Historic Homes of Maine

Understanding the Language of Historic Preservation

2012-02-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

by Alyssa Bouthot, Sales Agent- Licensed Assistant to Kimberly Swan
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When discussing historic homes it is important to understand several key terms that are often used incorrectly to describe the conservation process.

Preservation generally refers to the concern for the rate of consumption of a building. The most commonly accepted practice of preservation involves stabilizing the building, first and foremost, and then maintaining its features in their most original form possible.

British Philosopher and Architectural Critic John Ruskin is known for his “let it be” approach to preservation. Ruskin believed that the aging surface of the building, referred to as the patina, should remain untouched to simply add character to the building.

Drayton Hall in Charleston, South Carolina is arguably the most pristine example of preservation in the United States. With no plumbing, electricity, furnishings, or major renovations, the 300 year old home stands at near original condition:

www.draytonhall.org

Restoration refers to returning a building to its appearance at a specific point in time. This involves either adding features that are missing, or removing features that were added at a later date. One familiar example of restoration in our community is the Victoria Mansion in Portland’s West End. This picture shows the restoration completed in the mansion’s Turkish Smoking Room:

www.victoriamansion.org

Similarly, reconstruction also brings a building back to its exact appearance at a specific point in time; however, reconstruction refers to reproducing a building that has vanished or was beyond the point of restoration. This process starts from the ground up, and the first stages can be seen at the site of Benjamin Franklin’s historic home in Philadelphia. Here at Franklin Court, the National Park Service built a steel frame outlining Franklin’s former home so that any future plans for reconstruction would be executed accurately:

www.ushistory.org/tour/franklin-court.htm

The final two terms refer to the practices that are most common with historic homes today. Rehabilitation is used to describe updates to a home that save historically important features (such as fixtures, moldings, etc) while adding more contemporary components that make the home more efficient by today’s standards. Renovation, on the other hand, generally refers to updates to a home that completely replace historic features with modern components. These two approaches are most common for private historic homes that are not being used as museums or public viewing sites.

we are maine...

2012-01-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-29T05:56:00.001-07:00

York Hall - Bath, Maine

2011-10-23T16:39:00.001-07:00

We could not be more proud to be handling the sale of another Peabody & Stearns designed beauty. York Hall is located on the corner of Washington, Edward and Carriage House Lane in Bath - Maine's most well known ship building town.

Ravenscleft in Seal Harbor

2011-08-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Built in 1901, the first house to be contructed on Cooksey Drive in Seal Harbor - now home to some of the most significant properties in Maine. Visit the website at http://www.ravenscleft.com/ .

Northeast Harbor Summer Cottage

2010-11-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

Linda Jonas of The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty represented the buyers on this authentic Fred Savage designed Northeast Harbor summer cottage. The Knowles Company represented the seller. Thank you to Jane Beaman for this great photo.

Sneak Peek

2010-06-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

We are almost ready to announce our website launch. Just a few more bugs to work out. Take a look and let us know if you see something that needs attention.

www.historichomesofmaine.com

Blue Hill

2010-06-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

This new listing has interesting historical ties to another prominent Blue Hill property.

Original Plantings

2010-05-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

It is beautiful to see flowers that have been on properties for hundreds of years and just keep coming back. This is the time of the year to celebrate them.

1862

2010-05-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful property. Congratulations to the buyers and sellers and to our agents Midge Smith and Christina Deetjen who represented the sellers and buyers respectively.

Period Details

2010-05-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

When a home has been fortunate enough to retain original appointments from 1895, they are a sight to behold.

Grindstone Neck

2010-04-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

If you love Historic Maine Homes, a wonderful field trip is to go to Winter Harbor and take a ride around Grindstone Neck. The architecture is amazing, even the new homes pay homage to the historical significance of the homes around them. Then take a ride down to the Schoodic part of Acadia National Park. The views are INCREDIBLE.

Seal Harbor

2010-04-26T16:27:00.001-07:00

This Seal Harbor home was listed and under contract in no time. Built in 1900, we knew it wouldn't last long.

Not Maine but... an email from the Atlanta Sotheby's Affiliate

2010-04-02T15:31:00.001-07:00

Inns Being Purchased as Homes

2010-03-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

Trend perhaps? The gorgeous Dark Harbor House on Islesboro is the third former B&B we have sold in less than a year that will now be a private home. We've seen this pendulum swing before....

Historic Inns

2010-03-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Some of the nicest Historic Homes in Maine have been converted to Inns and Bed & Breakfasts. Interestingly enough, in the current market, several of these properties are being purchased and converted back to homes. Shown above are Kenniston Hill in Boothbay and Timbercliffe Cottage in Camden.

Beautiful Historic Property Under Contract

2010-03-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

Historical Societies

2010-03-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Spending a lot of time researching all of the Historical Societies in Maine. There are so many and so many really loyal volunteers.
We are going to have links and a contact list on our new website.

Another Historic Home Listing

2010-02-04T16:36:00.001-08:00

New Listing in Ellsworth

2010-01-29T17:28:00.001-08:00

Innkeepers

2010-01-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

Many of Maine's Historic Homes biggest fans are innkeepers. These are people who want to not only experience the beauty of an historic home but want to share it with others.

At Maine Innkeeping Academy we are going to be offering classes to current and aspiring innkeepers on the historic significance of their properties and how to share this information with potential guests. Fun stuff!

Island View Inn

2010-01-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

Beautiful view of Bar Harbor and Acadia Mountains from this property built in 1890 in Sullivan.

Looking forward to 2010

2009-12-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

We are so excited about 2010 plans for Historic Homes of Maine. This is going to be one of the premier marketing outlets for the unique and special homes of our entire State! Can't wait to share more information.

SOLD

2009-12-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

One of the most beautiful landmarks in Portland West End neighborhood. This property at the corner of Vaughn and Pine Streets has been sold and is being converted from stunning apartments to luxury condos. So great that people are going to be able to own these fantastic units. It was our honor to represent the sellers to make this sale a reality. We look forward to working with many, many more clients in the Portland market.

Bath, Maine

2009-11-24T14:29:00.001-08:00

This property in Bath has some of the most wonderful details of any historic home we have seen.

Inn now Home...

2009-11-19T13:47:00.000-08:00

The Tides was built as a summer home in the late 1800's as West Street in Bar Harbor was becoming known as Millionaire's Row. Today, West Street is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The sellers have been running a very exclusive shorefront inn here but the new owners are planning to keep it for themselves, sharing it with a family that loves Bar Harbor and Maine.

Linda Jonas represented the buyers and Pat Coston represented the sellers. Congratulations to ALL!

Historic Maine Home Styles

2009-11-15T06:09:00.001-08:00

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=291256&ac=Home

Website

2009-11-10T05:55:00.001-08:00

Getting very excited about the new Historic Homes of Maine website. Working with our web designer who created maineinnsforsale.com. The sites will be very similar but some fun surprises in store for the Historic site. Everyone with an historic home in Maine that is for sale is going to want it here! Stay tuned!

Milbridge Maine

2009-11-04T16:33:00.001-08:00

Absolutely amazing to see prices in different locations of Maine on historic homes.

Kenniston Hill

2009-11-03T12:09:00.001-08:00

This Boothbay property has long been a favorite and is truly an historical Maine property.

Dark Harbor House UNDER CONTRACT

2009-10-30T14:57:00.001-07:00

Photo Credits

2009-10-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Meant to give photo credits in the earlier post.

The shots of the group on tour and John Bennett with fangs are courtesy of Bradley. The winter shot of Western Promenade is by Dana. :-)

Greater Portland Landmarks Day

2009-10-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic walking tour and class from Greater Portland Landmarks yesterday for our Historic Homes of Maine specialists. After a tour of the Charles B Clarke mansion - which we have listed - we proceeded on a two hour walking tour with Tom Caron, and EXCELLENT guide.

At the end of that chilly but great session we returned to The Pomegranate Inn where the executive director of GPL talked to us about the importance of keeping Historic Homes true and GPLs role in this. Hillary was an excellent speaker and very inspiring.

Scot Fuller's team at Pomegranate then served us an amazing lunch that included the most delicious onion soup ever! A great day attended by: Linda Jonas, Betty Bryer, Gail Caruso, John Bennett, Keith Henley, Erica Bates, Dana Moos, Mary Purslow, Cissy Leonardi, Ted Koehler, Bradley Stager, Midge Smith and Jan Moore.

Williamson House in Belfast

2009-10-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Never have we had more requests from the press for information on a house like we have on this Belfast landmark. Really astounding.

Bass Harbor

2009-10-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

Listing broker, Carroll Fernald, brought this to my attention. An historic building, with significant local history, turned into contemporary homes.

The former Underwood Sardine Factory had a fascinating history that is outlined on the Maine Preservation website. http://www.mainepreservation.com/Endangered/underwoodcannery.shtml

For information on the two units for sale:

http://www.swanagency.com/detail/Bass%20Harbor/5G%20Granville%20Road/4116105

Guilford Maine

2009-10-13T12:31:00.001-07:00

This is a sensational Historic Home renovation completed by local craftsmen. For more information see listing broker Dana Moos's blog at http://www.maineinnbroker.blogspot.com/

Maine Sunday Telegram

2009-10-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Article reviewing book on the evolution of Bar Harbor... off to buy a copy! :-)

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=286774&ac=Audience

Historic Homes Brokers

2009-10-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

If you are a real estate professional in Maine who loves and understands historic homes, we may have a future working together. We have clients throughout the Maine coast contacting us about listing property as they have been looking for the specialist aspect of our company.
We will soon be expanding our brokerage team of Historic Homes specialists. If you are an independent, ethical and enthusiastic Realtor who loves this segment of the business, keep us in the back of your mind. We'll be especially interested in talking to brokers in the mid Coast and Portland area.

East Blue Hill

2009-10-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

Midge Smith in our Blue Hill office just listed a beautiful property, the exact sort of home that we look forward to working with and giving great exposure with our new division.

Lost Bar Harbor

2009-10-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

How many times have you looked at Lost Bar Harbor? I just did again and never get bored. It is the only time I ever wish I had been born earlier,,, :-) Would have been fun to be around Bar Harbor during the height of the "cottage" years.
If you haven't seen this book, you are missing out.

PRESS RELEASE

2009-10-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the Press Release for our new division on our website. www.swanagency.com.

Just click on Press and Press Releases.

Western Promenade Home

2009-09-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

Pick up the current issue of Portland Magazine to see a great article by Colin Sargent on the Charles Clarke House on the corner of Western Promenade and Pine Street in Portland's West End. This beauty is a Swan SIR listing and was just reduced to $2,400,000.
Photo of beautiful foyer on the magazine's webpage. www.portlandmagazine.com

More Pictures of Grey Havens in Georgetown

2009-09-29T15:42:00.001-07:00

Grey Havens was built in 1906 as a summer hotel in the midst of a summer colony and was originally called Seguinland.

Historic MAINE HOMES

2009-09-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

Erica just bought a beautiful book that Historic Home lovers would enjoy.

Historic MAINE HOMES - 300 Years of Great Houses
Photography by Brian Vanden Brink Text by Christopher Glas
Having fun perusing...

Facebook!

2009-09-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

You can now follow us on Facebook!! Be a FAN.

Portland Magazine

2009-09-25T13:20:00.001-07:00

Shots of our listing at 161 Pine Street in Portland's West End on Portland Magazine's website.
http://www.portlandmonthly.com/portmag/2009/06/west-end-pearls/

Devilstone

2009-09-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

Located on Bar Harbor's prestigous Shorepath, this cottage was designed by Rotch and Tilden of Boston and built in 1885 for Mrs George Bowler. The main section of the house was torn down in 1968. Today's Devilstone is the wing that was added onto the original cottage in 1928.

For more listing information: http://www.swanagency.com/

Broker Specialist Candidates

2009-09-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

The following Swan brokers are candidates for the Historic Homes of Maine specialist designation:
Betty Bryer, Gail Caruso, Mary Purslow, Jan Moore, John Bennett, Keith Henley, Erica Bates, Dana Moos, Linda Jonas, Midge Smith, Carroll Fernald and Cissy Leonardi.

Expect GREAT things!

Thanks Followers!

2009-09-22T10:20:00.003-07:00

Thank you to all of our new followers as we get ready to LAUNCH!! :-)

Greater Portland Landmarks

2009-09-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Working to pull together course with Greater Portland Landmarks for brokers. This course is one of the requirements for a Historic Home Specialist designation at the Company. We have a great group of brokers signed up.

Grey Havens

2009-09-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

A fantastic new listing, wonderful history. More to come.

Martha Stewart's Maine Home

2009-09-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, on the new season of the Martha Stewart Show, Martha is taking viewers on a tour of her historical Seal Harbor home. A spectacular property, it was built for carmaker Edsel Ford. This will be the first time that viewers see the house and grounds of this incredible estate.
I remember a visit to Skylands before Ms. Stewart purchased it, it was the first time I met George Ballantyne of Sotheby's who gave us a tour. My first recollection is a fireplace that you could walk into, it was so huge.
Check out website for some video of what the show will have. http://www.marthastewart.com

Tower of Silence

2009-09-12T11:52:00.001-07:00

As the story goes... Joseph Pulitzer was bothered by the sound of the ocean waves lapping and crashing in front of his summer home in Bar Harbor, Maine. He had local craftsmen build him a "tower of silence" where he could go to sleep when the ocean was "acting up". My house, today, sits next to the site of the former Pulitzer estate. Alas, the only thing left is the remains of the tower's foundation, seen here on my neighbor's property.

DownEast Magazine Launch Ad

2009-09-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

Tonya and I - and the brokers - have been working really hard on the Historic Homes of Maine launch ad in DownEast Magazine. There are going to be nine beautiful historic homes featured, from Bar Harbor to Kennebunkport and lots of places in between. These properties are Swan listings even before we launch our new division. Just imagining how far our representation of these homes and properties will go when our niche market project launches.

New Brokers

2009-09-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

I am quickly realizing that there is no way we are going to do this new company division justice without recruiting new brokers for the team.
Even before we have officially launched, things are just buzzing about a real estate team dedicated to and being aware of the histories of Maine's incredible homes.
I can't wait to launch but so glad we are getting all of our ducks in a row first. No doubt that I will have to deal with several "imitiation is the sincerest form of flattery" comments to do with yet one more Swan Agency project.

Launch Ads

2009-09-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

Working hard on ads announcing the launch of Historic Homes of Maine of The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty.
DownEast Magazine and Portland Magazine, coming issues will include historical property listings in Bar Harbor, Portland, Waldoboro, Somesville, Blue Hill, Castine, Kennebunkport among others.
Very, very exciting time for us all.

The Tides - Bar Harbor

2009-09-05T09:43:00.001-07:00

Located on West Street, known in the late 1800's as Millionaire's Row, in Bar Harbor, The Tides is a true beauty. The house was designed by Arthur Rotch of the extremely prominent Boston architectural firm of Rotch and Tilden. It was built in 1887, a Greek Revival waterfront home constructed to the owner's exacting desires. The house was designed for and built for Mr. and Mrs. William B. Rice of Boston. The original floorplans still exist. Visit http://www.swanagency.com/ for more information.

Portland Properties

2009-09-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

In the continuing effort to "practice what we preach" at The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty - I am the proud owner of two properties on either end of the Neal Street - Carroll to Pine block - that each have Greater Portland Landmark Plaques.

Looking forward to doing more research this week.

Blue Hill

2009-09-04T04:50:00.000-07:00

Our newest Historic Home listing is Kalmia Knoll, built in 1914 as a summer retreat for John Davidson. The architect was C. E. Cutler of Westport CT.

The home is situated on a private peninsula with 7.8 acres and 1100’ of shoreline. The grounds of this handsome estate are graced with mature trees and private gardens. The site was selected to provide a very select household with comfort and privacy. The extensive lawns & gardens, sweeping ocean front, a bit of quiet forest, a wide land buffer and a magnificent structure combine to provide an exquisite, private retreat.

The well crafted home has been carefully held in its original grandeur of precisely fashioned granite & cypress. Designed with ocean views from every room, the spacious and flowing rooms are suitable and comfortable for entertaining, family get away, corporate retreat and other nearly endless possibilities. The front terrace leads to the private pier and deep water anchorage. The newly re-constructed seawall, a few feet from the swept-back wings was thoughtfully built to follow the contours on the coastline.

Sprucewold Lodge

2009-09-03T04:25:00.000-07:00

The historic properties in Maine continue to astound me.

I had the pleasure of visiting Sprucewold Lodge in Boothbay Harbor and was amazed at the authenticity of this property, located SO close to the bustle of BBH.

I felt like I was in the Northwoods of Maine, it was so quiet, so real, so calming. The visions of weddings and reading books on the porch were vibrant in my mind and how many past generations must have done just that.

Specialists

2009-09-01T12:57:00.001-07:00

We are establishing the educational and experience requirements to qualify as a Historic Homes of Maine specialist. First and foremost, brokers will need to take a special interest in the history and significance of these special properties. They will also be those who share their expertise with our communities, beyond the world of real estate brokerage.

We are VERY excited to launch this division soon, when the details are all ironed out.

Pine and Vaughn

2009-08-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian sits majestically at the corner of Pine and Vaughn Streets in Portland's West End. A John Calvin Stevens design, it is currently under contract but continues to be shown. Just yesterday we had two very positive viewings and both parties LOVED the building.

Portland's West End

2009-08-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Erica Bates and I took my puppy, Ava, for a long walk today all around the West End neighborhood where I am fortunate to own several properties. It was astounding to us how many of these beautiful homes are designated as Greater Portland Landmarks. We are so excited to pull together our team of specialists for this new Niche Marketing Division of The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty and get to work representing the sellers and buyers of these gorgeous homes with the expertise and understanding that they deserve.

Portland Magazine September Issue

2009-08-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

The September issue of Portland Magazine has a fantastic article, page 83, on our listing The Williamson House in Belfast Maine.

This is a gorgeous property, with a great website: http://www.thewilliamsonhouse.com/.

Introducing!

2009-08-26T17:25:00.001-07:00

The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce the launch of our newest niche marketing group, Historic Homes of Maine.

Historically significant homes add their own lives to yours. We take great pride in presenting to the world unique places and their stories, and in using our innovative marketing tools and global connections to perfectly match time-honored properties with those who give them new life.

Similar to our Maine Inns for Sale group, Historic Homes of Maine will have specialists, specifically trained to work with historic, significant properties throughout the State.

Follow our blog for more information as the future of the Marketing Group unfolds.