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Although composed of two buildings, the complex is strongly unified. Residents are said to have the best location on campus, since the houses are close to both Neilson Library and the Campus Center.
In 1896, Smith trustees were astonished when the college was bequeathed a large sum of money from Eliza Appleton Haven. She was unknown to alumnae, faculty, or trustees. Equally surprised were some of her family members, who contested her will. It is believed that Ms. Haven wished to demonstrate her support for the education of women.
 
Her generosity allowed Smith to purchase two houses along Elm Street. Today they are known as Haven-Wesley, and provide housing for 71 Smith students.
Havenites and
Wesleyites pride themselves on living in a diverse and spirited
house. The bright yellow color of Haven
makes it one of the most attractive houses on campus. On
autumn and spring days, residents can be found on Haven's
porch swing talking and enjoying the weather.
Haven-Wesley
is also notable because writer Sylvia Plath once lived
there.
Wesley House was relocated to its current location between Haven House and Hopkins House to accommodate the construction of Smith College's campus center. The building received two small additions to provide for an accessible entrance and a new egress stair tower. New thermal pane windows and a new coat of paint, as well as slate and copper roof materials, dressed up the exterior. The interior reconfiguration included new finishes throughout, egress improvements, new fire separation doors, and a complete renovation of the house bathrooms.
Modifications for accessibility
included the new entrances, a fully accessible first floor
and barrier
free access to all public spaces in the building.
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