Bourne Mansion

Bourne Mansion is a three-story wood-frame house with five bays and classical columns framing the entrance on its southern side. A granite foundation supports the structure, and inside a central spiral staircase connects the floors together.

The house was built in 1812 by merchant John Parsons and later belonged to the Sewall family before Edward Bourne Jr. took ownership. It was constructed during a period when Kennebunk was an important trading port.

The mansion displays typical features of Federal-era building design through its shallow hip roof and clapboard siding that define its appearance in town. It shows how successful merchants of the early 1800s designed their homes and what architectural choices mattered to them.

The house stands on Bourne Street in Kennebunk town center, north of Route 1 and within easy walking distance. It sits in a quiet residential area near other historic buildings and local amenities.

In the side hall of the house sits a specially carved arched niche that was built to fit a tall standing clock. This small architectural detail shows how the homeowner designed the interior around a valued possession.