View from the water of Loon Lodge at Westways

 

LOVELL — The Lovell Historical Society will be hosting its eighth Historic House Tour on Sunday, August 13. Four Historic Houses will be open for the tour from 1 to 4 p.m. After all the tours have concluded, refreshments (hors d’oeuvres & cash bar) will be served at the Lodge at Pleasant Point between 4 and 5 p.m.

The four houses to be toured are the James Walker House, Loon Lodge at Westways, the Benjamin Heald House, and the Pilsbury Camp at Boulder Brook Club. The James Walker House is a stately Lovell Village home with a connecting ell, sheds, and barn built in 1838. The architectural details include paneled corner pilasters, tall first-story windows, and a porch on three sides supported by Greek Doric columns. The home is featured on the cover of the Summer 2023 edition of Maine Homes.

Loon Lodge is a part of the former Diamond Match corporate retreat created in 1926 by William Armstrong Fairburn. This building, known as the “Museum,” housed his office and collections of maritime materials and artwork. A recent restoration was completed with
incredible attention to detail. Some of the Fairburn’s original furniture is on display, complimented by additional antiques the family has acquired.

The Benjamin Heald House was built around 1850. This Greek Revival Cape is circa 1800 and was reportedly moved from another location and an ell and barn were attached. The main part of the house has been kept in its original condition. Recently, the house’s ell was rebuilt, maintaining the structure’s original outside features while re-purposing the building. This ell now serves as living space, rather than storage space. Materials from the dismantled ell were incorporated wherever possible.

The Pilsbury Camp is part of the Boulder Brook Club and is beautifully situated on Kezar Lake. Richard and Betty Pilsbury purchased this waterfront lot in 1964 and built the camp. After a restoration by their son, the camp is now a year-round residence and home of the Kezar Lake Watershed Association weather station.

Tickets are available for sale on the day of the tour at the Lovell Historical Society (across from the Lake Kezar Country Club on Route 5) from 11 to 1 p.m. or you can preregister by making a payment before the event. The price per person is $25 and all proceeds benefit the Society. For further information call the Lovell Historical Society at 925-3234. Ticket sales are limited to 200 people, and preregistration is advised.

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