Barncastle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Barncastle
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | South St. Blue Hill, Maine |
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| Built | 1884 |
| Architect | George Clough |
| Architectural style | Shingle Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000219 |
| Added to NRHP | November 10, 1980 |
Barncastle, also known as Kline Cottage, is a very old and special house in Blue Hill, Maine. It is located at 125 South Street. Today, it works as an inn and a restaurant.
Barncastle was one of the first and largest summer homes built in Blue Hill. It was finished in 1884. This house is still one of the most famous and unique buildings in the area. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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What is Barncastle?
The house was first called "Ideal Lodge." This name came from the Boston Ideal Opera Company. Effie Hinckley Ober, who built the house, founded this opera company. The house was designed by George Asa Clough. He was a famous architect from Boston and a childhood friend of Effie.
Who Built and Designed This House?
Effie Hinckley Ober decided to build this large summer home. She was a well-known person who started the Boston Ideal Opera Company. She wanted a special place in Blue Hill.
George Asa Clough was the architect who designed Barncastle. He was born in Blue Hill. Clough became a very respected architect in Boston. He used his skills to create this unique house for his friend Effie.
A House with a Story
The design of Barncastle is quite interesting. George Clough built the new, large house around a smaller one. This smaller house belonged to Effie's mother, Mary Peters Hinckley Ober Atherton. Her family were some of the first people to settle in Blue Hill.
Clough got ideas for his design from other famous architects. For example, the main part of the house looks similar to a cottage designed by W.R. Emerson. Also, the special arch and tower that connect the kitchen to the carriage barn remind people of buildings by McKim, Mead and White. These were famous architects who built in places like Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island and Mamaroneck (village), New York.
Unique Features of Barncastle
Barncastle has some very special parts that make it unique. Inside, there is a central staircase. It goes up in different sections and leads to an area with an inside window and a balcony.
On the front of the house, there is a small tower. This tower has a bell-shaped roof. These features make Barncastle stand out.
Its Original Look
When it was first built, Barncastle was painted barn red. It had cream-colored trim around the edges. This was similar to a nearby house called Parker House. That house was also remodeled by George Clough and is also on the National Register.
The name "Barncastle" fits this house very well. It is a large, rambling house with a gambrel roof. This means the roof has two different slopes on each side. It is built in the "Shingle Style," which uses wooden shingles on the outside walls.
Barncastle Today
Today, Barncastle is a busy inn and restaurant. It welcomes guests and serves meals. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This listing helps protect its history and unique design for future generations.
