Talking Walls

Channel Music

Many a sequel eclipses the movie that inspired it.

BY COLIN W. SARGENT

Originally built in 1906, this Cape Elizabeth mansion was utterly revamped for former Fairchild Semiconductor executive Darrell Mayeux by Anastos and Nadeau, with Joseph Waltman as architect, in the late 1990s before being flipped in 2003 with an asking price of $3.8M by Town & Shore Associates.

Actually, with so many luscious amenities, it was too heavy to flip. What a slice of rockbound coast! The estate at 878 Shore Road guards the ship channel between Grey Rocks—newspaper magnate Guy Gannett’s former family fortress—and Channelside, designed by John Calvin Stevens. Dazzling, smoky views of Ram Island Ledge Light, Cushing Island, and the ship traffic entering Portland Harbor make this perhaps the finest of the elevated waterfront homes clustered along Shore Road as you approach Delano Park and Fort Williams.

BEGINNINGS

The late Thurston Holt (1919-2020) grew up in the original house here

(he attended Deerfield Academy and Williams College before serving on a Navy destroyer during World War II) long before the transformation. He was in his eighties when he spoke to us:

“It was designed by Howard Pease. It looks like a John Calvin Stevens design but is not. It was never designated a historic house.”

Who do you have to be to live in a place like this? Holt told us his father was a classmate of FDR’s at Harvard. Before he relocated to New York for a starry career with AT&T, “my father and Sidney St. Felix Thaxter went into law practice in Portland.” The elder Holt was also secretary of the Maine State Senate, and Thaxter’s daughter, the actress Phyllis Thaxter, “was my first love,” Thurston told us. “She was so beautiful; so was her sister, Hilly (Hildegarde).”

Growing up, Thurston Holt was buddies with next-door neighbor John Gannett, Guy Gannett’s son. “He had a [toy] railroad that we ran along the rocks here, with bridges and trestles. Each of the cars was three-and-one-half feet long.”

RAILROADED?

So why did Darrell Mayeux sell the place in 2003?

His answer at the time: “I retired [from Fairchild] midway through the project. I was the worldwide sales and marketing

They’re very quiet. Late at night it’s dark. You’ll be in the kitchen and all of a sudden you see this wave of light going over you, and it’s this ship slipping in.

manager. We’re up to eight grandchildren now, and since my children have moved to California we’ve just sort of rethought our lifestyle and realized we’d be spending a lot of our time in California, and keeping a house this big locked up eight months out of the year didn’t seem to make sense.”

A further consideration has emerged since then: Mayeux was locked in a lawsuit against the former Fleet Bank Private Client Group in which he successfully claimed Fleet mishandled his $27M assets when he retired. In less than a year, his stock and cash portfolio from Fairchild had vanished, according to the Sun Journal. He was awarded $7.4M in damages in 2006. This may account for the amount of time it took to put the finishing touches on his Cape Elizabeth palace in the first place.

Lawsuit notwithstanding, Mayeux loved his time at 878 Shore Road while in residence. “That whole channel along here is amazing,” he said.

Is it a cappuccino bar as well as a coffee bar on the second floor? we asked back when

Full service with a wide array of cabinetry and countertops.

Free estimates and design services.

670 Main Street (Rte 1) • Saco • 207.283.1811 • heartwood.biz • Mon–Fri 9–5 • Sat 9–2

Historic Quality & Authenticity

OVPaint@gmail.com • www.old-village.com Call or text: 215-817-3796 • Fax: 215-234-4601 P.O. Box 130 • Perkiomenville PA 18074

Dealer Inquiries Invited

those things mattered.

“Absolutely. Piped-in cappuccino.”

THE DRAW

Fast-forward to 2022.The circular dining room, legendary three-story flying staircase, and sumptuous mahogany paneling dreamed up by Waltman are still here in full force, according to seller Lisa Lawrence.

“We moved here from New Hampshire sixteen years ago this summer with our two daughters, 4 and 6, so I’m not sure how much they tore down during the remodeling. My husband’s a cardiologist. He was born in Biddeford, and he has many

The primary suite The primary suite explodes with explodes with a private deck a private deck hanging over hanging over Portland Harbor, a coffee bar, a massive fireplace, heated tile flooring, and an exercise room and laundry.

friends in Maine. One of them, a director at Central Maine Medical Center, said, ‘Why don’t you come up to Maine?’

“We’d seen the house driving through, and we’d talked about Maine. We already had a house at Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee and still do.

“After we bought the house, our daughters went to Cape Elizabeth schools. They were on the ski team and loved growing up here, but now they’re in college and beyond, so it’s time to downsize.

“What I love is, I really have an appreciation for architecture, but I also like new construction. This house has old-house history, but it’s pretty much new. The leaded glass in the library is from the original house. The Venetian chandelier speaks to our travels, like the Italian marble in the foyer—not shiny, but more like stonework. No matter where you are, there’s a window.

307 Belmont Ave. • Belfast, ME 04915307 Belmont ave. • Belfast, Me 04915 207-338-6000 • UnitedRealtyME.com207-338-6000 • UnitedrealtyMe.com

Please visit our website for virtual tours on our listings and access to ALL Maine Real Estate! Please visit our website for virtual tours on our listings and access to ALL Maine Real Estate!

Belfast swan lake

swanville Notably one of THE most remarkable properties on this desirable lake! Custom built w/3314 sq.ft., Cathedral ceiling in Great Room will awe you. Access to Waterfront deck from both levels & garage. 1.5 Acres w/ 285’ frontage and dock for the WinterPort boats! Expansion Possible. Mls: 1304620 | $529,900 Nestled at the end of Pleasant St, overlooking the Penobscot with 200’ waterfront, this 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath home features lovely open fl oor plan with access to wrap-around deck from living room and sunroom. Vistas will awe you. Detached 4 bay garage w/loft. Property is fenced, paved drive, sea wall; impeccable inside and out. Mls:1412774 $399,900

179 nortHPort aVe, Belfast The Nesmith-Read House • $350,000

Located close to Belfast’s downtown and waterfront, this historical Circa 1783 Cape is within walking distance to hospital, oceanfront parks and waterfront. Front parlor and living room are adorned with fireplaces, a formal dining room off custom designed kitchen featuring granite, built ins, & woodstove; an office/family room with entrance to studio, currently used as a custom, interior design studio. sWan laKe sWanVille Year-Round Lake House was built in 1999. Interior adorned With 9 rooms, 3 baths, building offers flexible floor plan, and zoning allows with wide spruce & yellow pine. Living room & kitchen administrative center, professional, clinical office space, uses are endless. open fl oor plan; French Doors open to a 1st fl oor bedroom or Renovated in 2009 with attention given to maintain the original details of this historic house, the charm and warmth adorn every offi ce; master suite on upper level. Beautiful views. Walkout room. Commercial, ADA accessible w/City Utilities, Central AC. Mls# 1446059 basement. 110’ waterfront, beach & dock. Rec room over Be a part of its history, one of Belfast’s oldest, existing houses, The Nesmith-Read House. $350,000 garage. Mls:1359899 $499,900

swan lake

swanville Lovely Ranch home on 2.5 Acres w/ 515’ shorefront featuring many updates including new kitchen, waterfront deck, fl ooring, interior painting, paved drive, and more. 1500 sq. ft on one fl oor. Expansion possible to full 2nd fl oor; double lot! Mls: 1287308 | $299,900 Belfast Contemporary home featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with modern decor throughout. Well-appointed kitchen w/ breakfast bar; open to dining which in turn opens to the rear, private deck. Master En-Suite w/private bath. Attached 2-car garage. Downstairs media room. Mls:1410884 $275,000

Belfast stockton spring - ocean Cross Pond, MorrillPenobscot BayBelfast BelfastBelfast

Beautifully Restored New England Cape on Pitcher Rd in Belfast. Sunny & open 1st floor w/spacious kitchen featuring granite counter tops, stainless appliances & top of the line cabinetry. Slider leads to new deck that wraps around to the rear overlooking the lovely apple trees & gardens. Living, dining, den &1st floor bdrm, laundry & full bath all on 1st floor. 3 rooms & full bath up. Large 2-story barn ideal for shop/home business. 3 miles to downtown waterfront. $429,900 Serenity, Peace, and Tranquility on Cross Pond in Morrill… describes this amazing property. Nestled in the middle of a spacious 5+ Acres, this home is like none you will find. Chef’s kitchen, Living rm & dining features gas fireplace; den w/ woodstove. Wrap-around deck w/hot tub. Master bdrm features private bath. Central Air, full house generator, outdoor shower, Brazilian hardwood decking, dry basement, det. 2-car garage, FULLY FURNISHED HOME. 284’ WATERFRONT $495,000

Built in 2003, nothing spared here folks! Custom built 3/2 home features intricate Belfast Belfast Sea Captain’s Home that has been impeccably Only 2 miles to downtown, this lovely Commanding views across Captivating views from every room, wrapsWan laKe details throughout. Lovely wood fl oors, maintained and updated. Walking distance to downtown home has an updated kitchen, fi replace Penobscot Bay from this Contemporary, seasonal water views and easy access on the Rail Trail which leads to the Belfast Waterfront. Water facing screened porch and spacious deck. Must SEE! Mls:1295111 | $229,900 around deck, lower level patio, Great Room w/fi replace, Master En-Suite w/fi replace & jetted tub, family room on lower level with walkout to the shore! Mls: 1302727 | $349,900 Spacious 4 bedroom 3 bath home on Beautiful Swan Lake w/over 700’ shared water front to access for your boating, swimming and fi shing enjoyment. 3 fl oors of living. Master on 1st fl oor. Lovely views. Make this your summer or yearround home. Mls:1410836 $394,900 Belfast and also to the Belfast Harbor Walk and Rail Trail. Great Room/studio with separate entrances ideal as home office, professional, clinical, spa unit. Formal dining and living rooms, spacious kitchen with tin ceilings, This is the dream home you’ve been searching near Belfast Proper. $374,900 in living, open porch. Most recently operated as a business, located on U.S. Rt. 1 makes this ideal home offi ce, accounting, legal or medical facility. Mls: 1290995 | $254,900 only 5 miles to downtown Belfast waterfront. Built in 2005, this 1624 sq. ft home features access to oceanfront from every room! City utilities, private development. Enjoy lobster bakes on your own beach! Mls: 1283853 | $549,900

Belfast

Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bathroom condo only 2 miles to downtown waterfront! Located within a 46 unit complex spread over 44 acres with walking paths. Lovely, spacious deck. Master w/private bath. Maintenance-free living included in price. Mls:1405561 $139,900

Belfast

Attention Equestrians! Near downtown, home features 8 rooms, spacious kitchen w/island, family room overlooking private 14.46 acres, pastures for horses. Horse barn w/ electric & water opens to paddock area. Mls:1401830

BELFAST only $269,900 BELMONT: MOMENTS TO DOWNTOWN BELFAST AND THE OCEAN

Paradise, serenity and privacy best describes this incredible property. Only 3+/- miles to Belfast Waterfront, sits this amazing, ocean view 28+/- acres...yes, OCEAN VIEWS THAT WILL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY! Looking across the ocean you’ll see Blue Hill, Acadia National Park Region ~ Cadillac Mountain. The Circa 1800 home sits atop this beautiful land, with the ocean and mountains in the background. Sunrises will awe you as it rises over the bay. (Pictures do not do justice or capture the views sufficiently.) The home boasts a bay window in the living room (or office), overlooking the fields, mountains & water in the background. Eat- in kitchen is located off the living room and offers good cupboard space and is fully applianced. Living room, first floor bedroom, laundry room and 2 full baths, completes the first floor. Upstairs are 2 bedrooms. Attached 2 car garage with storage underneath is ideal for lawn tractor, tool storage, etc. Lovely covered porch off the living room offers such peaceful surroundings; you won’t want to leave it. Expansive pole barn provides ample storage for the tractors, 4 wheelers, gators, boat, camper, & more. This unique property is very special and one-of-akind. Portion of the land is in tree growth.$595,000 5mi to Belfast, this Charming Cape Cod gem is prestigiously situated on the corner of Augusta Rd (Rt. 3) & Searsmont Rd. Lovely & spacious home offers flexibility to incorporate home office or business venture along w/residence. Home to the Cross Family for generations, this property has been well maintained. 1st floor features open floor concept w/ eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar, updated appliances & large bay window opposite the dining table area to entertain your friends & family for years to come. Open to another dining area, this floor plan is ideal for entertaining large gatherings. Off dining & kitchen area is a back deck. Main entrance opening to the living room of this lovely home. Master bedroom on the 1st floor w/private bath. 2nd full bath w/newly added oversized, walk-in shower, washer/dryer. 2nd bedroom, office or den completes the first floor. Upstairs are 2 additional rooms and storage. Oversized garage is attached. Full basement w/ interior access. Be the first since the Cross Family to own this lovely home and property. $259,000

DOWNTOWN BELFAST: STEPS TO OCEAN

Located on the corner of Waldo Ave & Anderson Street in the heart of downtown Belfast, only steps to the waterfront, harbor walk, rail trail, library, cafes, co-op & more. Recently used as mixed use with a barber shop on 1st floor and apartment rental on upper level. The 1st floor is easily renewed to an owner occupied office or rent out for a commercial use. There are 3 entrances to the 1st floor unit: 1st from Anderson St, opens to an entry for both this unit and the upstairs unit: 2nd is the handicap accessible entrance from Waldo Ave and the 3rd from the back. Upstairs features a 1 bdrm apartment unit offering 2 means of egress: from Anderson and Waldo Ave. 2nd floor slider leads to a 3 season, screened & covered porch which extends the living space. The apartment offers a nice open flow from kitchen - living room with built-ins, full bath, laundry and spacious bedroom. Recently added heat pumps to both units, provides AC when needed. Downtown Commercial zoning allows versatile use; studio on 1st floor, rental up; owner occupied w/office space on 1st floor. Well maintained, ideal location, ample parking, screen & covered porch. ONE OF A KIND - $350,000

I like that—it’s not modern day.”

WHAT SHE’LL MISS

“All the cruise ships are mindblowing. It was one thing when they told me about being able to watch cruise ships going by, but to see them in real life is so different! They’re very quiet. Late at night it’s dark. You’ll be in the kitchen and all of a sudden you see this wave of light going over you, and it’s this ship slipping in. It’s like it snuck in—it’s surreal. Now that I haven’t lived there for a couple of years, I realize I’ll never have it again—that flood of light.

“My husband and I have loved the sunrises. I like to sit out on the rocks in the back. It’s about as private as I can get. We have intentionally not done any work modernizing the back yard. It’s all grandfathered, so you could do some beautiful things back there.”

CALL IT THE HOUSE WHERE NOW MEETS THEN.

“A number of times people, sometimes from out-of-state, would show up on the front steps” with memories. “Once a woman knocked on the door. She was in tears. I took her inside. She said she used to live in the older house here, before.” n

Taxes are $68,031. One-stop gift shopping year ‘roundCome watch local honey being harvested! Our family thanks you for shopping locally unique gifts, mead, wine, and beer unique gifts, mead, wine, and beer tastefully curated gifts, mead, wine, and beer all natural line of skincare products all natural line of skincare products all natural line of skincare products observation hive & hobbyist beekeeping observation hive & hobbyist beekeeping observation hive & hobbyist beekeeping explore our honey tasting bar explore our honey tasting bar explore our honey tasting bar 10-6 Tuesday-Saturday • 10-2 Sunday 10-6 Tuesday-Saturday • 10-2 Sunday 10 - 6 Tuesday – Saturday • 10 - 2 Sunday

494 Stevens Avenue, Portland, Maine • thehoneyexchange.com • 207.773.9333 • 494 Stevens Avenue, Portland, Maine • thehoneyexchange.com • 207.773.9333 • 494 Stevens Avenue, Portland, Maine • thehoneyexchange.com • 207.773.9333 •

10% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE!

Valid on regular-priced merchandise. One coupon per customer. Coupon is not transferrable and must be surrendered at the time of purchase. Offer excludes Benjamin Moore, Stihl, Big Green Egg, Ego equipment, Weber grills, lawn mowers, appliances, snowblowers. Other exclusions may apply. Cannot be combined with any other sale or coupon.

IN-STORE ONLY - VALID 4/1/22 - 4/30/22 COUPON CODE: PM22APR

WWW.MAINEHARDWARE.COM

BUY ONLINE AT WWW.ACEHARDWARE.COM SELECT MAINE HARDWARE AS YOUR STORE

proudly local local

FIERCELY INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT WICKED HELPFUL HELPFUL

274 St John St Portland, me 04102 207-773-5604

sun 9am-5pm mon-fri 7am-6pm sat 8am-6pm