NORTH YARMOUTH – What a charming history this 1810 Colonial has. The Rev. Jehiel Richards House was built next to the North Yarmouth Congregational Church at the intersection of what is now U.S. Route 115, but in 1962 was moved a mile up the road to this lovely pastoral setting of 12.5 acres. The following year, the Pocket Watch Shop and Tea Room opened here, and for a decade operated as a popular destination for ladies seeking refreshments and stylish gifts amidst refined countryside surroundings.

Since that era, the 3,863-square-foot house has been a much-updated private home, and a property that retains wonderful period charm – note the front yard’s delightful little pond, and the brick patio/courtyard with its lovely hardscaping and semi-formal gardens, and covered porch with swing.

Overlooking this sweet landscaping is the former tea room, which has been renovated as a bonus/family/great room of about 500 square feet, with a cathedral ceiling, handsome gas stove, window bench seat and enough other built-ins to qualify as a library, too. The room has a shed attached and is part of an expansion to the original home that also includes a very large office (or living room) and two additional rooms (one, an ideal bedroom).

With the relatively easy addition of a bath, there is great potential here to create an in-law/guest suite. As is, there’s a full bath with soaking tub just across the rear foyer/mudroom.

The main level of the house is primarily open-concept, with lots of exposed brick and two woodstoves enhancing warmth and character. Flooring is oak or wide pine. The living room extends front-to-back and has newer built-in in the latter space. The big kitchen has white appliances, two bars (one butcher block) and oak cabinetry. Off the formal dining room is a south-facing sun room whose window glass is new.

Upstairs, two bedrooms in the south wing are served by a full bath. Across the wide landing and hall is the master suite: large, front bedroom; walk-in closet, and bath.

The basement has a great partial-daylight workshop, and there’s a huge (if unheated) workshop attached to the oversized, two-vehicle garage.

The home at 16 Wescustogo Lane, North Yarmouth, is listed for sale at $450,000 by Kate Huntress of RE/MAX Heritage in Yarmouth, and is being shown by appointment. For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Kate at 846-4300 ext. 112; 232-9416, or at Kate@rheritage.com.

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Portland Press Herald, the Friday feature home is provided at no cost.

Send feature home suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.

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