Davidson News

Davidson News

Menu

11 Gorgeous Mansions In Maine That Will Make You Feel Like You’re In The Great Gatsby

by


Imagine stepping into a world where opulence meets history, and every corner whispers tales of bygone eras.

Welcome to Maine’s mansion wonderland, where you can channel your inner Jay Gatsby without the drama (or the questionable bootlegging business).

1. Victoria Mansion (Portland)

Victoria Mansion: Where Gilded Age glamour meets Maine charm. This brownstone beauty could make even Gatsby green with envy!Victoria Mansion: Where Gilded Age glamour meets Maine charm. This brownstone beauty could make even Gatsby green with envy!
Victoria Mansion: Where Gilded Age glamour meets Maine charm. This brownstone beauty could make even Gatsby green with envy! Photo credit: Dave Higgins

Hold onto your top hats, folks!

This Italian villa-style stunner is like a time machine wrapped in brownstone.

Built in the 1860s, it’s got more bling than a rapper’s jewelry box.

Step inside Victoria Mansion and prepare for a gold rush! This opulent time capsule is the closest you'll get to 19th-century MTV Cribs.Step inside Victoria Mansion and prepare for a gold rush! This opulent time capsule is the closest you'll get to 19th-century MTV Cribs.
Step inside Victoria Mansion and prepare for a gold rush! This opulent time capsule is the closest you’ll get to 19th-century MTV Cribs. Photo credit: Matt Guthrie

We’re talking hand-painted walls, gilded everything, and enough marble to make Michelangelo jealous.

The best part?

You don’t need a secret password or a flapper dress to get in – just a healthy appreciation for jaw-dropping architecture and a willingness to resist the urge to slide down the grand staircase.

2. Nickels-Sortwell House (Wiscasset)

Nickels-Sortwell House: Federal-style fabulousness at its finest. It's like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, but with indoor plumbing!Nickels-Sortwell House: Federal-style fabulousness at its finest. It's like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, but with indoor plumbing!
Nickels-Sortwell House: Federal-style fabulousness at its finest. It’s like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, but with indoor plumbing! Photo credit: Killian Dearborn

If this Federal-style beauty were a person, it’d be that impossibly elegant great-aunt who always has a witty comeback and never spills her tea.

Built in 1807, it’s seen more drama than a soap opera marathon.

From sea captains to socialites, this place has hosted them all.

The best part?

This Wiscasset wonder is so pristine, you'll wonder if you've stumbled onto a movie set. Downton Abbey, eat your heart out!This Wiscasset wonder is so pristine, you'll wonder if you've stumbled onto a movie set. Downton Abbey, eat your heart out!
This Wiscasset wonder is so pristine, you’ll wonder if you’ve stumbled onto a movie set. Downton Abbey, eat your heart out! Photo credit: Stuart Watson

The garden.

It’s so perfectly manicured, you’ll half expect to see a croquet match break out at any moment.

Just remember: resist the urge to yell “Off with their heads!” – wrong era, wrong story.

3. Castle Tucker (Wiscasset)

Castle Tucker: Don't let the name fool you – no dragons here! Just Victorian charm that'll make you want to bust out your best curtsy.Castle Tucker: Don't let the name fool you – no dragons here! Just Victorian charm that'll make you want to bust out your best curtsy.
Castle Tucker: Don’t let the name fool you – no dragons here! Just Victorian charm that’ll make you want to bust out your best curtsy. Photo credit: Vanity Hines

Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nary a drawbridge or dragon in sight.

This mansion is more “eccentric aunt’s country retreat” than a “medieval fortress.”

Built in 1807, it’s got enough Victorian charm to make even the most jaded hipster swoon.

The real showstopper?

With its flying staircase, Castle Tucker is the architectural equivalent of Mary Poppins – practically perfect in every way!With its flying staircase, Castle Tucker is the architectural equivalent of Mary Poppins – practically perfect in every way!
With its flying staircase, Castle Tucker is the architectural equivalent of Mary Poppins – practically perfect in every way! Photo credit: Yahaira Martinez

The flying staircase.

It’s so impressive that you’ll be tempted to make a grand entrance every time you use it.

Pro tip: practice your “I’m fabulously wealthy and mildly bored” face before visiting.

4. Woodlawn Museum (Ellsworth)

Woodlawn Museum: Where history buffs and antique lovers unite! It's like your grandma's attic, but way fancier and with better stories.Woodlawn Museum: Where history buffs and antique lovers unite! It's like your grandma's attic, but way fancier and with better stories.
Woodlawn Museum: Where history buffs and antique lovers unite! It’s like your grandma’s attic, but way fancier and with better stories. Photo credit: The Black House Museum at Woodlawn

If walls could talk, this place would never shut up.

Built in 1824, Woodlawn has seen more action than a spy novel.

The Black House at Woodlawn: So much more than a paint job. This place has more treasures than Indiana Jones' wildest dreams!The Black House at Woodlawn: So much more than a paint job. This place has more treasures than Indiana Jones' wildest dreams!
The Black House at Woodlawn: So much more than a paint job. This place has more treasures than Indiana Jones’ wildest dreams! Photo credit: The Black House Museum at Woodlawn

The Black House (as it’s affectionately known) is like a 180-acre time capsule, complete with original furnishings and enough antiques to make your grandma’s collection look like a yard sale.

Don’t miss the carriage house – it’s got more horse-drawn swag than a Kentucky Derby afterparty.

5. Hamilton House (South Berwick)

Hamilton House: Georgian elegance meets riverside charm. It's the architectural equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit – timeless and dapper!Hamilton House: Georgian elegance meets riverside charm. It's the architectural equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit – timeless and dapper!
Hamilton House: Georgian elegance meets riverside charm. It’s the architectural equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit – timeless and dapper! Photo credit: Terri W

Perched on the Salmon Falls River like a Georgian-style seagull, this 1785 beauty is the architectural equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit.

It’s classy, it’s timeless, and it makes you want to sip tea with your pinky out.

The gardens are so lush that you’ll half expect to stumble upon a secret society meeting or a particularly posh game of hide-and-seek.

Gardens so lush, you'll half expect to stumble upon a secret society meeting. Just don't spill the tea – these walls have ears!Gardens so lush, you'll half expect to stumble upon a secret society meeting. Just don't spill the tea – these walls have ears!
Gardens so lush, you’ll half expect to stumble upon a secret society meeting. Just don’t spill the tea – these walls have ears! Photo credit: Danielleant

Just remember: no matter how tempting, resist the urge to reenact scenes from “Downton Abbey.”

The staff has seen it all before.

6. Sayward-Wheeler House (York Harbor)

Sayward-Wheeler House: Scenic views and Revolutionary War stories? It's like a history book and a beach read had a beautiful baby!Sayward-Wheeler House: Scenic views and Revolutionary War stories? It's like a history book and a beach read had a beautiful baby!
Sayward-Wheeler House: Scenic views and Revolutionary War stories? It’s like a history book and a beach read had a beautiful baby! Photo credit: Sandra sunrise

This 18th-century gem is like the cool kid of historic houses – it’s got ocean views, Revolutionary War street cred, and more character than a Dickens novel.

Related: This Charming Shopping Village in Maine is a Treasure Hunter’s Paradise

Related: The Enchanting Harbor Town in Maine that Will Make You Feel Like You’re in a Postcard

Related: The Bustling City in Maine that’s Secretly One of the Coolest Places in New England

Built in 1718, it’s seen more action than a pirate ship in a storm.

The best part?

Step into Sayward-Wheeler and travel back to 1718. It's like colonial Williamsburg, but with that signature Maine salt air!Step into Sayward-Wheeler and travel back to 1718. It's like colonial Williamsburg, but with that signature Maine salt air!
Step into Sayward-Wheeler and travel back to 1718. It’s like colonial Williamsburg, but with that signature Maine salt air! Photo credit: Matt Nigro

The wallpaper.

It’s so old and fancy that you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into Marie Antoinette’s summer cottage.

Just don’t get any ideas about starting a revolution – the neighbors might not appreciate it.

7. Black Point Inn (Scarborough)

Black Point Inn: Where Gatsby meets Maine hospitality. The wraparound porch is so inviting, you might forget to actually explore Scarborough!Black Point Inn: Where Gatsby meets Maine hospitality. The wraparound porch is so inviting, you might forget to actually explore Scarborough!
Black Point Inn: Where Gatsby meets Maine hospitality. The wraparound porch is so inviting, you might forget to actually explore Scarborough! Photo credit: Black Point Inn

Imagine if the Great Gatsby decided to open a bed and breakfast – that’s Black Point Inn in a nutshell.

This 1878 beauty is perched on the coast like a seagull with impeccable taste.

Sunset at Black Point Inn: Nature's own light show, best enjoyed with a cocktail and your best "old sport" impression.Sunset at Black Point Inn: Nature's own light show, best enjoyed with a cocktail and your best "old sport" impression.
Sunset at Black Point Inn: Nature’s own light show, best enjoyed with a cocktail and your best “old sport” impression. Photo credit: Black Point Inn

With its wraparound porch and ocean views, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to don a seersucker suit and practice your best “old sport” impression.

Pro tip: the sunset views are so good, they should come with a warning label for incurable romantics.

8. Norumbega Inn (Camden)

Norumbega Inn: Part Hogwarts, part Victorian dream. You'll be half expecting owl post to arrive with your breakfast order!Norumbega Inn: Part Hogwarts, part Victorian dream. You'll be half expecting owl post to arrive with your breakfast order!
Norumbega Inn: Part Hogwarts, part Victorian dream. You’ll be half expecting owl post to arrive with your breakfast order! Photo credit: The Norumbega

If Hogwarts and a Victorian mansion had a baby, it would be Norumbega Inn.

This stone castle lookalike is so fairytale-esque that you’ll half expect to see Rapunzel letting down her hair from one of the turrets.

Built in 1886, it’s got more nooks and crannies than an English muffin factory.

Turrets and charm galore at Norumbega Inn. It's the closest you'll get to sleeping in a fairytale without dealing with a pea under your mattress.Turrets and charm galore at Norumbega Inn. It's the closest you'll get to sleeping in a fairytale without dealing with a pea under your mattress.
Turrets and charm galore at Norumbega Inn. It’s the closest you’ll get to sleeping in a fairytale without dealing with a pea under your mattress. Photo credit: Danielle DuValle

The best part?

You can actually stay here.

Just try not to get lost on your way to breakfast – those towers can be tricky.

9. The Breakwater Inn & Spa (Kennebunkport)

The Breakwater Inn & Spa: Where seaside elegance meets relaxation station. It's like a hug from the ocean, but with better amenities!The Breakwater Inn & Spa: Where seaside elegance meets relaxation station. It's like a hug from the ocean, but with better amenities!
The Breakwater Inn & Spa: Where seaside elegance meets relaxation station. It’s like a hug from the ocean, but with better amenities! Photo credit: The Breakwater Inn

This seaside charmer is like that friend who always looks effortlessly chic – classic, elegant, and with a killer view.

Dating back to the 1880s, it’s seen more salty characters than a fisherman’s tavern.

The best part?

Kennebunkport's crown jewel sparkles by the sea. At The Breakwater, even the seagulls look classier!Kennebunkport's crown jewel sparkles by the sea. At The Breakwater, even the seagulls look classier!
Kennebunkport’s crown jewel sparkles by the sea. At The Breakwater, even the seagulls look classier! Photo credit: The Breakwater Inn

The spa.

After a day of pretending to be a Gilded Age tycoon, you can get a massage that’ll make you feel like you actually own the place.

Just don’t get too comfortable – the staff might start asking you to chip in for property taxes.

10. Blair Hill Inn (Greenville)

Moosehead Lake stretches out before Blair Hill Inn like nature's own IMAX screen. Warning: May cause spontaneous sighs of contentment.Moosehead Lake stretches out before Blair Hill Inn like nature's own IMAX screen. Warning: May cause spontaneous sighs of contentment.
Moosehead Lake stretches out before Blair Hill Inn like nature’s own IMAX screen. Warning: May cause spontaneous sighs of contentment. Photo credit: Blair Hill Inn, Moosehead Lake

Perched on a hill like a queen surveying her domain, Blair Hill Inn is what happens when a mansion decides to become a supermodel.

This 1891 beauty has panoramic views of Moosehead Lake that are so good, they should be illegal.

Blair Hill Inn: Perched like an eagle, views like a dream. It's the kind of place that makes you want to write poetry – or at least a really good Instagram caption.Blair Hill Inn: Perched like an eagle, views like a dream. It's the kind of place that makes you want to write poetry – or at least a really good Instagram caption.
Blair Hill Inn: Perched like an eagle, views like a dream. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to write poetry – or at least a really good Instagram caption. Photo credit: Blair Hill Inn

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to write a novel, paint a masterpiece, or at the very least, take a really good nap.

Just be careful not to gasp too loudly at the scenery – you might scare the moose.

11. The Claremont Hotel (Southwest Harbor)

The Claremont Hotel: Where Mount Desert Island shows off its fancy side. It's like a maritime country club that time forgot – in the best way possible!The Claremont Hotel: Where Mount Desert Island shows off its fancy side. It's like a maritime country club that time forgot – in the best way possible!
The Claremont Hotel: Where Mount Desert Island shows off its fancy side. It’s like a maritime country club that time forgot – in the best way possible! Photo credit: The Claremont Hotel

Last but not least, we have The Claremont – the grand dame of Mount Desert Island.

This 1884 stunner is like a maritime country club that time forgot (in the best way possible).

With its sprawling lawns and harbor views, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to learn croquet just so you have an excuse to hang around.

The best part?

The Claremont's porch: So inviting, you might forget about Acadia National Park. Don't worry, the mountains won't get jealous – they understand.The Claremont's porch: So inviting, you might forget about Acadia National Park. Don't worry, the mountains won't get jealous – they understand.
The Claremont’s porch: So inviting, you might forget about Acadia National Park. Don’t worry, the mountains won’t get jealous – they understand. Photo credit: The Claremont Hotel

The porch.

It’s so inviting that you might forget to actually explore the rest of the island.

Don’t worry, Acadia National Park will understand.

There you have it, folks – Maine’s mansion madness in all its glory.

Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture aficionado, or just someone who enjoys pretending to be fabulously wealthy for a day, these grand dames have got you covered.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go practice my Gatsby wave and work on my Maine accent.

Ayuh, indeed!





Source link

Leave a Comment