ALFRED – State investigators sought to determine the cause of a fire that heavily damaged a historic property on the Waterboro Road that houses a restaurant and gift shop.

No injuries were reported in the overnight fire Wednesday at the Jordan House Restaurant and Inn.

Fire departments from 10 communities battled the fire for nearly four hours before bringing it under control. Alfred Fire Chief James Gerrish estimated the loss at $300,000 to $400,000.

Lumber baron Benjamin Jordan built the inn as a private home in the 1870s. Since then, it has served as a restaurant, a bed and breakfast and a private home.

“It’s a hard day,” said Janet Allen, whose family bought the property in 1983. “But we’re a big, strong family. It’s family oriented. And it will be rebuilt.”

Gerrish said the fire started in the back section of the restaurant, but the cause was undetermined. He said there was no indication of foul play.