The historic Henry Homer House is a rare offering on Munjoy Hill. Set on a prominent corner lot in one of Portland's most coveted neighborhoods, this exceptional residence pairs timeless character with thoughtful updates and a level of flexibility seldom found on the peninsula. Behind its iconic white picket fence, the property offers something increasingly rare in Portland: a true front lawn, private backyard, newly constructed rear deck, and dedicated off street parking. Just blocks from the Eastern Promenade, East End Beach, award winning dining, and downtown Portland, the location places the very best of the city at your doorstep. Historic charm and craftsmanship have been carefully preserved throughout, complemented by a renovated kitchen, Farrow & Ball paint, and hardwired unlacquered brass sconces and switch plates designed to naturally patina over time. Significant improvements include updated electrical, a newer boiler and hot water heater, and a new TAMKO 50 year roof with transferable warranty. Configured as a four bedroom home with a private one bedroom suite, the property can also function as a true five bedroom residence. Complete with its own kitchen and full bath, the suite is ideal for guests, extended family, nanny or au pair accommodations, or income producing short term rental use. The space generated 60k in rental income last year, with future bookings through October transferable to the new owner if desired. Originally purchased as a two unit property and later converted to a single family, the property's zoning offers exceptional flexibility. Whether envisioned as a five bedroom home, multigenerational property, owner occupied income property, or a blend of uses, the possibilities are plentiful. Rich in history, thoughtfully updated, and uniquely versatile, the Henry Homer House represents a rare opportunity to own one of Munjoy Hill's most distinctive homes.
Single-familyProperty Type
1829Year Built
3,049 sq ftLot Size
$550Price/Sq.Ft.
1 spaceParking
Listed by Katie Thibodeau• Portside Real Estate Group
Bought with Elise Loschiavo• Vitalius Real Estate Group, LLC
Est. $3,521 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 81 Congress St
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
MREIS #1669263
Aug 28, 2026
Sold
$1,175,000
$550/sq ft
Jun 26, 2026
Listed
$1,195,000
$559/sq ft
MREIS #1584657
May 21, 2024
Sold
$1,000,000
$468/sq ft
Mar 21, 2024
Listed
$1,025,000
$480/sq ft
+33
Welcome to the Historic Henry Homer House! Greater Portland Landmarks notes this home as one of the oldest homes on Munjoy Hill! It has been modernized and converted to a duplex, but the center stair cape cod home remains. Perched at the pinnacle of Congress Street, this home is at the heart of it all. It is surrounded by vibrant local markets, eateries, and coffee shops and is just a few blocks from the Eastern Prom, East End Beach, the Casco Bay Islands, and the Old Port. The current owner, a renowned local artist, has infused the property with creativity and flair. This fun and funky property has a flexible floor plan for today's lifestyle. Whether you're an owner-occupant landlord seeking immediate income or envisioning a single-family home, the options are limitless, as the Henry Homer House doesn't have restrictive guidelines due to zoning. Open the door to your new Maine home today!
MREIS #1584658
Mar 21, 2024
Listed
$1,025,000
$480/sq ft
MREIS #1581437
Feb 15, 2024
Price Changed
$1,045,000
$489/sq ft
Feb 1, 2024
Listed
$1,070,000
$501/sq ft
MREIS #1581439
Feb 15, 2024
Price Changed
$1,045,000
$489/sq ft
Feb 1, 2024
Listed
$1,070,000
$501/sq ft
MREIS #1573085
Dec 21, 2023
Price Changed
$1,075,000
$503/sq ft
Dec 7, 2023
Price Changed
$1,125,000
$527/sq ft
Oct 16, 2023
Price Changed
$1,150,000
$538/sq ft
Sep 26, 2023
Listed
$1,167,500
$547/sq ft
MREIS #1568395
Dec 21, 2023
Price Changed
$1,075,000
$503/sq ft
Dec 7, 2023
Price Changed
$1,125,000
$527/sq ft
Oct 16, 2023
Price Changed
$1,150,000
$538/sq ft
Sep 19, 2023
Price Changed
$1,167,500
$547/sq ft
Aug 11, 2023
Listed
$1,250,000
$585/sq ft
MREIS #622183
May 16, 2003
Listed
$279,900
$131/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2024
$8,401 (+4.2%)
$231,500 + $328,200
$559,700
2023
$8,065 (+5.9%)
$231,500 + $328,200
$559,700
2022
$7,618 (+4.8%)
$231,500 + $328,200
$559,700
2021
$7,271 (+29.1%)
$231,500 + $328,200
$559,700
2020
$5,632
$107,600 + $134,000
$241,600
2019
$5,632 (+3.7%)
$107,600 + $134,000
$241,600
2018
$5,431 (+3.8%)
$107,600 + $134,000
$241,600
2017
$5,231 (+2.6%)
$107,600 + $134,000
$241,600
2016
$5,100 (+2.3%)
$107,600 + $134,000
$241,600
2015
$4,984 (+3.1%)
$107,600 + $134,000
$241,600
2014
$4,832
$107,600 + $134,000
$241,600
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
5
Baths
2
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
3,049 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
2,136
Year built
1829
Style
Multi-Family (2-4 Unit)
County
Cumberland County
APN
111013
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 27, 2026.
R6
Residential
To set aside areas on the peninsula for housing characterized primarily by multi-family dwellings at a high density providing a wide range of housing for differing types of households; to conserve the existing housing stock and residential character of neighborhoods by controlling the scale and external impacts of professional offices and other nonresidential uses; and to encourage new housing development consistent with the compact lot development pattern typically found on the peninsula.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Multiple units
Housing-Other
Bed & breakfast
Lodging & hospitality-Other
Cemetery
Park & open space
Nov 18, 2024 • Final
Plumbing
Plumbing
Nov 18, 2024 • Final
Electrical
Electrical
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.