Former Husson president’s house and historic landmark is on the market for $580,000

A 176-year-old historic home in Bangor, Maine, is on the market for $580,000, more than double the city’s average home value of $284,000. The Burleigh-Sawyer House, built in 1850 for a wealthy lumber family, includes 3,900 square feet across six bedrooms and four bathrooms on 1.5 acres. The property was previously owned by Husson University, which sold it last year for $550,000, and served as the president’s residence until the current owners acquired it. The house retains original features such as towering ceilings, large wooden windows with crown molding, and three gas-converted fireplaces. Unique elements include a cupola offering panoramic views, a basement vault, and rumors of hidden railroad tunnels. The property also includes a 2017 three-car garage and an original barn with a silo and antique furnishings. As a designated historic landmark under Bangor’s city code, exterior changes that alter the home’s appearance are restricted. The current owners, who purchased the property last year, are selling due to a desire to move to a more rural area. Despite the landmark designation, the listing agent, Ellen Grant of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, reports strong interest from buyers willing to maintain the property’s historic character. The home’s formal layout includes a dining room, sewing room, and walk-through pantry, along with built-in storage throughout. The asking price reflects its unique history and size, though it remains significantly above Bangor’s average market value. Potential buyers must be prepared for preservation requirements and upkeep of the property’s grandeur.