Coastal New Hampshire Luxury Mansion Hits Market for $25 Million

When Michael Kane and Jamee Field Kane first set eyes on their 1930s seaside abode in New Hampshire, they were captivated by its historical allure and panoramic sea vistas. However, hidden beneath the grand brick exterior, the estate was largely just an empty frame.

An earlier homeowner had completely removed the rear portion of the Colonial Revival-style home, taking away much of the original structure. "Basically, they left nothing but the core elements; the sole feature remaining from what stood before was the principal staircase," explained Michael, a native of New Hampshire and the CEO of Portsmouth’s Kane Company, which specializes in real estate development and investments.

Impressed by the property's promise, the Kanes invested $3 million in purchasing it back in 2010 and proceeded with an extensive, high-budget refurbishment that honored the initial design. As they prepare to relocate to Florida, they have put this historically significant residence, formerly called Balmoral, up for sale at $25 million. Should the sale reach that amount, it will match a state record established last year by another mansion located closeby in Rye.

Nestled on approximately three acres in Little Boar’s Head—a private area within the quaint town of North Hampton—Balmoral stands out. This historic district features many summer residences and cabins from as far back as the late 1800s up until the mid-1900s. The property, perched atop a cliff overlooking a rugged shoreline, has had illustrious owners; notably, both Huntley Spaulding, who served as Governor of New Hampshire during the 1920s, and Alvan T. Fuller, once the Governor of Massachusetts, have called Balmoral their own.

The Kanes acquired the property from an earlier owner who was halfway through renovations. Members of the Fuller lineage provided the Kanes with vintage photographs depicting Balmoral’s interiors, guiding their restoration efforts, such as crafting bespoke moldings to mirror the originals. Additionally, they demolished the extension added by the former homeowner at the rear of the dwelling. "I wanted everything to align with the historical essence of this place," explained Jamee, a notable benefactor and descendant of the Marshall Field’s retail dynasty.

Covering approximately 8,900 square feet, the primary residence features five bedrooms. The Palm-Beach style sunroom, adorned with bespoke wooden lattice work, draws inspiration from the Florida abode of Jamee’s parents.

A dedicated space for gift-wrapping features specialized drawers filled with items such as birthday presents, hostess gifts, wrapping paper, and ribbons. "It's incredibly enjoyable and touches me deeply," Jamee shared.

The Kanes set up a "secret" entrance to the den, allowing Michael to retreat there and enjoy watching sports whenever his two kids had guests around. This concealed entryway can be accessed by pressing a hidden button linked to a barometer on the wall. However, he joked about its secrecy since he reveals this feature to every visitor entering their home.

Besides refurbishing the house, the Kanes undertook significant exterior projects with assistance from landscape architect Charles Stick.

The Kanes are putting their property up for sale as they are constructing a new home in Jupiter Island, Florida, and intend to relocate there. However, Michael plans to maintain his business operations in New Hampshire and commute accordingly. "A part of us was uncertain about selling," Jamee mentioned.

In North Hampton, the median selling price for single-family homes over the last year reached $1.215 million, marking an increase from the previous year’s figure of $822,500, according to listing agent Barbara Dunkle of eXp Realty.

At Little Boar’s Head, prestigious homes rarely change hands, according to Dunkle. In the previous year, a residence close to the Kanes’ property was sold for $10.5 million, and not long ago, another house in Rye was purchased for $18.5 million.