Historic Bridge House on Boothbay Harbor: Iconic Summer Cottage for Sale

Photos by Robert L. Drake

Moored and moving yachts, lobster boats, kayaks and windjammers make up the ever-changing panorama visible from the Bridge House, perched above the water of downtown Boothbay Harbor, Maine. From each window the harbor scene shifts with tides, weather and the steady rhythm of coastal life.

A Picturesque Spot with Deep Local Roots

Located on the footbridge that spans the heart of the harbor, the shingled Bridge House—originally the bridge tender’s house—has become one of Boothbay Harbor’s most photographed and recognizable structures. Built in 1902, the 1,000-foot footbridge saves pedestrians a three-quarter-mile walk around the head of the harbor. Its early history is colorful: a local citizen financed the bridge, collected a penny toll from each pedestrian until his investment was repaid, and then donated the bridge to the town.

Allan Miller and his partner, Pam Burke, live in the Bridge House during the summer months. The couple renovated the once-commercial structure back into a private summer cottage in 2001, restoring many original exterior features and creating an interior that reflects a relaxed, nautical Maine sensibility.

Restoration and Design

The couple restored the gambrel-roofed Bridge House to its 1902 exterior appearance, clad with unstained cedar shingles and multi-paned windows that suit the historic character of the building. Inside, the renovation emphasizes natural materials and maritime details that echo local seafaring traditions. Miller, a skilled woodworker, repurposed maritime materials in thoughtful ways—fashioning a stair railing from a spinnaker pole and cutting pine posts and stair treads from the bowsprit of the schooner Roseway.

The interior plan fosters an easy summer-cottage lifestyle. A Dutch “front” door leads from the deck into a combined dining room and kitchen outfitted with new appliances, varnished pine counters and beadboard cabinets. An adjacent sunroom includes a potbelly stove for cooler evenings and old-style windows designed to open widely and catch the sea breeze. In the bathroom beneath the stairs, the shower is lined with low-maintenance cedar clapboards. Upstairs, the original two small rooms were combined to form a single restful bedroom space—keeping the home simple and uncluttered for seasonal use.

Additional Building: Former Rowe’s Market

At the east end of the footbridge stands the former Rowe’s Market building, which the couple renovated into a year-round residence last fall while retaining its commercial potential. The market property includes a large central room with a kitchenette, heat, a full bath and two storage rooms, along with a parking area. Together with the Bridge House, this additional building offers flexibility for continued commercial use, rental income, or extended family and guest accommodations.

Property Details and Lifestyle

The Bridge House measures approximately 1,100 square feet and includes a private dock and float with depth of about 4.5 feet at mean low water—suitable for small craft and convenient harbor access. The combined offering—the Bridge House with private dock and the former Rowe’s Market property with parking—is listed at $995,000. The Bridge House is also available separately at $795,000, while the market building is offered at $225,000.

Both properties are connected to city water and sewer. Annual property taxes on the Bridge House are approximately $2,300. The Bridge House and the former market are steps away from restaurants, galleries, shops and services at both ends of the footbridge, placing residents in the center of Boothbay Harbor’s walkable, maritime village life.

Why This Property Matters

The Bridge House is more than a charming cottage; it is a piece of Boothbay Harbor’s visible identity. Perched on pilings with postcard views in every direction, it provides access to the rhythms of a working harbor while offering the intimacy and craftsmanship of a thoughtfully restored historic home. For buyers seeking a seasonal retreat, an iconic waterfront address, or a property with both residential and commercial options, this offering presents a rare opportunity.

For more information, contact Clayton Pottle and Howie Barter of Pottle Realty Group at (207) 633-2222.

February 2013 issue