A Home With History & Heart
Meet Matt & Sarah, discover Boothbay Harbor, and step into the history of this lovingly restored 1878 farmhouse.
The Moment You Arrive
When we first walked up the white stone path to this home, the harbor breeze met us at the door and we instantly felt a quiet sense of calm. Sunlight filled the rooms, the windows opened to the sea air, and for a moment, the world felt still. We knew then that this house was something special.
Our hope is that when you arrive, you feel that same warmth, a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply feel at home.
Matt & Sarah
Where Our Story Begins
High-school sweethearts with U.S. Navy roots, Matt & Sarah spent years creating warm, intentional homes. The Helm House® became their labor of love and design vision brought to life.
Rooted in Time
1600s
English fishermen and farmers settled along the Boothbay coastline, drawn by the sea’s abundance and quiet beauty. Life here began simply, shaped by water, weather, and resilience.
1800s
With steamer routes connecting Boothbay Harbor to Boston and Portland, visitors arrived seeking fresh air and summer rest. Inns, cottages, and boatyards flourished, and the harbor slowly became a beloved coastal escape.
1878
The Helm House® was built overlooking the harbor, beginning its life as a New England farmhouse by the sea. Over more than a century, only four families would call it home.
Early 1900s
Shipbuilding, fishing, and tourism shaped the town’s identity. Artists, sailors, and families returned year after year, preserving the charm of a working waterfront that still lives on today.
Early 2000
Matt & Sarah met as teenagers in New Hampshire and later built a life together with their two children. Through years of Navy relocations, they learned how to turn any space into a true home filled with warmth and intention.
2000s–2010s
With construction roots in both families and Sarah’s passion for historic homes and interior design, they developed a deep appreciation for preserving character while creating comfort.
2020
Drawn to the working waterfront and rich coastal history, Matt & Sarah found Boothbay Harbor and purchased The Helm House® just months later, beginning a heartfelt year-long restoration.
2022
Inspired by Matt’s career as a United States Naval Aviator, the name The Helm House® symbolizes steering your own course and shaping destiny with intention.
2022-2026
From spa-inspired bathrooms and blooming hydrangeas to the seafoam spiral staircase leading to the rooftop deck, every detail was designed to make guests feel welcomed and cared for.
Today and Tomorrow
Nestled in the heart of downtown Boothbay Harbor, The Helm House® is now a charming seaside retreat welcoming guests back year after year. Matt & Sarah continue to thoughtfully re-invest and upgrade The Helm House® each year - enhancing the comfort, style, and overall guest experience.
A Growing Collection
In addition to the on-going Helm House improvements, we are actively restoring two neighboring properties: The Quartermaster and The Boatswain.
Boothbay Harbor History
A Glimpse Into Local History
For a deeper glimpse into Boothbay Harbor’s past, a visit to the Boothbay Region Historical Society offers photographs, artifacts, and quiet stories that bring earlier days to life. If you’d like to explore the town on foot, the evening walks with American Ghost Walks of Maine weave history, folklore, and a touch of mystery through the harbor’s streets.
For a simple moment of nostalgia, the @BoothbayHarborBBH, created and managed by Sarah, holds a lovely collection of vintage photographs – small windows into how the harbor and surrounding area has evolved over the past 300+ years. It’s a beautiful way to glimpse the rich maritime history, changing waterfront and timeless charm that continue to define Boothbay Harbor today.
