The Perron House: DCLT’s Future Headquarters

DCLT received a historic home donation at 277 Dudley Oxford Road and acquired surrounding land linked to Mass Audubon’s Pierpont Meadow Sanctuary from the Perron family. The property fits nicely within the east Dudley/west Oxford wildlife corridor that we have been trying to protect.

This early 1800s post and beam cape, built during the Greek Revival Period (circa 1815-1830), showcases original structural details like a five-sided ride pole. Recognized by the community for its quaint red home and associated barn, it reflects 19th-century design principles and maintains its agricultural history. Previously owned by farmers, including Mr. Leonidas Ballard and Mr. S, Larned, it is noted by the Dudley Historical Commission as “a relatively rare example of a once ubiquitous element of the historic landscape.” The house is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places due to its agricultural context.

Overall, the house is in good condition for its age, but restoration work is planned for the future. DCLT is excited about this opportunity to restore and preserve this home with our immediate expected use to be for storage and board meeting space and other more elaborate potential plans for the future. Future plans could include using the space as a way station for a hiking trail, a venue for our small educational events, and/or even eventually as a unique home for a potential DCLT sanctuary caretaker to stay.