Our History

George Washington Bourne was a fourth generation shipbuilder on the Kennebunk River behind the Wedding Cake House. The area surrounding the house was known as Kennebunk landing where they built large sailing ships from October to April. In April when the ice was melted they floated the ships down the river and out to sea carrying raw materials.

George was a prominent ship builder and businessman that had grown up in the house next door which is now the Waldo Emerson Inn. His father built the federal brick house as a  wedding present for George and his new bride Jane in 1825.  The “icing” was added 26 years later starting in 1852 after a fire destroyed the barn. 

The 100 year old shipbuilding industry was coming to an end for the landing area because the larger ships that were needed had to be built closer to the port. George along with an apprentice and carpenters from the closed shipyard, rebuilt the barn and new carriage house with the columns, spires and intricate gothic trim over the next few years eventually adding it to the main house as well. George was an experienced builder and was inspired by the Cathedral in Milan. His skill and vision created the stunning home that has become a legendary example of Gothic Revival architecture and a beloved landmark.

This elaborate structure has inspired many romantic tales such as a young bride and groom separated on their wedding night because the groom had to board his ship to catch the tide. The couple was not able to have their wedding reception and wedding cake. The young sailor spent his long lonely nights at sea carving all the beautiful woodwork and brought it back home and presented his bride with “icing for her cake”. It actually got its name from a local business man perpetuating the romance of the Kennebunk area and labeled it “The Wedding Cake House” for a postcard collection of beautiful homes along Summer Street.

The  home passed on through many generations of the Bourne family. It was even used as an inn for a short time run by Bourne’s great great grandson Harold Lord and his wife. Eventually, the cost of maintenance and constant attention became a burden to the family.  Mary Burnett purchased the property from Mary Lord in 1983. She orchestrated an extensive renovation and restoration which included transforming the carriage house into an art gallery and studio. She also painted the fabulous two story mural of Kennebunk in the entrance hall.

About Us

There were many romantic stories about sailors and brides over the years but James Hunt Barker had his own story when he purchased the Wedding Cake House from Mary Burnett in 1998. Known as Jimmy to family and friends, he was raised in Lexington Kentucky. His love of art and beautiful things led him to Palm Beach where he opened his first art gallery and later others in Nantucket and New York.  He felt like he was destined to own the house since he first saw it at age 26 while visiting the artist Channing Hare in Ogunquit. He believed his ownership was predicted by a psychic that had said he would have a wedding at age 70 which was the same year he bought the Wedding Cake House. He had an elaborate style and filled the home with his extensive art and antique collections. Jimmy loved entertaining and sharing the home with admirers. He opened it to the public twice to raise funds for charity. 

The Wedding Cake House has now passed on to the next generation in the care of Jimmy’s nephew Hunt Edwards and niece Lela Cason.  It is being lovingly restored for a fresh presentation to the community. Hunt has been working closely with the town and Historic Preservation Commission since 2019 to preserve the intricate details of the exterior while repairing the structure and foundation. Katie Edwards is preserving and refreshing the interior and Meme Edwards keeps you informed through our social media. We hope to preserve this historic structure, honor its history and give it a future.