Maine’s Most Photographed House Being Renovated and Restored to Its Glory

Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions, or personal experiences.

One of the most sought-after wedding venues is actually famous for something else.

104 Summer Street in Kennebunk, Maine, is more than just an address; it's the most photographed home in Maine.  Called "The Wedding Cake House", the carved and intricate trim is the "frosting" on top, with pillars of lace and steeples.

The home was built in 1825, but the "icing" was not added to the barn and home until 26 years later, according to weddingcakehouse.com.

Inside you find rooms filled with antiques and art, whether dining or sleeping.  There are some surprises too, as there are bedrooms over the barn looking out of unique windows and panes.

The history of the house is just as intriguing, as it was built by the groom's parents as a wedding present for George W. Bourne and his bride.  However, when the ship builder groom was sent out to sea for six months following the wedding, George and his talented artistic friends made the Federalist home very special by adding all the extra details for his bride upon his return.

The home was in the Bourne Family for three generations before being sold to private buyers, who have restored quite a bit of the home.  The inspiration for the spirals and intricate detail was from a cathedral in Milan, Italy, which George W. Bourne admired.  Incredulously, all the work was done by hand.

While the current owners use it as their own home, renovations continue, like a fabulous new deck in the back of the house.

Another new addition is the all-weather sign in the front of the house, replacing an old chipped wooden sign.

But perhaps the most beautiful (or the creepiest) design is the mannequin bride who moves around the house, popping up in various rooms and windows, as a symbol of the love The Wedding Cake House represents.

The Wedding Cake House is closed to the public currently, with no date for reopening to tourists, but the unique home still brings plenty of people who simply drive by and take photos.