Housing
This section of the BDN aims to help readers understand Maine’s housing crisis, the volatile real estate market and the public policy behind them. Read more Housing coverage here.
Thirty-foot cathedral ceilings and a traditional wood-fired sauna make this western Maine property for sale a spacious and serene retreat.
The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in Lovell, listed at $1.8 million, was built for its current owner in 2006. Its open concept timber frame, high ceilings, plentiful windows with mountain views and south-facing direction were designed to ensure sunlight streams into the home from every angle. The home sits on 15.5 secluded acres and a brook cuts through the property.
“Just walking down the driveway to the home has a calming effect on the soul,” listing agent Carol Chaffee said.
The property’s unique features include its wood-fired sauna, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and a large deck out back. The 3,146-square-foot home also has beautiful woodwork, said Chaffee, an agent with EXP Realty, including stained mahogany entry doors, custom milled red oak floors and a Douglas fir trim throughout.
It’s one of a handful of homes on the Lovell real estate market for upwards of $1 million. The area is notable for its nearby mountains and lakes, which afford residents plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, golf and winter sports. Lovell is just north of Fryeburg and is close to the towns including North Conway on the New Hampshire border, too, Chaffee said.
“It’s a town that is chosen by many private accomplished people who can enjoy their life,” Chaffee said, naming author Stephen King and journalist Joan Lunden as two examples.
The property, despite its high price point, has seen several offers come in since it was first listed in June. One buyer even offered the whole sum in cash, though that buyer eventually withdrew their offer because of the rural setting, Chaffee said.
The current owner, Chaffee said, is looking for “the right buyer” and is confident that person will come along soon given the high level of interest the property has seen.
“It’s got very unique features,” the agent said.