A historic home in Bath could be yours for $1, but there’s a catch

Why spend $500,000 or more for a home when you could get it for $1? But there is a catch that comes with the purchase of this historic house in Maine.

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A historic home in Maine, could be yours for $1, but there’s a catch

Executive Producer

Home prices in Maine are on the rise, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still deals to be had.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) is selling a historic home in Bath, Maine, for $1, but you have to move it.

BIW announced on Wednesday that it is selling two residential buildings for $1 each, including the historic Deering House at 606 Washington St.

The Deering House was built around 1900 and was originally the home of prominent local shipbuilder Gardiner G. Deering, whose former shipyard played a key role in Bath’s maritime history along the Kennebec River.

Whoever buys the buildings has to move them no later than Nov. 20, 2027.

BIW says the buildings are being sold as-is, with no warranties of any kind. Whoever buys the property is responsible for all moving costs, including permits, approvals, transportation, site prep, foundations, utilities and any other associated costs or services.

If the Deering House cannot be sold and moved, the home will be demolished to make way for a new BIW facility.

“It’s important for General Dynamics and Bath Iron Works to continue to be able to grow as a company and employ thousands of Mainers. We’re looking for ways to improve our facilities,” said Jolene Nickerson, director of facilities capital at BIW. “The hope is that there is somebody that has a viable lot to move this to, and that it’s financially feasible for somebody who is interested in the house to relocate it and preserve the historic nature, which the community is very excited about.”

The Bath Historical Society is hoping someone can save the Deering House.

“You would have a one-of-a-kind home and a great story,” said Jack Martin, archivist and special collections librarian at the Patten Free Library. “Not only do you have the history of the house that comes with it, then you also have the story of being the person who moved and saved a historic home — and that’s fascinating.”

Site visits are available by appointment only. To request more information or schedule an inspection, send an email to BIWProject@gdbiw.com.