Built 1854 (1854) Opened 1854 Phone +1 207-465-3500 | NRHP Reference # 77000072 Area 2,024 m² Added to NRHP 15 September 1977 | |
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Location 32 Belgrade Rd., Oakland, Maine Address 32 Belgrade Rd, Oakland, ME 04963, USA Architectural styles Greek Revival architecture, Octagon house Similar Messalonskee Lake, Waldo Theatre, The Norlands, Wiscasset - Waterville and Farm, Peary–MacMillan Arctic Museum | ||
The Pressey House is a historic octagon house at 32 Belgrade Road in Oakland, Maine. Built in 1855, it is one of a small number of octagon houses in the state, and one of the only ones with Greek Revival styling. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It currently houses a bed and breakfast inn.
Description and history
The Pressey House is located in Oakland's village center on the south side of Belgrade Road (Maine State Route 11), overlooking the northernmost tip of Messalonskee Lake. Its main block is a two story wood frame octagon, from which an ell extends to the rear, joining it to a barn. All parts are finished in wooden clapboards, and rest on a granite block foundation. The street-facing front facade has pairs of sash windows on each floor, while most of the remaining sides have single sash windows. The main entrance is situated in the angled side just left of the front facade, and is flanked by sidelight windows and Doric pilasters, and is topped by an entablature and cornice.
The house was built sometime between 1854 and 1858 by H.T. Pressey, inspired by the works of Orson Squire Fowler, who promoted the design and construction of octagonal houses, which were a fad for about thirty years. Since many were built later in the period of the fad, they tend to have Italianate or Late Victorian features; this one, built during the earlier years of the fad, is unusual for having Greek Revival features.