BANGOR – Author Stephen King and his wife have purchased a 133-year-old mansion next door to their home on West Broadway with plans to restore it to its original grandeur.

The three-story, white Victorian house with a Mansard roof, is now wrapped in plastic as workers renovate the interior and exterior. The Kings acquired the home, known as the Charles P. Brown House, for $750,000 on Oct. 1, according to city records.

King’s Bangor attorney, Warren Silver, declined to comment on the restoration or future plans for the house. Bangor city officials said they believe the house may be used by King’s family members once the job is completed.

Stephen and Tabitha King bought their distinctive house – surrounded by a black iron fence and gates with gargoyles and interwoven designs of spiders and webs- in 1980.

The Charles P. Brown House, which was valued at $10,000 when it was built in 1872, is considered one of the most impressive mansions in Bangor, according to Deborah Thompson, architectural historian and author of “Bangor, Maine 1769-1914: An Architectural History.”

Historically, the house has not been maintained very well, but the Kings intend to restore it to its original condition, right down to the trim, according to Martin.

The Bangor Historical Preservation Committee has approved the exterior renovations. No permit is required for interior renovations, but the Kings chose to submit those restoration plans as well.

The plans call for work to the roofing, exterior woodwork, siding, windows and exterior doors. Interior work will include electrical and plumbing work as well as restoration of the stairs, risers, handrails, and balustrades. Existing finishes, molding, castings and trim also will be preserved and protected, according to the plans submitted to the historic committee.

“I’m sure (the Kings will) do a lovely job,” Thompson said.