SOUTH HIRAM – Set back about 300 feet from a quiet road, on a deep, private, two-acre lot that extends up a gentle slope with ancient stone walls trailing through it, here is a 2012-new custom home whose features include beautifully antiqued woodwork trim and cabinetry.

The south-facing house was built by George Stacey, well-known throughout the area for his top-quality work. It’s a Cape, to look at; but its interior is anything but same-old traditional, as you discover when you step in from the farmer’s porch and see a 22-foot cathedral ceiling soaring above you.

The entire first level is tiled, but it’s the woodwork that really catches the eye. On the open, central staircase, a “roughed” plank and wall paneling draw the gaze up to a second-level balcony bedroom that can be closed off by sliding, barn-style doors, their hardware ingeniously gun-blued for a no-shine finish.

All the woodwork was crafted by hand (very fitting, since the house was built using hammers). That includes kitchen cabinetry, with a floor-to ceiling pantry, that appears to have been salvaged from a vintage farmhouse. Tile counters and backsplash also complement the white appliances, among which is a four-burner gas range.

The living room and kitchen-dining form an L, with kitchen-dining extending 30 feet side-to-side across the back of the house, so there are at least two table-placement options. First-floor laundry, which could be moved to the basement, is an advantage, as is the full bath with soaking tub.

There’s a second, shower-enclosure full bath on the pine-floors second story , to serve the two bedrooms.  The full basement has a wood stove on its utilities side, and thanks in part to excellent ceiling height, invites finishing.

The South Hiram location, remote though it may sound to people unfamiliar with the area, is exactly 1.3 miles to the center of Cornish, (a mecca for antiques enthusiasts that also offers all conveniences, and restaurants); and a manageable 50-minute commute to Portland, and 45 minutes to Saco).

The 1,568-square-foot home at 554 Durgintown Road, Hiram, is listed for sale at $180,000 by Carol Fox of The Maine Real Estate Network (Standish office) and is being shown by appointment. Annual taxes are $2,280.

For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Carol at 329-7411 or at Carol@CarolFoxSoldMyHouse.com.

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.

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