Summerguide 2009
“I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” – Peter Finch (as Howard Beale), Network
Tired of the news cycles, the post-9/11madness, the stock market plunges, the swine flu? Owning your own private island is the ultimate declaration of independence. If you really meant it when you whispered to yourself I want to be alone, here are 30 beautiful islands for sale right now-priced from $149K to $5.75 million…
By Allison Richards & Michelle Susan Twomey
Davis Island
St. George, $5.75 million
“Davis Island is a short ride to the south of the village of Port Clyde at the southern end of St. George Peninsula,” says broker Terry Sortwell of LandVest, Inc.
“The main residence here is surrounded by lawns and English country gardens and features 360-degree views of Port Clyde and the Camden Hills to the north, the Wyeth compound on neighboring Allen and Benner Islands to the south, Permaquid Point to the west, and Muscongus Bay to open ocean to the east.”
“There’s also a two-bedroom guest cottage, caretaker’s apartment, boat barn, various storage buildings, and two substantial docks. Electric service runs from the mainland, and the property is fully outfitted with top-quality systems and equipment.”
236-3543 or tsortwell@landvest.com
Webber Island
Georgetown, $360,000
Cross the Sagadahoc Bridge heading north out of Bath on U.S. Route 1. Turn right on Five Island Road. Continue 13 miles toward Reid State Park before taking lefts on Robinhood Road and Webber Road. Drive until you can’t go any further. Look out across the water and the 200-foot wide salt marsh; the quaint 14- acre island will be directly in front of you.
“It’s named for Farmer Webber,” explains Julie Morse, who with her husband has owned the island for the last 40 years. “It’s very tranquil. We don’t hear anything but the birds. Our camp is hidden among old oak trees and a vernal pond. On the western side, the cliffs are 10 feet tall or more. Fissures in the granite run so deep there are caves to explore.”
There’s a well, a working outhouse, a composting toilet awaiting installation, and a 20- by 30-foot camp with screened-in porch and working woodstove.
“From the porch,” says Morse, “we can see Castle Island to the left. Straight ahead is a well-maintained estate which once belonged to former Gov. William Tudor Gardiner (1892-1953). To the right are several smaller islands that I believe no one owns. Other than that, it’s just open water. ”
(978) 470-0668 or privateislandsonline.com
Foster Island
Narraguagus Bay, Harrington, $1.9 million
A 20-minute boat ride across Narraguagus Bay from Milbridge Town Landing conducts you to a pier hidden in a protective cove on the southeast side of 300-acre Foster Island.
“From there, follow the path to a simple cabin nestled deep in the cove, facing south,” says listing agent Samantha Parsons of The Knowles Co.
“This one-bedroom structure with outhouse was built in the late 1980s. In earlier times, there were four cabins on the island’s south end. Evidence of these homes and of fields once cleared for farming” still exists today.
“The Rockefellers purchased Foster Island in the 1960s. In 1973, Mr. and Mrs. David Rockefeller placed a conservation easement on the property that’s currently held by the State of Maine,” says Parsons. “The easement allows you to construct up to five homes here.”
The southern end “offers fields with pine and birch trees, as well as stunning views across Narraguagus Bay to Trafton and Pond islands and southeasterly to Dyer and Strout islands and beyond.”
276-3322 ext.242 or samantha@knowlesco.com
Stone Island
St. George, $800,000
It’s one thing to see an Andrew Wyeth painting, and quite another to live it.
To see what we mean, travel a mile northwest of Port Clyde, then thread the needle across Penobscot Bay, keeping Caldwell Island to your north, and Teal Island to your south until you reach the unencompassable silence of Stone Island.
“Set in the archipelago at the mouth of the Saint George River, this 17-acre island has a rustic camp with weathered boards and no amenities other than the sea,” says Kathryn Jackson of Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Reality.
If the thought of vacationing here in this antique camp doesn’t suit you, a new one can be built to your liking.
“This island is barren, lichen covered, and windswept,” says Jackson, venturing lonely words to convey a scalar loveliness. “Andrew Wyeth used it as a setting for his 1966 painting, Stone Island,” now in the private collection of M. Knoedler & Co., New York.
230-1003 or legacysir.com
Burnt Island
Lake St. George, Liberty, $395,000
Drive 16 miles west of Belfast along Route 3 to the town of Liberty, on the northwest shore of Lake St. George. On the southern end of the lake, your three-acre island awaits you, two miles from the state-maintained boat landing beside Lake St. George State Park.
Built in 1958, “a well-maintained cedar-shingle-sided summer cottage is included, partially furnished,” says Gerald Bernier, who purchased the island with his wife in 1984. “The private bedroom provides comfortable sleeping for two adults. Children sleep on bunk beds and couches in the common area” that doubles as a living/dining room. “There’s no electricity, but we have gas lights, a gas range, woodstove, and fireplace.”
Best of all, “our rock-walled lagoon is perfect for wading and swimming. The previous owner took the natural lagoon and built this rock wall around it, with stairs leading in.”
542-9839 or aigberni@tidewater.net
Ram Island
Saco, $495,000
Travel down Route 9 past Camp Ellis onto Lower Beach Road. Drive until the rock barricade blocks your path. Now, squint your eyes and look out into Saco Bay. A mile offshore, dancing in the mist, one-acre Ram Island comes into view.
“This three-room camp, 550 square feet of living area, was used every summer by a fun couple for over 45 years,” says Charlene Farley of Maine Coast Properties. “They even had a nine-hole putting green for exercise and pleasure. When the flag was flying, everybody knew they were on the island and company was welcome.”
The camp has a stone fireplace, natural wood floors, a loft, and a metal roof.
From every room here, you can see Wood Island Lighthouse, Camp Ellis, Biddeford Pool, and, on a clear day, Prouts Neck.
“There’s currently no dock, just an area to pull a dinghy up on and a 1,600-pound granite mooring where boats as long as 50 feet have come to visit,” says Farley.
(800) 238-0395, ramisland.com, or charlene@mainecoastproperties.biz
Mumford & Bull Island
Presque Isle, $670,000
Only five miles from the Presque Isle Regional Airport, “you can just jump in a cab and you’re here,” says owner/seller Joseph Sadowski of Mumford & Bull Island.
“That’s right. You can drive to this island paradise, close to the shops and restaurants of Presque Isle.
Perfect for an owner who wants to be alone-well, sort of-this 167-acre island in the stream of traffic
“is a wonderful getaway for the whole year,” says Sadowski.
“In the late 1800s, there was a gold strike here. Small gold nuggets and flecks can still be found in the waters today,” says Sadowski.
The entire island is available for development. Presently, there’s a 1,000-square-foot camp that dates to 1998.
(516) 935-4176 or joseph_sadowski@yahoo.com
Duck Ledges Island
Addison, $229,000
Located on the ocean’s edge of Wohoa Bay near the town of Addison, two-acre Duck Ledges Island has deepwater anchorage on the northern side and a natural deepwater shelf for landing at almost any tide.
The shoreline is pink granite with two beaches on the north end, next to a cottage. Views from the island swarm with sea, pine, and Cadillac Mountain.
Cleaning and washing is made possible by collected rainwater. Beyond the outhouse under the stars, there’s a portable chemical toilet indoors.
(647) 477-5581 or privateislandsonline.com
Lower Birch Islands
Jonesport, $1.795 million
The Lower Birch Islands are two islands connected at low tide.
The larger of the two is 24-acres, with a post-and-beam home featuring hardwood floors, stone fireplace, and wraparound deck.
“The small and the large island are connected by a gravel bar which is exposed at low tide,” says Glenn Jackson of Glenn Jackson Realty in Bangor. The tides allow you the luxury of walking “from one island to the other long enough to explore the six-acre [wild] island and feel its undeveloped natural landscape.”
Walking paths on both islands open up to reveal exquisite vistas for hikers.
There’s easy access here from a three-acre mainland parcel included with the bargain, complete with electricity and island-studded seascape.
942-7447 or glenn@glennjackson.com
Chasse Island
Wadleigh Pond, Lyman, $449,000
Drive west on Route 111 through Biddeford.At the intersection of Route 35, head north until you reach Lyman. Turn left onto Mast Road, and then hang a right onto Wadleigh Pond Road. Your boat launch is one-quarter of a mile up the road and to your left.
Owner Russ Chasse says, “Our two-acre island is secluded yet close to civilization. Wadleigh Pond is completely surrounded by private roads. The island has 1,200 feet of freshwater frontage, making it ideal for a summer home or investment.”
There’s peace and quiet here, “magnificent moonlit nights, bright fall colors, swimming, fishing, ice fishing and boating.”
283-1818 or rchasse@maine.rr.com
Genthner Island
Pemaquid Pond, Nobleboro, $350,000
Travel three-quarters of a mile past Duck Puddle Camp Ground and you’ll see it,” says George Feus of Drum and Drum Real Estate.
“While this seven-acre island can’t be subdivided, a limited amount of further development might be done in co-operation with the Pemaquid Watershed Association. Currently, the island is home to a two-bedroom camp with a large enclosed porch.
“Everything is propane-powered, including the generator, gas range, gas refrigerator, and gas hot water heater. The bathroom is a three-quarter bath with shower, sink, and regular toilet.” Bring your own water.
563-5880 or gfeus@tidewater.net
Blake Island
Messalonskee Lake, Oakland, $499,000
Head north on Route 11 for six miles from Belgrade until Messalonskee Lake bursts into view. Follow Sparkling Lake Lane to your deeded private parking spot. Straight ahead, 250-feet offshore, Blake Island is ready to pour you a cold one:
“I’ve heard that during the 1920s, there was a speakeasy out here. There’s even a grindstone on the island that’s said to have been used in the making of alcoholic beverages,” says Jayne Roberge of Castlenorth Real Estate.
Alberta Porter of the local historical society acknowledges there were “lots of parties out there,” but not the kind you’d want to keep a record of. It’s hard not to conjure up visions of a Downeast version of Harpo’s speakeasy from the film The Color Purple.
“It’s seven incredible acres of towering pines, birch, and mixed hardwoods-2,500 feet of shoreline,” Roberge says.
“Two approved building sites are perfect for your dream cottage, complete with septic systems, underwater power cables, and a deeded right-of-way on the mainland.”
495-9220 or jmroberge736@roadrunner.com
Millstone Island
Lake St. George, Liberty, $319,000
“From Augusta, travel 20 miles east to Liberty on Route 3. Lake St. George is on your right. Turn right onto Marshall Shore Road,” says listing agent Fran Riley of United Realty Maine. “The deeded parking is located on Melissa Lane. Whenever you’re visiting the mainland, you can keep your boat tied here at a dedicated island dock.”
Built in 2002, “this water’s-edge cottage is fully furnished inside and out. It sleeps eight comfortably and includes a fully applianced kitchen, wraparound deck, and wood floors and walls throughout. Outbuildings provide storage and all the fishing, swimming and recreational equipment needed.”
“Just off the island, the water drops to 65 feet, but facing the cottage, the depth is perfect for swimming. With the Shore Master dock system,” your boat is sitting pretty here.
“This lake has produced trophy-sized salmon. Plantings of brook trout are received annually and provide fast fishing for anglers.” There’s a bounty of “small and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, and rainbow smelt as well as landlocked salmon.”
338-6000 or unitedrealtyme@roadrunner.com
Birch Island
Lake St. George, Liberty, $199,900
“Birch Island, also known as Berry Island, is six-acres studded with tall white pines,” says Roland Littlefield of United Reality. “With the entire island available, you’re able to build several cottages, bunkhouses for children, and camps for visiting family and friends.
“The west end, where the elevation is highest, faces the deepest water,” says Littlefield. “The other side has a beach where you can pull up a kayak, canoe, or boat. It’s ideal for younger children who love to wade into the water from the shore.”
338-6000 or unitedrealtyme@roadrunner.com
Pine Island
Naples, $1.45 million
Leaving Windham, take Route 302 for 12 miles until you see Long Lake on your right. Rent a boat at the public landing, and head out into the open water for three miles. One-acre Pine Island, with its shaggy green head, will find you.
“Loons nesting on the beach are your only neighbors,” says Deb Henderson of RE/MAX Advantage Realty Group. “On the far side of the island, step out onto a large, flat granite rock left by glaciers that created the White Mountains and carved out bodies of water in the Sebago Lake Region.”
The island currently has a 684-foot “Hansel and Gretel-style cottage with an upstairs sleeping loft surrounded by cathedral pines that stretch to the sky.”
With 1,000-feet of private water frontage, the island also offers a sandy beach.
While there’s no electricity here, a septic system is in place and ready for further improvements to the property.
“The seller’s in the process of renovating and expanding the structures here and will seriously consider all offers as he progresses forward with his plans,” says Henderson. How does the song go? Hit me with your best shot.
(866) 942-8100 or dhenderson@midmaine.com
Hanneman Island
Big Lake, Princeton, $698,000
Finding this once-secret retreat for Red Sox Hall of Famer Ted Williams could never be easier. East of Grand Lake Stream Village, turn left onto Big Lake Road and continue to the public landing. From here, you can set out by boat for the mile-long journey to your island.
Twelve-acre Hanneman Island has a seven-room, four-bedroom rustic waterfront cottage built in 1945. Along with gaslights and a gas range and refrigerator, there’s a woodstove for heat.
“The parcel also includes a piece of land on the mainland for parking,” says listing agent Pete Norris of RE/MAX Advantage Realty Group. “The Downeast Lakes Land Trust protects Big Lake from additional development,” so you don’t have to worry about new neighbors popping up.
942-8100 or petenorris@midmaine.com
Greer Island
Penobscot Bay, Vinalhaven, $599,000
“Vinalhaven is accessible by private boat or year-round ferry service from Rockland. There’s also daily air service from Knox County Regional Airport in Owls Head. Greer Island itself is about one-quarter mile off Vinalhaven’s eastern shore.
The five-acre island “is flecked with strawberry patches and wildflowers,” says Jamie O’Keefe of Compass Point Real Estate in Blue Hill. “An impressive stand of spruce trees here was planted by owner Elizabeth Arey and her family.”
At water’s edge, “a worn but picturesque shingled cabin is surrounded by roses and sea grass,” O’Keefe says.
The owner currently has a building permit for a small home, with foundation footings installed last summer. With deepwater mooring envisioned in a protected cove, the seller has a permit for a ramp and floating dock.
374-5300 or jamie.okeefe@earthlink.net
Brown Island
Burlington, $725,000
Just 60 miles northeast of Bangor, Brown Island calls to you, five-miles from the public boat landing on the north-end of Nicatous Lake.
“This is one of several islands that dot Nicatous Lake,” says John Colannino of ERA Dawson Bradford Realtors in Bangor.
Built in 1928, “the main house has a master bedroom, bathroom, living room with fieldstone fireplace, and a large deck overlooking the beach. There’s also a custom-designed kitchen and great room with wraparound deck.
Beyond that, there are four separate guest cottages. “All dwellings are turnkey and fully furnished with DirectTV, DVRs, VCRs, boats, decks, and docks. The compound also has a generator, hot water heater, and washer and dryer.”
Now that’s roughing it, in style.
947-6788, johncolannino@eradawson.com, or
johnsellsmaine.com
Pine Island
Dover-Foxcroft, $149,000
Take Route 153 out of Dover-Foxcroft until you hit Greeley’s Landing. Canoe into Sebec Lake and paddle eastward to this .85-acre island with 800-feet of water frontage.
The camp here has a large front porch, two bedrooms with gaslights, a woodstove, generator, and an outhouse. Since there’s no running water here, bringing your own water is highly recommended.
341-0192 or kimcorkran@midmaine.com
Queen’s Island
Roxbury Pond, Roxbury, $249,000
Take Route 120 to Andover and head a few hundred yards from the beach at Roxbury Pond.
At just .4-acre, Queen’s Island is a jewel surrounded by views of western Maine mountains from every spot. “This is a small paradise,” says Sheila Delamater of ERA Worden Realty.
Built in the 1940s, the two-story teak-insulated camp has a woodstove, generator, gaslights, and gas stove. Behind the camp is a smaller outer building in matching teak, surrounded by blueberry bushes.
784-0159, 212-7405, or sheilad@eraworden.com,
Harbor Island
Frenchboro, $1.8 million
Built in 1977, this 30-acre island is located in Frenchboro, south of Mount Desert Island. The cozy cottage has two bedrooms, sleeping loft, full bath, and a good freshwater supply and mooring offshore. It does not have any electricity.
According to Monica Hardy of Downeast Properties, there are striking views “of Mount Desert Island from here. Harbor Island overlooks the majestic islands of Acadia.” She feels it’s somehow appropriate, the island is shaped like the outline of a hull as it braves the waves just off scenic Frenchboro, because “the seller is a sailor.”
664-2591, 491-7894, or downeastproperties.com
Jed’s Island
Blue Hill Bay, $1.85 million
This 13.6-acre island adventure offers access to the famous sailing waters of Blue Hill Bay and Eggemoggin Reach. With more than 3,000-feet of ocean frontage, it has walking paths, gravel beaches, and lovely granite ledges. There’s an abundance of wildlife here, including eagles and seals.
A mooring is included.
(647) 477-5581 or privateislandsonline.com/jedsisland
Narrows Island
Marion, $298,000
From Machias, head eight miles east on Route 1 toward Gardner Lake. Like a guardian, Narrows Island lies between Gardner and Second Gardner lakes.
Six-acre Narrows is the perfect site for a small sporting lodge.
Secluded yet conveniently close to the town of Marion, this lovely getaway, striking in the fall for the color of its foliage, includes power hookups and a right-of-way access. A boat landing on the mainland makes connections easy.
598-7799 or mainerealestatebrokerage.com
Mouse Island
Tenants Harbor, $989,000
Beckoning at the end of a stone causeway in Tenants Harbor is Mouse Island. “We call it Rockledge. The causeway you see today takes the place of an old wooden footbridge that used to be here,” says owner/seller Diane Hall of True Hall Realty.
“The first time I ever saw it was in a rowboat with my grandfather in 1959.” The day gleams in her memory because “my grandfather had just shown all six of us grandchildren a new vessel his craftsmen were working on in his boatyard, as well as the herring fishing fleet he owned on the waterfront. He pioneered, in his Piper Cub two-seater, the technique of spotting schools of herring from the sky and radioing the information down to his boats.”
The classic three-bedroom cottage here is the subject of many photographs by tourists who love the way it reflects in the water.
372-8952 or diane@truehall.com
High Island
St. George, $1.35 million
In your boat, leave the public landing in Tenants Harbor as you head toward center of the harbor to this 25-acre island.
Out here, you’re part of the bracelet of islands that includes Southern Island, the private residence of Jamie Wyeth.
“A hermit made his home on High Island for 20 years. He lived in the shack that is still here today,” says Kathryn Jackson of Sotheby’s International Realty. The rustic shelter, hermit-ready but not family-ready, adds character to the island.
If roughing it is your style, High Island is for you. It has every lack of necessity you require-no livable home, no running water, no sewer, gas, or electricity. And yet…
230-1003 or www.legacysir.com
Ram Island
Mouth of Machias Bay, $725,000
Located in Machias Bay, 16-acre Ram Island is just 10 miles from Machias itself, and 7 miles from Machaisport.
You can build here, with 75 feet of setback from the high-tide line. The tide rises and falls 19 feet here, altering the shoreline daily.
To the east is Libby Island Lighthouse. To the north, there’s Stone Island and the mainland. To the south is the open ocean-nothing but blue horizon for 180 degrees.
For habitation, there’s a 20-by-20-foot pressure-treated tent platform atop a small cliff overlooking the cove and mooring.
There are miles of coastline and stone beaches to enjoy.
(647) 477-5581 or privateislandsonline.com
Bernier Island
Three Mile Pond, China, $249,999
Head east from Augusta along Route 3 to Vassalboro’s public boat launch, then kayak across the pond for 800 yards.
The camp is a contemporary A-frame with large windows, spiral staircase to the second floor, and knotty-pine throughout. There’s a fieldstone hearth and large front deck facing west. Although there’s no electricity, the camp is wired for a generator and solar batteries.
873-5634 or dialcor@roadrunner.com
Rockbound Island
Back Bay, Milbridge, $270,000
From Milbridge’s boat landing, sail two miles east around Pinkham and Foster islands, tack to the north, and hail Rockbound Island, barely a single acre, a quarter-mile away.
A lone cottage keeps watch here, garnished by 800 feet of shoreline. One side is trimmed with granite; the other side is savage with pine and spruce trees.
942-8100 or leebennett@midmaine.com
Norton Island
Pleasant Bay, South Addison,
$3.25 million
Starting at the South Addison public landing, head south toward the mouth of the harbor. Turn west past Cape Split. After a quarter of a mile, turn north. Norton Island will be staring you in the eyes.
Simon Locke has owned this 60-acre paradise for the last 34 years. He’s looking to sell the place he loves to a buyer who will work to preserve it.
The main house here is 3,000 square feet, with the guest home 1,000. Both enjoy electric lights, refrigerators, running water from a well, and a backup generator. Also included is a 20- by 50-foot boathouse.
The island comes with a five-acre shore lot featuring 300 feet of frontage and a mooring at Eastern Harbor, 15 minutes away.
(978) 887-5143 or privateislandsonline.com/addisonisland
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