Nestled amidst the charming seaside town of Kennebunk, Maine, stands an architectural marvel known as the Wedding Cake House. This iconic Victorian mansion captivates visitors with its elaborate gingerbread trim, intricate scrollwork, and whimsical design.
Built in 1829 by sea captain George Bourne, the Wedding Cake House initially served as a boarding house for sailors and shipbuilders. However, its intricate detailing soon earned it widespread recognition and became a popular tourist attraction.
Step inside the Wedding Cake House, and you'll be transported to a world of architectural artistry. Let's delve deeper into its captivating history, explore its unique architectural features, and uncover the fascinating story behind its name.
The wedding cake house
Important points about the wedding cake house
- Ornate Victorian Gothic
- Painted Ladies
- Scrollwork & Ginger bread
- Former Boarding House
- Kennebunk, ME
- 1829 construction
- Wedding Cake House
- Architectural Delight
More info on the wedding cake house
Ornate Victorian Gothic
The Wedding Cake House is a prime example of Ornate Victorian Gothic architecture, a style that emerged in the mid-19th century and was characterized by its elaborate ornamentation and intricate detailing.
The house's exterior is adorned with an abundance of gingerbread trim, scrollwork, and other decorative elements. The gables are adorned with intricate bargeboards, and the windows are framed with decorative molding. The roofline is punctuated by a series of decorative chimneys.
The interior of the house is equally impressive, with high ceilings, elaborate moldings, and decorative fireplaces. The grand staircase is a focal point of the house, with its ornate banisters and carved newel post.
The Wedding Cake House is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Victorian era. Its intricate detailing and whimsical design make it a true architectural marvel.
The house's unique design has made it a popular tourist destination. Visitors from all over the world come to admire its beauty and learn about its history.
Painted Ladies
The Wedding Cake House is also known as a "Painted Lady," a term used to describe Victorian houses that are painted in bright and vibrant colors. These houses were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and they can still be found in many cities and towns across the United States.
The Wedding Cake House is painted in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, blue, and green. The colors are complemented by the intricate gingerbread trim and scrollwork, creating a visually stunning effect.
Painted Ladies were often owned by wealthy families who wanted to show off their status and wealth. The Wedding Cake House is no exception. It was built by sea captain George Bourne, who was one of the wealthiest men in Kennebunk.
Today, Painted Ladies are considered to be architectural treasures. They are a reminder of a bygone era, and they continue to delight visitors with their beauty and charm.
The Wedding Cake House is one of the most famous Painted Ladies in the United States. It is a popular tourist destination, and it has been featured in numerous books, magazines, and television shows.
Scrollwork & Gingerbread
The Wedding Cake House is renowned for its elaborate scrollwork and gingerbread trim. These decorative elements are a hallmark of Victorian Gothic architecture and add to the house's whimsical and charming appearance.
- Scrollwork
The scrollwork on the Wedding Cake House is intricate and beautiful. It can be found on the gables, bargeboards, and window frames. The scrollwork is often painted in a contrasting color, which helps to highlight its delicate details.
- Gingerbread
The gingerbread trim on the Wedding Cake House is equally impressive. It can be found on the eaves, porch railings, and window surrounds. The gingerbread is often cut into intricate shapes, such as hearts, stars, and flowers. It is then painted in bright colors, which creates a visually stunning effect.
- Combination
The combination of scrollwork and gingerbread trim creates a unique and unforgettable look. The Wedding Cake House is a true masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture, and its intricate detailing is sure to impress visitors for years to come.
- Craftsmanship
The scrollwork and gingerbread trim on the Wedding Cake House is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Victorian era. These decorative elements were often hand-carved, and they required great precision and attention to detail. The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of a time when buildings were constructed with pride and care.
The Wedding Cake House is one of the best examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in the United States. Its elaborate scrollwork and gingerbread trim are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Victorian era. The house is a popular tourist destination, and it continues to delight visitors with its beauty and charm.
Former Boarding House
The Wedding Cake House was originally built as a boarding house for sailors and shipbuilders. Kennebunk was a major shipbuilding center in the 19th century, and there was a great demand for affordable housing for workers.
- Seafaring Guests
The Wedding Cake House was a popular choice for seafaring guests because it was located near the shipyard and it offered comfortable accommodations. The house had several large rooms that could accommodate multiple guests, and it also had a kitchen and dining room where guests could prepare and eat their meals.
- Landlubber Lodgers
In addition to seafarers, the Wedding Cake House also accommodated landlubber lodgers. These lodgers were often businessmen, travelers, and other visitors to Kennebunk. The house's convenient location and comfortable accommodations made it a popular choice for all types of guests.
- Boarding House Era
The Wedding Cake House operated as a boarding house for many years. However, in the late 19th century, the shipbuilding industry in Kennebunk declined. As a result, the demand for boarding houses decreased, and the Wedding Cake House was eventually converted into a private residence.
- Legacy
Although the Wedding Cake House is no longer a boarding house, its history as a lodging establishment is still evident in its design. The house's large rooms and shared spaces are reminiscent of its former life as a boarding house. The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of Kennebunk's maritime heritage, and it continues to be a popular tourist destination for visitors interested in the town's history.
The Wedding Cake House is a unique and beautiful example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Its history as a boarding house adds to its charm and makes it a fascinating place to visit.
Kennebunk, ME
The Wedding Cake House is located in the charming seaside town of Kennebunk, Maine. Kennebunk is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, quaint shops, and historic architecture.
The Wedding Cake House is one of Kennebunk's most famous landmarks. It is located on a hill overlooking the town center. The house is surrounded by a lush garden, and it offers stunning views of the Kennebunk River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Kennebunk has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The town was originally settled by English colonists, and it was an important shipbuilding center in the 19th century. Kennebunk is also home to several historic churches, museums, and art galleries.
The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of Kennebunk's rich history and its architectural heritage. The house is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a popular venue for weddings and other special events.
Kennebunk is a wonderful place to visit year-round. The town offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. In the summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and boating in the Kennebunk River and the Atlantic Ocean. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
1829 construction
The Wedding Cake House was built in 1829 by sea captain George Bourne. Bourne was one of the wealthiest men in Kennebunk, and he spared no expense in the construction of his new home.
- Federal Style
The Wedding Cake House was built in the Federal style, which was popular in the United States from 1780 to 1830. Federal-style buildings are typically symmetrical, with a central doorway and evenly spaced windows. They often have a simple, rectangular shape and a pitched roof.
- Local Craftsmen
Bourne hired local craftsmen to build the Wedding Cake House. The craftsmen used local materials, including pine and oak. The house was built to withstand the harsh Maine winters, and it has stood the test of time.
- Ornate Detailing
Although the Wedding Cake House is a Federal-style building, it is also known for its elaborate detailing. The house is adorned with scrollwork, gingerbread trim, and other decorative elements. This detailing is reminiscent of the Gothic Revival style, which was popular in the United States in the mid-19th century.
- Landmark
The Wedding Cake House was a landmark in Kennebunk from the day it was built. The house's unique design and elaborate detailing made it a popular tourist destination. Today, the Wedding Cake House is one of the most photographed buildings in Maine.
The Wedding Cake House is a beautiful and unique example of Federal-style architecture. The house is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the local builders who constructed it. The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of Kennebunk's rich history, and it continues to be a popular tourist destination today.
Wedding Cake House
The Wedding Cake House is a beautiful and unique example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The house is known for its elaborate gingerbread trim, scrollwork, and other decorative elements. The Wedding Cake House is a popular tourist destination and a popular venue for weddings and other special events.
The Wedding Cake House was built in 1829 by sea captain George Bourne. Bourne was one of the wealthiest men in Kennebunk, and he spared no expense in the construction of his new home. The house was originally built as a boarding house for sailors and shipbuilders. However, in the late 19th century, the shipbuilding industry in Kennebunk declined. As a result, the demand for boarding houses decreased, and the Wedding Cake House was eventually converted into a private residence.
The Wedding Cake House is named for its resemblance to a wedding cake. The house is white with intricate gingerbread trim and scrollwork. The house is also known for its beautiful gardens, which are a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and other special events.
The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of Kennebunk's rich history and its architectural heritage. The house is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a popular venue for weddings and other special events.
The Wedding Cake House is a beautiful and unique example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The house is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the local builders who constructed it. The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of Kennebunk's rich history, and it continues to be a popular tourist destination today.
Architectural Delight
The Wedding Cake House is an architectural delight. The house is a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture, and it is known for its elaborate gingerbread trim, scrollwork, and other decorative elements.
The Wedding Cake House was built in 1829 by sea captain George Bourne. Bourne was one of the wealthiest men in Kennebunk, and he spared no expense in the construction of his new home. The house was originally built as a boarding house for sailors and shipbuilders. However, in the late 19th century, the shipbuilding industry in Kennebunk declined. As a result, the demand for boarding houses decreased, and the Wedding Cake House was eventually converted into a private residence.
The Wedding Cake House is a beautiful and unique example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The house is a reminder of Kennebunk's rich history and its architectural heritage. The house is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a popular venue for weddings and other special events.
The Wedding Cake House is a true architectural delight. The house is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the local builders who constructed it. The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of Kennebunk's rich history, and it continues to be a popular tourist destination today.
The Wedding Cake House is a beautiful and unique example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The house is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the local builders who constructed it. The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of Kennebunk's rich history, and it continues to be a popular tourist destination today.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Wedding Cake House:
Question 1: When was the Wedding Cake House built?
Answer 1: The Wedding Cake House was built in 1829.
Question 2: Who built the Wedding Cake House?
Answer 2: The Wedding Cake House was built by sea captain George Bourne.
Question 3: What style of architecture is the Wedding Cake House?
Answer 3: The Wedding Cake House is an example of Victorian Gothic architecture.
Question 4: Why is the Wedding Cake House called the Wedding Cake House?
Answer 4: The Wedding Cake House is called the Wedding Cake House because it resembles a wedding cake, with its white exterior and elaborate gingerbread trim.
Question 5: Is the Wedding Cake House open to the public?
Answer 5: Yes, the Wedding Cake House is open to the public for tours.
Question 6: Can you get married at the Wedding Cake House?
Answer 6: Yes, you can get married at the Wedding Cake House. The house is a popular venue for weddings and other special events.
Question 7: How much does it cost to get married at the Wedding Cake House?
Answer 7: The cost of getting married at the Wedding Cake House varies depending on the date and time of your event. Please contact the Wedding Cake House for more information.
Question 8: What are the most popular features of the Wedding Cake House?
Answer 8: The most popular features of the Wedding Cake House include its elaborate gingerbread trim, scrollwork, and other decorative elements. The house is also known for its beautiful gardens.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Wedding Cake House. For more information, please visit the Wedding Cake House website or contact the house directly.
In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for visiting the Wedding Cake House:
Tips
Here are a few tips for visiting the Wedding Cake House:
Tip 1: Book your tour in advance. The Wedding Cake House is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to book your tour in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak season.
Tip 2: Arrive early. The Wedding Cake House is located on a hill overlooking the town of Kennebunk. Arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to explore the house and gardens before your tour begins.
Tip 3: Take your time. The Wedding Cake House is full of intricate details. Take your time to explore the house and gardens, and don't be afraid to ask your tour guide questions.
Tip 4: Bring your camera. The Wedding Cake House is a beautiful and unique building. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the house and gardens.
These are just a few tips for visiting the Wedding Cake House. For more information, please visit the Wedding Cake House website or contact the house directly.
In conclusion, the Wedding Cake House is a beautiful and unique example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The house is a popular tourist destination and a popular venue for weddings and other special events. If you are planning a visit to Kennebunk, be sure to add the Wedding Cake House to your itinerary.
Conclusion
The Wedding Cake House is a beautiful and unique example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The house is known for its elaborate gingerbread trim, scrollwork, and other decorative elements. The Wedding Cake House is a popular tourist destination and a popular venue for weddings and other special events.
The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of Kennebunk's rich history and its architectural heritage. The house is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the local builders who constructed it. The Wedding Cake House is a reminder of a bygone era, and it continues to delight visitors with its beauty and charm.
If you are planning a visit to Kennebunk, be sure to add the Wedding Cake House to your itinerary. The house is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture, history, or simply beautiful things.