From collection Charles Coombs Collection
Hanson house with Dock Whitehead's house in background
Ten term mayor of Belfast and co-owner of Dana's Sarsaparilla, Edgar Hanson's home (Colonia Villa) on Northport Avenue with Doc Whitehead's house in background More beautiful by far than the Bay of Naples, their broad bosoms afford delightful and perfectly safe yachting, and at the mouth of Penobscot Bay, as you approach the broad Atlantic, the waters abound with cod, haddock, etc., etc. As the traveler standing on the deck of the fine steamers of the B. & B. S. S. Co., - gliding swiftly along, admiring the beautiful scenery - approaches the city of Belfast nestling upon the shores of Belfast Bay (an indentation of Penobscot Bay) he will note upon the western shore a magnificent residence, standing upon a high elevation with beautiful grounds, approached by a gradual ascent from the water's edge, and commanding a view unequalled on the whole coast. This is COLONIA VILLA. COLONIA VILLA was built in '02-'03, of the best material, by skilled workmen, and cost three times as much as any residence in the city or suburbs, and is situated, without doubt, on one of the most delightful spots in New England. From the southwest, west, northwest, north and northeast come the balmy breezes from pine-clad hills. From the east, southeast and south comes the bracing cooling breezes of old ocean, tempered, softened and robbed of their harshness by their transit over beautiful islands. The grounds of COLONIA VILLA are spacious. The beautiful lawn in front extends from the veranda 160 feet to the Avenue, falling off by a gradual incline 21 feet. This lawn has a frontage of 336 feet. In the center is a four basin fountain, throwing its clear water under a pressure of 70 pounds to the inch. The base of this fountain composed of select sea rock from the islands, rounded and polished by being rolled in the surf for ages. EXTERIOR: --From the veranda, located in the southeast corner, sheltered from the sun and adjoining the conservatory, a lover of the beautiful can sit and behold a scene of nature's beauty that defies the power of painter's brush or pencil to reproduce. Facing the east from this veranda is seen an ever-changing panorama, as all the steamers, yachts, and white-winged messengers of commerce that enter the Penobscot River, pass before the beholder. In the distance is seen Green Mountain at Bar Harbor. In the foreground, Islesboro, on which is located the summer resort at Dark Harbor, is situated. While a little to the left, Dice's Head at historic Castine, is seen, and just beyond, the summit of Blue Hill rises like a sentinel. Directly over this lower veranda is a cozy nook upon which swing doors open from a large Sleeping room, called the Guest chamber. From this point appears the same view as from the floor below. If one cares to climb a little, on the very top is seen a lofty eyrie, surrounded by a pretty ornamental galvanized iron guard, and fitted with seats, sufficient for 16 persons. From this point the view is grand, looking out over the Bay and islands, and also over the city lying to the northwest, while south and west is seen the beautiful hills in the interior. The tower, 55 feet high, is very symmetrical in appearance. The second floor features five Sleeping rooms, Sewing room and Bath room, in addition to the main Hall and two side halls. On the third floor are two well finished rooms, for servants. There are nine set bowls, with hot and cold water. Electric bells and electric Lights throughout. Steam heat, pipes and wires all concealed. Windows are French plate glass, specially imported. Door and window fixtures are solid bronze. Gutters, top of Conservatory, etc., are heavy copper. Extra outside windows for every window, in winter. Wire screens for summer. Hartman sliding blinds, etc. The spacious grounds contain 147,840 square feet and are well stocked with choice, select shrubbery, and hardy shade trees now growing very rapidly. To encourage the building of fine residences in Belfast, they are valued for purposes of taxation, very low. While COLONIA VILLA had an assessed value placed upon it when built of only $15,000, this valuation is more than that of any two other residences in Belfast. New industries are exempt from taxation altogether, for ten years, and buildings furnished free of rent, to reliable parties. COLONIA VILLA is insured for $30,000, policies paid for five years in advance. The local agents will place $10,000 more insurance if purchaser desires, at a premium of one percent, for five years. MAIL, RAILROAD AND STEAMBOATS: -- COLONIA VILLA is situated just outside the carrier limits, but through the courtesy of the P. O. Department, the limit was extended, and there are two deliveries each day. Bangor Dailies arriving 10:30 A. M. contain all the important news found in New York morning papers. While the Lewiston Daily, arriving at 6:30 P. M. gives all the news up to 3 P. M. Only ten minutes to railroad or steamboat station. Long distance telephones to Belfast. Can talk with Boston, New York, Philadelphia or Chicago. Boat leaves Boston at 9 A. M. arriving at Belfast at 6:30 P. M. DRIVES: -- Miles and miles of beautiful drives await your selection. Mountain or valley, as you wish. Country or shore, as you desire. BATHING: -- Being located on a bay, the water warms with the sun as the tide comes in, affording elegant sea bathing. No surf, no danger. FISHING: -- For those who enjoy lake fishing, fifty minutes drive takes you to Swan Lake, as beautiful sheet of water as nature ever formed. Here, the finest, largest, true spotted trout, weighing from two pounds to ten pounds, are caught. If one prefers black bass or pickerel fishing, there are four other lakes that can be reached by driving from forty minutes to one hour. The outlying country contains fine trout brooks where brook trout are caught in abundance. For the invalid who desires to regain health, for those who wish a beautiful, quiet retreat, for the lover of nature in its most pleasing forms; this is the opportunity of a lifetime. COLONIA VILLA will be sold, furnished or unfurnished, as desired. Immediate possession given. Price, furnished, $45,000. Terms will be made satisfactory, as property must be sold at once. Address E. F. HANSON, Belfast, Maine
