Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a house that inspires horror stories and is owned by one of the most famous authors of our time? Let’s take a peek inside the fascinating Stephen King’s house in Bangor, Maine, a place that combines history, luxury, and a touch of the macabre.
Who is Stephen King?
Stephen King is an American novelist and short-story writer, best known for his works in the horror genre. Born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine, King began writing at an early age, fueled by his imagination and a love for horror tales from radio, movies, and paperbacks. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in English and started his career by teaching and doing odd jobs to support himself while he wrote.
King’s breakthrough came with his novel Carrie in 1974, which became an instant success and established him as a master of horror literature. Since then, he has written numerous bestselling novels, many of which have been adapted into films and TV series, such as The Shining, It, and Misery.
Stephen King’s Known Facts
Here’s a quick look at Stephen King’s biography:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen Edwin King |
| Born | September 21, 1947 |
| Birthplace | Portland, Maine |
| Spouse | Tabitha Spruce (married 1971) |
| Children | Naomi, Joe, and Owen |
| Occupation | Novelist, Short-Story Writer |
| Rise to Fame | Published Carrie in 1974 |
| Notable Works | The Shining, It, Misery, The Stand |
| Awards | National Medal of Arts (2015), National Book Award (2003) |
Where Does Stephen King Live Now?
Although Stephen King and his family no longer reside in their iconic home in Bangor, Maine, this house remains a significant part of his legacy. Currently, they spend most of their time in one of their other homes, located on the barrier island of Casey Key in Florida.
Overview of Stephen King’s House
The Stephen King’s house in Bangor, Maine, is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, combining Queen Anne and Italianate styles. This two-story, asymmetrical mansion, built in 1858, has been the King family’s home since 1980. The house is known for its distinctive red colour with white trim, two towers, and a wrought iron fence adorned with bats, spiders, and a three-headed dragon.
Features of Stephen King’s House
Overview of House Design
The house features a dramatic and enormous entryway marked by steps covered in luxuriant foliage. The design includes wide eaves, corner towers, and two towers—one square and the other octagonal. This unique architectural style gives the house a balanced yet eerie composition, fitting for the master of horror.
Total Area and Style
The house spans 4,952 square feet, with five bedrooms and six bathrooms. The interior is as impressive as the exterior, with numerous glass windows and balcony balusters that add to its polished appearance. The house sits on two acres of land, backing up to Bangor’s Hayford Park, which was once the site of Bangor’s legendary “creative playground.
Personal House Touches
Here are the top 5 changes or improvements Stephen King made after purchasing the house:
- Writing Studio: King added a writing studio at the back of the property, where he spent many hours crafting his stories. Although he no longer uses it, it remains a significant part of the house’s history.
- Indoor Pool: The estate includes an indoor pool, which was a modern addition to the historic home, providing a comfortable space for the family to relax.
- Barn and Garage: A barn adjacent to the house features a three-car garage, adding practicality to the luxurious living space.
- Promotional Use: King used the exterior of the house to promote his films, such as using a red balloon to connect with his movie “IT”.
- Architectural Preservation: The Kings preserved the original architectural elements while making necessary modern updates to ensure the house remained both historic and functional.
House Amenities
Here are the indoor and outdoor amenities of Stephen King’s house:
Indoor Amenities
- Five Bedrooms
- Six Bathrooms
- Indoor Pool
- Writing Studio
- Modern Kitchen
- Elegant Dining Room
- Cozy Family Room
Outdoor Amenities
- Covered Porch
- Wrought Iron Fence with Decorative Elements
- Two Acres of Land
- Adjacent Barn with Three-Car Garage
- Proximity to Hayford Park
House Value and Specifications
Here are the complete details of Stephen King’s house:
- Build Year: 1858
- Purchase Year: 1980
- Purchase Value: Not specified
- Recent Estimated Value: Around $1.5 million
- Area: Bangor, Maine
- House Style: Queen Anne and Italianate
- Full Address: 47 West Broadway, Bangor, ME
- Total Bedrooms: 5
- Total Bathrooms: 6
- Total Area: 4,952 square feet
All Stephen King Houses
Stephen King and his family have owned several homes over the years. Here’s a look at some of their notable residences:
- Childhood Home: King grew up in various locations, including Durham, Maine, and Fort Kent, Maine.
- Boulder, Colorado Home: Before moving to Bangor, the Kings lived in Boulder, Colorado, where King wrote The Shining.
- Current Home: The family now spends most of their time in a home on the barrier island of Casey Key in Florida.
Conversion into a Museum and Writers’ Retreat
In 2019, Stephen King asked the city of Bangor for permission to turn his home at 47 West Broadway into a museum to hold his archives and a writers’ retreat. The museum will house his archives, previously kept at the University of Maine, and will offer a guest house for chosen authors. This initiative aims to make the house more accessible to scholars and writers while maintaining its private nature.
Conclusion
Stephen King’s house in Bangor, Maine, is more than just a residence; it’s a piece of literary history and a reflection of the author’s unique style. With its striking architecture, luxurious amenities, and the eerie touches that fit King’s horror genre, this house is a must-see for any fan of Stephen King. Whether you’re interested in architecture, literature, or just the life of a famous author, this house tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of one of the most beloved writers of our time.
