Home Transformations Honor the Past, Express the Contemporary
WISCASSET, MAINE – The five homes featured on Wiscasset Homes on Tour on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 11am to 4pm, describe the community’s story from its early ship-building days through the 20th century. Each home features original details with contemporary updates that make these a collection of inviting and beautiful places to live and visit.
Everyone who drives through Wiscasset will recognize the Clock Steeple House on Fort Hill St. in Wiscasset Village, half a block from Rte. 1. Now the home of an enthusiastic collector – of vinyl records, pool tables, motorcycles, and so much else – was originally a fort in early times, then the Episcopal Methodist Church in the 1820s or 30s, then home to the American Legion in mid-20th century, and finally a gallery and café before it was purchased by the current owner in 2021 and transformed into his uniquely individualized home with plenty of space for his extensive collections.
Another in-town transformation is the Customs House on Water St., built in 1870. Original blueprints indicate that Customs officials had offices on the second floor, and the first floor was the town’s post office. The current owners bought the building in 2014 and began their construction journey of repairs, retrofits, and new updates, but mail chutes and original hard wood and slate floors still remain. With imagination and daring, high ceilings, and tall, elegant windows, the owners have created a stunning home with many historic references intact.
Damon House, built around 1775 with a large addition in 1805, is now a vibrant home to a painter and a dedicated gardener, both world-wide travelers. The home has a long history of providing shelter to creatives, originally as residence to famed cabinet maker Joshua Damon, and in late 20th century, as a seasonal artists retreat and home to painter John Lorence, an early exhibitor at the Maine Art Gallery. The interior is adorned with Mexican tile, charming wall stenciling, and the owners’ collections of colorful paintings, antiques spanning four centuries, and other carefully chosen art pieces. Still, original details remain like the old cooking fireplace and bread oven, which are still fully functional.
The Blagdon-Emerson House was built around 1800, perhaps earlier, and was a typical two story “manse and mart,” or home and shop. The house was built at a right angle to the street to accommodate the ‘mart’ part of the structure. Through the home’s history, it continued as a combined home and workspace for newspaper publisher Charles Emerson and his endeavors, The Lilliputian (1881-1891) and then The Sheepscot Echo (1891-1918). After extensive renovations, today’s owners showcase their collections of art, indigenous Pacific Northwest basketry, and other quirky and unique items that add to the stimulating but comfortable ambiance. Elements of the original structure remain like the wide, pumpkin pine floors, and gunstock beams. A welcoming garden patio, barn, and chicken house complete the home’s inviting ambiance.
Rose Cottage, likely built in mid-19th century, was probably part of the C.M. Ames Wagons and Carriage Shop and represents the homes in early Wiscasset occupied by tradesmen and shop owners whose labors supported the community’s day-to-day life. Today, the home has been infused with exuberance and charming details including hand-painted walls, a new front porch, newly exposed original beams, and working fireplaces in nearly every room. This cozy cottage, now lovingly restored, presents a picture of quaint New England, while inside, the creative zest of the owner has filled the home with color and comfort.
Tickets for Wiscasset Homes on Tour are $30 each with an optional pre-ordered lunch at $15. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance of the tour. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the tour, July 8, from 10am to 3pm, at the parking lot at 36 Water St., Wiscasset, ME. Cash, checks, and plastic accepted.
More tour details, ticket information, and the lunch menu for pre-order can be found on www.WiscassetCreativeAlliance.org. For questions, call 214-232-3699 and please leave a message which will be answered promptly.
‘Homes on Tour’ is a fundraiser for Wiscasset Creative Alliance to support the Alliance’s community programs. Event sponsors are 40 Federal Studio, BIRCH Home Furnishings & Gifts, Bradbury Art & Antiques, J&A Construction, Joseph Zoellers Interiors, Water Street Kitchen & Bar, and Sherri Dunbar/Tim Dunham Realty. With additional support from Carriage House Gardens and Screen Thoughts.
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Customs House: Wiscasset’s Customs House, built in 1870, is now a private residence and is featured on Wiscasset Homes on Tour, Saturday, July 8, from 11am to 4pm. (Bob Bond photo.)
Blagdon-Emerson House: The Blagdon-Emerson House was built as a ‘manse and mart’ around 1800. Now thoughtfully restored and filled with art and antiques, the home still features original floors and gunstock beams. This private home will be open to visitors as part of Wiscasset Homes on Tour, Saturday, July 8, from 11am to 4pm. (Bob Bond photo.)
