Nelson F. Goodwin, Sr., together with his son Nelson F. Goodwin, Jr., founded Nelson F. Goodwin Company in 1986. The company began building custom residential homes on Mount Desert Island. Word quickly spread about the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail they provided. As their reputation grew, so did their business. In 1989 they had the opportunity to build a traditional summer cottage high upon the ledges in Seal Harbor. When this project was completed, they knew they had found their niche and a clientele that would appreciate their high standards, work ethic, and meticulously created homes that would come to be regarded as classics.