Historic Maine Home Listed for Just $1—But Buyer Must Move It

A historic home in the U.S. state of Maine—known for its rich shipbuilding heritage—has been put on the market for just $1, but there is one major condition: the buyer must relocate the building or it will be demolished.

Shipbuilder General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) announced on Wednesday that it is offering two residential properties, including the historic Deering House at 606 Washington Street in Bath, for $1 each.

The catch is that buyers must move the buildings to a legally approved location by November 20, 2027. If no buyer preserves the structures, they will be demolished to make way for new facilities at the shipyard.

Built around 1900, the Deering House was originally the residence of renowned shipbuilder Gardiner G. Deering, who played a key role in establishing Bath as one of the United States' leading shipbuilding centers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

According to local broadcaster WMTW, the building is currently being used as office space and is leased through November 2027.

BIW said both properties are being sold "as is, where is," without any warranties or guarantees.

The buyer will be responsible for all costs associated with relocating the structures, including permits, hiring a licensed structural mover, transportation, site preparation, foundation work, utility connections, and other related expenses.

If no buyer comes forward, the historic home will be demolished as part of BIW's expansion plans.

Jolene Nickerson, Director of Facilities Capital at Bath Iron Works, said the company is focused on modernizing its facilities while continuing to support thousands of jobs in Maine.

"We hope someone has a suitable location where the house can be relocated," Nickerson said. "Ideally, the project will be financially feasible for someone interested in preserving this historic landmark, something the local community is excited about."

According to the City of Bath's official website, the community was once known as the "City of Ships." By 1854, it ranked third in the United States, behind New York City and Boston, in the construction of wooden ships.

During his career, Gardiner G. Deering built 99 vessels. His shipyard along the Kennebec River helped make Bath a leading center for wooden shipbuilding before the industry declined following the Civil War and changing industrial technologies.

Jack Martin, archivist and special collections librarian at the Patten Free Library, said preserving the house would give its new owner a unique piece of Bath's history.

"Not only would you own a remarkable historic home, but you'd also have an incredible story," Martin said. "You would become part of the story of saving a historic building, and that's something truly special."

Bath Iron Works said it has already received several proposals from prospective buyers.

Relocating historic homes is not unprecedented in Maine. According to the Kennebec Journal, a 6,200-square-foot, three-story home designed by architect John Calvin Stevens in 1899 was moved about one-third of a mile in Augusta last May.

The 120,000-pound structure was divided into two sections before being transported to its new location, with the relocation project costing more than $500,000.