Miles W. Rapalee House
45 Seneca Street
Built 1876
45 Seneca Street
Owned by Patricia Ely
Standing at 45 Seneca Street, the Miles W. Raplee House is one of Dundee’s distinctive historic homes—a beautifully preserved example of Victorian architecture with a fascinating history, remarkable craftsmanship, and a few stories tucked behind its walls.
According to the abstract, the home was built in 1876. However, other records indicate that ground was broken for this beautiful “smaller scale” mansion sometime after August of 1878. Regardless, this home is a stunning example of early prosperity, and has been lovingly cared for by her owner, Patricia (Pat/Patti) Ely.
The house was designed by Mr. Allington of Penn Yan and built for Miles W. Raplee, a local Dundee boy who grew up to become a highly successful businessman and family man. By around 1878, Raplee’s business ventures had grown to the point where he needed to live in the Village. He wanted a home for his family that was modest in size, tasteful, and comfortable.
The house was also reportedly something of a technological marvel for its time. According to local lore, it was the first home in the Village to have indoor plumbing, with gravity-fed water supplied to the kitchen—an innovation that undoubtedly made everyday household chores considerably easier.
A “Painted Lady” with Victorian Character
Architecturally, the Miles W. Raplee House is predominantly Italianate, featuring finely detailed ornamentation throughout.
Look closely and you’ll find craftsmanship that has survived for nearly 150 years. The roof of the south bay and the top of the tower still feature beautiful iron cresting, an architectural detail that has often been removed or lost from historic homes. The lintels above the windows feature delicate cut patterns that are echoed in the smaller porch brackets.
The home’s comfortable porches frame the exterior and give it a welcoming character. In 2002, the exterior received another distinctive touch when the Elys painted the house in a colorful historic palette, giving it the appearance of a classic “Painted Lady.”
The property’s original carriage house remains as well, adding another layer to the home’s Victorian character.
A Careful Restoration
Steve and Pat Ely purchased the home on October 11, 1996. Pat has been the lone steward of the home since 2006, and over the past 30 years has devoted considerable time and care to restoring and preserving its historic character.
She restored the interior to its original grandeur, including painting and exposing original oak wainscoting. Window coverings were replaced, with some custom-made by Pat Ely.
Previous owners had made several changes to the home over the years. These included making the upstairs bathroom smaller to create a hallway and enlarging the maid’s room. The home’s second staircase is no longer used, while the kitchen and mudroom were renovated to create a large eat-in kitchen designed to make family gatherings more convenient—and more fun.
The Elys’ efforts helped retain much of what makes the home special.
A great-granddaughter of a previous owner was once delighted to see that the house remained predominantly in its original condition, with only a few minor changes. She still had fond memories of her grandmother sitting in the second-floor foyer, brushing her hair.
Preserving the Details
Pat Ely says that while the utilities had already been updated before she and Steve purchased the property, aesthetics became an important part of their restoration. “All utilities, electric, plumbing, and heating, were all updated prior to our purchase. Aesthetics was the major change to every room of the home as well as to her exterior.”
Pat created the exterior historic paint palette that transformed the house into a true “Painted Lady.” Today, the exterior displays eight different colors, including one shade of green that Patricia says is an original paint color of the house.
The preservation of the property was recognized by Mary Todd of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation during a Public Hearing. After presenting a photograph of the property, Todd described, “This property is a perfect example of a property to be listed on the NYS Historic Residential Property Register.”
The home was subsequently listed after the Dundee Historic District was formed.
Inside, the house retains an impressive collection of original features.
Both the house and carriage house are exceptionally well preserved. The main house has its original horse-hair plaster ceilings and walls, unique plaster crown moldings throughout the first floor, original ceiling light fixtures that were converted from gas to electric, original windows and doors—with the exception of four kitchen windows—and original parquet wood flooring.
Many of the windows still contain their original wavy glass, offering a tangible reminder of the home’s age.
A Safe, a Mural and a Little Mystery
Among the home’s most unusual features is a detail hidden beneath the curved staircase: a vault, or safe, installed by Miles Raplee himself. The staircase also features a hand-painted mural, adding yet another unexpected artistic element to the home. According to Patricia, Raplee apparently didn’t have much faith in banks. And, remarkably, she still has the combination to the safe.
Even the painted trim throughout the house tells a story. Patricia notes that all of the trim has always been painted, which is evidence of the home’s connection to the village elite. Miles Raplee was, after all, a highly successful Dundee businessman.
The Carriage House
The property’s original carriage house is nearly as fascinating as the main residence.
It retains its original wood-planked flooring, horse stall with grain bin, original windows and wide-open second floor. A custom garage door was originally created to make the structure easier to access. Patricia has since replaced it with another custom door designed to better complement the period character of the building.
A heated and air-conditioned workshop was also added to the rear of the carriage house years ago.
A Home Full of Memories
For Pat Ely, the Miles W. Raplee House is more than an architectural treasure. It has been the setting for countless celebrations, family gatherings, and happy memories.
45 Seneca Street
Owned by Patricia Ely
Standing at 45 Seneca Street, the Miles W. Raplee House is one of Dundee’s distinctive historic homes—a beautifully preserved example of Victorian architecture with a fascinating history, remarkable craftsmanship, and a few stories tucked behind its walls.
According to the abstract, the home was built in 1876. However, other records indicate that ground was broken for this beautiful “smaller scale” mansion sometime after August of 1878. Regardless, this home is a stunning example of early prosperity, and has been lovingly cared for by her owner, Patricia (Pat/Patti) Ely.
The house was designed by Mr. Allington of Penn Yan and built for Miles W. Raplee, a local Dundee boy who grew up to become a highly successful businessman and family man. By around 1878, Raplee’s business ventures had grown to the point where he needed to live in the Village. He wanted a home for his family that was modest in size, tasteful, and comfortable.
The house was also reportedly something of a technological marvel for its time. According to local lore, it was the first home in the Village to have indoor plumbing, with gravity-fed water supplied to the kitchen—an innovation that undoubtedly made everyday household chores considerably easier.
A “Painted Lady” with Victorian Character
Architecturally, the Miles W. Raplee House is predominantly Italianate, featuring finely detailed ornamentation throughout.
Look closely and you’ll find craftsmanship that has survived for nearly 150 years. The roof of the south bay and the top of the tower still feature beautiful iron cresting, an architectural detail that has often been removed or lost from historic homes. The lintels above the windows feature delicate cut patterns that are echoed in the smaller porch brackets.
The home’s comfortable porches frame the exterior and give it a welcoming character. In 2002, the exterior received another distinctive touch when the Elys painted the house in a colorful historic palette, giving it the appearance of a classic “Painted Lady.”
The property’s original carriage house remains as well, adding another layer to the home’s Victorian character.
A Careful Restoration
Steve and Pat Ely purchased the home on October 11, 1996. Pat has been the lone steward of the home since 2006, and over the past 30 years has devoted considerable time and care to restoring and preserving its historic character.
She restored the interior to its original grandeur, including painting and exposing original oak wainscoting. Window coverings were replaced, with some custom-made by Pat Ely.
Previous owners had made several changes to the home over the years. These included making the upstairs bathroom smaller to create a hallway and enlarging the maid’s room. The home’s second staircase is no longer used, while the kitchen and mudroom were renovated to create a large eat-in kitchen designed to make family gatherings more convenient—and more fun.
The Elys’ efforts helped retain much of what makes the home special.
A great-granddaughter of a previous owner was once delighted to see that the house remained predominantly in its original condition, with only a few minor changes. She still had fond memories of her grandmother sitting in the second-floor foyer, brushing her hair.
Preserving the Details
Pat Ely says that while the utilities had already been updated before she and Steve purchased the property, aesthetics became an important part of their restoration. “All utilities, electric, plumbing, and heating, were all updated prior to our purchase. Aesthetics was the major change to every room of the home as well as to her exterior.”
Pat created the exterior historic paint palette that transformed the house into a true “Painted Lady.” Today, the exterior displays eight different colors, including one shade of green that Patricia says is an original paint color of the house.
The preservation of the property was recognized by Mary Todd of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation during a Public Hearing. After presenting a photograph of the property, Todd described, “This property is a perfect example of a property to be listed on the NYS Historic Residential Property Register.”
The home was subsequently listed after the Dundee Historic District was formed.
Inside, the house retains an impressive collection of original features.
Both the house and carriage house are exceptionally well preserved. The main house has its original horse-hair plaster ceilings and walls, unique plaster crown moldings throughout the first floor, original ceiling light fixtures that were converted from gas to electric, original windows and doors—with the exception of four kitchen windows—and original parquet wood flooring.
Many of the windows still contain their original wavy glass, offering a tangible reminder of the home’s age.
A Safe, a Mural and a Little Mystery
Among the home’s most unusual features is a detail hidden beneath the curved staircase: a vault, or safe, installed by Miles Raplee himself. The staircase also features a hand-painted mural, adding yet another unexpected artistic element to the home. According to Patricia, Raplee apparently didn’t have much faith in banks. And, remarkably, she still has the combination to the safe.
Even the painted trim throughout the house tells a story. Patricia notes that all of the trim has always been painted, which is evidence of the home’s connection to the village elite. Miles Raplee was, after all, a highly successful Dundee businessman.
The Carriage House
The property’s original carriage house is nearly as fascinating as the main residence.
It retains its original wood-planked flooring, horse stall with grain bin, original windows and wide-open second floor. A custom garage door was originally created to make the structure easier to access. Patricia has since replaced it with another custom door designed to better complement the period character of the building.
A heated and air-conditioned workshop was also added to the rear of the carriage house years ago.
A Home Full of Memories
For Pat Ely, the Miles W. Raplee House is more than an architectural treasure. It has been the setting for countless celebrations, family gatherings, and happy memories.