PORTLAND – An 1800s home almost directly across the street from the landmark Portland Observatory might be expected to have a bit of a history, and this elegant brick Italianate structure with some Greek Revival detailing does not disappoint. In fact, in 2014 it was recognized by the City of Portland as an Historic Landmark, and it is included on a Greater Portland Landmarks’ walking tour, the Munjoy Hill Historic Guide.

Built in 1857, the house was spared in the Great Fire of 1866, but only by a few feet, as a contemporary drawing illustrates. The “Daniel Freeman House” was actually owned by blacksmith/machinist Daniel’s wife, Ann; the lot had been deeded to her by her father.

Some decades ago, the Freeman House interior was, unfortunately, divided, to create a three-family dwelling. Just a couple of years ago, the owner restored it to its historic, single-family status; and in doing so, was able to preserve the landmark’s character and most of its distinctive details.

Among them are a glorious twin-parlor front room, measuring about 30 feet wide beneath an 11-foot, 6-inch ceiling, whose features are doubled – marble mantels, ceiling medallions, bay windows, marvelous moldings. The flooring (cherry) is new, one of the updates that includes the bright kitchen, which has cherry cabinetry and a GE Professional gas range; and bathrooms on each floor.

The dining room has a cool window bay with seating, two china closets, and herringbone-pattern flooring. Upstairs, the two front bedrooms have marble mantels, and the master bedroom is spacious and bright.

The largest section of the high-ceilinged basement, a front room that is essentially daylight, invites finishing. A smaller room, possibly once used for canning, would make an excellent wine cellar.

Advertisement

Off-street parking for several vehicles, alongside a garden and bounded at one end by high brick wall, is a great bonus on the Hill. Among the location’s attractions and amenities are walkable streets, fine restaurants and shops, intriguing architecture, and proximity to the Old Port and downtown; and a few blocks in the other direction, the scenic splendor of the Eastern Promenade and Casco Bay, plus Fort Allen Park, the East End Beach and the popular walking/running trail.

The 2,380-square-foot home at 147 Congress St., Portland, is listed for sale at $749,000 by Jay Sparrow of RE/MAX Allied in Windham, and is being shown by appointment.

For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Jay at 756-5779, 892-2214, or at jaytsparrow@yahoo.com.

Thanks to Julie Larry of Greater Portland Landmarks for historical information.

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

Photos by Melanie Sochan, staff photographer.

Send feature home suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.