Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, expertly crafted woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall.
British General Richard Prescott made Overing’s house his country headquarters during the British occupation of Newport during the American Revolution. It was from here that he was captured by Patriot commander Lt. Col. William Barton in an embarrassing night time raid. Eventually local people began to refer to the Overing farm as Prescott Farm, an homage to this early Patriot victory.
