Follett House, Burlington
The Follett House stands as the city’s last surviving grand 19th-century lakeside mansion, a reminder of a time when the waterfront was lined with elegant private residences. Built in 1840 for businessman and later railroad executive Timothy Follett, the house reflects both personal ambition and the broader economic optimism of the era.
Designed by Ammi B. Young—also known for the Vermont State House—it remains one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in Vermont. Despite Follett’s financial downfall in the 1850s, the property continued to pass through prominent hands before transitioning to institutional use from 1885 onward. Its historical and architectural significance was formally recognized with its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The Follett House faces Lake Champlain and features a terraced lawn. This 2½-story brick structure with a clapboard exterior is distinguished by its Greek Revival façade, including six Doric columns, a pediment, tall windows, and a second-floor balcony. Additional elements include a side portico and a cupola added in the 1880s, making it a rare surviving example of Burlington’s historic lakeside architecture.
Designed by Ammi B. Young—also known for the Vermont State House—it remains one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in Vermont. Despite Follett’s financial downfall in the 1850s, the property continued to pass through prominent hands before transitioning to institutional use from 1885 onward. Its historical and architectural significance was formally recognized with its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The Follett House faces Lake Champlain and features a terraced lawn. This 2½-story brick structure with a clapboard exterior is distinguished by its Greek Revival façade, including six Doric columns, a pediment, tall windows, and a second-floor balcony. Additional elements include a side portico and a cupola added in the 1880s, making it a rare surviving example of Burlington’s historic lakeside architecture.
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Follett House on Map
Sight Name: Follett House
Sight Location: Burlington, USA (See walking tours in Burlington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Burlington, USA (See walking tours in Burlington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Burlington, Vermont
Create Your Own Walk in Burlington
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Burlington Introduction Walking Tour
19th century American romantic poet and writer William Cullen Bryant described Lake Champlain as the most beautiful sheet of water he ever saw.
Burlington, the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont, sits along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, with views stretching toward the Adirondack Mountains. The city was chartered in 1763 by New Hampshire’s colonial governor, Benning Wentworth,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Burlington, the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont, sits along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, with views stretching toward the Adirondack Mountains. The city was chartered in 1763 by New Hampshire’s colonial governor, Benning Wentworth,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles