Perched high above Gloucester Harbor, the Fitz Henry Lane House offers one of the city’s most iconic views and a direct connection to the life and work of one of America’s greatest marine artists. Designed by renowned luminist painter Fitz Henry Lane and constructed between 1848 and 1851, this granite Gothic Revival home blends striking architecture with a rich maritime history.

 

The three‑story house features seven gables, intricate stonework, and vaulted upper‑floor ceilings where Lane kept his light‑filled studio. From this vantage point, painted the harbor’s schooners, fishing fleets, and ever‑changing skies. Outside, terraced gardens with grape arbors, fruit trees, and magnolias soften the home’s rugged coastal character and reflect Lane’s romantic vision.

 

Lane lived and worked here until his death in 1865. While the interior has evolved over time, the exterior remains largely unchanged. In the 1970s, local preservationists saved the property from demolition during urban renewal, securing its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Today, visitors can stand beside a bronze statue of Lane, sculpted by Alfred Duca, and take in the same sweeping harbor views that inspired his masterpieces. To explore Lane’s legacy further, visit the Cape Ann Museum in downtown Gloucester, home to the world’s largest collection of his paintings, drawings, and lithographs. The Fitz Henry Lane House remains a Gloucester landmark and a lasting tribute to the city’s artistic and seafaring heritage.