Built in about 1803 as a country retreat for a ship's captain, it is a high-quality example of Federal architecture in a rural context.

[1] The Lord-Dane House is set at the northwest corner of Federal and Gore Streets, a few miles north of Alfred's village center.

Federal Street was, at the time of the house's construction, the primary road from the village to the northern reaches of the geographically large municipality.

Portions of the house's exterior exhibit 19th-century stylistic alterations, including Greek Revival and Italianate elements.

[2] The house was built about 1803 by Tobias Lord, a wealthy ship's captain and merchant operating out of Kennebunk.