Located on Main Street, the Ruggles House is an uncommon example of a Federal-style house that is only one room deep instead of two. The two-story building is most notably known for the distinctive "flying" staircase (one without lateral support) and exterior and interior ornate wood carvings. The staircase splits at a landing between the first and second floors which have windows overlooking the Pleasant River. The front facade is symmetrical and has a central door framed by sidelights, fanlight, and narrow pilasters. A fine Palladian window is located above the entry porch. All windows have delicate carved scrollwork on the exterior and the front porch features a double balustrade under the roof line. The cornices around the eaves are finely carved with diminutive dentils. Ornate wood carving is found throughout the house, including fine floor to ceiling mantles with scrollwork and inlay. The owner, Thomas Ruggles, hired a carver from England and a carpenter from Massachusetts to create this fine woodworking. Ruggles became the area's largest owner of timberland. He owned a sawmill, served as postmaster, and presided as a judge in Machias. He was also a merchant, captain of the militia, shipbuilder, and owner of a fleet of lumber-carrying vessels. The house remained in the family until the 1920s. It is now a house museum.
Year Listed: 1970
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=0237d3d6-cafb-4798-b837-945c37edd894