Monhegan’s ‘red house’ sold to couple with island ties

MONHEGAN – The winning bid for a widely recognized red house on Monhegan Island that’s depicted in a well-known Jamie Wyeth painting was made by a couple that plans to live in the home, an auctioneer said.

There were six bidders from around the country during an auction last week, and the winning bid was $973,500, said Tom Saturley.

The seasonal oceanfront house, which Saturley says was built in the 1800s, is known by sight by art lovers worldwide.

The Jamie Wyeth painting “Red House” is now on loan to the Wyeth Center at the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland.

Some Monhegan residents were worried that a new owner might change or tear down the house, but the couple with the winning bid has family ties to Monhegan and an appreciation for the history of the house, Saturley said.