SOUTH THOMASTON — Maine Preservation announced today that it has sold the first historic property from its Protect and Sell Program. The iconic Robbins-Anderson Farm, a late 18th-Century property on Route 131 in South Thomaston, has been sold to Richard Rockwell of Rockland Realty, LLC. 

Maine Preservation's Protect and Sell program acquires historic properties and sells them to qualified buyers who agree to rehabilitate and maintain the buildings with preservation protections in place. Rockwell has agreed to preserve Robbins-Anderson Farm in perpetuity, and establish the property as an exhibit space for Midcoast art and artists.

The space will be called the "Robbins Anderson Farm," in honor of the original owner and subsequent operators of the farm over the past two centuries. It will accommodate the sale and display of paintings, locally produced crafts as well as sculptures. Portions of the property may also be used for traveling exhibitions, performances and seminars.

Rockwell Realty has a passion for revitalizing historic properties, and has already rehabilitated 449 Main Street, as well as an affordable housing project, and is rehabilitating the new Main Street Market at 435 Main Street, all in Rockland.

"Preserving this property will provide a window for future generations to enjoy the sweeping views of the Saint George River from the same vantage point as the earliest settlers to the area who chose to situate their homes and farms in this same area. I am excited to breathe new life into this historic property," Rockwell said in a press release.

The Robbins-Anderson House was built by South Thomaston’s founding family, Oliver and Chloe Robbins, who settled in 1762. The current house was the family’s second house on the property, built circa 1795 and was renovated about 1870 to include Greek revival details.

Around 1900, Isaac and Rosa Anderson, natives of Finland, purchased the property and in the early 20th-Century donated a small piece of their land for the Finnish Congregational Church. The house and five acres had remained in the Anderson family until the sale.

“As an 18th-Century house of the founding family of South Thomaston, the Robbins-Anderson House is an important historic landmark and Maine Preservation is happy to play a central role in re-purposing the building, said Maine Preservation’s Executive Director Greg Paxton in a press release. “We are very happy about the innovative idea that Mr. Rockwell has developed to bring new life to the property and the area.”

Maine Preservation was the catalyst for the sale, securing an option to purchase the property from the 10 members of the Anderson family who owned it. Maine Preservation then marketed the house with the help of real estate agent Cindy Lang, who donated her time. Terms of the sale to Rockland Realty permit Maine Preservation to protect the property from demolition and monitor it in perpetuity.

Maine Preservation became aware of the property through Georges River Land Trust (GRLT) and worked in partnership with GRLT over the past two years to preserve the historic homestead as well as an additional parcel of 38 acres across the street.

In 2013, GRLT purchased 200 acres of farmland surrounding the house from the Anderson family. The two organizations are also working together with the Kohler Foundation to preserve the Bernard Langlais Home and Studio in Cushing.

The Protect and Sell program was launched in 2013 to match owners interested in rehabilitating historic buildings with unique properties across Maine. The program’s new name, Protect and Sell, replaces the earlier Revolving Fund to more clearly convey the program’s function. The Protect and Sell program works with buildings at least 50 years old, which enter the program either by donation or by Maine Preservation securing an option to purchase the property.

Preservation covenants, or easements, on the properties allow Maine Preservation to protect them and guide their rehabilitation. The Protect and Sell program provides peace of mind to individuals who are seeking to sell their historic properties but who are concerned about safeguarding the building’s future. The innovative program is operating statewide and currently includes historically significant properties in Buckfield, Pembroke and Madison as well as other locations soon to be announced. 

Maine Preservation’s mission is to promote and preserve historic places, buildings, downtowns and neighborhoods, strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of Maine communities. Maine Preservation was chartered in 1972.