Maine Attractions
By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

With nearly 3,500 miles of coastline, there's plenty of waterfront to go around in this unspoiled paradise. Maine residents are fond of touting the fact that their state has more coastline than that of California. And for good reason.

"There's something for everyone," says Chris Lynch, owner/president of Legacy Properties Sothebys International Realty. "There's rugged, rocky cliffs in the north and the white, sandy beaches and open ocean in the south." And in the middle? Plenty of peninsulas and islands make for fun exploration by boat and fruitful wildlife-spotting, with eagles, ospreys and seals (and more) making Maine their home.

The charming villages, in particular, are a draw for many luxury homebuyers in Maine, says Tacy Ridlon, broker for the Ellsworth branch of Town & Country Realtors. "There are some lovely, interesting old villages here, with simple little shopping areas and very attractive main streets."

In southern Maine, the best-known luxury communities are Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, the summer home destination of choice for generations of American presidential families, including George and Barbara Bush. Near Portland, coastal areas such as Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Yarmouth and Scarborough offer year-round amenities, beautiful beaches, protected coves and excellent sailing and fishing. Expect to pay more in Southern Maine or near more desirable locations such as Portland or Camden. Karen Reiche, principal/senior marketing specialist for LandVest, estimates that waterfront properties range from $2 million to $5 million, depending on the area, the condition of the house, and the waterfront access.

Lynch adds that there's a "steady supply" of waterfront properties in these areas, and that new construction would tend more to the $4 million range. A waterfront developable lot, he says, would probably set you back $1.5 million to $2 million. On the mid-coast, Camden is a hot destination among sailing aficionados. Nearby Rockport is also a desirable destination; it's more residential than Camden and is more secluded, but boasts a beautiful harbor.

"Camden also has a tremendous artistic and cultural community," says Scott Horty, president/owner of Camden Real Estate Co., citing the presence of schools for everything from filmmaking to furniture-making and boat-building. Horty has a listing within walking distance of Camden village called Twin Oaks-a classic 1932 Maine cottage with 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and a glass-enclosed porch overlooking the gorgeous waterfront views. It is selling for $2.35 million.

Further up the coast, Mt. Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, has a close-knit community, many of whom have been visiting the island for generations. Mia Thompson-Brown, co-owner of The Knowles Company, is one such person-her grandmother summered here every year of her life since 1905. "I grew up going to the Fleet [Yacht Club] and now my children and my friends' children are all sailing together," says Thompson-Brown. "That's true with a lot of families here."

On the island, the community of Northeast Harbor is ideal for families, as there are no major roads cutting through the area. Seal Harbor, although more spread out, has easy access to Acadia Park and a community centered around a yacht club. And Southwest Harbor is known for its summer population, as well as a pleasant village easily accessible for families.

If you're seeking waterfront properties on Mt. Desert Island, there are usually a couple available at any given time, says Thompson-Brown. A property she's currently representing is in Northeast Harbor. Named Isis, it is a 4-bedroom home dating back to the early 1900s, with a well-appointed, newly renovated interior and a dock. It is listed for $5.9 million. Realtors describe the market in Maine as steady, although some think it's leaning more to favor buyers. "There are plenty of waterfront places available on the market," says Ridlon of Town & Country. "Right at the moment it's a buyer's market; there are more places available than there were three to four years ago."

Adds Reiche of LandVest, "We are finding that prime waterfront properties are still very much in demand, though we are still moving the right properties at the right prices. If properties are tremendously overpriced, then they will sit on the market." Over the past few years, a new echelon has emerged in Maine property prices, with a couple of properties selling for more than $10 million. Landvest currently has two properties on the market for just less than $10 million, says Reiche. "Both are tremendous properties," she adds.

From seclusion to stellar sailing, a vacation home in Maine could be just the ticket to starting a family tradition that will last for generations.

Maine At a Glance:
  • Million-dollar listings: 214 current listings over $1 million
  • Most expensive property: $9.725 million for Hidden Cove, a Cape Elizabeth waterfront property on 52 acres. Inspired by a 14th century English country manor, it has an interior courtyard and a striking reflecting pool. Represented by LandVest.
  • Average luxury-home price: $2.178 million
  • Want to own an island (Or at least part of one)? LandVest is selling 36 acres on Harbor Island, which is part of Sebasco Harbor Resort. It features 4 developable waterfront lots and is accessed from the mainland by launch or private boat. It's listed for $1.95 million.