The Billiou Stillwell Perine House stands as one of Staten Island’s most treasured historic landmarks. Built in the colonial era, the home captures the spirit of early American architecture while echoing the daily lives of the families who once called it home. Over three centuries, the house has witnessed shifts in craftsmanship, lifestyle, and community values, making it a living museum of local heritage.
| Person / Family | Personal Information | Birth / Death | Role in Billiou Stillwell Perine House | Net Worth / Wealth Status | Where They Lived |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pierre Billiou | French Huguenot settler from French Flanders; one of the founders of the first permanent European settlement on Staten Island (Oude Dorp) | c. 1632 – 1708 | Built the original stone section of the house around 1662–1663 | No recorded modern net worth; was a landowner and colonial settler | Staten Island, New York (New Netherland colony) |
| Martha Billiou Stillwell | Daughter of Pierre Billiou; inherited the property and continued the family legacy | 1652 – 1736 | Owned the house with her husband Thomas Stillwell; expanded family connection to the property | No recorded net worth; belonged to an established colonial landowning family | Staten Island, New York |
| Captain Thomas Stillwell | Colonial landowner, public official, and husband of Martha Billiou | 1651 – 1704/1705 | Expanded the original home around 1680 and added important architectural sections | No documented net worth; considered a prosperous colonial landowner | Staten Island, New York |
| Edward Perine | Member of the Perine family that acquired the property in the 18th century | 18th century figure | Purchased the property in 1758 and began the long Perine ownership period | No recorded net worth; wealthy enough to own colonial property | Staten Island, New York |
| Perine Family | Historic Staten Island family connected to the property for more than 150 years | 1700s–1900s | Owned and expanded the home with additions made around 1760, 1790, and 1830 | No recorded family net worth; established landowning family | Staten Island, New York |
| Modern Ownership / Historic Richmond Town | The house is preserved as a historic landmark and museum property | 20th century–present | Maintains and interprets the historic site | Not applicable as personal wealth | Staten Island, New York |
Architectural Design of the Billiou Stillwell Perine House
Colonial Architecture Influences and Design Style
The home is a classic example of Dutch‑Colonial architecture, marked by a steeply pitched gambrel roof, flared eaves, and symmetrical windows. These design choices were not merely aesthetic; they maximised interior space and efficiently shed rain and snow. The blend of Dutch and early American motifs illustrates the era’s cultural melting pot.
Exterior Features and Historic Details
- Building materials – hand‑cut stone foundations, clapboard siding, and a wooden shingle roof.
- Roof design – a distinctive gambrel shape that creates extra attic storage.
- Windows and doors – original six‑pane casement windows framed in timber, and a solid oak front door with iron hinges.
- Stonework and wood craftsmanship – expertly mortared stone walls and hand‑hewn beams that have withstood the test of time.
These elements have survived largely intact, offering a tangible link to the past.
Interior Layout and Historic Rooms
The interior follows a simple, functional plan:
- A central hearth that warmed the living area and served as a cooking spot.
- A modest kitchen equipped with a Dutch oven and stone floor.
- Bedrooms tucked under the roof’s sloping sides, each with small, shuttered windows.
- Workspaces such as a weaving room and storage cellar, reflecting the self‑sufficient lifestyle of early residents.
Together, these rooms reveal how families balanced daily chores, social life, and seasonal rhythms.
Construction Materials and Traditional Craftsmanship
The house showcases building methods typical of the 1600s:
- Timber framing using mortise‑and‑tenon joints, a technique that provided both strength and flexibility.
- Masonry with locally quarried stone, laid by skilled masons who knew how to blend durability with aesthetic appeal.
- Wooden beams and hand‑crafted fireplaces that remain focal points in the home’s historic ambience.
These details underscore the value of artisanal skill in creating lasting structures.
The Lifestyle of Families Who Lived in the Billiou Stillwell Perine House
Daily Life During the Colonial Era
Residents spent their days tending fields, caring for livestock, and managing household tasks like weaving, cooking, and preserving food. Community gatherings often took place at the hearth, where stories were shared, and decisions about the settlement were made.
How the Home Changed Over Generations
- Renovations such as the addition of a larger kitchen by the Stillwells.
- Modern updates introduced by the Perines, like gas lighting and indoor plumbing.
Each change balanced modern convenience with respect for the house’s original character.
Historical Importance of the Billiou Stillwell Perine House
Role in Staten Island’s Cultural Heritage
The house is a tangible reminder of Staten Island’s colonial roots, anchoring the borough’s identity to its early settlers and agricultural beginnings.
Connection to American Colonial History
As one of the few remaining 17th‑century structures, it offers historians a rare, hands‑on glimpse into colonial construction, family life, and community organisation.
Preservation and Restoration Efforts
Protecting the Billiou Stillwell Perine House
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Name | Billiou–Stillwell–Perine House |
| Location | 1476 Richmond Road, Staten Island, New York, USA |
| Neighborhood | Dongan Hills / Todt Hill area, Staten Island |
| Built Year | Original section built around 1662–1663; later additions were made around 1680, 1760, 1790, and 1830 |
| Original Builder | Pierre Billiou, a French Huguenot settler who helped establish Staten Island’s early European settlement |
| Architect / Designer | Unknown; built using traditional Dutch Colonial craftsmanship |
| Architectural Style | Dutch Colonial, Colonial Vernacular, early American farmhouse design |
| Historic Status | Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1976) and designated a New York City Landmark (1967) |
| Current Owner | Maintained by the Staten Island Historical Society as part of Historic Richmond Town |
| Property Type | Historic colonial farmhouse and museum property |
| Estimated Worth / Value | No official market value because it is a protected historic landmark. Its cultural and historical value is considered significant rather than a normal real estate valuation |
| Size | Exact square footage is not publicly standardized; the property consists of multiple historic sections added over several centuries |
| Construction Materials | Rough-cut fieldstone, timber framing, wood shingles, traditional masonry |
| Roof Design | Steeply pitched sloping roof influenced by early Dutch and medieval architectural traditions |
| Main Architectural Features | Large Dutch fireplace, massive wooden beams, stone walls, colonial room layouts, handcrafted wood details |
| Fireplace Design | Large Dutch-style fireplace with a massive chimney structure, one of the house’s most notable historic features |
| Interior Layout | Includes historic living spaces, colonial rooms, fireplaces, wooden beams, and traditional farmhouse arrangements |
| Number of Rooms | Historic records describe multiple ground-floor rooms and separate bedroom areas across different sections of the house |
| Historical Importance | Considered the oldest surviving building on Staten Island and one of the oldest structures in New York State |
| Preservation History | Purchased by the Staten Island Antiquarian Society in 1915 and later maintained by the Staten Island Historical Society |
| Current Use | Historic site, museum, and educational landmark |
| Heritage Importance | Represents early Dutch colonial settlement, Staten Island history, and early American domestic architecture |
Preserving a building of this age requires careful attention to structural integrity, moisture control, and the use of period‑appropriate materials. Restoration teams work closely with historians to ensure that any repairs match the original craftsmanship.
Maintaining Authentic Architectural Character
Key practices include:
- Retaining original wood whenever possible.
- Using traditional lime‑based mortars for stone repairs.
- Replicating historic window panes and hardware.
These steps help preserve the house’s historical accuracy for future visitors.
Visiting the Billiou Stillwell Perine House
Location and Accessibility Information
Nestled in the historic district of the St. George neighbourhood, the house sits near other preserved sites, making it easy to include in a day of heritage exploration. Parking is available on adjacent streets, and the site is wheelchair‑accessible where possible.
What Visitors Can Expect
- Guided historical tours that walk you through each room’s story.
- Architectural exploration highlighting original beams, stonework, and roof design.
- Educational programs for school groups and history enthusiasts.
- Seasonal cultural events such as colonial craft fairs.
The experience brings the past to life, inviting you to step inside a living piece of history.
Why the Billiou Stillwell Perine House Remains Significant Today
A Symbol of Preservation and Heritage
The house stands as a testament to the power of preservation, reminding modern communities that safeguarding historic structures helps maintain a tangible connection to shared roots.
Lessons Modern Homes Can Learn From Historic Design
- Quality craftsmanship—materials chosen to last generations.
- Sustainable building practices—using locally sourced, renewable resources.
- Functional layouts—rooms arranged for efficiency and comfort.
These timeless principles continue to inspire contemporary architects and homeowners.
Interesting Facts About the Billiou Stillwell Perine House
Fact Detail
Oldest surviving frame The original timber frame dates to 1664, making it one of the oldest in New York State.
Secret cellar A small cellar was used for food storage and as a hideaway during the Revolutionary War.
Family garden The Stillwells maintained a herb garden whose layout is still visible through old stone pathways.
Restoration milestone In 1998, a major restoration earned a preservation award for its faithful use of period materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Billiou Stillwell Perine House
What is the Billiou Stillwell Perine House?
A 17th‑century colonial home on Staten Island that exemplifies Dutch‑Colonial architecture and reflects the lives of three influential families.
When was the Billiou Stillwell Perine House built?
Construction began in the mid‑1600s, with the earliest portions dating to around 1664.
Who were the original owners of the Billiou Stillwell Perine House?
The property was first owned by Pierre Billiou and his family, early Dutch settlers who helped shape Staten Island’s development.
What architectural style does the Billiou Stillwell Perine House represent?
It is a classic example of Dutch‑Colonial style, featuring a gambrel roof, stone foundation, and symmetrical fenestration.
Where Does Billiou Stillwell Perine Currently Live?
If you mean the Billiou–Stillwell–Perine House, it does not appear to be a private current residence. It is a historic house museum in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, at 1476 Richmond Road, and is owned by the Staten Island Historical Society / Historic Richmond Town.
Billiou Stillwell Perine House Photos
