Living history has a new meaning in Wiscasset in the form of a unique seasonal rental at the landmark Nickels-Sortwell House. Reservations are available to lease a two-bedroom apartment occupying two floors of the 19^th century mansion.

“It’s the only one of Historic New England's properties that’s being made available as a vacation rental,” said Peggy Konitzky, site manager for the beautifully restored, Federal style mansion and also Castle Tucker on High Street.

The apartment at Nickels-Sortwell has been vacant several years. Konitzky, of Topsham, said renting it will help with the costs of preserving and maintaining the historic property. Reservations are being managed for Historic New England by the Cottage Connection based in Boothbay. The apartment comes fully furnished. Both second floor bedrooms are decorated with period pieces. They include a sleigh bed in one room and four-posted bed in the other. There are period mirrors and antique dressers, one having belonged to Calvin Coolidge, America’s 30^th President. They’re not totally 19th century. Both bedrooms have portable air conditioners.

Just off the bedrooms is a bathroom featuring a vintage clawfoot bathtub and matching porcelain sink. A modern kitchen and parlor are on the first floor along with a bright sun room that overlooks the backyard and garden.

“Guests can experience a little bit what homes were like in the 19^th century but it’s not like totally going back in time,” Konitzky explained, pointing to the flat screen television in the parlor. “We have WI-Fi, internet and offer a streaming service too.”

According to the Historic New England website, in 1807, William Nickels, a sea captain and wealthy ship owner, built the three-story mansion, sparing no expense in its construction.

“The mansion cost more than $14,000 to build when labor was $1 a day. The exterior was wood, designed to look like stone from both the water and the street,” the website states.

Capt. Nickels and his wife Jane were known for their fashionable dress and lavish parties, unfortunately for them their happiness was short/lived.

Capt. Nickels and many other shipping merchants lost their fortunes following the passage of the Embargo Act in 1807, which had dire economic consequences. The law passed by Congress and signed by President Thomas Jefferson forbade American ships from trading in foreign ports. Seven years after the Embargo went into effect, the Nickels family was ruined financially and forced to sell their beautiful mansion.

Konitzky said the building was next used as a hotel for 84 years. Some of the interior doors still have room numbers on them. Then in 1899, Alvin Sortwell an industrialist, banker and a former mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts bought and restored the mansion to its former beauty.

The Nickels-Sortwell House Museum is open for tours, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 1 until Oct. 15.  There’s an admission fee,although tours are free for Historic New England members and Wiscasset residents.