A seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom estate in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, offering views of the lighthouse immortalized in Edward Hopper's paintings, has been listed for $16.5 million. The property at 19 Cunner Lane, owned by David D. Smith, executive chairman for Sinclair Broadcast Group, is part of his two-property holdings on Cunner Lane. If it sells at the asking price, it would set a new record for the most expensive residential property ever sold in Maine.
The current record holder is Bette Davis' former home in Cape Elizabeth, which sold for $13.4 million last year. The listing agent, Sam Michaud, described the property as "the Mona Lisa of Maine real estate" and superior to other oceanfront offerings in New England. Michaud noted that the house itself is "practically brand new" as Smith "barely used the property."
The estate features views of five lighthouses, including the one featured in Hopper's "Light at Two Lights" (1927) and "The Lighthouse at Two Lights" (1929). "The Edward Hopper lighthouse is directly behind the estate," Michaud told the Daily Mail. "It's the first thing you see when you pull in, and you can see it throughout the property. When you're walking through the house, you can see it throughout the windows. It's magical."
Michaud stated that it is uncommon for a property to be situated near so many lighthouses, particularly one made famous by an esteemed artist. The property is located within a gated community, emphasizing privacy for its residents. The home also boasts a pool room facing the ocean, expansive windows for natural light, and direct waterfront access.
Maine's ultra-luxury real estate market has seen significant price increases in recent years. Michaud observed that high-end buyers are increasingly seeking more privacy and are moving to Maine from more crowded locales like Nantucket and the Hamptons. "The word on the block is that Nantucket is becoming very crowded. As high-end sellers are looking for more privacy, and they are heading to Maine," he said. In the past year, four properties in Maine have sold for over $10 million, and Michaud anticipates this trend will continue. The property is also a 15-minute drive from Portland.
Michaud reported strong interest from "very high-profile buyers" since the listing went live. The property was previously recognized by Architectural Digest as its property of the month and was called Maine's best beach house by Mansion Global.