Built by Reynolds for a noted lawyer and Revolutionary War hero, this is one of several large, elaborate houses in East Greenwich dating from the early 1770s that were the product of a talented builder and the taste of cosmopolitan patrons. The proportions of the front elevation are exceptional, as is the correctness of the pedimented entrance porch with Ionic columns. The same qualities appear in detailing inside as well, where particular note should be taken of the dining room fireplace with its broken pediment overmantel. The armory on Main Street (
EG1) commemorates James Varnum's military exploits.