Norumbega, designed by New York City architect Arthur Bates Jennings and built in 1886–87 for Joseph Barker Stearns in Camden, Maine. The grand Queen Anne style house has extensive views of the Camden Hills to the north and west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south. It is now a boutique hotel. norumbegainn.com
Sterns was a native of Weld, Maine, who moved to Boston as a young man and eventually made a fortune in the telegraph industry by inventing duplex telegraphy, which allowed two messages to be sent on the same wire at the same time. His patented invention was used across the globe and made him a millionaire.
The house typifies the idiosyncratic eclecticism of the Queen Anne style. Skillfully crafted stone and brick masonry, wood shingles, and sheet copper are combined in a picturesque composition. Its rooftop gables, dormers, and tall chimneys culminate in a corner tower.
The Victorian era Queen Anne Style developed in England and made its way to America in the 1870s. Faithful examples following the English style were first used for grand mansions. Over time a distinct American Queen Anne style emerged and was used for houses of all classes – from grand mansions to millworker cottages.
Queen Anne is one of 25 styles and types described and illustrated with hundreds of color photos in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles, including Virginia McAlester’s classic “A Field Guide to American Houses.” Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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