Intricate wood carvings wrap around the mantels like delicate lace, while doors fitted with bullseye glass catch the sunlight and scatter it in patterns. Hand-painted murals sweep across the ceilings — every detail offering a glimpse into the Victorian-era craftsmanship preserved within the 1825 mansion in Concord.
From the outside, its simple red-brick facade blends quietly into the downtown landscape. Inside, the Kimball House at 44 S. Main St. reveals a level of opulence most people never realize is there.
Often overlooked, the building originally served as a private residence before being converted into an infirmary in the mid-1800s.
Over the decades, the mansion changed hands many times — a history that, according to Steve Martin, director of production & facilities at the Capitol Center for the Arts, is written into the walls themselves.
“It is a hidden gem, because people just don’t really know it’s here,” he said. “It’s extremely underused. When we’ve tried to rent it, there’s a very low volume of rentals and also, because it is such a broken-up space.”
Martin said the building, with its beautiful architecture and layout, is perfectly suited for hosting a cocktail-style after-wedding celebration.
In the 1880s, Benjamin Kimball, a prominent railroad baron in the region, converted it into his private residence. Evidence of his era remains: three imposing safes, a formal dining room, a cozy library, a parlor, and a stately boardroom all evoke the life of a 19th-century elite.
In 1995, ownership passed to the Capitol Center for the Arts.
The major restoration work on the building began in 2004, including repainting the walls.
Martin said that after the building changed hands, the walls had been painted mint green and some sections white.
During the renovation, they were updated to a warm rouge tone, reflecting the colors the building would have had during the Victorian era.
Some sections of the mansion still require attention, but the biggest challenge is funding.
Back in 2004, the restoration budget was $329,000 — a modest sum for a sprawling home of more than 11,750 square feet.
“It’s been difficult trying to get money for this building, for restoration, for whatever reason,” said Martin. “I don’t have the money right now, but I never have had a lot of money for this building.”
In several rooms, the effects of time are evident, with peeling walls and other visible damage.
Beyond finances, another obstacle in the restoration process is finding skilled artisans with the expertise needed to preserve the building’s historic features.
Despite the shortage of funds, the mansion still inspires awe, particularly with some of its original elements. Features like the green-stained-glass window in the dining room have been carefully maintained.
Throughout the mansion, visitors can see a mingling of old and new.
While some chandeliers have been replaced with replicas, the original gas-electric fixtures remain.
These fixtures, popular in the late 19th century, were designed to use both gas and electricity — a practical solution at a time when electricity was becoming available but was not yet fully reliable.
Certain areas of the mansion showcase materials brought from across the globe. The mosaic tiles gracing the front entrance, in shades of grey, brick red and beige, were imported all the way from Britain.
A stroll through the Kimball House is like stepping back in time. From the lavish décor to the intricate architecture and the thoughtful room layout, every element tells a story.
“It’s a big part of Concord’s history,” said Martin. “This building, they say, is really kind of an odd mixture of different periods.”