While rising mercury turns Bronx houses and buildings into saunas, an over 200 year strong Bronx home stays cool without any AC.  The Valentine-Varian house in the Norwood section of the Bronx remained open to the public during the recent 90+ degree temperatures as it's been since 1968. The interior, unaffected by the intense heat stayed at an unbelievably pleasant temperature without the use of air conditioning or even a single fan.  The sturdy fieldstone farmhouse has been doing so since its construction in 1758 according to staff at the New York city landmark. 

  The four level Bainbridge Avenue building remains cool due to its 20-inch thick walls. This symmetrical structure design allows a comfortable retreat from summer heat or winter cold.  The hand-forged nails unite the spacious oak and pine hard-wood flooring that  catch light from single pane splayed windows inside the structure.  Outside, the symmetry reveals the Georgian architectural influence. Two identical chimneys at either side of the house add a strong accent to the stone farmhouse as well as the centered  windows and door that ironically display equality from a house built by a slave-owner. 

  Built by a blacksmith named Isaac Valentine, the house is no stranger to intense conditions.  It has survived blizzards, hurricanes and everything mother nature has thrown at it for for over 2 centuries. It has also taken everything that human-kind could throw at it including more than 5 fierce battles during the Revolutionary war that are not only well documented on paper but proven with the numerous metal cannon balls found on the property.

  This testament to working-class engineering has also survived the complications of the capitalist economy that resulted in the entire structure undergoing a two-day move by a tremendous 48- wheeled dolly to its present site in 1965.  

  This former home of the Bronx Historical Society  (now located across the street at 3309 Bainbridge Avenue) contains a well-organized display of Bronx history.  Information about Bronxites from Edgar Allan Poe to Afrika Bambaataa and exhibits pertaining to the lives of its many occupants, including a former New York City Mayor, and rotating bi-annual exhibitions can be found in the house. 

Come experience the difference that 20 inches of stone powered climate control creates and see the beauty of Bronx history.

The house is located at: 3266 Bainbridge Avenue,Bronx, NY 10467-3004 in Williamsbridge Oval Park. 
The house is open to the public on Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 1pm-5pm

Guided tours are available by appointment. - (718) 881-8900

Mass transit directions: D to 205th Street; #4 to Mosholu Parkway Bus: Bx10, 16, 28, 30, or 34 to Bainbridge Ave./208th Street

MTA  Express Bus (previously Liberty Lines) 4A, 4B

Admission for adults is $5, and $3 for students, children & seniors

For additional information, visit The Valentine-Varian House official Web site:
www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org/vvhouse.html