There are Maine properties that are beautiful, and then there are properties that feel as though they have been quietly waiting for you for generations.

Down a peaceful private lane on Westport Island, where the Sheepscot River meets the ocean, sits a remarkable historic home surrounded by 6.4 acres and approximately 850 feet of private waterfront. The Westport Island History Committee calls it “a historic treasure,” and it is easy to understand why.

Here, lobster boats and sailboats move across the water, bald eagles and ospreys soar overhead, and seals can often be spotted along the shore. Bayberry scents the air. A weathered “Fish House” sits near the water, a private dock extends into the cove, and the landscape feels wonderfully connected to the coastal Maine of another era.

This is more than a historic house. It is a place where the past has been carefully preserved while thoughtful modern improvements make it possible to enjoy today.

A Historic Westport Island Home 

Believed to have been built in 1798, the house has undergone an extraordinary restoration that reveals its early-19th-century character. The property was built by John M. Parsons, who  founded a mill on the property at Rum Cove during the same period.

Over the years, the house experienced changes and additions, but the current owners have thoughtfully returned it to its original footprint. Late additions were removed, and historic details were restored or carefully replicated using custom millwork, fine craftsmanship, and historically appropriate materials.

The restoration was guided in part by the oldest known photographs of the home. The result is a house that feels authentic rather than simply styled to look old.

Original and historically inspired details include distinctive eight-panel doors, restored fireplaces, traditional clapboards, period-appropriate windows, and a cedar-shingle roof. Every element contributes to the feeling that this home belongs exactly where it stands.

And it does.

A Kitchen Designed for the History of the House

One of the most significant improvements is the renovation of the kitchen ell.

Rather than imposing a thoroughly modern kitchen onto an historic structure, the renovation was designed to complement the age and character of the house while providing the functionality expected today.

The kitchen features custom cabinetry, a soapstone sink and countertops, modern appliances, and new plumbing and electrical systems. There is also an opportunity to incorporate owner-procured antiques, adding another layer of history and personality to the space.

Perhaps the best feature isn't a cabinet or countertop at all.

From the kitchen, you can look across the garden, toward the antique Fish House and out to the water — a view remarkably similar to what generations of owners have experienced from this same spot.

Imagine preparing breakfast as the morning light moves across Rum Cove. Or gathering around the kitchen after a day on the water. This is a kitchen designed not just for cooking, but for living.

 

850 Feet of Maine Waterfront

The waterfront is what truly sets this property apart. 

With approximately 850 feet of private waterfront, the property offers a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and direct connection to the coast.

A private dock provides access to the water, while the shoreline offers a front-row seat to the daily rhythm of the Maine coast. Lobster boats pass by. Sailboats make their way through the water. Wildlife appears throughout the seasons.

Bald eagles and ospreys are part of the landscape, while seals can be seen playing offshore.

There is something timeless about watching activity on the water from a property that has been part of this landscape for more than two centuries.

The Fish House

Near the waterfront is another piece of the property's history: the antique Fish House.

The structure has been taken down to the studs and is ready for its next chapter. Its future is yours to imagine, whether as a studio, workshop, gathering space, or something entirely different.

Like the main house, it offers an opportunity to become part of the property's continuing story.

A Private Coastal Setting

The property encompasses 6.4 private acres, providing room to enjoy the landscape and the waterfront without sacrificing the peaceful feeling of being tucked away.

A detached two-car garage adds practical storage and workspace, while the surrounding grounds offer gardens, mature vegetation, and plenty of opportunities to simply slow down and enjoy the setting.

This is not the kind of property where you have to manufacture a sense of place.

It is already here.

The lane is quiet. The waterfront is active. The architecture tells a story. And the surrounding landscape provides the unmistakable feeling of coastal Maine.

A Rare Opportunity to Own Maine History

Historic waterfront properties are rare. Historic waterfront properties that have been thoughtfully restored while retaining their character are rarer still.

This Westport Island property offers an unusual opportunity to own a meaningful piece of Maine history — a home connected to the island's early development, carefully brought back to its original footprint and thoughtfully updated for modern living.

It is a property for someone who appreciates craftsmanship, history, architecture, privacy, and the simple pleasures of life beside the water.

Come walk through the eight-panel doors. Listen to the sounds of the waterfront. Explore the Fish House. Stand in the kitchen and imagine the generations who have looked toward Rum Cove from this same place.

Here is your Maine house. Come be a part of the history.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Historic Westport Island Property

Where is this historic waterfront home located? 

This historic property is located on Westport Island, Maine, down a quiet private lane near where the Sheepscot River meets the ocean. The property offers a private coastal setting with approximately 850 feet of waterfront.

How old is the house on Westport Island?

The house is believed to have been built in 1798, although careful restoration indicates that much of the existing structure likely dates to the early 1800s.

Who built the historic house?

The home was built by John M. Parsons, who also founded a mill on the property at Rum Cove during the same period.

How much land comes with the property?

The property includes approximately 6.4 private acres.

How much waterfront does the property have?

The property offers approximately 850 feet of private waterfront, along with a private dock.

Has the historic house been restored?

Yes. The house has undergone extensive and thoughtful restoration. The original footprint was recreated by removing later additions, while historic features were restored or replicated using custom millwork, fine craftsmanship, and historically appropriate materials.

What historic features remain in the home?

Restored or historically replicated details include eight-panel doors, fireplaces, windows, clapboards, and a cedar-shingle roof. The restoration was guided by the oldest known photographs of the property.

Has the kitchen been updated?

Yes. The kitchen ell has been renovated to better complement the historic character of the house while incorporating modern conveniences. Features include custom cabinetry, a soapstone sink and countertops, modern appliances, and new plumbing and electrical systems.

Does the property have a dock?

Yes. The property includes a private dock, providing direct access to the waterfront.

Is there a garage?

Yes. A detached two-car garage is included with the property.

What is the Fish House?

The antique Fish House is a historic outbuilding located near the waterfront. It has been taken down to the studs and is ready for restoration or a new use, offering an exciting opportunity for the property's next owner.

Why is this Westport Island property historically significant?

The property is connected to the early history of Westport Island and Rum Cove. The Westport Island History Committee has referred to the property as “a historic treasure,” and the home is believed to date to the late 1700s or early 1800s.

What makes this Maine waterfront property unique?

The combination of historic architecture, extensive private waterfront, 6.4 acres, a private dock, restored period details, and a peaceful coastal setting makes this a particularly rare Maine property. It offers the opportunity to enjoy modern comforts while living within a home that retains a strong connection to its past.