Few houses in Maine are photographed as often as the Wedding Cake House, and few are as hard to explain without seeing. The Federal-style house in Kennebunk is covered in elaborate Gothic Revival woodwork, with pinnacles, tracery and lacy detail that gives it the look of a tiered cake. Local legend says a shipbuilder added the decoration to honor his wife, and whatever the truth, the house has become the symbol of the area. It is a private home, so visitors cannot go inside, but it can be admired and photographed from the street. The house stands on Summer Street, the historic avenue of Kennebunk where shipbuilders and sea captains built grand houses in the early nineteenth century, and a stroll along it is like walking through an open-air museum of Federal, Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. The street is also a National Register historic district and is quiet and tree-lined.
What to see
Look at the wedding cake house from the sidewalk and note the finials, fretwork and symmetry. Then walk the street, noticing the variety of doorways, windows and porches, and read the historic plaques on some of the houses. The sidewalks are shaded and the walk is easy, so the visit suits most ages. In fall, the foliage frames the houses beautifully, and in winter snow shows off the details.
Etiquette
The houses are private homes, so do not walk on lawns, peer into windows, or use drones. Park legally on the street or in public lots and keep noise down. Take photographs from the public sidewalk, and be mindful of the residents who live here year round. If you want to understand the stories behind the houses, join a guided walking tour or visit the Brick Store Museum, which interprets the shipbuilding history that paid for them.
Planning
A visit takes thirty minutes to an hour. Morning light is best for photographs of the front, and midday sun can wash out details. The house is on Route 35 in Kennebunk, a short drive from Dock Square, and it is a natural stop on a drive between Kennebunkport, the Lower Village and the beaches. Combine it with lunch in the Lower Village or a visit to the monastery gardens and the museum.
Who it suits
Architecture lovers, photographers, history fans and anyone who enjoys a short, free, charming stop. It is less suited to those who want to go inside, since there is no public access. A trolley or walking tour adds context, and the Kennebunk Historic walks give a deeper dive. Even a quick stop leaves a lasting image of the architecture and the sea captains who built it.
Making a walk of it
Park near the Brick Store Museum and stroll along Summer Street toward the river, counting the different styles of doorway and porch you can spot. A short printed or online map of the historic district helps identify the houses, and a guide can tell you which captain built which.
Pause at the end for a view of the river and think about the ships that once slid down the ways. Autumn is especially good, when the maples along the street turn red and the big old houses look their best against the sky, and winter dusk adds lit windows and a hushed, nineteenth century mood.
What to expect
The experience
A Federal house with Gothic woodwork like wedding cake frosting, seen from the street, among the grand houses of Summer Street.
Best time
Morning light for photographs; autumn for foliage.
How long
Half an hour to an hour.
Tips
Stay on public sidewalks, respect residents and do not fly drones.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Architecture lovers and photographers.
- Families
- A short, free stop for children and adults alike.
- Couples
- A pretty stroll for couples.
- Pair with
- The Brick Store Museum and the monastery gardens.
- Time needed
- About 45 minutes.
Good questions
Can I go inside?+
No. It is a private home, seen from the street.
Where is it?+
On Summer Street in Kennebunk, on Route 35.
Is it free?+
Yes, viewing from the sidewalk is free.
Why is it called the Wedding Cake House?+
Its tiered Gothic woodwork looks like wedding cake frosting. A local legend links it to the builder's wife.
Is there parking?+
On the street and in nearby public spaces. Follow signs.