A Historic Coastal Estate with a Hollywood Legacy
A remarkable property on the coast of Maine is set to become one of the most expensive real estate sales in the state's history. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom coastal home exudes a cinematic charm, and its connection to the film industry stems from its former owner—a legendary actress whose name still resonates in Hollywood.
The $15 million property, located on Cape Elizabeth, was once owned by Bette Davis, an iconic American actress who gained fame during the 1930s and 1940s. She passed away in 1989, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances that challenged traditional gender roles. Known for her ability to portray complex and often unlikable characters, Davis broke barriers and became a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
Some of her most famous films include All About Eve and Dark Victory. Throughout her career, she received 11 Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and won two Oscars for her roles in Dangerous and Jezebel. The property, known as 'Seascape' or 'Witch Way,' could potentially be the second most expensive residential home ever sold in Maine, following only a few other high-profile listings.
Only seven homes in Maine have ever been publicly listed and sold for over $10 million, and all of them were located on Mount Desert Island, nearly 200 miles away from Cape Elizabeth. This makes the current listing particularly unique, as it represents a rare opportunity to own a luxury property in a different part of the state.
The estate spans eight acres, featuring 1,200 feet of granite coastline and a secluded rocky beach. The main house, built in 2002, showcases classic East Coast architectural elements such as balconies, porches, and panoramic ocean views from every room. Inside, the home offers 7,600 square feet of living space filled with elegant details.
The interior includes hardwood floors, custom millwork, and multiple fireplaces. There is also a guest house with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a balcony. The entrance features a classic Cape Cod-style design, leading into a spacious entryway with a wooden spiral staircase.
The kitchen is a standout feature, with cream cabinetry, marble countertops, and large windows that allow natural light to flood the space. A central island doubles as a breakfast bar, while the open-plan layout provides ample room for a dining table. The living room boasts cozy grey carpets, a stone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the surroundings.
A large dining room with French windows is ideal for hosting gatherings and dinner parties, followed by another living area. The home also includes an elegant office with wood paneling and matching cupboards, along with another fireplace. Each bedroom is spacious and bright, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Outside, there is a classic East Coast patio with white pillars and wood flooring, surrounded by manicured lawns and lush greenery. The property has a rich history, having been purchased by Bette Davis and her husband, Gary Merrill, in the 1950s.
According to Sotheby's International Realty, which is handling the sale, Gary Merrill formed a hockey team that played on the property’s pond. His team was called "Merrill’s Marauders." He also lobstered off the backyard, recalling some of the best times in his life spent with Bette and their children at 'Witch Way.'
Their son, Michael Merrill, described the house in a 2014 interview with Portland Monthly, mentioning two coves, a large front lawn, a barn, an enclosed area for goats and other animals, horses, vegetable gardens, berry bushes, and a pond.
After the couple divorced in the 1960s, the property changed hands several times. It was last sold in 2016 for $3.75 million, with the carriage house sold separately for $1.45 million in an off-market deal.