Laura Richards House

The Laura Richards House is a two-and-a-half-story wood-frame structure featuring a hip roof, interior chimneys, and a dentil-molded cornice. A rear extension with a monitor roof connects the main dwelling to a carriage house.

The house was built in 1810 by Ebenezer Byram on land acquired from Robert Hallowell Gardiner. It received National Register recognition in 1979 but was demolished following a severe fire in December 2022.

The residence displays Federal architecture through its balanced proportions and classic five-part facade design. The centered entrance with sidelights reflects the refined status that the original occupants held in their community.

The property is located in Gardiner and historically occupied approximately 0.5 acres with structures visible from the street. Visitors should note that the original building no longer stands, and only historical records and photographs document its appearance.

The residence exemplified early American Federal-style architecture with its refined proportions and design details that reflected the emerging taste of the new nation. Its sudden loss to fire made it a poignant reminder of how history can vanish despite official protection.

Location: Gardiner

Inception: 1810

Architectural style: Federal architecture

Address: 3 Dennis Street

GPS coordinates: 44.22722,-69.77250

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44