Murdock Hill, South side of Old Clinton Road (U.S. Route 1), 1 mile east of Horse Hill Road, Westbrook, Middlesex County, CT

Significance: The significance of Murdock Hill lies in the architecture of tis two principal buildings the Murdock House (circa 1750-1800; remodeled circa 1929) and the Lape-Read House (1929). The former possesses the fundamental design and construction characteristics of modest, rural, domestic architecture of the period. In addition, it represents, through later changes, an adaptation to a new design aesthetic and an unusual approach to restoration. The latter is an excellent example of early twentieth century rustic architecture notable for its masonry and woodwork, as well as unusual interior design, which is reflected in the arrangement of the facade. Both buildings are enhanced by the proximity and similar fieldstone exterior treatment of the other. The surrounding, informal landscape setting, an historic agricultural landscape overlain with early twentieth century rural, residential design elements, is important to the visual sense of time and place and to understanding how the property was used by its occupants.
Survey number: HABS CT-416