in the coastal woods of maine, artist's handcrafted dome home is for sale

living in a sculptural dome home

despite its location off kennebunkport’s ‘road to misery,’ this rustic dome home promises a tranquil, rustic lifestyle along the coast of maine. the architectural oddity was hand-built in 2003 by sculptor daphne pulsifer as an eco-haven, at once beautiful and sustainable. in fact, the solar-powered house is capable of performing completely off-grid.

hybridizing the typical new england cottage with an earthen monolith, the house celebrates both a pastoral atmosphere with a future-forward turn toward more sustainable living. now, it has been listed for $690,000 along with its sprawling 43 acre property of tranquil new england woods and pastures.

images courtesy coldwell banker realty

a remote, off-grid dwelling in maine

nestled into the untouched nature of maine, the dome home combines traditional building techniques with modern technology. it is powered by a solar photovoltaic electrical system, with an additional gas water heater. water is collected from a nearby well on site. while the off-grid house boasts its remote location, it is only four miles from a public beach and a fifteen minute drive from the quaint coastal town of kennebunkport.

otherwise, the house in its idyllic forest clearing is a serene retreat, and is often surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, including various species of birds and deer.

the hand-crafted interiors

from its exterior, the monolithic dome home may seem closed-off and foreboding. inside, however, the space is warm, welcoming, and filled with light with soaring ceilings. the heavy dome is opened widely with broad, paneled windows to reconnect it with its cottage heritage while the organic white finish is balanced by warm tile flooring and hand-crafted woodwork. an exposed timber structure was built from trees on site, and includes beams, a staircase, and a large entrance.

the builders — sculptor daphne pulsifer (see more here) and her partner daniel bates — embarked on the project first as a family endeavor. once the house began to take shape and it was time to install plumbing and electrical systems, the pair took on consultation from the monolithic dome institute, in italy, texas (see more here).