Think of a time capsule. This is the Historic Wyckoff-Bennett-Mont Residence. It stands as an incredibly intact 18th-century farmhouse. Imagine, it’s a type of property that rarely appears on the market in Brooklyn.
The Historic Wyckoff-Bennett-Mont Residence offers a glimpse into New York City’s Dutch colonial past. Built around 1766, this rectangular farmhouse shows Dutch colonial architecture. It’s one of the few remaining Dutch farmhouses in New York City.
Hendrick H. Wyckoff constructed the frame dwelling. It was once part of a much larger farm. In 1835 Cornelius W. Bennett bought the house and acreage. The Bennett family kept it until the 1980s.
An oft-told tale speaks of Hessian soldiers. They bunked in the house during the Revolutionary War. Two of them scratched their names into the windowpanes. These glass sections were removed and preserved offering a tangible link to that era.
In 1983, the Monts purchased the Historic Wyckoff-Bennett-Mont Residence and its contents. Annette Mont called it a living museum in 2010. It contained furnishings, silverware, historic photographs and manuscripts of the original owners.
The Historic Wyckoff-Bennett-Mont Residence was named a New York City landmark in 1968. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This doesn’t protect the interior. The interior reflects centuries of history. It shows layers of 18th, 19th and early 20th century details.
The house features a Dutch front door. It also features wide-planked floorboards. You can see large fireplaces with wood mantels. One looks like an 1830s addition. Wainscoting and built-in cabinetry add to its charm.
The Historic Wyckoff-Bennett-Mont Residence sits on a half acre of land. The land includes a barn from about 1899. Any changes to the landmarked site require review.
Over its lifespan three families have lived in the house. The Wyckoff family lived there until 1835. The Bennett family used the property for farming. The Mont family intended to sell to New York City. The deal fell through.
During the American Revolution Hessian forces occupied the homestead. They used it as quarters for their officers. The names of two Hessian officers are carved into the windowpanes. They are Toepfer and Bach.
Though the Mont family intended to sell the property to New York City when they passed away, the deal fell through. So, the Mont’s plan was to pass the home onto their children instead.
The Historic Wyckoff-Bennett-Mont Residence stands as a testament to time. It connects us to the lives of those who came before. It reminds us of the ever-changing landscape of our city. A unique slice of New York’s past is preserved within its walls.