A collection of historic and extravagant homes will be open to the public during Wiscasset Homes on Tour, on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in or near Wiscasset Village, the stately homes on tour harken back to the town’s early shipping days and embody the wealth of those entrepreneurial residents.  

The Swett-Johnston-Neal House (1805) has long been recognized as a home with historic distinction and is featured in Wiscasset’s Museum in the Streets. Located on the edge of Wiscasset Village, this home has sweeping views of the Common and is only a few blocks from the Village center. Ship’s mate Joseph Swett built the house then sold it to John Johnston, captain of the Stirling, a sailing vessel renowned for successfully defeating ocean-roving pirates. Current owners have traveled extensively around the globe. Visitors will find art, curios and more from decades of their living abroad, which complement the slightly quirky post-colonial qualities retained by the home.

The Davis House (1803) in Edgecomb is vast and has a significant place in local history. The original owner, Moses Davis Jr., was greatly responsible for building the nearby Fort Edgecomb, now a State Historic Site, on land his father, Moses Sr., had deeded to the U.S. government for the defense of Wiscasset from British attack. The house is rambling with several kitchens, at least three stairways, countless sitting areas and bedrooms. The property has 200 feet of Sheepscot River frontage, a sizable pond behind the house, and a handsome and substantial English-style barn containing artifacts reflecting the property’s long heritage. 

DayBreak (1927), poised majestically on a knoll overlooking the Sheepscot River, is a brick mansion with multiple fireplaces, hardwood floors set on the diagonal throughout the house, and a small suite near the kitchen for household staff, complete with a bell box. A new screened porch and back patio provide a vista across the eight acres of sloping meadow to the river and the remnants of a fading vineyard. DayBreak also comes with its own local lore: The original owners, Philadelphia socialites, were purported to have entertained FDR in their Wiscasset home and they, or someone else, also welcomed Charles Schultz of "Peanuts" fame. Current owners have traveled extensively and lived abroad; the home is exuberant with their international furnishings.

The attractive and unpretentious Cape-style home at 128 Federal St. (1875/1890; 1930s) is an example of a 19th century home that has been thoughtfully updated by more recent owners for contemporary style and comfort while maintaining the bones of an older dwelling. The most recent renovations, in 1988, were by architect Bill Thompson, whose career included a stint as the resident architect of Colonial Williamsburg. The home’s front parlor was a draw for the current owner with its windows on three sides, perfect for a sewing studio. The space is currently given over to Asian Accents, a showroom for bold and imaginative Asian-inspired home goods and clothing that the owner designs and handcrafts. With colorful accessories and thoughtfully chosen art and furnishings, the décor of the home reveals the taste of a well-traveled artist.

The Lee-Payson-Smith House (1792) has the unenviable reputation of being the most haunted house in town. Three distinct ghosts have been noted: an elderly woman, a Penobscot native, and a dog named Guy. Recorded sightings began in the late 1800s. The regal house was built by Judge Silas Lee and is believed to be the first house built on High Street. In 1831, the house was owned by Samuel Emerson Smith, governor of Maine from 1831 to 1834; the current owner is the sixth generation descendent of Gov. Smith. Consider the wealth of stories and furnishings on view for visitors. Another feature of the home, not visible from the street, is the Italianate garden in the back with its arbor, central pillow of lawn, and mature screening hedges.

Tickets for Wiscasset Homes on Tour are $30 each. Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets online in advance of the tour. Tickets can also be bought the day of the tour from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the parking lot at 36 Water St., Wiscasset, with parking and bathrooms nearby. All tickets will be picked up at this location. Cash, checks and plastic accepted.

More tour details and ticket purchase can be found at www.WiscassetCreativeAlliance.org. For questions, call 214-232-3699 and please leave a message, which will be answered promptly. Homes on Tour is a fundraiser for Wiscasset Creative Alliance to support the Alliance’s community programs.