HALLOWELL – Samuel W. Huntington was a prosperous and prominent merchant, “an active supporter of all local reforms,” and one of only five voters in town to support the abolitionist candidate in the 1840 presidential election.

He is also remembered for the home he had built in 1874: A magnificent Italianate Victorian overlooking the Kennebec River from on high, and the first house in town to have telephone and gas lighting. Today, you can walk up a gracefully curving staircase to the belvedere and enjoy 360-degree views of historic Hallowell.

The Huntington house has been notably fortunate in its owners. No aesthetic outrages have been committed over the years, no baseboards or even radiators installed, so the home has been beautifully preserved. More, over the past decade, the present seller has not only carried out updates including roof, electricity and insulation; but also restored the greater part of the house, even enhancing its charms in doing so.

Note, for instance, the liquid gold that now accents lovely moldings, and the tray ceiling of the south-side front parlor. Fresh paint sets off the ceiling medallions. Outside, the deep-green exterior and buttery trim are ingeniously complemented by variegated plantings, hostas and Norwegian maples among them.

There are several gorgeous marble fireplaces. A significant “concession” to modernity is the open, gourmet kitchen, which has counters of both copper and granite, beadboard accents, and stainless appliances including a four-burner Viking Professional gas range. Another contemporary touch is the south-facing, side-yard deck, off the former carriage house drive. (The sweetly and expertly landscaped and hardscaped 0.77-acre lot is unusually large for intown, and occupies the entire width of the block.)

The 13-room home has great B and B potential. The original maids’ quarters rooms; a pair of semi-finished third-level rooms; and unfinished space above the carriage house, could all be adapted/finished to accommodate guests.

The 4,113-square-foot home at 38 Central St., Hallowell, is listed for sale at $599,900 by Lori Dube of Sprague & Curtis Real Estate in Augusta. Annual taxes are $6,394. For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Lori at 623-1123, 620-0886, or at lori@spragueandcurtis.com.

Photos by Angi Manter, Angiemarie Photography.

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel, the Home of the Week is provided at no cost.

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