Historic Homes for Sale,  Listings We Love,  Maine Real Estate

Explore this Hallowell Reproduction of Famous Colonial-Era Home

This one-of-a-kind property in the charming town of Hallowell is an adaption of a 1600s English colonial home nestled on 1.47 rural acres, with post and beam construction, exposed brick, four fireplaces, custom diamond-shaped leaded pane glass casement windows, and countless Elizabethan-period architectural details.

The home is an adaption of one of America’s most famous Colonial dwellings, the Parson Capen House, which was built in 1682 by the Reverend Joseph Capen, minister of the church in Topsfield, Massachusetts, who became notable for his role in the Salem witchcraft trials. But appearances can be deceiving: the property was built in 1996 and has modern conveniences including radiant floor heat and gas fireplaces.

“This property is perfect for a buyer that appreciates and admires the architecture and craftsmanship of homes that could be found in 17th-century America, but with modern conveniences,” says Kaleb Swan, the Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty agent representing the seller. “Someone who can appreciate the artistry of the builder.”

“It’s like living in a museum,” says the seller, who has an appreciation for historic properties and craftsmanship. “The builder was extraordinarily talented. Even though I’ve lived here for more than 15 years, my eyes will still catch something, a detail I haven’t seen before.”

The builder, John Kennedy, is a master carpenter. “I think he always had an interest in early Americana culture,” the seller says. “He was a furniture maker as well and made a lot of period furniture which is in the home now.” Before the builder even hammered his first nail for the house, he handmade the custom diamond-shaped leaded pane glass casement windows. First, he collected retired telephone poles from CMP, which were dipped in creosote as a preservative, and used those as the wood frames. Then he imported hand-blown glass from Europe and formed it into the classic diamond-shaped pattern used in windows during the 17th century. He handmade eight of these windows, which are all in the home today. “A labor of love, I would say,” adds the seller.

“Certainly the box bed is the most unique feature of the home,” the seller says. “It gets people’s attention right away when they walk into the dining area.” 

Box beds were popular throughout Europe in the medieval period, a unique solution to enable privacy for those living in small spaces with large groups of people. It’s also a great way to stay warm. Underneath the box bed is a compartment currently used for storage, but it’s the builder’s ode to the original intent of box beds, where you could slide hot coals right under the bed to stay warm throughout cold winter nights. Though it may look small, this box bed is a double-sized mattress and is a very cozy place for guests to spend the night.

“The buyer could also be someone who wants to operate a business like an antique shop or professional office that’s close to home,” says listing agent Kaleb Swan. An additional 1,860 sq ft building has served as a commercial fitness center for the past 15 years, equipped with two half bathrooms and two efficient heat pumps that provide heat and air conditioning throughout, offering business potential, an in-law apartment, or even a rental property.

The property can be found at 124 Outlet Road in Hallowell and is offered at $595,000.

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