Maine | Landvest Blog

Aug

NAUTILUS ISLAND, A PRIVATE ISLAND AT THE ENTRANCE TO CASTINE HARBOR IN MAINE IS FOR SALE, AND IS TODAY’S PICK FOR BEST PLACE TO LIVE
By LandVest

This 37±-acre, entire island offering with over one mile of rocky coastline is steeped in history, full of modern appeal, and saturated in Maine flavor.

37-acre Nautilus Island in Brooksville Maine

Amenities abound from accommodations to recreation. Beginning with the traditional Maine coast water provisions of lobster, clams, mussels and oysters to the islands new organic gardens and hardy vineyard, this island is sure to tantalize both gourmand and back-to-basics tastes.
The 6-bedroom main residence is complete with an infinity pool, heated spa and stone piazza entertaining area

Located on the islands highest point, the completely renovated c1882, 6-bedroom main home offers spectacular sail-laden, ocean views and is rich in architectural detail including a grand staircase, tiled fireplace, and built-in corner cabinets.

View of Sailboat from the Nautilus Island Veranda

The piazza on the Island’s main house takes full advantage of panoramic Penobscot Bay views including Islesboro and Camden Hills.

The main home is flanked by a stone piazza, infinity pool and entertaining area to one side and a putting green and serenity perennial gardens to the other. Just down the path is a tennis court that overlooks the Castine Harbor.

View from Organic gardens of century old farmhouse

View of the century old Farmhouse from the organic gardens

View from Organic Gardens of Nautilus Island Guest Cottage

Newly relocated and renovated harborside guest cottage

The newly renovated and charming guest cottages are steps from the boathouse bar which is equipped with a 22- foot granite bar, a kitchen area, and stone fireplace.

The converted boathouse bar on Nautilus Island

The Nautilus Island Boat House Bar

The 2-story barn sits sturdily at the head of the vineyard and currently serves as a rustic game room, work-out area, workshop and storage area. The sugar shack adds further use to the aesthetically pleasing island maple trees by converting its sap into what some refer to as liquid gold. A pier, moorings, most furnishings, ground equipment, and a 23′ boat complete this exceptional offering.

View from Vineyard of Nautilus Island Barn

The sugar shack on Nautilus Island in Castine Harbor

The Nautilus Island Sugar Shack

Steeped in History… In 1779 Nautilus Island, strategically located at the mouth of Castine Harbor as it meets Penobscot Bay, became entrenched in the twenty-two day, British-American military engagement now known as the Penobscot Bay Expedition. Four years after his famed midnight ride, Paul Revere served as commander of a fleet of ships that took sail from Boston with a mission to secure land surrounding the Penobscot River. Revere was responsible for taking Nautilus Island from the British during an evening raid; however this was one of few victories in the ill-fated expedition. The British later took the coastal area including what is now Castine and kept the area in hand until the war’s end.   Prior to this entry into American history, Nautilus shows evidence of having been home to the Penobscot Indians. The island remained under the protection of one family for over 130 years and has recently undergone a four year renovation project.
The quintessentially quaint, Coastal Maine town of Castine serves as port and offers year-round cultural events. Dennett’s Wharf   (home of Castine’s best lobster roll) is the gateway to Nautilus Island. Castine is also home to the Maine Maritime Academy educational facility and their State of Maine exploratory ship.   Castine, Maine is approximately 460miles from New York City, 250 miles from Boston and 330 to Montreal and 40 to Bangor International Airport .

Lasting Memories… The stone fireplace in the boathouse bar begs for a story telling gathering after a day of ocean fun, or perhaps, a quiet respite after a frenzied stint on the mainland. Here, with cocktail in hand, book in the other, Castine Harbor views ablaze in sunset reflections, water lapping at the pilings below, distant buoys gently clanging, the dinner call of seagulls circling the island, a relaxed breath of fire-warmed salty air soothes the soul and cures the ails of off-island harried life.

Sunset on Nautilus Island

For more information on Nautilus Island, or for more information about buying or selling Maine Real Estate please visit the Nautilus Island website or contact John Saint-Amour jsaintamour@landvest.com
Click to view more Maine Island Real Estate for Sale
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Aug

Midcoast Maine Real Estate Market Shows Improvement
By LandVest

MIDCOAST MAINE REAL ESTATE ANALYSIS, JANUARY – JUNE 2010

This entry is brought to you by Terry Sortwell (tsortwell@landvest.com) and Shannon Thompson (sthompson@landvest.com), who assist and advise real estate buyers of fine homes and estates throughout mid-coast Maine.

The midcoast Maine real estate market in the first half of 2010 has improved over 2009. An analysis of MLS data of coastal and island communities from Boothbay real estate to the Blue Hill Peninsula real estate reveals there have been 16 sales of residential properties priced above $1,000,000 in the first half of this year. There were 8 sales in this range in the first half of 2009 (and 10 sales in the second half). In comparison, in 2006 there were 47 sales above $1,000,000. On the heels of the European financial crisis amid renewed concerns and confusion about the global economic recovery, the real estate market remains illiquid and unpredictable. Demand is still down, inventory of current listings is growing, and days on market are increasing. Generally speaking, buyers are purchasing properties when they find something with the exactly the special attributes they’re seeking, and they are extremely sensitive about pricing. Properties with a significant land component and lots of privacy, priced competitively for today’s market, are those that are getting the most attention and ultimately selling. Our four most recent midcoast maine real estate sales, in July, June and May, are all examples of this trend, offering 16, 21, 34, and 160 acres of land, respectively. Our sense of optimism about the long-term picture for coastal Maine real estate remains as strong as ever. While luxury real estate markets in other parts of the country are severely affected by bank-owned properties driving prices down, ours is not. We continue to believe the next couple of years will be a period of transition, with the market slowly stabilizing, as more buyers and sellers reach agreement and sign contracts. With every sale, buyers and sellers alike have a little more data on which to base decisions, and that knowledge helps fuels the confidence needed to keep things moving forward toward a more balanced market.

For more information on buying or selling real estate in the Camden, Maine area contact Terry Sortwell at tsortwell@landvest.com

Camden Maine Real Estate for Sale

Coastal Maine Real Estate for Sale

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Jun

Best Places To Find Extraordinary Coastal Maine Real Estate: Harpswell, Maine
By LandVest

This entry is brought to you by William Davisson(wdavisson@landvest.com) and John Saint-Amour (jsaintamour@landvest.com) who have been assisting and advising buyers and sellers of fine homes throughout the Greater Portland Area and some of the most desirable areas of Coastal Maine.

Harpswell Sound, offering some of Maine's best real estate for sale

Harpswell Maine, offering some of Maine's best real estate for sale

Historic Harpswell, Maine defines life on the Maine waterfront. Idyllic working waterfront and summer communities, rocky shorelines, beaches, marshes and woodlands, frame rolling fields and guard quiet coves. Home to generations of fishing and lobstering families, Harpswell communities have proven to be resilient and independent.

First inhabited by the native Abenaki peoples, Harpswell was named after an English town in 1758. Celebrating more than 250 years as a town, Harpswell is a picture of austere architecture of 18^th century New England. Soaring spires over simple clapboard churches, grange halls, sea captains homes, and village cottages reflect the functional and tasteful early Colonial, Greek Revival and Federalist vernacular.

A series of peninsulas, from Harpswell Neck to the village of Cundys Harbor, present breathtaking views of Casco Bay and the islands of Maine. Harpswell boasts 216 miles of oceanfront, believed to be the most of any town in America. Great Island, Orr’s and Bailey Island form the nucleus for the some forty-seven islands, public and private, in the Town of Harpswell. Eagle Island, the retreat of Artic explorer Admiral Robert E. Peary, and Jewell Island, the popular camping, hiking and waterfront destination, are important to the archipelago.

Summer communities and private compounds, formed during the late 19^th century, continue to draw generations of returning families. Artists, plein air painters and photographers, in residence, and during summer, are inspired by the natural wonders of Maine. Shoreline birding, hiking along the Cliff Trail, the Long Reach Preserve Trail, lands maintained by the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, present magnificent views of Quahog Bay, Middle Bay, woodland and ocean environs.

Deepwater access, world class sailing venues, low property taxes and the amenities of mid-coast Maine, continues to attract a growing community of entrepreneurs, retirees, and young families. Music, theatre, award-winning restaurants, artisan bakeries and merchant offerings in Brunswick, nearby Freeport and Portland enhance the quality of life.

LandVest, the recognized leader for Maine real estate, waterfront homes and estates throughout New England, offers three exceptional properties in Harpswell. Long Reach

Long Reach, Maine Waterfront Real Estate for Sale

Long Reach is located on a private peninsula with 1,500± feet of frontage, and is currently for sale.

signs a truly unique setting on a private peninsula with 1,500± feet of frontage on both Harpswell Sound and the protected anchorage of Lombos Hole. An association dock provides access to boating activities and to the Atlantic Ocean. The property’s 3± acres encompass beautifully landscaped grounds, perennial gardens, mature trees and wonderful views of the water. The three-story shingled residence features 4,000± square feet of elegant living space, ideal for entertaining, with numerous porches and terraces to enjoy sunset views over the water. High Head Farm

Maine Real Estate for Sale: High Head Farm

High Head Farm enjoys 242 feet of Maine waterfront with west and south ocean views over Harpswell Sound and is currently for sale

is a beautifully renovated, three-level refined Cape, featuring south and west ocean views over Harpswell Sound and frontage on Mill Cove. Commanding the promontory on 4.6± acres of the original High Head Peninsula farmstead, two parcels are included allowing a house and guesthouse on each. The original sheep barn, mature gardens of herbs and perennials and an orchard above Mill Cove set the scene. Seal Watch

Seal Watch located in Harpswell, Maine, offers deeded deepwater access to Harpswell Sound and is currently for sale

has been redesigned and renovated by noted architect Todd Worthley. Precious privacy is found in this light-infused, fourteen-room residence. Features include a first floor master suite with private sunspace, a seaside guest suite, mahogany decks, remarkable interior finishes and conveniences, and immediate access to the waterfront. Seal Watch and High Head Farm offer deeded deepwater access to Harpswell Sound and the Atlantic Ocean through the neighborhood High Head Yacht Club, with deepwater dock, moorings and clubhouse steps from the respective properties. These exceptional waterfront positions on High Head Peninsula are located eight miles from Brunswick, the biggest town in Maine.

During summer months, visitors and locals enjoy seaside wharf and dockside dining, or a picnic along Mackerel Cove. The active waterfront at Cook’s Lobster Pound on Bailey Island, The Dolphin Chowder House & Marina, Holbrook’s Store and Lobster Wharf in Cundys Harbor, establish lifetime memories of Maine.

Harpswell, including the real estate represented by LandVest, is a convenient eight miles to historic Brunswick, the acclaimed programs of exclusive Bowdoin College, and thirty-five miles to the cultural, business and transportation amenities of Greater Portland, and 125 miles± to Boston.

View Harpswell, Maine Real Estate for Sale

View Maine Oceanfront Real Estate for Sale

View Maine Fresh Water Real Estate for Sale

For more information on Maine Real Estate

Contact William Davisson: wdavisson@landvest.com

Contact John Saint-Amour: jsaintamour@landvest.com

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May

Lighthouse Point chosen as one of the TOP 25 Oceanfront Homes
By LandVest

LandVest is pleased that Lighthouse Point has been recognized as one of the top 25 best oceanfront homes by Ocean Home Magazine.

For Sale, Lighthouse Point, Deer Isle, Maine

Set atop rocky pink granite just 75 feet from the deep water of the Penobscot Bay, this property offers spectacular ocean views and deserves placement as one of the best oceanfront homes on the market. The architecture of Lighthouse Point is extremely unique and is clearly a showpiece of engineering complexities. Its 5-story lighthouse with (more…)

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Apr

The Captain Davis House in Cushing, Maine featured in Soundings Magazine.
By LandVest

The Captain Davis House, a waterfront coastal estate that LandVest – Camden, Maine has listed in the historic town of Cushing, was featured in this month’s Soundings Magazine.

The Captain Davis House

The Waterfront Real Estate article tells the story of how George and Joan Brewster fell in love at first sight with their Maine summer vacation home, and how this Cushing, Maine property has come to mean so much to their children and grandchildren. When the family decided that it was time to put this special saltwater farm on the market, they contacted the LandVest Camden real estate office. The property interested us from the very start because it offers a combination of appealing elements that is increasingly rare: a great location, a classic historic home in good condition, a private setting on a large parcel of land with fields sweeping to the shore, a deepwater dock with a dockhouse, and a substantial boathouse. The property was clearly not only a special summer home and waterfront estate, but a generational asset, a true legacy property. We’re pleased that the Brewster family entrusted LandVest with the sale of their special Cushing property and grateful for the opportunity to help someone else achieve the dream of finding his ideal coastal Maine property.

Click here to view Maine Waterfront Real Estate for Sale

Contact Terry Sortwell, Regional Manager and Principal in our Camden, Maine office if you’d like to talk about Maine island properties. Phone: 207-236-3543

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Feb

Midcoast Maine Market Perspective
By admin

Midcoast Maine Market Perspective
First Quarter 2010
The new year has begun with subtle signs of encouragement and indications of renewed activity, although the upper end of the Maine waterfront real estate market remains quiet.

As we look back at sales of properties priced at $1,000,000 and up over the last 5 years, it’s clear that the market peaked in 2007. The next year brought a steep decline in the number of sales (2008 sales down 36% from 2007) and still another drop (down 20%) in 2009.

Sales in this market are still primarily price-driven, with buyers expecting deep discounts from list price, though truly exceptional properties in the very best locations are selling at lesser discounts. We have not had enough sales at the top of the market for anyone to know exactly what impact the slump has had on values, but it’s safe to say that the expectations generated by the market in 2006 are now unrealistic. The biggest challenge now at all levels of the market, but most emphatically at the upper reaches, is a distinct lack of demand. Even though there has not been a huge buildup of inventory (far less than many would expect, in fact), there are still very few buyers. We do expect demand to start picking up as buyers get restless. There is a point at which their impatience and their desire to be in Maine overrides any concerns that the market hasn’t yet reached bottom.
(more…)

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Feb

Camden, Maine Events – The Camden Conference
By admin

Maine Events: The Camden Conference – February 19-21, 2010

The 23rd Annual Camden Conference, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India – Crossroads of Conflict, will take place February 19-21, 2010. Founded in 1987, the Camden Conference is a nonprofit, non-partisan educational organization whose mission is to foster informed discourse on world affairs.

Camden, Maine Press: While many people head to Camden, Maine in the summer, there is plenty to see and do in the winter months. This recent article in the Boston Globe outlines Camden’s many winter activities.

Boston Globe Link: Pretty in white. Camden wears its winters well, reading, eating, sleeping, sporting, museumgoing and going shopping

The LandVest – Camden office provides comprehensive Camden Maine real estate services throughout midcoast Maine. LandVest offers luxury and vacation properties for sale from Boothbay to the Blue Hill peninsula. Terry Sortwell and Shannon Thompson will assist you with any questions you might have about buying or selling real estate in the Midcoast Maine area.

For a full selection of Maine islands for sale click here

A classic Maine coastal estate with views of outer Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay, Gray Rocks encompasses 21± resplendent acres in a private, peaceful setting within close proximity of downtown Camden. Click image for more…

Camden, Maine Contact Information

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