An Old Fashioned Christmas at the Nott House

A short stroll from Dock Square up Spring Street to 8 Main Street brings us in view of the magnificent, Doric-columned, Greek Revival mansion, the Nott House.  Constructed in 1853 by Eliphalet Perkins III for his son, Charles, on his wedding to Celia Nott, the house remained in the family until 1981 when Elizabeth Nott, the last descendant of the Perkins and Nott families, deeded it to the Kennebunkport Historical Society.  Replete with the original furnishing and belongings of four generations of Perkins and Nott families, the house has proven to be a time capsule of life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Kennebunkport.

Once again this Christmas Prelude, the Nott House in its holiday finery is a “must see”.  Decorations, while in keeping with the lavish splendour of Victorian tastes, remain true to the then-popular use of decorative touches from nature.  Also, placed throughout the house, Victorian ladies (mannequins) model period costumes from the Society’s extensive textile collection.  They present a veritable mid-nineteenth century fashion show.

 The Prelude festivities, to which all are invited, begin with a gala champagne reception, including hors d’oeuvres, unlimited conviviality and a leisurely viewing of the house on Thursday, November 30, from 5 to 7 pm, $20 per person.

 Nott House tours are planned for Friday, December 1, from 1 to 4 pm, Saturday, December 2, from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday, December 9, from 10 am to 4 pm, $5 per person, under 18 free.  Historical Society docents will provide commentary about each room and its contents and will be happy to answer all questions.

 Featured again this year, the Society’s much-acclaimed Historic Village Walking Tours will step off from the Nott House, Friday, December 1 at 2 pm, Saturday, December 2, at 11 am and 2 pm and Saturday, December 9, at 11 am.  As in the past, our knowledgeable guides will reveal fascinating factoids and foibles (and even a ghost story or two,) about the houses and their historic builders and occupants.  Tickets for this delightful hour-long history lesson and stroll are $5 per person, under 18 free.

 For more information, please call the Kennebunkport Historical Society at (207) 967-2751.