Vail Estate

This eclectic Victorian was part of the Vail Estate, which stretched almost the entire block. The family’s land would butt right up to the existing properties that line Watchung Ave from East Seventh to Franklin Place. 

The house appears on an 1879 map as a single-family residence owned by a Vail, but not necessarily J. W. Vail, who owned most of the land. It would not be uncommon for families to own plots of land next to or on the same block as each other, occupying the majority of that particular area.

As you look over this modest home you will see fine ornamental details on the porch, the small balcony in the gabled pediment, and the fan-shaped bracket on the north side. This is made of wood siding and still retains much of its original architectural features. This house could have been a Stick style Italianate that was altered during the Victorian era to give a bit more flare.