Built in 1735 by French and Indian War veteran Colonel John Ashley, a founder of the old quarry town of Sheffield, this house is said to be the oldest complete house in the Berkshires. It is exquisitely decorated in Colonial period paneling, broad fireplace and staircase, hand carvings, ornaments and decorations and includes many items of pottery and tools, including some of Ashley's primitive "rod and chain" surveying equipment. In addition to being a lawyer and a gentleman of some refinement, Ashley was a patriotic revolutionary. On this site in 1773 he helped draft the famous Sheffield Declaration, boldly vituperating the British Parliament, three years before Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.