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The Fairfield Beautification Commission is proud to present the Rose Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation to Aaron and Melanny Hirshberg, owners of the historic home at 107 West Washington Avenue, Fairfield.

This marks the first time the Beautification Rose Award has been given for Historic Preservation and Restoration in Fairfield—a recognition well deserved for the extraordinary work undertaken by the Hirshbergs on this Georgian and Federal style home, originally built in 1871.

The home's historical significance stems from its association with William Louden, co-founder of the Louden Machinery Company, along with his brother R.B. Louden. In 1897, R.B. and Lizzie Louden purchased the property. In 1929, the Carriage House was added, featuring what are believed to be Fairfield’s first electric garage doors for commercial use. Both the main house and Carriage House were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, due to their ties to the prominent Louden family and their innovative company.

Aaron and Melanny began restoring the property in 2020, recently completing work on the Carriage House, now open to the public as an Airbnb. Their vision for the renovation was to honor the legacy of the Louden Machinery Company. William Louden is credited with inventing the hay carrier (also called a hay trolley), a system of pulleys and rope designed to move hay from a wagon to the top of a barn using a horse instead of a human. Guests at the Airbnb can view an authentic Louden hay trolley on display, offering a glimpse into Fairfield’s industrial past (see attached photo).

The restoration has been nothing short of meticulous. All windows in both the main home and the Carriage House have been restored. In the Carriage House, Aaron carefully refurbished the original tub and vanity sink. The couple preserved the charm of old-fashioned push-button light switches by replicating their appearance in a complete electrical upgrade. Plumbing and HVAC systems were also modernized.

Inside the main house, Melanny restored the ornate original woodwork, and the couple’s exquisite taste shines in the thoughtfully renovated kitchen and bathrooms, where period-appropriate fixtures and hardware reflect the home’s Georgian and Federal style roots.

Our tour concluded with a peaceful stroll through their beautifully hardscaped and landscaped yard—a woodsy, park-like setting that feels both elegant and inviting. The transformation was so striking that we are thrilled to also present Aaron and Melanny with a second Rose Award—for Excellence in Landscaping. Congratulations to the Hirshbergs! Your work is not only a gift to the past but a remarkable enhancement to the Fairfield community.