Archive for the 'Sebago Lakes Region' Category
Maine Lakefront Real Estate - Is There a Condo in Your Future?
April 25th, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Now, I know what you’re thinking. When it comes to lakefront living, the thought of a condo leaves many lakefront buyers cold.
That’s because in their mind’s eye they see a concrete tower brimming with boxy units filled with indoor/outdoor carpeting, formica counters, vinyl sheet tile, avocado appliances and other vestiges of the seventies.
But, the truth is, lakefront condos in Vacationland, for the most part, are quite nicely appointed. They have woodburning fireplaces, screen porches, decks and master suites.
But what about privacy? Relax. Here in the lakes region there are no concrete hallways smelling of boiled cabbage and stale garlic. No grumpy asssociation members trying to outlaw fun.
Most condos have private entrances. Units are grouped tastefully in quads, threes, twos and even single “stand-alone”. Condominium communities feature large, beautiful sandy beaches, private boat slips, garages, and private boat launches. Some have tennis courts and playgrounds for kids.
But the real reason for the growing popularity of condos is they are, in two words, PRACTICAL and CONVENIENT. There are no walkways to shovel or driveways to plow in winter. No lawns to cut or bushes to trim from spring to fall. No putting in and taking out your dock. The exterior of your unit is painted every few years and the roof is reshingled every 15 or 20 years. Monthly association fees take care of it all. Drive up on a Friday night and there’s nothing to do but RELAX. What could be nicer?
Still skeptical? Okay, but seeing is believing. I happen to be listing a townhouse condo in Winsor Green, a lovely lakefront community in Naples right on Brandy Pond in the heart of the lakes region.
I am planning an Open House for Sunday May 4 from Noon to 3PM. Why not plan to visit and take a look. Who knows? Maybe you’ll like what you see. Consider yourself invited!
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Naples Waterfront Bridge Controversy Proceeds to Non-Binding Referendum
April 3rd, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
The latest news out of Naples is that the local populace - business owners, waterfront property owners, and landlubbers alike - will be sounded out via a May 20th referendum on whether they would prefer to see a fixed bridge or moving bridge replacement for the existing, deteriorating swing bridge. The vote would be non-binding, but would help officials steer a course toward resolution with the Maine Department Of Transportation, who only have enough budget for a fixed span.
The other development that came out of the meeting was the acknowledgement of a quiet groundswell of support for the less expensive fixed bridge option. At a meeting in January there was a strong, vocal outcry against the fixed bridge option, with opinion at the meeting running about 80 to 20 against the fixed bridge option. But a local selectman says she thinks there’s a lower key movement in favor of the fixed span and says she thinks the town is running about two to one in favor of the fixed bridge.
Proponents of the fixed bridge option cite not only the lower cost, but the benefits of having uninterrupted traffic flow throughout the summer, when traffic counts can reach as much as 20,000 a day. The current swing bridge brings all that traffic to a dead halt several times a day to allow boat traffic through the causeway.
A lengthy, more detailed article about this issue appeared in today’s Bridgton News. You can read the full article here.
We’ll post more information about this controversy and its effect on waterfront property owners and buyers as developments occur.
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If you are interested in lakefront real estate in the Naples area, you can use our Lakefront Locator to view all the currently available properties for sale in the area.
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Spring Skiing Gives Birdseye View of Maine Waterfront Property
April 1st, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
The Maine winter has certainly been a long, snowy one. I’m wondering if you will still recognize this photo. It’s a picture of the Shawnee Peak ski area on Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton with beautiful Moose Pond in the foreground.
Many of you who come to this area know this view well if you drive west along Rte. 302 from Bridgton to Fryeburg. I’m running this photo to remind us all that the predominant colors in this area will soon be green and blue - not white!
I’m also running it because I’ve found out that Shawnee Peak has received nearly 200 inches of snow this season - so much, in fact, that they are extending their season through this weekend. Wow, April skiing in Bridgton. Congrats to all you skiers out there!
For waterfront real estate buyers, however, these can be trying times - but I guarantee you things will look a whole lot different in a very few weeks. If you’re skiing this weekend, put your eyes to good use as you take that chair lift up, then ski down Shawnee Peak. Look out at that gorgeous expanse of Moose Pond, stretching its full nine miles in length from north to south. Imagine owning a home down there somewhere. Imagine snow skiing in winter and water skiing in summer.
Now you’re getting the idea.
How about getting a little more specific. How about imagining a recently renovated and updated, four season camp, with 110 feet of frontage on Moose Pond? Click that hotlink and see what I’m talking about. It’s ready to show.
The operative words for this weekend are “Come Ski - then See!”
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Grassroots Group Fights State on Naples Causeway Bridge Proposal
March 28th, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Strong resistance to a fixed bridge plan proposed by the Maine Department of Transportation to replace a Naples swing bridge is being voiced by a local group of Sebago Lakes region businesspeople and waterfront front property owners around Long Lake, Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake.
This grassroots group of concerned citizens met earlier in the week in Augusta with MDOT officials to air their concerns and objections. A meeting between Naples town officials and MDOT representatives is scheduled for March 31st at the Naples town office. The meeting is open to the public, but remarks will be limited to the officials participating.
Apparently, the MDOT is sticking to its guns about having a fixed bridge replace the current swing bridge, citing lack of money in the state budget to build the more expensive movable span.
Naples town manager Derik Goodine expects the state will try and “sweeten the pot” by offering the town some “extras” if they go ahead with the less expensive fixed span, but also feels the group of locals resisting the fixed bridge proposal will not be swayed by these extras.
Objections to the fixed bridge center around the long term negative economic impact that would occur if some of the larger commercial boat traffic is unable to pass between Long Lake and Brandy Pond, most notably the Songo River Queen.
Read the full story as it appeared in yesterday’s Bridgton News.
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate - Ice out!!! You Can Bet On It!
March 22nd, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
I wish Al Gore would pay us a visit to us up here in Maine. I just know that he would re-consider his position on global warming. But then again, what would he do with all the carbon credits he’s been earning?
Although the calendar confirms that Spring has arrived, no one seems to have told Old Man Winter. It appears that he’s been out of the loop and is refusing to loosen his icy grip. I remember an old timer telling me once that Maine, unlike elsewhere, has only two seasons, Winter and Fourth of July. I laughed then - I’m not laughing now.
Now, I know that to some this has been the best of winters. The snowmobilers are happy. Skiers are happy. Ice Fisherman too. But for those of us selling lakefront property - well, let’s just say things could be better.
While the rest of the country is immersed in all the March Madness the NCAA Basketball Tournament can muster, we in Maine have a local diversion - Ice Out !!
While the productivity of the nation suffers as employees across our fair country huddle around water coolers comparing how they are doing with their selections in the tournament, we here in Maine are observing our own version of March (and April) Madness.
Over in Bridgton, folks have built a snowman, put him on a sled, and dragged him out on the ice on Moose Pond. Locals are placing $2 bets on what precise day in April Frosty the snowman will plunge through the ice. The person(s) who selects the correct day will receive half of the funds collected while the balance will go to the Bridgton Community Center. The Bridgton Community Center has been doing God’s work this winter raising and dispensing fuel assistance funds to the area needy.
Folks from away are allowed to buy tickets for this good and worthy cause. Tickets are available locally at Hayes True Value, The Bridgton Chamber of Commerce and the Little Mountain Store. Not going to be in Maine for awhile? Place your $2 bets with my associate Jon Whitney ( jon@mrlakefront.net ) who is in tight with the folks at the Chamber. Happy Easter!
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate — “Having It All” on Thompson Lake
March 17th, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
A little over a million dollars can still buy you a heckuva lakefront home here in Maine. While it’s rare that I can promise that you can “have it all”, there is that occasional exception.
In the opinion of Mr. Lakefront, “having it all” means great plot, great location, great neighborhood, great house and great lake.
Our listing at 131 Fish Hook Road in Oxford is in a splendid lakefront neighborhood on Thompson Lake.
The lot has everything one could want. There is a nice sandy beach, great for kids and seniors alike. The east shore location is highly desirable for the afternoon sun and dazzling sunsets. The broad water views from the screened porch and deck look out onto the widest part of late. The lot is flat with old-growth pine and hemlock. Privacy is assured with 214 feet of frontage on 3.3 acres. The house is situated quite nicely - only 60 feet from the water. There’s a lovely screened porch facing the lake along with a good-sized deck for entertaining.
At 2600 sq. ft., the size of the home might be considered modest by luxury standards, but because the home sits within 100 feet of the water, the homeowner was limited in the size of home he could build. That said, having three bedrooms and two and a half baths suits the needs and wants of most folks seeking a year-round vacation home.
The home, originally built in 1971, was totally remodeled and reconstructed in 2005. Great care was given in the selection of materials used and only those of the highest quality were utilized in the construction. A specific list is available upon request.
A garage with guest apartment above is planned, but has not been built. However, the plans for the structure are available for inspection. A separate septic tank has already been installed for use by the garage/guest quarters structure.
Last, but not least, there is the lake. And what a lake!! Thompson Lake is one of Maine’s best lakes. It has great size, impressive depth, and superior water quality. Best of all, it’s not busy. I’ve heard it described as being just like Long Lake - 50 years ago.
This lovely home is listed for $1.1 million and is ready for your inspection. 
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Maine Waterfront Property on Long Lake, Harrison - Looking at Attributes
March 9th, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Here’s a recent listing that came to my attention that I thought I’d share. I happen to live near this place and know the lake pretty well. This two bedroom camp may not be the Taj Mahal, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. Property on Long Lake tends to be pretty pricey, but this year-round camp lists for $439,900 and has a very generous 285 feet of waterfront.
Generally waterfront lots run 100 feet on the water, so this lot gives you almost three times what you would normally expect to get as far as frontage is concerned. Plus, you can use this place year round - another bonus. One other desirable feature is it’s open view to the lake - unobstructed views of the water are usually pretty desirable.
For all you prospective lakefront buyers, this property calls attention to some of those most basic attributes of lakefront property, which is why I’m posting it today. What is the lake like? Well, Long Lake is one of the most desireable in all of Maine. What is the lot like? It’s flat, open water views, and 285 feet of frontage for privacy. What’s the camp like? It’s well-maintained, quaint and cozy, and can be used all year round.
For many buyers this is a great trifecta. If you’re looking for a Maine waterfront property use these three basic elements - lake, lot, structure - to help you determine preference and value. Making judgements about these three elements will take you a long way in determining what Maine waterfront property is right for you.
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Naples Causeway Bridge Plans “Slowing Down”
February 22nd, 2008 categories: Lake Community News, Sebago Lakes Region
A week or two ago I posted an article about the ongoing controversy swirling around several new proposals for the repair or replacement of the Causeway Bridge in Naples on Rte. 302. A news article today in our local Bridgton News tells me that the whole project is being put on hold pending further study.
There are currently three active proposals attracting consideration and the Maine Department of Transportation felt that it would be better to get more public input before choosing an option and proceeding with a schedule. The long and short of it is that nothing will be happening with the bridge in 2008.
I have posted the full article from the Bridgton News in our Lake News on our website and you can see it here.
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The Greater Sebago Lakes Region - Home of Maine’s Premier Waterfront Real Estate
February 21st, 2008 categories: Maine Waterfront Living, Sebago Lakes Region
Stretching from the Maine Turnpike in the east to the New Hampshire border in the west and from the Standish/Cornish area in the south to the Sunday River/Bethel area in the north, the Greater Sebago Lakes Region offers a complete package to vacationers and relocators alike - a multitude of lakes and ponds, a variety of amenities and attractions, and easy accessibility from the Boston area and points south.For over one hundred years the Greater Sebago Lakes Region has been the premier destination for those who want to enjoy clean recreational water, lake and mountain vistas, and four season fun in Maine.The lakes and ponds in this region come in all shapes and sizes. More than fifty have a surface area over 100 acres. From the quaintness of Coffee Pond at 106 acres to the mighty Sebago at over 30,000 acres, this region has a body of water to fit every criteria.
The main attraction is Sebago Lake, with its great size and depth, and its two sisters, Brandy Pond and Long Lake. These interconnected bodies of water form our own version of an inland waterway stretching 35 miles from Harrison at the north end of Long Lake to Standish at the southern end of Sebago Lake.
In between are the 11 miles of Long Lake, the Naples Causeway with its swing bridge, Brandy Pond and the Songo River, the old wooden locks on the Songo and, finally, entry into the northern portion of Sebago Lake. This stretch of water provides some of the best recreational boating that Maine has to offer.
Other notable lakes in the area include Thompson Lake in Otisfield, Poland and Oxford, Kezar Lake in Lovell, Highland Lake and Moose Pond in Bridgton, Pleasant Lake in Casco and Otisfield, and Panther Pond in Raymond.
Aside from the water related activities, the Greater Sebago Lake Region offers a wide variety of other things to do depending on the season including golf, skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, antiquing, summer theater, historic house tours, museums, and shopping. There are many interesting places to stay in the area with an especially good selection of B&Bs. Area cuisine runs the gamut from the very modest to dining at its very best.
The city of Portland, Maine’s largest city, is an hour or less away providing an assortment of cultural and entertainment activities as well as historic buildings to tour and some of the best restaurants in the country. Portland also serves as the gateway to the Casco Bay Islands and the Maine seacoast.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are just to the west with North Conway, a mecca for outlet shoppers, acting as the entry point to all that this nearby region has to offer.
Lakefront Locator will get you to available listings in the Sebago Lakes Area. LakeSmart, is a research tool that will give you important information about area lakes. Remember, you can change the house but you can’t change the location. So, do your homework! If you have a question or need a friend in the business let us know. We love Maine’s lakes and ponds and want to share them with you.
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Tom - MrLakefront
