CUMBERLAND FORESIDE – Built in 1890 for Abba Burnham (of the renowned Burnham & Morrill baked beans company) and substantially renovated in the 1920s, this stately and stunning Federal-style home was thoroughly updated about a decade ago, with the utmost fidelity to its original character and its countless period features.

Operated as a waterfront farm for a time in the 1940s, the property today enjoys a sweetly landscaped, park-like setting of 3.94 acres, and has a deeded right of way to the ocean, beach, and pier a short walk away.

The approach to the home, through pillars and along a circular drive, is dramatic, and the effect upon entering is only heightened. Here is a breathtaking foyer, with curving walls and soaring staircase, intricate crown moldings, and an exquisite, gold-plated chandelier.

The 16-room, seven-bedroom home is as comfortable as it is elegant, and flooded with natural light, most notably in the tiled solarium with its 9-over-9 and 15-over-15 windows. Intriguing details, such as a Delft tile fireplace, and “Prohibition cabinet” in the dining room, are everywhere. The gorgeous, radiant-heat kitchen has granite counters including two-level island, antiqued cabinetry, and a Viking professional gas range.

The walkup third level is primarily devoted to the nursery – a large, daylight playroom with delightful murals of scenes from books by Beatrix Potter, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, all hand-painted in the 1920s. There’s also a room-sized, walk-in cedar closet with built-ins. The basement is partially finished, and has a big, bright home gym with a sauna handy nearby, and a walk-in bank vault. Systems are state-of-the-art efficient.

Outbuildings include the original caretaker’s cottage, where there are now changing rooms and an outdoor, summer kitchen alongside the inground saline pool and patio; it’s hard to imagine more perfect accommodations for fine-weather entertaining. Down the lane, the four-bay carriage house can accommodate vehicles (this in addition to the direct-entry three-car garage). A few steps beyond is a wonderful surprise: A games building with beautiful, 1920s vintage woodwork; a two-lane bowling alley (duckpins, a rarity) with scoreboard; and a lounge with pool table.

The Cumberland Foreside home, the Abba Burnham House, is listed for sale by Sandra Wendland and Mary Jo Cross of Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, and is being shown by appointment.

Price: $1,895,000
Built: 1890
Rooms/bedrooms: 16/7
Baths: Four full, four 1/2
Square footage: 6,883
Lot size: 3.94 acres
Garage: Three-vehicle, direct entry
Taxes: $23,448

Contact:
Sandra Wendland, Mary Jo Cross
Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
SWendland@LegacySIR.com, 233-7788
MCross@LegacySIR.com, 671-4006

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Maine Sunday Telegram, the Home of the Week is provided at no cost.

Photos by Meggie Booth (mboothphotography.com). “Christmas” photos by staff photographer Derek Davis.

HOW suggestions: jrolfe@pressherald.com.

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