FRYEBURG – This home in a very private location three miles outside the village has a storied past. Originally a farm, built in 1790 by Captain John Evans, it occupied the first of seven lots granted by royal charter to the town’s founders. The poet Longfellow stayed here during the springs he taught at nearby Fryeburg Academy. In an 1891 White Mountains guide book, “Highland Park,” as it was known, was noted as a scenic vista.

“Highland House,” as it is known today, retains that “scenic” distinction, enjoying glorious views of Mount Washington, Hurricane, Kearsage and others in the White Mountains range. It also still has substantial land – 9.5 high-ground acres of lawn and woods – and a restored post-and-beam barn.

The home has been altered and expanded over the years to its present 4,684 square feet,  with 10 bedrooms and 16 rooms in total. Happily, it retains its vintage character and charm, while benefitting from an abundance of post-1989 updates such as a pair of Buderus furnaces, two in-ground 1,000-gallon propane tanks, and a new, zoned heating system; two new woodstoves (there are four in total); a new kitchen (among the stainless appliances are a Bosch gas cooktop and GE Profile wall ovens); a new septic system, metal roofs on both the house and the barn, and many more, including structural improvements.

Period features are everywhere. Here is a sampling: exposed ceiling beams; brick hearths; chair rails; 9-over-6 windows, such as those running the 55-foot length of the upstairs porch, which looks out to the mountains; copper sink and extensive built-ins in the butler’s pantry;  cast-iron clawfoot tubs; and wide-pine and/or hardwood flooring.    

The home at 16 Loop Road, Fryeburg, is listed at $538,000 by Thomas Gadbois of F.O. Bailey Real Estate in Falmouth. Taxes (2016) are $7,708.

For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Thomas at 409-8339 or at tom@tomsellsmaine.com.

The Home of the Week is produced by the Marketing Department of the Maine Sunday Telegram.

Photos by Michael Eric Bérubé.

Send HOW suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.