Built in the first decade of the 19th century, it is a fine local example of Federal style architecture, and is further distinctive for its ell, which is an early surviving example of an attached shop.

[1] The Stephen Coffin House stands on the north side of Damariscotta's Main Street downtown area, and is sandwiched between the Lincoln Theater to the west, and the modern facilities of the Skidompha Public Library to the east.

Its front facade is five bays wide, with a central entrance set in a recess that is framed by paired pilasters and a corniced entablature.

The interior retains a number of original period features, but has also had significant alterations, although most of these have been sympathetic in character.

[2] The house's exact construction date is shrouded in mystery, due to the number and type of land transactions Stephen Coffin engaged in between 1803 and 1807.