WINSLOW – In one of the beautifully renovated bathrooms on the second floor of this stunning Arts & Crafts home, original blueprints dating from May 1914 have been framed and are hanging on the walls. The blueprints bear the name of architect Herbert E. Knapp, and identify the surrounding rooms – e.g., across the broad landing, the original “sewing room,” which was recently converted to a lovely full bath serving the master bedroom. Or, master “chamber,” actually, because that is how the four bedrooms are designated on the illustrations.

The quaint term aptly reflects the immense period charm and superb Craftsman character of this extraordinary house. It is one of only two Knapp is known to have been commissioned to build in Maine. The other, the Heald House in Waterville, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Knapp, a native of the Piscataquis County town of Blanchard, would doubtless be pleased to know that his century-old work here has been so perfectly preserved by its few owners. Built for mill manager Robert H. Stobie, after whom adjacent Stobie Street is named, the house was later owned by one family for many decades. For the past few years, the home has been cherished by the present seller, who has undertaken several key renovations (kitchen, pantry, bathrooms) and cosmetic restorations (e.g. wallpaper) with the utmost fidelity to the original aesthetic.

The 3,476-square foot home’s extensive oak woodwork, leaded glass, tile, wallpaper, and various lovely light fixtures (the parrot piece in the sun room is a standout) are remarkable for their pristine condition. Two of the four fireplaces are in bedrooms, including one with a gas insert in the master. Other fireplaces are in the library and in the living room, which like the dining room has a coffered ceiling.

The kitchen renovation, which was overseen by a chef de cuisine, saw the butler’s pantry incorporated into the larger room. The original pantry, a daylight room unto itself, has separate marble counters for vegetable preparation and for pastry-making.

The full basement includes a partially finished family room area, a big “canning” room with lots of shelving, and an abundance of storage space.
In addition to the renovated, two-vehicle, detached garage, the acre-plus lot comes with a delightful bonus: A teardrop-shaped, enclosed children’s garden about 40 feet long, with a patio, birdhouses on granite posts, water and electricity, and a little Dutch-door custom playhouse with a loft. The town park, with access to Two Cent Bridge, where you can walk across the Kennebec River, is directly across the street.

The 3,476-square-foot home at 107 Benton Ave., Winslow, is listed for sale at $335,000 by Jill M. Huard of Century 21 Surette Real Estate, and is being shown by appointment. Please note that the asking price is $40,000 below the assessed value.

For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Jill at 873-5634, 314-1039 or at Jill.Huard@Century21.com.

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel, the Home of the Week is provided at no cost.

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