A piece of Hollywood history is up for sale in on the coast of Maine. The oceanfront estate once belonging to actress Bette Davis is now on the market for $15 million, making it one of the most expensive single-family properties currently listed in the state.
The front portico at Witch Way in Maine.
Set on nearly eight acres in scenic Cape Elizabeth, the estate—known as both “Seascape” and “Witch Way”—features about 1,200 feet of granite coastline and sweeping views of the Atlantic. Anchoring the property is a 7,600 square-foot shingle style main residence that contains two bedrooms, two baths, custom millwork, hardwood floors, and numerous fireplaces. The house also features a network of terraces, covered porches, and a bluestone-paved patio that allow for easy outdoor living and entertaining in the summer months.
The entry hall includes a curving staircase leading upstairs.
In addition to the main house, there’s a 2,000 square-foot guest house built in 2002. It includes a pair of bedrooms, two baths, and its own ocean-facing balcony—perfect for entertaining overnight visitors or accommodating extended family.
The property features a main house and guest cottage.
Two-time Oscar-winner Davis purchased the home in the 1950s with her then-husband, actor Gary Merrill. The couple, who co-starred in All About Eve, enjoyed summers at the property with their children. Merrill, an avid outdoorsman, would fish for lobsters from the property and even created a backyard hockey team, affectionately named the “Merrill Marauders,” per Architectural Digest. In fact, Merrill once said the best days of his life were spent at Witch Way with Davis and their family.
The study includes architectural millwork.
Following the couple’s divorce in 1960, the property changed hands a few times and last sold in 2016 for $3.75 million. Now listed by Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, the home’s asking price makes it the second most expensive listing in Maine, just behind a $16.25 million compound on Mount Desert island.
Geoffrey Montes is an associate editor at ELLE Decor with a serious love for all things real estate and design. Before that, he worked at Architectural Digest, Galerie, and Preservation magazines, covering everything from jaw-dropping listings to world-famous architects and design events like Salone del Mobile and Homo Faber.
