Southampton Town Landmarks Flanders Home

A Queen Anne-style home on Huntington Lane in Flanders was given landmark status by the Town of Southampton late last month.

Yay, it's landmarked!" said Rose Nigro, owner of the home, which was built in 1896. "I feel very protective of the property, and I don't want it changed going forward, even if I'm not there." Ms. Nigro confirmed she has no plans to leave any time soon.

As a designated landmark, the house will be subject to review by the town's Landmarks and Historic Districts Board if Ms. Nigro wants to change its facade, or the facade of a barn on the property, or build an addition to the house. The restrictions do not apply to any changes made inside the structures.

According to the Southampton Town Supervisor's office, once a property has been deemed historic, the homeowner can take advantage of a tax exemption for improvements that increase the assessed value of the home. The exemption is contingent on the improvements being reviewed and approved before construction commences. "I think it's a really positive thing for the homeowner," said Ms. Nigro.

The home originally belonged to actor Thomas E. Dunbar, who used it as a summer retreat. After his death, it was passed down to his wife, Louisa, and daughter, Alice Dunbar Huntington. Ms. Huntington was married to Dwight Huntington Jr., a relative of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house still has its original molding, window frames and stained glass windows.

Aside from wanting to preserve the home's historic and architectural value, Ms. Nigro is hoping this effort also draws some positive attention to Flanders, an area often viewed negatively due to its pockets of crime and poverty. "I don't think people know how special Flanders is," she said. "I don't think people understand that Flanders does have wonderful neighborhoods … it's just we don't have a nice main street, but we're working on it!"

The Southampton Town Board will consider another Flanders home for landmark status next month. Located at 1372 Flanders Road, the house is known as the Reverend Nathaniel Fanning Homestead. A public hearing will be held at Southampton Town Hall on July 14 at 1 p.m.

"