions, elected officials and other community groups to develop a plan for its reuse.

By Jack LeMenager and John Clemson of the Winchester Historical Commission and Robert Colt and Nancy Schrock of the Winchester Historical Society