WISCASSET – Parts of this endlessly charming home date back to 1780, when it sat on about 500 acres and was owned by Philip Lambert and his bride, Ruth, who would give birth to 13 children here.

The antique elements extant are plentiful, include the original house’s 15 hemlock ceiling beams (now exposed); three working, brick-and-granite fireplaces, in living room, dining room, and even “mud”/sitting room; a Bible cupboard; and, above the living room fireplace, a smoke chamber that could seat three adults in hiding.

It is speculated that the lady of the house, who had once been captured by Indians and taken off to Quebec, did not want her children at risk of being seized. The center chimney was rebuilt not long ago, but yes, you could still climb up into the tiny room, provided you removed the damper first.

A number of artifacts – an infant’s shoe, a clay pipe, kitchen implements, a shingle signed by Philip, with his name and address – have been found in the present seller’s time of ownership. Those years have also included a 2006 expansion of the home, to a total of 2,295 square feet. The updates make the house as contemporary-comfortable as it is rich in traditional New England character.

On its downstairs, the expanded section includes a family room; a bedroom with full bath (making single-level living an option); and a very fine kitchen featuring lighting soffit, beadboard accents, and honed granite counters that tone perfectly with the stainless-and-black appliances, a gas range among them. French doors by the dining area open to one of the home’s three decks, which overlooks the wooded portion of the 1.81-acre lot.

Another deck – a private balcony, actually – opens off the large, skylit master bedroom above. Also on the second level are a half-bath, and a bonus room/office also useful for guests. There’s also a second full bath, with “teacup” clawfoot tub, off the living room.

The property is just four miles from the town center (and landmark Red’s Eats) and an easy commute to Bath/Brunswick via U.S. Route 1 and I-295, and to Augusta.

The home at 849 Gardiner Road, Wiscasset, is listed for sale at $232,900 by Tracy Pratt of Keller Williams Realty in Portland, and is being shown by appointment. Annual taxes are $3,053. For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Tracy at 650-3346 or at tracypratt@kw.com; and visit tracypratt13.wix.com/849gardinerroad.

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.