Bunganut Lake and Shaker Pond are Sparkling Gems Near Historic Alfred, Maine

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Bunganut Lake and Shaker Pond are Sparkling Gems Near Historic Alfred, Maine


A Pleasant Afternoon on Bunganut Lake in Lyman, Maine

Cabins and cottages are nestled along the waterfront on Bunganut Lake in Lyman and Shaker Pond in Alfred

. Both lakefront locations are secluded, yet close to the beaches and shopping in Kennebunkport, York, Ogunquit, Kittery and Wells. Lyman and Alfred are also only about an hour and a half from Boston and less than an hour from Portland, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Bunganut Lake is spring-fed and covers 326 acres. It’s maximum depth is 43 feet with a mean depth of 17 feet. Unfortunately, the water quality of Bunganut is below average. A carry-in boat ramp is located on the north shore off of Brock Road.“Bunganut” is a Native American word for “Place of Rocks.” When you boat on this secluded lake, be sure to keep an eye out for rocks. The rocky shoreline and several shoals, however, do provide good habitat for fish. The principal fisheries in Bunganut are smallmouth bass and white perch.

Lakefront Properties For Sale on Bunganut Lake


View Vacation Rentals on Bunganut Lake

The small town of Lyman is home to MX207, Maine’s motocross destination, Spring Creek Farm, a horse and organic hay farm and Stone Turtle Baking and Cooking School.
The Massabesic Forest, an oak-pine forest, interspersed with diverse wetlands, was established in the 1930s to study the management of white pine. The forest is located in both Alfred and Lyman. Walking/hiking trails are open to the public.

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.

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. Boat access is carry-in via private property adjacent to Route 202. Expect to pay a day-use fee.

Though you’ll feel secluded when you stay at your lakefront property on either of these bodies of water in York County, amenities and activities are close by, thus saving you time and gas. Check out the current listings by clicking on the green box above.

To learn more about the area, check out the blog links below.

Year-Round Lakefront Home on Estes Lake, Alfred, Maine: Welcome to Heaven
Historic Alfred, Maine, Set on Shaker Pond and Estes Lake

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