SOUTH PORTLAND – Built in 1870, the George Stanwood house is a city landmark, set well back from Highland Avenue, but an imposing presence once you notice the home. And an intriguing one, with a relatively bland (for a Victorian) side towards the street, and its beautifully painted and detailed face overlooking an enclosed garden, patio and swimming pool.

Many of the features are as one might expect, such as the gorgeous (though non-working) Italianate marble fireplace between built-in cabinets in the front parlor, or the elegant light fixtures or the parquet floors. But the farther you walk back into the 2,502-square-foot house, the more you discover that it has not only great period character, but also much contemporary appeal – thanks most of all to the great room.

Whether this expanse, about 540 square feet with a lofty cathedral ceiling, is an addition, or a drastic remodeling of a previous “back house” or other interior space, or a combination of addition and remodeling, is unknown. So is the date of the renovation, although mid-1980s would be a fair guess.

What can be said with certainty is that the space complements the older portion’s charm very well. Please seen the accompanying photos for details.

The home at 725 Highland Avenue, South Portland is listed for sale at $375,000 by Melissa Richter of The Richter Group at Keller Williams Realty. 

See the property at an Open House from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 19; or contact Chessell McGee at 272-8575; 879-9800; Chessell.McGee@gmail.com; or Melissa at 450-9090 or Melissa@MaineSold.com.