Victoria Mansion

Visit this gorgeous Victorian Mansion in the Portland area.

Victoria Mansion in Maine is sometimes referred to as the Morse - Libby House/Mansion honoring the two families that once lived in it. The mansion is a landmark and an example of American residential architecture. The architect was Henry Austin, and the home was built originally as a summer home for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse. Mr. Morse left Portland to make his fortune in the hotel business in New York, Boston, and New Orleans. Morse had many features that were part of his luxury hotels in his future home, such as wall-to-wall carpeting, gas lighting, central heating, hot and cold water, and a vast and spacious entryway. A servant call system was also added.

The mansion was built between 1858 and 1860 and features ornate wood, marble fireplaces, hand-painted walls, and stained glass windows. A year after Morse passed away, his wife sold the house, and everything inside was sold to a Portland merchant and store owner. The Libby family lived in the home for more than 30 years. Not many changes were made to the home during that time.

When you visit, you will learn the house's history from volunteer docents that are stationed in each room available for viewing. The kitchen and the third floor are off-limits for now, but it is definitely worth a visit. Also, a Victorian-themed gift shop in the attached garage/carriage house has some great gifts and trinkets to take home with you. Admission is $15 a person, and it is open for tours from June - October, Monday through Saturday at 10 am with the last admission at 3:45 pm and Sundays starting at 1 pm, with the last admission at 4:45 pm.