When you think of Hollywood legends, you probably picture glitzy mansions in Beverly Hills.
But Bette Davis, the sharp-tongued queen of classic cinema, chose something completely different for her most treasured family retreat in Maine.
The Bette Davis house, known as “Witch Way,” sits on Cape Elizabeth’s rugged coastline, where crashing waves meet Hollywood history most unexpectedly.
This isn’t your typical celebrity home story – it’s about finding peace away from the spotlight, creating memories with family, and building a legacy that transcends fame and fortune in ways that continue to inspire people today.
The Story Behind “Witch Way”
Davis fell head-over-heels for fellow actor Gary Merrill while filming “All About Eve” in 1950, and their romance changed everything.
Instead of staying in Hollywood’s social whirlwind, the couple decided to build their dream life on Maine’s dramatic Atlantic coastline together.
They purchased nearly eight acres of pristine oceanfront property in Cape Elizabeth, complete with 1,200 feet of granite shoreline that would become their private paradise where they could escape the pressures and demands of their high-profile Hollywood careers.
The name “Witch Way” wasn’t random – Davis had a wicked sense of humor and loved playing characters with sharp edges.
This coastal retreat represented everything she valued: privacy, natural beauty, family time, and distance from Hollywood’s constant demands and public scrutiny.
Bette Davis’s Life at the Maine Estate
Life at the Bette Davis house was surprisingly normal for such extraordinary people, filled with simple pleasures and traditions.
Gary Merrill set lobster traps right in their backyard coves, bringing fresh seafood to their dinner table almost every single evening they spent together at the property.
Winter brought pond hockey games with Merrill’s team, cleverly named “Merrill’s Marauders,” who played pickup games against local groups.
The couple hosted friends, cooked together, and watched their children explore tide pools, build sandcastles, and learn to appreciate coastal beauty.
Davis often said her happiest moments happened here, not on movie sets or at Hollywood premieres, but watching sunsets.
Their son Michael later recalled rowing a small dinghy around the pond, collecting berries from bushes, and helping tend the vegetable gardens his parents lovingly maintained throughout their decade-long residency at this special place.
This chapter ended when Davis and Merrill divorced in 1960, forcing them to sell their beloved retreat.
Architecture and Design Features
The original farmhouse where Davis lived was eventually demolished, but the current structure, built in 2002, honors the property’s legacy.
Today’s main house spans 7,600 square feet with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, featuring updated millwork that respects the estate’s historical character.
A grand curved staircase welcomes visitors into the double-height foyer, creating an immediate sense of elegance that would make any Hollywood star feel completely at home in this stunning coastal retreat that perfectly balances luxury with comfortable living.
The kitchen showcases a stunning curved wall of windows that frames the Atlantic Ocean, making every meal feel like a cinematic experience.
Multiple living spaces throughout the home boast dreamlike views of the shoreline, with French doors opening to outdoor terraces and balconies.
The primary bedroom suite features similar curved windows with grand coastal views that stretch endlessly across Casco Bay toward the horizon.
A separate 2,000-square-foot carriage house offers additional space with two bedrooms and two bathrooms for guests or extended family.
The Property Today
The Bette Davis house property hit the market in 2024 for $15 million, reflecting Maine’s luxury real estate boom.
Previous sales show the estate sold for $3.75 million in 2016, with the carriage house transferred separately for $1.45 million in a private deal.
Sam Michaud and Bill Gaynor of Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty handle the current listing and describe it as one of New England’s top properties due to its rare combination of acreage, oceanfront footage, and celebrity history that makes it truly special.
The nearly eight-acre plot offers groomed fields, lush greenery, and that stunning granite shoreline that captivated Davis decades ago.
A bluestone terrace provides the perfect spot for entertaining guests while enjoying panoramic ocean views and Maine’s famous sunsets.
Location and Setting: Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth sits along Maine’s southern coast, about ten miles from Portland’s downtown cultural scene and dining options.
This exclusive coastal community attracts celebrities, business leaders, and anyone seeking privacy combined with natural beauty that defines Maine’s rugged character perfectly.
The area offers easy access to pristine beaches, rocky tide pools, hiking trails, and charming coastal towns that make Maine such a beloved destination for people seeking authentic New England experiences and lasting memories.
Casco Bay’s protected waters create ideal conditions for boating, fishing, and other water activities that the Merrill family enjoyed during their time here.
Local restaurants serve fresh lobster, clams, and other seafood, which makes Gary Merrill’s backyard lobstering hobby feel perfectly natural.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Bette Davis house represents more than celebrity real estate – it shows how even Hollywood’s biggest stars craved authentic experiences.
Davis chose substance over glamour, family time over fame, and Maine’s honest beauty over California’s polished perfection during her most creative years.
This property reminds us that true luxury isn’t about showing off wealth, but about finding places that feed your soul and strengthen your most important relationships with the people you love most in this world.
Hollywood history enthusiasts visit Cape Elizabeth hoping to glimpse the coastline that inspired one of cinema’s greatest talents during her golden age.
The estate proves that sometimes the best celebrity stories happen away from cameras and red carpets.
Visiting and Exploring the Area
While the Bette Davis house itself remains private property, Cape Elizabeth offers plenty of ways to experience the area’s magic.
Fort Gorges and Portland Head Light provide stunning ocean views similar to what Davis enjoyed from her granite shoreline every single day.
Two Lights State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and tide pools that capture the same rugged coastal beauty that drew Hollywood royalty here.
Local tour companies share stories about Davis and other celebrities who found peace along Maine’s dramatic coastline throughout the decades.
The nearby town of Cape Elizabeth welcomes visitors interested in exploring the shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that make this area special.
Conclusion
The story of the Bette Davis house proves that even Hollywood legends needed real places to call home and create lasting memories.
“Which Way” gave Davis and her family a decade of simple pleasures, natural beauty, and authentic experiences that shaped their lives forever.
Today’s luxury estate honors that legacy while offering modern amenities that would make any homeowner feel like they’re living in their movie.
Whether you’re fascinated by celebrity history, Maine real estate, or just great storytelling, this coastal retreat represents the perfect blend of glamour and authenticity.
