A Hollywood Legend’s Maine Retreat Hits the Market
A rare piece of Hollywood and New England history is now for sale. The oceanfront estate once owned by Bette Davis, one of cinema’s most celebrated icons, has been listed for $15 million. Nestled in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, along the rugged beauty of Casco Bay, the eight-acre property boasts 1,200 feet of private ocean frontage and a legacy intertwined with the Golden Age of film.
Bette Davis and “Witch Way”
Davis purchased the home in the early 1950s after marrying actor Gary Merrill, whom she met on the set of All About Eve. They affectionately named the property “Witch Way” and lived there for nearly a decade, raising their adopted children, Margot and Michael. Those years were filled with the rhythms of coastal Maine life: lobster traps in the coves, hockey games on the frozen pond, and long walks to the nearby sandy beach.
Expansive Grounds and Water Views
Located on Zeb Cove Road, the estate offers unmatched seclusion. The grounds feature sweeping lawns, vegetable gardens, berry bushes, a private pond, and two sheltered coves. The property includes a 7,600-square-foot main residence and a detached 2,000-square-foot carriage house built in 2002. Together, they create a private compound with direct access to the Atlantic.
Architectural Details and Modern Amenities
The main house opens to a striking double-height foyer with a floating staircase, setting the tone for the home’s blend of elegance and comfort. The ocean-view family room, anchored by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, includes a full bar—perfect for gatherings. A cozy study clad in cherry wood provides a warm retreat, while the carriage house offers additional living space for guests or staff.
A Rare Offering in Maine’s Luxury Real Estate Market
Listed by Bill Gaynor and Sam Michaud of Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, this estate is one of Maine’s most exclusive offerings. Last sold in 2016 for a combined $5.25 million, it now returns to the market as a premier oceanfront property in Cape Elizabeth real estate. For discerning buyers seeking both cultural heritage and timeless New England beauty, this is an opportunity not to be missed.