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History of
Merritt House
Condominiums
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THE MERRITT HOUSE AT
POINT VILLAGE, Orrs Island,
Maine |
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History
of THE MERRITT HOUSE AT POINT VILLAGE
Opened in 1898, the Merritt House originated as a hotel to serve tourists who would travel to Maine by rail, shuttle to the Portland Pier and travel by the Harpswell Steamboat Company to their Orr's Island destination. The twenty mile journey from Portland by steamboat would include stops on various other islands in Casco Bay and would eventually journey up Harpswell Sound to a dock just below the Merritt House on Orr's Island. A short walk across the lawn would put them at the door of the Merritt House where they would spend their summer in a hotel on an idyllic Maine island to rest, recuperate and enjoy the cool sea breezes. The Merritt House is currently in the process of being renovated into twelve year-round, well-appointed, condominium units with an 2009 completion date. It is located on the southwest tip of Orr's Island in the Town of Harpswell in an area that was historically called Point Village. The western exposure allows for dramatic sunsets and views. The location of the building also allows for sweeping views to the south toward Bailey Island and allows open-ocean views to the east. It is within view of, and also a very short walk to, the historic Bailey Island Cribstone Bridge. This unique bridge is the only one of its kind in the world. Orr's Island has remained a quaint fishing village community and to many it is a restful summer retreat. For those who take pleasure in being on the ocean as well as enjoying the view from their island home, ownership includes rights to a deep water dock and moorings for access to anchorage in Harpswell Sound. This is the perfect situation for easy island condo living. Orr's Island is one of three islands and a peninsula that make up the Town of Harpswell. As charming as it was in 1898, it is no longer necessary to travel by steamboat to Orr's Island. The town has been joined by three scenic bridges for many years. The Merritt House at Point Village is an easy drive of approximately 13 miles from the Town of Brunswick, the home of Bowdoin College, and is 39 miles from the city of Portland. |
Old post cards of THE MERRITT HOUSE   Click thumbnail images to enlarge |
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Merritt House, Inc. |
