The Gothic House

The Gothic House is a residential building in Portland featuring pointed arches, steep gables, and wooden siding designed to mimic stone construction. The structure demonstrates the architectural details that define its appearance from the public street.

Built in 1845 by an Irish architect, the residence ranks among Maine's first examples of Gothic Revival style applied to residential buildings. This architectural approach brought European medieval influences to American homes in a way that was new to the region.

The residence reflects architectural tastes that shaped American homes in the 1800s, showing how ideas from design publications influenced what families chose to build. The pointed arches and steep rooflines became symbols of a new style for people seeking homes with character beyond simple rectangular designs.

The residence is visible from the public sidewalk year-round along Spring Street, making it accessible for viewing without special arrangements. Keep in mind this is a private home and can only be appreciated from the street.

The building was moved about one mile down Spring Street in 1971 to prevent demolition. This relocation preserved the original structure and all its architectural details intact.