BIDDEFORD – Spacious, at more than 4,000 square feet that includes generous finished space on the lower level; versatile, thanks not only to a flexible floor plan but also to R1A zoning that allows a number of business uses, and conversion to a multifamily; scrupulously maintained and updated; and affordable, listed for sale at $300,000 (which is $60,000 lower than assessed value).

That’s the capsule description of this nine-room, four-bedroom New Englander on the “water”‘ side of U.S. Route 1, handy to beaches and to the University of New England campus. And speaking of water, the property has an inground pool, behind the two-vehicle garage on the nicely landscaped, 0.52-acre lot.

Built in 1872, the home has been substantially expanded and improved in recent years. On the main level, an enclosed front porch with beadboard accents and handsome moldings opens to the older section of the home, in which one of the twin front parlors has been combined with the dining room (note the lovely china cabinet) to create a large family room.

Enter from the new back door, and you are in a side-to-side, open-plan expanse from dining room with chair rails to a cool kitchen with stainless appliances, pentagonal island, and a great custom pantry. There’s a full bath, too.

Two steps up, in the expansion, is the newer living room, or bonus room – carpeted, measuring 500-plus square feet, with plant-shelf bow window and doors ready for access should a deck be added. Directly above is the master suite, with a pretty, jet-tub-and-shower-enclosure bath whose green tiles are accented with roses.

Off the cathedral-ceilinged bonus room with loft, and a long walk-in closet 5 feet deep with double doors at each end, there’s another full bath to serve the three additional bedrooms. A front, “formal” staircase ascends to them, ensuring master-suite privacy.

The finished, daylight portion of the lower level is ideal for a business such as a day care (a former use, in fact) and has a private entrance, and a bath with shower. Again, multi-unit/rental possibilities come immediately to mind.

The home at 77 Granite St., Biddeford is listed by Collette and Peter Conley of RE/MAX By The Bay in Portland. Please note that an Open House will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23.

For more information, please contact Collette and Peter at 415-5642, 553-7311, or at Collette@homesinmaine.com.

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

Photos by Diane Maines.

Send feature home suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.