Preserving Weston's Rural Character

Introduction

This book has been prepared by the Weston Planning Board to help developers and homeowners understand what we call -- for lack of a better term -- Weston's "rural character".

Weston has a particular look which is special to the town. Our wooded landscape is knit together by a network of narrow, winding roads dating back to the 18th century. These roads are lined with stone walls and natural vegetation (not weeds!). Mature trees provide a buffer between streets and houses. Interspersed along scenic roads are historic neighborhoods each with their own sense of place.

This book attempts to explain what makes Weston look different from neighboring suburban communities. We are not making judgments as to what is "good" and "bad", as this is a matter of taste. Weston's informal landscape style is not better than the more formal look of neighboring suburbs -- it's just different. And it's something we value as part of our identity as a community.

By explaining what constitutes Weston's version of rural character, we hope new homes can be designed to fit comfortably within the architectural and landscape traditions of the town.

Weston Planning Board
Kathryn Detwiler, Chairman
Roger Lee
Alfred L. Aydelott
Pamela W. Fox
Lee Fernandez