The white Federal-style mansion on Main Street was a symbol of wealth for William Nickels. It then became a hotel for 40+ years, before being acquired by Alvin Sortwell who restored it as summer house for his family.

The house was built in 1807 by Judge Silas Lee, when Wiscasset was one of the busiest ports east of Boston. Captain Tucker bought the property and it stayed in the family until being turned over to Historic New England and operated as a house museum.