History of Stoneleigh Estates               Antique Colonial homes are part of our New England heritage, and although full of charm, are often in need of lots of TLC due to neglect. The structural frame, masonry and wide-plank flooring often need to be refurbished, and weather-beaten siding, plumbing and wiring often need to be updated or replaced. Renovation of older homes can also entail undoing poorly planned alterations and additions.  While the Colonial is the quintessential American home, it isn't always suited to the way we live today.  Some families even find reproduction Colonial homes too confining, the kitchen too small, and the storage space frustratingly insufficient.       For families who love early American architecture but don't like the small dark rooms and upkeep associated with 200 year old homes, there is a unique housing community with historic feel and character in Gorham , Maine .  The reproduction Colonial homes in Stoneleigh Estates are designed with the warmth, charm, and character of antique New England homes, but with the interior comforts and free flowing interior layout to fit the needs of today's American family. The small settlement of eight houses is nestled in between two of Gorham's historic Colonial homes, the Stephen Longfellow House and the Captain Stephenson Farm. While not exact replicas, the Stoneleigh homes have the correct proportions, symmetrical form, and classical detailing to establish an air of authenticity.       The architectural style of the Stoneleigh homes helps preserve the integrity and traditional atmosphere of the historic neighborhood.  The older of the two nearby homes is the Stephen Longfellow house, which according to the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1761.  The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's great -grandfather, Stephen Longfellow, moved his family to the Gorham farmhouse after their home on Fore Street was destroyed as a result of the burning of Falmouth Neck (now Portland )  by British troops in 1775. The farmhouse was later occupied by the poet's grandfather, also named Stephen Longfellow, who was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.  It was in that house that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's father, Stephen Longfellow, was born. The young poet spent vacations at his grandparents' farm and it is said that he wrote his first poem there, titled “Mrs. Phinney's Turnip.”       Just up the road from the Stephen Longfellow house is the Captain Stephenson Farm. This was built in 1812 by Judge Longfellow as a gift for his daughter Abigail, and her husband Captain Samuel Stephenson.   In behind the Captain Stephenson Farm is where the Stoneleigh Estates community is located. In an effort to keep the atmosphere of a rural Colonial Village , the houses are situated on generous-sized lots and include features like underground utilities, historic paint colors, and are designed so that the garage doors do not face the street. Other exterior Colonial features include granite steps, brick patio, antique brick chimneys, custom-made exterior crown molding, cedar drip edge, nine or twelve panes in each window sash, and a magnificent functional cupola complete with beaded copper trim.       The interiors are a mixture of antique charm and modern convenience: comfortably sized rooms, spacious closets, crown molding, antique brick fireplace with warming oven, central vacuum, cable and phone hook ups, ample bathrooms with granite and marble countertops, and jacuzzi tub in the master bath. Great Falls Builders also enhance the classic designs with attention to detail on features you don't see.  They use plywood sheathing, not OSB on the sub floors and the wide panel wood floors are screwed in place for a solid squeak-free surface, then plugged for an aesthetically pleasing finish.  This and other construction details like reinforced beams for the second story give the house a very solid feel.  Given the attention to craftsmanship and beauty in design, it is only a matter of time before this reproduction village becomes a treasured part of Gorham history and it is sure to be admired by future generations.         Schedule your private showing today . . .     Po Go Realty 39 Main Street Gorham, Maine 04038 207-632-8822 phone peter@pogorealty.com   Peter Mason-Broker   © Copyright 2006 Po Go Realty Web Design & Hosting by Premiere Web Services.com