There’s nothing more fun than discovering a hidden gem in one of your favorite cities. While attending the Women in Travel Summit last spring, I went on The Real Portland Tour and our guide told us we HAD to get inside of the Victoria Mansion because there was nothing like it in Portland. I hadn’t been able to take that building off my mind so while my girls were in camp this summer, I decided it was finally time to go in and take a peek. I was lucky to have a private tour with Torie, who was able to bring life to the history of the house. Let me show you around…
Also known as the Morse-Libby House, Victoria Mansion was built between 1858-1860 for Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife Olivia. Can you believe it was their summer home! The outside of the home is stunning and will make you stop in your tracks to look at it.
When you walk in, you’ll be amazed at this stunning staircase
and colorful 25-foot long stained-glass skylight.
Since the house was located near the city’s earliest gas and sewer lines (not an accident) the house had modern conveniences. It featured hot and cold running water, flush toilets, central heating, gas lights, and even a servant call-bell.
The rooms are grand and ornate with sumptuous fabrics and details in every corner. This room is the first you see when you walk in. Look at the intricate plaster work and the lavish chandeliers.
Imagine having dinner in this elaborate dining room!
This ceiling, like many in the home, appears to be three-dimensional, but is actually just painted to look that way. If you can believe it, this ceiling isn’t even made of real wood!
After Morse died, in 1893, his wife sold the home to J.R. Libby, a prominent dry goods merchant, and luckily they loved the home so much they didn’t make many changes to it. They lived in the home until 1929 and it was just about to be demolished when it was saved in 1940 and has been open to the public as a museum since 1941. There are so many stunning rooms in the mansion. Imagine having this gorgeous piano in your home!
I loved the dark red in this Turkish smoke room. It has a completely different look than the other rooms of the home.
The woodwork in the library was impressive.
This is one of my favorite bedrooms.
The room had many modern amenities, but still had a classic look.
This bedroom was also beautiful. Those painting would not have been in the room, but they help show the love of art the families had.
The ceiling had four images that symbolized winter, spring, summer, and fall.
This is where I would love to sit and have a cup of tea and read a good book if the house were mine.
Every space has intricate details. Just look at this fabulous marble fireplace.
And you’ll find yourself looking up throughout your visit so you don’t miss the amazing works of art above you.
Tips for a great day at Victoria Mansion:
109 Danforth Street
Portland, Maine
(207) 772-4841
Regular Season Hours:
May 1- October 31
Daily from 10:00am- 3:45pm
They offer two different tour experiences: guided tours and day pass admission.
Admission:
Adults $16.00
Seniors: $14
Students (ages 6-17) $5
There is a family rate ticket for $35 that applies to 2 adults and 2 children (ages 6-17)
Active military, Victoria Mansion member, and children under 6 are free.
Because of the historic nature of the home, only the first floor is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. They do offer a reduced fee.
There is not parking on the premises, but there are public parking garages around the mansion. Personally, I park at the parking garage at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, which is only about a block away.
A warm thank you to Torie and Victoria Mansion for having me as your guest. The mansion is a gorgeous piece of history that should be experienced when visiting Portland. As always, all experiences and opinions are 100% of MyTravelingKids.com.