Shipcarpenter Square was conceived by its original developer, Lewestown Restorations, Inc., a partnership enterprise formed by Jack Vessels and David Dunbar, as a Lewes community of historic homes to be grouped around a grass commons or green. The homes consist of historic homes that were relocated from other locations in Delaware and consist mostly of Sussex County colonial style farmhouses constructed from the late 1700’s through the late 1800’s. Most of the homes were built before 1850, the original cutoff date set by Lewestown Restorations, Inc,, with the exception of two Victorian houses.
The first historic homes were relocated to the community in the early 1980s. While some structures were moved to the site more or less intact, others were dismantled, moved, and then reassembled. Due to their age and deteriorated condition, most homes had their original roofs and siding replaced in conjunction with their reconstruction. Typically, structural elements, some interior trim details and the original architectural style were preserved. Due to their relatively small size, most of the historic homes had additions built at the time of their original reconstruction. Many have had additions built subsequently, often in conjunction with ownership change.
Screened-in porches, decks, gazebos, sunrooms, swimming pools and garages have little precedence in colonial period architecture, but it is recognized that such features/structures are an important part of contemporary living, and have been from the beginning a part of the Shipcarpenter Square community. Where they exist, the goal has been to have such elements utilize materials and be of an architectural style that allows them to “blend in” with the old (historic) structure. Some instances have been more successful than others.
As property values increase and ownership changes occur, there has been a trend toward the expansion of homes through larger additions. This is a natural and understandable process that can occur within the framework of the Deed Restrictions, last revised and consolidated in 2014. Variances for hardship can occur, and an appeals process exists to ensure fairness. Some matters of design are necessarily subjective, including those that involve interpretation of such concepts as compatibility, harmony and appropriateness.
The Deed Restrictions document ensures the continuing historic character of the community by providing restrictions regarding the use of property and guidelines for making architectural decisions.
In the long run, we believe that one homeowner’s restriction is another homeowner’s protection.