Antique Lovers Will Swoon Over This Massive Maine Estate

An antique lover's dream! Step into the past by owning this magnificent historic estate in Maine. A property of preservation, the charming 18th-century homestead is currently listed for $1.395 million. Located only a few blocks from the Sheepscot Riverbank, the 7,500 square foot property features four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, nine working fireplaces, and an attached workshop and barn that serves as a successful antique shop known as the Wiscasset Antiques Center. Built in 1740, the colonial home, also known as Groves-Hodge House, is situated on a hill that overlooks Wiscasset Village and harbor, which is known for its community of arts, antiques, and mom and pop restaurants. The 0.69-acre lot is about a 50-minute drive north of Portland, Maine (approximately 45 miles) and has been restored since its antique connoisseur owner William "Bill" Dykes took ownership in the 1980s.

Recognized by the National Historic Register in 1973 as the first historic district in Maine, the town attracts just as many visitors today as its initial settlement. First established in the mid-1600s by George and John Davie, the town of Wiscasset attracted settlers mainly for its fishing resources, which led to the timber trade, shipbuilding, brickyards, the ice industry, and architecture, per Wiscasset Schoonerfest. This specific estate offers boundless opportunities, not only as a home but also as a marketable venture. With a modern antiquated appeal throughout, you can help preserve a piece of New England history. Read more to learn about this marvelous 18th-century estate!

One of the original homes built in the early 1700s, the extraordinary Wiscasset Harbor property is within walking distance from the water and the local pier. Nestled in the lush green trees, a sign on the front corner lawn reads "Antiques," as the property is ready for business. A stone pathway lined with bushes leads to the haunting yet delightful two-story home. According to Zillow, the exterior of the home has been recently painted and features a pastoral brown wooden door, including the trim, along with a picturesque gray slate roof updated in 2010. A highly premium roof system, slate roofs first appeared in the 1600s within the United States, and is known for its aesthetics and longevity, per KRECH Exteriors. With windows at every turn, black shutters decorate the lower level as well.

Simple and stately, the exterior grounds feature various perennial plants and garden space in the backyard along with an abundant supply of firewood. The side of the old home is attached to a two-car garage and continues to the antique mall and workshop, including a smaller separate shed-like building in the back. Located at 4 Hodge Street, the historic grounds offer ample non-paved parking space and is accessible to Route 1, which heads further north within Maine or south to Florida. Adjoined to the house, the large red barn is captivating and features white trim with a lookout tower and ship weathervane overseeing the top.

With respect to its history, the colonial home has been meticulously refined to modern-day. Like a scene from "Little Women," the first level has various distinctive sitting rooms, fireplaces, and 18th-century style décor. According to Realtor, the interior walls have been revitalized with their original blue paint and plaster, including many of the floors, which are decked with antique rugs and runners. Traditional square-framed windows and recessed lighting adorn almost every room, including the bathrooms, which are minimal and inviting. The u-shaped kitchen appears rustic and modern with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a spider-burner stove, and wood cabinets and floors. This room leads to various cozy eating and living areas with authentic-looking pots, dishes, utensils, and furniture, including a massive brick fireplace. A necessity for colonial homes, most rooms feature a fireplace, especially brick, which would often help retain heat throughout the entire home, per Old House Online.

At the top of the staircase is a hallway library with a wall-covered bookshelf and a small reading area by the window. The halls lead to each of the four bedrooms with a master that has a grandfather clock and a queen-sized bed with classic canopy curtains that match the window drapery. Each bedroom comes with a seating or desk area with antique-style bedframes, furniture, and décor, including one with a delicate filigree-like bed frame cover. There's also an isolated laundry room and basement with a newly conditioned concrete floor.

Is it a farmhouse, antique store, or workshop? All the above! Open the red door to a meticulously ornamented barn turned colonial antique store. Intentionally set up for shopping and workshopping, owner Bill Dykes used the two-story farmhouse as his headquarters for his antique store and workshop for nearly forty years. Upon trading coins and collecting antiques in his youth, his travels eventually brought him to Maine to discover the historic relics of New England, including this superb property, per Wiscasset Antique Center.

A walk inside takes you through endless history through the various collectibles and remnants on display. Beyond the merchandise, gaze at the beautiful wood-paneled interior with old-world wood-beamed ceilings, track lighting, and a minor view of the second floor. There's also a charming little galley kitchen on the main floor of the shop that comes with a mini-fridge and sink. The workshop is located upstairs and comes with more antique goods visible, including a large area for worktables and custom-built shelving for tools. If you don't want to keep the barn as is, there are several other ways to customize this type of building, such as an additional living space, guest house, recreation or party space, or any other type of business, per Country Living. Dykes has converted and maintained this historic property to its finest degree, and it's ready for new, old-fashioned ownership.