Maine’s historic estates blend New England charm with grand architectural statements, from stately Italianates to Renaissance Revivals by the sea. These timeless homes have been carefully preserved or reimagined, offering features like marble fireplaces, saltwater pools, and even private docks. Whether nestled on islands or tucked in wooded towns, they reflect the state’s maritime heritage and artistic sensibility. Here’s a curated list of Maine’s most captivating historic mansions currently on the market.
1. Governor Washburn’s 1868 Italianate in Portland
Built in 1868 by Maine Governor and Republican Party founder Israel Washburn, this historic Italianate residence is located in Portland’s West End. The home spans 5,930 square feet and includes 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It features 15-foot ceilings, 7 fireplaces with carved mantels, and a third-floor guest or au-pair suite with a kitchenette and living space. Listed at $2,485,000, the property includes a gated courtyard, landscaped grounds, and a carriage house entrance.
Where is Portland?
Portland, Maine, is a coastal city known for its working waterfront and active fishing industry. It has a compact downtown with historic brick buildings and a busy arts scene. The city is a hub for regional food, especially seafood. Ferries connect it to nearby islands in Casco Bay.
Living Room
Two curved cream-colored sofas face each other around a round table on a large area rug. A white marble fireplace anchors the wall beneath a gold-framed mirror. Windows on three sides allow natural light, and a stained glass transom marks the arched doorway.
Kitchen
White cabinetry wraps around the walls, including glass-front upper cabinets and a tiled backsplash behind the range. Two large windows bring in light above the sink and the counter. Pendant lights hang over a central workspace, and a red-patterned runner sits on the wooden floor.
Dining Room
A long oval dining table is surrounded by eight chairs with red upholstery, placed over a patterned rug. Crown molding and decorative trim run along the ceiling edges. Double doors open to the library, while another set leads to an adjoining room with darker red walls.
Library
Built-in glass-front cabinets line the walls from floor to ceiling, holding books and decor. A bay window sits opposite the main door, framed by two leather armchairs and a small sofa. The space includes a marble fireplace, writing desk, and a red velvet sofa arranged around a circular coffee table.
Bedroom
A wooden bed with a plain white coverlet faces a tiled fireplace with blue trim. Two tall windows with blinds sit behind a small sofa, while a second set of windows faces the corner. The room includes layered rugs, a writing desk, and a side cabinet near the door.
Source: Karen Reiche @ Landvest, Inc. via Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Renaissance Revival Estate on Hermit’s Point
Designed by architect Wilson Eyre, this 1918 Renaissance Revival home known as Grace Cottage is located on Hermit’s Point. The 9,025 square foot residence includes 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and 7 fireplaces, set on 8.8 acres with 3,570 feet of shoreline. Amenities include a pool, dock, and stone lodge. It is listed for $6,500,000.
Where is Islesboro?
Islesboro, Maine, is a narrow island in Penobscot Bay accessible by ferry from Lincolnville. It is primarily residential, with a small year-round population and seasonal visitors. The island has one main road, forested areas, and shoreline views. Community life centers around a school, town office, and a few local businesses.
Living Room
Two white sofas and two armchairs surround a glass-top coffee table, placed in front of a fireplace with a dark stone surround. Patterned curtains frame the windows and doorways throughout the room. A mirror hangs above the mantel, reflecting the opposite side of the room.
Dining Area
A long wooden dining table with twelve chairs is centered under a chandelier. A lit fireplace sits at one end of the room, topped with a framed mirror and decorative pieces. Large windows and glass doors offer a view of the water beyond.
Covered Patio
Wicker furniture with cushions is set around a rectangular coffee table under a covered patio. Arched openings and white columns frame the view of the surrounding lawn and trees. Through the arch, a smaller seating area near large windows faces the water.
Pool Area
Lounge chairs and umbrellas are arranged around a circular pool on a stone patio. Low hedges border the area, with views extending directly over a body of water and distant hills. A birdhouse-style feature stands near the edge of the lawn beside the shoreline.
Source: John Oldham @ Island Property via Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Fully Rebuilt 1791 Estate on Two Acres
Originally built in 1791 and completely rebuilt in 2022, this 10,699 square foot estate offers 9 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms on two landscaped acres. The main house includes six en-suite bedrooms with heated floors and high-end finishes, while additional living areas include a loft, an apartment above the spa, and a separate 3-bedroom apartment. The property features a chef’s kitchen, an indoor saltwater pool, sauna, fitness area, and extensive outdoor amenities such as pergola-covered decks and raised garden beds. Listed at $2,800,000, the estate combines historic charm with modern luxury.
Where is Bethel?
Bethel, Maine, is a small town in western Maine near the White Mountains. It serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation, including skiing at Sunday River. The town has a walkable village center with shops, inns, and a historical society. It is also home to Gould Academy, a private boarding school.
Lounge
Leather armchairs and a wooden coffee table are arranged around a double-sided fireplace in the center of the room. Decorative wall paneling and tilework frame the firebox. A drink station and glassware shelving sit along the side wall.
Dining Area
Multiple dining tables with white cloths are spaced throughout the room, each paired with wooden chairs. A fireplace with tile surround is built into a white-paneled wall. Natural light enters from the side windows and full-length glass doors.
Bedroom
A four-poster bed with a fabric headboard and step stool sits at the center of the room. Matching nightstands, armchairs, and lamps are positioned along the wall. A corner fireplace with a TV above it is installed across from the bed.
Bathroom
There is a freestanding tub placed beside a paneled wall, with a handheld shower attachment mounted nearby. A marble-patterned walk-in shower is partially visible around the corner. The room includes a toilet and support bars around the perimeter.
Indoor Pool
Octagonal pool is surrounded by a light-toned deck and bordered by soft blue walls. Lounge chairs and a small table are placed at the back of the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors line the perimeter.
Source: Cassandra Mason Szeliga @ Cassie Mason Real Estate via Coldwell Banker Realty
4. Historic 1880 Coast Guard Station Retreat
Once a watchpoint for shipwrecks and rescues, this 3,074 square foot home on Little Cranberry Island now offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on 12.5 acres with 2,000 feet of shorefront. Built in 1880, the renovated station includes a guesthouse with garage and the nearby 1.5-acre Green Nubble. Listed for $6,500,000, it also features a private boathouse, dock, and moorings on Islesford.
Where is Cranberry Isles?
Cranberry Isles, Maine, is a group of five islands off Mount Desert Island, with Great Cranberry and Little Cranberry being the most populated. The town is accessible by mailboat and seasonal ferry service. Fishing and seasonal tourism shape much of island life. Each island has limited services and a close-knit community.
Lounge
Pool table is tucked into a corner surrounded by framed black-and-white photographs and a sign reading “S.S. STATION.” A sectional sofa and armchairs are arranged around a wooden trunk used as a coffee table. Large windows and a telescope point toward the waterfront.
Dining Area
Long dining table with eight wooden chairs stretches across the middle of the room. A seating area with upholstered armchairs and a TV occupies the far end near built-in shelves. Windows with woven shades line the right wall, letting in light from the deck outside.
Bedroom
Sloped ceilings frame a bedroom with a striped headboard and centered bed. A large area rug covers the hardwood floor, with additional chairs and a desk placed around the perimeter. A door at the back leads into an adjacent room with more furnishings.
Source: Story Litchfield @ Landvest, Inc. via Coldwell Banker Realty
