Historic Alfred, Maine, Set on Shaker Pond and Estes Lake

February 26th, 2012 categories: Sanford Lakes Region

Shaker Pond in Alfred, Maine

Shaker Pond, Middle Branch Pond, Round Pond and Estes Lake are offer plenty of lakefront property options in Alfred, Maine.

Lakefront Properties For Sale in Alfred

According to local lore, Simeon Coffin of Newbury, Massachusetts, was the first settler of Alfred. He built a wigwam along the Massabesic Pond, which is now known as Shaker Pond.At least 48 buildings in Alfred’s classic New England village are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district includes the center of the village on Oak Street, Kennebunk Road and Saco Road.In 1783, members of the Shaker church settled on a hill between Shaker Pond and Bunganut Lake. The Shaker Museum, housed in the former Carriage House, and other buildings, still exist on Shaker Hill. A mural depicting the Shaker community, including the apple orchards, Shaker Pond and the nearby railroad, which the Shakers used to export their milk, was recently painted by Cornish artist Sandra Howe. It is on display in the museum.

Shaker Pond covers 78 acres and has a maximum depth of 22 feet. The principal fisheries are largemouth bass, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel and black crappie. A large, marshy area at the north end of the pond provides undisturbed nesting habitat for waterfowl. The water quality is below average. Boat access is carry-in via private property adjacent to Route 202. Expect to pay a day-use fee.

Encompassing 387 acres, Estes Lake has a maximum depth of 30 feet and a mean depth of 10 feet. The lake is actually an impoundment of the Mousam River, formed when a dam was built in 1906. The New Falls Dam is currently owned by Kruger of Canada. In previous years there have been algae blooms on the lake. An abundance of small minnows and perch provide a good forage base in Estes Lake. The principal fisheries are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel and black crappie. The water quality is below average.

View Vacation Rentals on Estes Lake

Middle Branch Pond is small, at only 40 acres. It has a maximum depth of 26 feet, with an mean depth of 13 feet. The water quality is average.Hiking, hunting, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are allowed at the Massabesic Experimental Forest in Alfred. This oak-pine forest, interspersed with diverse wetlands, was established in the 1930s to study the management of white pine. Walking trails are open to the public. Shaker Woods Reserve on Stone Road in Alfred is bounded by Hay Brook and the Middle Branch of the Mousam River, both of which flow into Estes Lake. Public canoe and kayak access, plus some walking trails are available.

Though you’ll feel secluded when you stay at your waterfront property in Alfred, amenities and activities are close by, thus saving you time and gas. For the latest on cabins, cottages, camps and condos for sale, check out the current listings by clicking on the green box above.

Alfred
Alfred Town Hall, 16 Saco Road, Alfred, Maine 04002
phone: 207.324.3521; fax: 207.324.1289
Incorporated: February 4, 1794
Population: 3,019
Square Miles: 27.9
Fire–emergency: 911
Fire–non-emergency: 207.324.8969
Parson’s Memorial Library: 207.324.2001
Alfred Elementary School (RSU 57): 207.324.3831

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 26th, 2012 at 3:16 pm and is filed under Sanford Lakes Region. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Toddy Pond, Brooks and Swanville, Maine: Make Time and Make Memories at your Lakefront Property said at March 7th, 2013 at 2:13 pm
[...] by Lakefront Property Owners Sheepscot Lake, Palermo, Maine: A Quiet Place Nestled in Serene Woods Historic Alfred, Maine, Set on Shaker Pond and Estes Lake The Belgrade Lakes Area – Where Waterfront is the "Maine" Attraction Anglers Enjoy Trophy Fishing [...]
Bunganut Lake and Shaker Pond are Sparkling Gems Near Historic Alfred, Maine said at April 23rd, 2013 at 1:01 pm
[...] by Lakefront Property Owners Sheepscot Lake, Palermo, Maine: A Quiet Place Nestled in Serene Woods Historic Alfred, Maine, Set on Shaker Pond and Estes Lake The Belgrade Lakes Area – Where Waterfront is the "Maine" Attraction Anglers Enjoy Trophy Fishing [...]

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