Sarah Orne Jewett House

One of the highlights of visiting South Berwick, Maine, was touring the Sarah Orne Jewett House, one of New England’s important literary landmarks. Built in 1774 and expanded over generations, the house reflects both the architectural evolution of a prosperous New England family and the rich cultural heritage of the community. Best known as the lifelong home of author Sarah Orne Jewett, the house provided the setting and inspiration for many of her observations about rural Maine life. As I walked through the rooms, I was struck by how the home preserves not only the story of a celebrated writer but also the daily life, traditions and values of a nineteenth century New England family 

Sarah Orne Jewett was born in this house in 1849 and spent much of her life here. The daughter of a respected physician, she accompanied her father on visits throughout the surrounding communities, gaining firsthand knowledge of the peoples, customs and rural life that would later inspire her writing. Her most famous work: “The Country of the Pointed Firs” is considered one of the finest portrayals of coastal New England life written.

By the time Sarah lived here, the house reflected the confidence and success of a well-established family. The entrance hall served as the first impression for visitors arriving at the home and remains one of its striking interior spaces. The Sarah Orne Jewett House is preserved by Historic New England and offers visitors a glimpse into both the life of a remarkable author and the world of nineteenth century New England.