Summerguide 2015 | view this story as a .pdf

Ready to get away? For sale this summer in Maine: 20 private islands.

By Jeanee Dudley

While private island ownership was once reserved for the ultra-wealthy elite, you no longer have to be a rock star or hedge fund manager to afford one.

Brown Island

Hancock County, $749,000

Make all your Dirty Dancing fantasies come true on this private compound, reminiscent of Kellerman’s in the Catskills. Nicatous Lake is not only a great place to practice your dance-partner lifts, but also a wild and secluded natural backdrop for this great family vacation spot.

The main cottage features a single master bedroom, bathroom, living room, and a fantastic deck. Four separate guest cottages offer privacy for adult visitors and a sense of independence for youngsters. Just keep them out of the staff cabin. Just kidding.

A custom kitchen and great room with wrap-around deck bring everyone together for barbecues, sunset cocktails, and evening board games. If you need a little alone time, each cottage comes furnished with the necessities and a few extras–namely DirecTV and DVRs.

Taxes $900; 5.2 acres

Little Island

Harpswell, $549,000

Little Island is minutes from Brunswick’s bustling Maine Street. Better still, it’s transformative: At high tide, its three-bedroom cottage stands alone atop its three-acre isle in Cundy’s Harbor. But when the tide rolls out, Little Island becomes a little isthmus and it’s fully accessible by car.

“There’s a channel at high tide, deep enough for lobster boats to go back and forth, but at low tide there’s a ledge bar that stretches across to the mainland,” says Bruce Davis, a broker at Homes & Harbors. Any vehicle from a pickup truck to a smaller SUV can make the crossing via this natural causeway, which is exposed for four to five hours per day.

“You can drive across, get to the house, and unload your groceries without setting foot in a boat.” Or buy lobsters straight from the dock, then slide into town when you realize you’ve forgotten your butter. This solitary connectedness–a dancing loneliness?– adds up to a real bonus once you realize the home’s private septic tank, drilled well, and electrical systems can be easily maintained by mainland tradesmen.

“This island’s in a harbor, but there’s a dramatic open-ocean view. You also get an intimate view of the working harbor, just a row away from a couple of restaurants and general stores on shore.”

Taxes $2,629; 3 acres. 

John’s Island

Bristol, $2,245,000

Leave the fuel barrels at home–but keep the flares on board for safety–when you make your James-Bond getaway to this island, just off the coast of South Bristol. The property is complete with a mainland base with apartment, storage, and a dock where you can keep your Fairey Huntsman idling for the ultimate anytime retreat.

John’s Island has been host to 20th century legends. “The property was the home to 1920s boxing heavyweight champion Gene Tunney, “says Joseph Sortwell, project manager for Landvest. “And it was enjoyed by President John F. Kennedy while he was in office. The setting is classic, with an attractive six-bedroom residence and guesthouses surrounded by lawns and meadows with outstanding views.”

Taxes $16,866; 21+ acres

High Island

Spruce Head, $1,975,000

Here’s a serene retreat for casual weekend bacchanalia. Abandoned stone foundations, a freshwater swimming quarry, and heirloom apple trees act as follies among the beautiful ruins. “Along with granite wharves, these distinct features scattered around the property are all a testament to the island’s role in Maine’s granite quarrying industry at the turn of the 20th century,” says agent Joseph Sortwell.

A mile of shorefront boasts a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Muscle Ridge Archipelago between Penobscot Bay and Muscongus Bay. This property includes a mainland base with storage, parking, mooring, and dock access.

Taxes $10,100; 26 acres

Green Island

Brooklin, $850,000

Ever wanted to be a lighthouse keeper?  This single-acre island off the coast of Brooklin in Blue Hill Bay is the epitome of island ownership. Your crisp white lighthouse stands at the tip of the island, marking the starting point of a string of islands off Flye Point.

These days, lighthouses are completely automated, which means the new owners of this historic treasure can spend evenings on the spacious front porch enjoying the scenery with the included deck furniture. With solar electricity, bottled gas, wood heating stove, and private sewer and well, Green Island is a comfortable New England escape.

While early lighthouse keepers suffered from solitude, easy motorboat access and four available bedrooms make it more convenient for guests to visit.

Taxes $2,400; 1 acre

Campbell Island

Deer Isle, $295,000

Just off Blue Hill, Campbell Island has long stood as a nature preserve, popular with campers, kayakers and bird watchers. With 90 acres of stunning wildlife, the isle is currently owned by the Chewonki Foundation and maintained by Maine Island Trail Institute.

While there are no buildings out here, nature lovers will enjoy the serenity. Two established campsites currently accommodate up to eight visitors. As a land trust, this property is best suited for an outdoorsy owner dedicated to maintaining its pristine natural setting.

“There is a conservation easement which allows a 400-square-foot house to be built as well as a few other buildings for animals if one wanted to farm,” says agent Joe Sortwell. “You can also have a seasonal dock.”

This paradise is situated at the eastern entrance of Eggemoggin Reach and only “a short boat trip away from Center Harbor” and the renowned Brooklin Boatyard, and WoodenBoat magazine’s headquarters and boat school.

Taxes $280; 90 acres

Scott Island

Stonington, $495,000

A favorite among geologists, Scott Island sits east of Vinalhaven. “Scott has beautiful pink granite lining the island’s shores, along with a couple of sandy beaches,” says Joe Sortwell, who represents this and other island properties in the region. “The 360-degree views take in  Stonington and the Deer Isle Thoroughfare to the north; Vinalhaven and North Haven to the west; Jericho Bay to the east; and south, toward Merchants Row, Isle au Haut  and open ocean.”

While stunning views seem to be a given for any private island, this property attracts for being buildable but not currently developed. Historic pink granite piers provide the option of a deepwater dock to accompany a sheltered anchorage on its eastern shore. According to Vladi Private Islands, this property has a perfect site for a getaway cottage with the capacity for a two-bedroom septic system.

Taxes $2,738; 4.4 acres

Middle Hardwood Island

Jonesport, $750,000

Way downeast, potential buyers will find Middle Hardwood, just off the coast of Jonesport. It’s self-sufficient for summer use, featuring a solar plant, well, and septic. The new owners will only have to leave to pick up groceries.

The island features a main bungalow with three bedrooms as well as two small cottages–perfect for hosting relatives and in-laws who just couldn’t take the hint when you moved to an island in the North Atlantic for the summer.

All three buildings are connected by boardwalk and are, as broker Steve Shelton says, “done up first class.” Built in 2007, the buildings blend architectural harmony with classic New England style. Middle Hardwood offers the charm of Martha’s Vineyard without the paparazzi.

Taxes $6,958; 8 acres

Norton Island

Addison, $2,900,000

For the discerning buyer looking to go less Robinson Crusoe and more Richard Branson, Norton Island in the Sunrise County offers a contemporary twist on island living. A modern two-bedroom house with a stone fireplace, angular rooms and a solarium sits on 60 acres along with a secluded private guesthouse.

The design of this island abode blends into the scenery with a wooden shingle exterior. Meadows, deep woods, and blue coves surround the residence. Continuing the nature-positive theme, the house is solar-powered, with its own well and septic system.

Ashore, the property includes mainland real estate in South Addison with room to store vehicles as well as dock access. Unlike Branson’s private paradise in the Virgin Islands, there’s no helicopter pad on Norton Island. You’ll have to settle for a Hinckley Yacht from Southwest Harbor, just up the bay.

Taxes $16,990; 60 acres

Chance Island

Machiasport, $600,000

With views of Machias Bay and the surrounding islands, Chance Island offers modern amenities in a private setting. The island is the site of two homes, built side-by-side, totaling six bedrooms and two baths.

The larger is farmhouse style dwelling with a front-porch view of the ocean. The smaller is a modern two-story cottage with stunning picture windows and high ceilings in the front.

With heat, hot water, generator hookup, and private well and septic, you find all the comforts of home with the privacy of living on an island. The modern upgrades make Chance Island perfect for a family–keeping the kids comfortable while providing easy access to the great outdoors.

The shoreline is as diverse as it is broad, with beaches, stone slopes, and cliffs. In addition, deep woods cover a significant portion of the island.

Taxes $4,955; 44 acres

Poplar Knoll Island

Mariaville, $199,000

Located in Graham Lake in Mariaville, this large island property is home to the ultimate camp. With more than 31 acres of woods, privacy isn’t hard to come by on Poplar Knoll. The expansive shoreline offers swimming, boating, and fishing all the way around.

The main house is a rustic cabin with a cozy loft overlooking an open living room complete with cast-iron woodstove. A small bunkhouse is a great space for kids or guests and while there’s no running water, an outhouse lends a healthy dose of authenticity to this camp.

Powered by bottled gas, you’re fully off the grid–a premium spot to unplug and unwind.

Taxes $1,318; 31.4 acres

Pop Island

Steuben, $175,000

This undeveloped island in scenic Pinkham Bay is a little slice of heaven. Located just off the shore of Goods Point Circle in Steuben, the proximity to the mainland makes Pop one of the most convenient islands on our list.

Deep water at the eastern end of the island provides the perfect spot for a dock. While there are currently no buildings, new owners can build the summer escape of their dreams with no restrictions.

Pop Island combines the privacy of an island at just a stone’s throw from the mainland. This island’s position in a protected cove guarantees safe harbor without compromising a stunning backdrop. With gorgeous views up and down Pinkham Bay, Pop is an ideal retreat.

Taxes $1,605; 2.8 acres

Scabby Island Chain

Machiasport, $748,000

Why settle for one island when you can have three? Downeast Properties lists this miniature archipelago set in Machias Bay. All three islands connect at low tide, allowing future island-hoppers to trek across sand bars to visit each one during a day on the water. In total, the islands comprise 18 acres, with plenty of room to roam.

A mile away onshore, the property includes a land base. Set on 10.5 acres of unspoiled downeast land, this accompanying property features a rustic, off-the-grid house that can easily be updated for an owner requiring a few more creature comforts.

Taxes $6,576; 28.5 acres

Greer Island

Vinalhaven, $550,000

Choose your own adventure here. According to the listing website, greerisland.com, an existing 12-by-15-foot studio building is grandfathered into the property.

Current owners have obtained a building permit for a 34-by-18-foot home with room for expansion. No septic system is currently in place, but the permits and designs are ready to go, so future owners can design the vacation home of their dreams without all the hassle of paperwork. Don’t forget a wraparound porch. With 360-degree views of Penobscot Bay that include Saddleback Light, Camden Hills, and Isle Au Haut, you’ll need room for a few Adirondack chairs.

Taxes $2,250; 5 acres

Goose Islands

Addison, $565,000

This private paradise, carefully curated by the current owners, comprises a pair of islands. While it’s currently available for rent at $1,750 per week, visitors may find it hard to leave.

There’s a custom-crafted cottage, embodying the essence of maritime Maine. Constructed with salvaged barn wood and ship’s knees, the breathtaking wooden interior opens up along an entire wall to an impressive wraparound deck with a view of  Moosabec Reach is hard to compete with.

Current owners recommend sauntering down to the protected cove to gather fresh clams on the gravel beach. Carry your catch up through the pines to the cottage, put them on to steam, crack a beer, and relax.

It’s no wonder that the island’s listing, with Gary Chard Properties states that “this property is seriously offered for sale at $565,000.”

Deeded parking on Beal’s Island and an included lobster boat make access a breeze. The island features a granite mooring and an impenetrable wharf, built to hold up to the volatile high seas.

Taxes $2,390; 2.9 acres

Narrows Island & Bar Island

Harrington, $827,000

Double the islands; double the relaxation. Just off Ripley’s Point in Harrison, this retreat offers options. For island owners who prefer the comforts of home, the cliff-side main cottage on Narrows features an open floor plan and brick fireplace with two bedrooms and a cozy front porch. If you’d rather rough it, two beachfront cottages offer shelter off the grid. Either way, you can’t go wrong with the view.

At low tide, take a stroll across the exposed shoal to Bar Island, a smaller, arrowhead-shaped island. While the views are spectacular from either end of the property, Bar Island offers a sensory experience unparalleled by lesser-forested islands. Overgrown with spruce, this island abounds in  two of Maine’s finest scents–pine and ocean breeze.

This property comes complete with a .79-acre land base with floating dock and deepwater channel for boat access

Taxes $7,614; 17.8 acres

Etta’s Island

Dover-Foxcroft, $479,500

Do you like to camp? Do your friends like to camp? Does your brother-in-law like to camp? Does that guy you met at racquetball like to camp? If so, buy this island and invite them all upta camp, because you’ll finally have room for all of your wilderness-loving friends.

Etta’s Island on Brann’s Mill Pond in Dover-Foxcroft is four acres of pure, wild elbowroom. With two cabins, and outbuildings, and several campsites, this place, according to Mallett Real Estate, offers “the ultimate way to experience the natural beauty of Maine.”

The pond offers canoeing, swimming, and year-round fishing as well as up-close views of native critters. Etta’s boasts beavers, eagles, otters, and loons, and is close enough to state and national parks that if you get tired of the scenery, there’s plenty more nearby.

Access is easy via a half-acre mainland plot with parking. A well-built raft and come-along allow owners and visitors to move people and supplies across the short span between the mainland and island.

Taxes $1,299; 4 acres

Addison Island

South Addison, $3,250,000

If you hate grocery shopping, Addison Island may be just the island for you. Home to an abundance of native, wild food, this downeast Garden of Eden is a great place to sit back, relax, and eat your heart out.

Visitors will find low-bush blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries growing around the property. Clams and mussels are a few shovels of sand away, giving new meaning to fresh seafood. Cook them all up in the enormous main house kitchen and enjoy your meal with a view of the surrounding Pleasant Bay.

The 60-acre isle combines a range of environments, including pine forest, open fields, stone cliffs, and sandy beaches. Dock at the pier in the protected cove on the north end of the island and make your way up the floats to the main house. At around 3,000 square feet, this home boasts wooden interiors and an impressive floor-to-cathedral-ceiling stone fireplace open on two sides to keep everyone warm and toasty after stargazing on the terraced deck.

Taxes $15,814; 60 acres

Foster Island

Harrington, $1,650,000

This Downeast property offers a vast amount of land for new owners to enjoy. Foster Island, off the coast of Harrington in Washington County, is an enormous, wild tract of land. With a partial conservation easement on the land, this island is the perfect place for a devoted nature lover.

“Foster Island is unique in its scale and topography, which is quite diverse and includes streams, fields, high knolls, and a protected cove,” says Mia Thompson, broker and owner of the Knowles Company. “It features several walking trails, abundant bird life, and an old homestead with a  pier. The island also has the rare pleasure of being very private yet is only a  short boat ride from the mainland.”

With a cozy one-bedroom cottage, this secluded spot is a no-brainer for a potential island owner looking to get away from it all.

Taxes $7,775; 300 acres

Ram Island

Machiasport, $325,000

On 16 acres of isolated wilderness in the heart of the Machias Bay, Ram Island is just an hour and a half voyage from Bar Harbor. “It’s a great-sized island with beautiful open fields that sprawl across it,” says Kim Corkran, the property’s agent with Realty of Maine, who believes that the island’s promise of retreat is its selling point. “The island rises to over 60 feet in height at one point and has several beaches. The family has owned it and has enjoyed it for many, many years. But it’s time for it to move on to the next family.” The buildable lot, with a 180-degree full ocean view, has served as a camping “getaway from regular life,” complete with tent platforms and fire pits.

Taxes $3,942; 16 acres