KENNEBUNKPORT – “He wanted only to design the indigenous New England house supremely well, and succeeded beyond any other architect.”

So has renowned Boston architect Royal Barry Wills’ work been celebrated; and here is a perfect realization of his vision.

The original home, built in 1950, was a classic Cape admirably suited to its Maine coastal town setting. In 2003, the property was expanded on both sides, the work of local architect Thom Rousselle. The improvements more than doubled the home’s square footage, to 4,224.

More importantly, the additions complement and cohere with the original house architecturally (seeming almost to enfold it,) and in all design respects. Quiet elegance and complete comfort characterize the interior, “old” and newer, throughout. These qualities are embodied in the marvelous, cathedral-ceiling, west-wing great room, which has welcomed more than 40 guests at one time.

There are six fireplaces (three wood-burning, three gas) all inviting contemplation and relaxation); gorgeous crown moldings; beadboard accents that lend cottage flavor; a wealth of built-ins, including several window seats, storage in the big, daylight pantry, and a good-sized library’s worth of shelving, not only in rooms but also in hallways, for books and objets d’art. One particularly adroit touch is the newer, flow-enhancing butler’s pantry. Another is the bevelled glass in the five sets of French doors between the dining room and the gourmet’s kitchen.

The home sits well back from the quiet, private lane (three houses in total) on a beautifully landscaped and hardscaped, 3.6-acre lot that has a lovely spring-fed pond bordering the front lawn, and a lagoon-shaped inground pool with patio out back. The ‘Port, renowned for restaurants and many other attractions, is a 15-minute walk away; and the beach is equally handy.

The home at 9 Merrymeeting Lane, Kennebunkport, is listed for sale at $1.59 million by Vicki Benenti of Pack Maynard Real Estate in Kennebunk. Annual taxes are $5,940 (2017). For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Vicki at 590-5650; 967-3883 ext. 23; or vbenenti@pmrealestate.com.

Photos by Diane Maines. Aerial photo by William Lord. The Home of the Week is produced by the Marketing Department of the Maine Sunday Telegram. Send feature home suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.


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