Seasonal Cottage on Sand Pond, Norway, Maine: Escape to Never Never Land

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Seasonal Cottage on Sand Pond, Norway, Maine: Escape to Never Never Land

Sand Pond View from Cottage Deck at 103 Valhalla Lane, Norway, Maine


The lakefront property at 103 Valhalla Lane on Sand Pond in Norway, Maine, has represented Never, Never Land for the owners since they purchased the first lot in 1970. In the late ‘80s-early ‘90s, they added a second lot, expanding the property to about two acres. The lots are for sale separately.


The one-level seasonal waterfront cottage of 578 square feet features three bedrooms, a small kitchen, living room and one bath. The cottage property spans both sides of Valhalla Lane, so there’s the potential to build a garage/bunkhouse on the far side–away from the pond. A deck on the cottage overlooks the waterfront and provides views of sunsets and wildlife, including the adventures of chipmunks, squirrels, an occasional moose, ducks and loons.
The owners have had frequent encounters with the loons who swim close to the dock as if to say hello. Sometimes, as the season progresses, they carry their babies nestled into the feathers on their backs. And always, their calls, which range from melodic to haunting, are intriguing.
Another intimate encounter with nature included a mink that “came right up on our porch and stayed for an hour,” the current owner tells us.
Having experienced cottage living while visiting relatives, the owners wanted to share that opportunity with their children. “We spent many weekends with another couple. Between us, there were four adults and six children.” Always, there was someone to play with and certainly time for lots of cookouts. They even were known to have an occasional potato gun competition. And the neighbors have been friendly and extremely helpful over the years.
At 136 acres, Sand Pond has a maximum depth of 56 feet, with a mean depth of 22 feet. The owner says it provides excellent habitat for bluegills, bass and trout. Anglers sometimes pull in 5-6 pound bass. The inlet stream is a popular smelt-dipping location in the spring.
There is no public access to Sand Pond, which adds to its beauty and magical quality. Tucked away in the hills off country roads on the Waterford side of Norway, it’s a well-kept secret. “When we’re there, we don’t worry about paying bills, making phone calls, or making doctor or dentist appointments.” In other words, all the worries of the world disappear during time spent at this rustic cottage.
“The lake has the best water of all the lakes in Norway,” the owner tells us. Monitored by the Lakes Association of Norway (LAON), who state “We’re all about clean lakes,” the water quality of Sand Pond is above average. For this reason, the owners have never hesitated to drink it. “It’s tested constantly,” she says.
Part of the charm of this wooded property that slopes toward the lakefront before leveling off, is that it’s located on a point of land. The view includes “just about all of the lake. We can see the hills, the cottages, the boats and the sunsets.”
Time spent at this modest cottage means relishing in a simpler lifestyle at one of the best spots on the lake. Imagine yourself beginning the day with coffee on the deck or dock, then drifting along the 2.2 mile perimeter during the afternoon as you look for painted turtles before sitting beside the fire pit on a summer evening, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories, while gazing at the amazing display of stars in the sky and listening to the wail of loons–that high, haunting sound that helps them figure out where they are relative to each other. It doesn’t get any better than this.
With their family now scattered around the US, it’s time for the current owners to sell, however reluctantly. Purchase this lakefront property and we’re sure you’ll spend the winter yearning to return each spring. Let 103 Valhalla Lane become your lakefront escape to Never Never Land.

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