Another Freeport Favorite home

This is another one of my favorite houses in Freeport. I listed this house in January of 2007 and it sold in the middle of July for $670,000. The relatively new house was a resale because my client's wife had passed on late in 2006. Both my client and his wife had become my friends during the time I worked with them to find this property back in 2005. My client's wife passed on in November of 2006 after a quick illness. Notwithstanding the sad circumstances, RC Emerson was the builder and Eric Huemme and his crew deserve praise for how well they worked with my client, a Princeton trained architect. Today the house belongs to a young doctor, his wife and their young daughter.

Quebec City is relatively close to Freeport, ME

Our family makes a yearly trip to Quebec City which is only 250 miles from Freeport. According to the Delorem software I used at the Map Store in Yarmouth, www.delorem.com, New York City is 336.77 miles or 11 hours from Freeport. Apparently the software calculates the traffic time as well as the tolls one would have to pay. Nevertheless, it is far easier to drive to Quebec which is only 5 hours from Freeport, than to drive to NYC. Those of us like me who have lived in large metropolitan areas before coming to Freeport appreciate Maine country living. Yet, every now and then it is great to see the sights and sounds of the big city. Our family appreciates Quebec City because it feels like you are in Europe without actually having to fly to Europe. The French Canadians are great people and they certainly appreciate any effort the tourist makes at speaking French. You will be welcomed with open arms if you can say "Bonjour". Then simply ask your question in English and they will send you off in the right direction. The picture above was taken on a ferry boat that was breaking through ice, not Polar ice, but chunks of ice that would make it difficult to cross in a small boat. The famous Frontenac Hotel is looming in the background.

On the way to Bradbury Mtn from Freeport - A Pownal Masterpiece

On the way to Freeport from Pownal Center, you pass this amazing property that has been preserved with the help of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust land conservation organization. This barn and farmhouse sits on 18 acres of open land. It is visible from Bradbury Mountain, a large state park with hiking trails and mountain bike trails. Bradbury Mountain is a 15 minute drive from Exit 22 in Freeport.
Pownal has an active land trust working hard to preserve open space. Quoting again from Richard Barringer from the Portland Press Herald article "Report: Maine's singularity key to development" on December 5, 2007, "Our woods and waters, our open field(s), our historic and cultural heritage, our picturesque downtowns and working waterfronts, and our tradition of public access to private lands" are treasures that are imperiled by "the selling off of our industrial forest, the decline of agricultural lands, the arrival of large-scale national retailers, the spreading out of homes and schools across the landscape, the buying up of coastal, riverfront and lakefront lands, and the lack of investment in our downtowns."

What makes Maine and Freeport Marketable

A December 5, 2007 Portland Press Herald article titled "Report: Maine's singularity key to development" suggests that economic development should be aimed at the overall appeal of the state. That "assets" of Maine consist of the natural beauty and the desirability of Maine as a place to live, to vacation, to work or perhaps for those who don't mind the weather, as a place to retire. The governor put together a task force called "Maine's Quality of Place" which examined ways to preserve the state with such programs that I've touched on here before, namely, the Land for Maine's Future and tax incentives for historic preservation. The report reiterates that "...Maine's surroundings are the very key to our economic future. Other ideas include a an intrastate trail system to connect all of Maine's major centers with trails. Freeport has adopted that idea already with many conserved lands in town offering trail systems. By the way, the Lobster Cooker featured here is located on Main Street in Freeport next to the Gap.

Santa Claus comes to Town

Merry Christmas! Santa Claus is somewhat difficult to see here in a prominent display window at Thomas Moser, a fine furniture maker here in Freeport. Most of us who live here are very much acquainted with the masterpiece furniture that this firm creates. You should do yourself a favor and visit the showroom on Main Street located diagonally across from the Harraseeket Inn. Check out www.thomasmoser.com

More Holiday Spirit

This Hunter Road homeowner in Freeport has their annual candy canes attached to their birch trees out front. Hunter Road is one of my favorite routes to return home from either business in Portland or Freeport. The road has an easy rural feel which helps me unwind from the "busyness" of modern living. This house has a near front row view of 40+ acres of field which is mostly used to grow blueberries.

Downtown Freeport 2 days before Christmas

Sunset on Main Street taken at the major intersection with Bow Street across from L.L. Bean with Ben and Jerry's ice cream shop barely visible to the right. Two more days until Christmas means the commercial part of Freeport will be clogged with last-minute Christmas shoppers today and tomorrow. I will have to contact the Freeport Merchants association soon to see how this holiday season compares with the last few years.
The days are now getting longer and by summer of 2008 you will see a huge, positive change in the downtown area with the large construction project featuring an expanded central village area with new shops, including a new parking garage behind the buildings to the left.

A Winter view of the Drake Property

I thought it was only fair that I took a photo of our house since I've been so actively photographing and describing other peoples' houses around town. I also had a friend from St. Louis who asked me to send her family a photo our our house with all the snow we've received this December. Our family lives in the Evergreen subdivision just over the Freeport line in Pownal. The property is in a storybook setting, especially at this time of year with regular snow falls. We have a pond out front and to the left side of this photo, but it is currently buried beneath 18" of snow. Our lot is almost ten acres in size which is extremely rare for a subdivision living in the greater Freeport area. There are 11 lots that comprise the Evergreen subdivision; on one side of Woodland Road there are 5 acre lots, on the other side the lots are 10+ acre lots in size. Our house was designed by an engineer who owns his a commercial enterprise in Portland. The house was built in 1989.

This Freeport House was a Church!

24 Kendall Lane in Freeport was converted to a single family dwelling in 1977. The Christian Science Church of Freeport sold the property in that year. Through a bit of networking today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Clinton Mason who now lives in Florida. Clinton and his family moved to Freeport in the early 1940's from Winchester, MA. He mentioned that the first Christian Science Society was located on the Pownal Road in Freeport. Clinton's family owned Mason's Drug Store in Freeport right near L.L. Bean. In those days, L.L. Bean was in a building located over the post office. In the 1950's Clinton sold advertising for Channel 8. He actually called on Mr. L.L. himself and sold him a television Ad. According to Mr. Mason, back in the 1950's L.L. Bean was doing $300,000 a year in sales. He and I couldn't put a figure on how many billions of dollars the company makes today. One other memory stood out to Clinton which was that on his first day of high school back in 1946, Clinton was given a bucket to collect the rain water that dripped through the roof. Clinton would be amazed to see how nice the Freeport school buildings are today.

John Libby - Houses and Barns

This photo is world headquarters in Freeport Maine for John Libby's firm, House Masters and Barn Masters, located just off Exit 22. I took the picture from the Freeport Middle School driveway looking across 295 to the north. I don't have any Freeport houses or barns to share with you today, but I am certain my friend Ben MacDonald who works for John Libby in a sales capacity will respond to this post with a few examples. I do know of a house in Falmouth currently for sale off the Johnson Road that has a barn that was restored by John Libby. For more information click http://www.housesandbarns.com/

One Cove Road Freeport

This house, listed for $599,000, is being split off from it's original 38 acre parcel and will convey soon with just 4 acres. I hope that the Freeport Conservation Trust is working with the Shaw family to preserve the remaining 28 acres. The house was built in 1780 and is a 4 bedroom colonial that has a commanding view of the Porter's landing area including the Harraseeket river. This house is located at the other end of Cove Road from where I took the picture of the Michael Welsher house several days ago.

The Freeport Flag Ladies

The Freeport Flag Ladies were out in front of St. Jude's this morning with their American flags and enthusiastically waving at drivers like me. I felt impelled to pull over and get into the picture. This picture was taken by one of the four famous FreeportFlag ladies. These fine people not only reawaken our American spirit on Tuesday mornings but they hold regular yard sales to raise money for soldiers serving in Iraq and their families. They also periodically drive to Bangor and greet returning servicemen and servicewomen at the Bangor International Airport. If unfamiliar with all their good work, I invite all of you to learn more about the Freeport Flag Ladies by going to their website http://www.freeportflagladies.com/

A December sunset at Porter's Landing

Porter's landing is one of Freeport's special places to live. It is all of 2 minutes from the retail area of Main street, yet it is a study in contract with the holiday shoppers marching around Main Street. I'm standing on the boat ramp at Porter's landing where I have launched my boat in past years. At high tide, it is the perfect place to put in a kayak or a canoe and paddle to the mouth of the Harraseeket or to Pettingill Park. The photo features another fine Michael Welsher house built 3 or 4 years ago for a woman who wanted a peaceful haven from the hustle-and-bustle of Boston. This house located on Cove Road has a perfect view of Falls Point marine and the boat launch. Currently, there is a house located at 1 Cove Road that was listed at $599,000 and went under contract in 10 days. I'll provide an update on that property in a future post.

The Freeport Fendersons and Swift their horse

In Freeport, there are always new discoveries, especially with respect to the residents and their rich and interesting life accomplishments. Meet the Fenderson family, minus their eighth grade son who was playing his musical instrument at the time of this photograph. Michael is the French teacher at the Merriconeag Waldorf School on Desert Road. He also has a major role on school governance which is comprised of teachers who help make administrative decisions for the school. Bobbi, his wife, is a guidance counselor in the Greeley school system. I've known Bobbi and Michael for ten years, yet only in the past 3 years did I learn that Bobbi loves horses just as much as I like to sail. So Michael and his friends figured out a way to make Bobbi's dream a reality. During the past two years I've watched this barn emerge from a foundation to the handsome building it is today. Michael reminded me that there are a few remaining projects including trim and putting up clapboard siding on the side and the back of the barn.

Michael and Bobbi are from northern Maine. I was informed by their son who is a good friend of my son's, that Bobbie has family both in northern Maine and in New Brunswick. Michael has a sister and a brother who live in southern Maine, Phippsburg and Falmouth respectively. Michael's brother is a builder and probably had a part to play in this barn. Before kids, Michael and Bobbi spent a year living in France. Michael is a self-taught guitar player. They both love to sing. I'll invite their friends and family to amplify or to claify some of their life experiences that I've shared here.

Contemporary Home in South Freeport

I congratulate the owners of this South Freeport house for their bold design. A Portland Maine architect designed this house for a couple who had moved here from California. Unfortunately I can't remember the architect's name at the moment. My wife and I have been inside this home and it has a wonderful original feel. I will try and get more details in another post for this house.

One of my favorite new houses in Freeport

This fine, tasteful home was built by Michael Welsher on a lot formerly owned by my wife and me. This house sits on 2.5 acres and abuts the Bliss Woods conservation land. There is public access to the Bliss Woods conservation land by way of a short driveway located next to Bliss Woods Way off the South Freeport Road. In 1999, South Freeport residents raised $538,000 to purchase 86 acres which comprises Bliss woods conservation land to prevent a 37-home subdivision from materializing. Today, one can walk all the way from Bliss Woods to Sayles field behind South Freeport Church in the village. Sayles field, which is 63 acres, was acquired in 2001 when Michael Welsher's father, Larry Welsher, took charge to help raise $885,000 to buy and preserve the hay fields and surrounding woods.

Hemlock Ridge - Call me for details

Land prices in Freeport have been coming down in the last year. However, the costs associated with building a new house remain high and are not projected to come down any time soon. All new Freeport subdivisions are required to have land set aside for conservation or common areas to avoid the "cookie cutter" suburban subdivision look; this is true here at Hemlock Ridge. Typically these kinds of subdivisions allow lot sizes of an acre or at the most 1.5 acres in size. I have clients who prefer the old 2.5 acre lot size available in older Freeport subdivisions. I'm waiting to hear from the owner of this subdivision about the details with respect to lot size, underground or above ground utilities, and whether or not the association road will be paved. Most important to me is whether or not the owner(s) will compensate me if I bring a buyer to Hemlock Ridge.

Don't miss Classic Convertibles near the Big Indian

If you are a car buff like me, it's hard not to turn your head and look at the Classic Convertible lot while driving on Route 1 near the Big Indian in Freeport. Businessman,Roger Bowdoin, had a novel idea several years to open a business that restores and sells classic American and foreign cars. I've seen a range of cars on his lot that I would like to own including a '57 Chevy's, a '73 Monte Carlo hardtop and even a Delorem gull wing sports car. The snow covered 1973 Monte Carlo featured in this photo is listed for $13,000. You can also have your car or classic Roger owns the Classic custard business next store which is mobbed with locals and tourists during the warm season. Spring of '08, Roger will be opening yet another business nearby called "Classic Cookout".

FSBO in Freeport

If you took the trees down out front, this is the view you would have from the living room of a For Sale By Owner on the Webster Road. It is a Colonial on 2.5 acres built in 1989. It is a spacious 3 bedroom home with a very attractive garden in the back. The first floor features a family room with gas fireplace and cathedral ceiling, a large eat-in-kitchen with custom oak wainscoting and adjoining year-round sun room overlooking perennial gardens. The seller is offering to compensate a buyer's agent, so please call me if you know of someone who might like to live here.

Christmas Spirit Alive and well in Freeport

It was sort of a "Robert Frost" moment as it started to snow Friday evening when I was on my way home from visiting a client on Baker Road. I immediately pulled the car over and walked up to the front door to ask permission to take this photo and post it on the Internet. Permission was granted and I thought my readers would appreciate seeing that the Christmas spirit was alive and well in Freeport. I was told by the homeowner that this nativity scene has been a regular feature on Durham road for a number of years. The gentleman went on to say that the Nativity scene occupied his parking spot in the barn; consequently, his truck would be left outside and uncovered for a few weeks until Christmas was over.

Freeport Snapshop

Talk with those who live or work in Freeport to learn about the diversity of people and the rich community life that comprise this town. There are fishermen and business owners, bank president, and a state senate president. Freeport teens have a new community center. L.L. Beans and investors from away are transforming Freeport into an attractive village for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Call me to learn why you should think about buying a home in Freeport. Now is the perfect time to buy!

Freeport Grinch on Baker Road - Miscellanoues RE comments

We've had an early nor'easter snow storm this Monday as you can see in this photo taken on Tuesday, December 4th on Baker Road. I'd like to think that this Freeport homeowner is telling the real estate Grinch to leave town.

Those of us in the real estate business feel that the media Grinch needs to stop harping on the bad real estate market. All markets are local and Maine and Freeport are doing pretty well thank you very much.

Yet we can't ignore the problems that got the country into a national real estate slump. We've all heard the bad news about the sub-prime market. The National Association of Realtors which is the voice for the 1.3 million members in the residential and the commercial real estate industry is encouraging Realtors to to contact their senators for Senate action needed to accelerate the real estate recovery. According to the Christian Science Monitor yesterday, the Federal Reserve is taking action to avoid more foreclosures by helping some homeowners freeze their interest rates. You can read that story online at http://www.csmonitor.com/

Baker Road Barn - November Home sales data

The answer to the December 1 post is "Needlework and Fine Yarns on Route 1. I've asked the owner for a press release to give me more information about their company and the renovation of their building. You can contact them at 865-6110.

Today's post features a nice barn located on the Baker Road. I met the owner of the barn about a year ago after the barn was completed. This is an example of a barn that I would like sitting on my property in Pownal.

Here is the "sold" data for Freeport during the month of November:

2 Youngs Lane $172,900 Days on Market (DOM) 122 days

78 Varney Road $300,000 DOM 94 days

90 Flying Point Rd. $550,000, DOM 176

330 Lower Flying Point Rd. $585,000 DOM 22

Where is this busienss in Freeport?

It's sparkle weekend in Freeport. Do you know where this business is located? Hint, you can reach it when you drive from the Big Indian on Route One to the village of Freeport. You can also see this lighthouse structure when you drive north to Freeport on 295.

The Porter House - But not at Porter's Landing

This house is essentially around the corner from the lovely farmhouse and barn located at 400 Pownal Road, the house that I featured in my previous post titled "A Freeport Gem". This house is owned by a Porter, the namesake of Porter's landing and is located on 8.9 acres.

I recommend that you visit the Freeport Historical Society to learn more about the Porter Family. The current exhibit it "Shipwrights, shopkeepers & privateers: The Enterprising Porter Family of Freeport, ME".

A West Freeport Gem

This is one of my favorite Freeport properties which I drive by every day. The driveway is lined by two rows of maple trees which gives the property a European feel.

About 5 years ago, I met Lester Noyes of Famouth who grew up in this house. Lester mentioned that he would walk to Freeport on the Pownal Road, then a dirt road, to enjoy an evening out on the town. I imagine that he would walk to school in Freeport in all kinds of weather. He told me that he remembers cars from the 1920's and 1930's getting stuck in the mud after a hard rain. Today the Palmer family owns the property and has taken great care of it. Lester had told me that this property had become a derelict property before the Pamer family bought it. This property should be protected from development just like Andy LeMaitre's Mitchell Ledge farm off Flying Point Road. I think LeMaitre made out quite nicely by receiving a generous amount of money from the Land for Maine's future as well as private donors in town. Perhaps the Freeport Conservation trust has spoken with the Palmer family about conserving the land. I hope so!

"Green-built" home emerging on Park Street

Here is a green built house being built on Park Street in South Freeport. We can expect to see more green construction popping up in Freeport next year. There is a new "green" subdivision in Freeport off Flying Point Road. Please check out my listing located on 12 Lower Mast Landing Road in Freeport. It is a "green" built home that is partially heated by solar. You can see the virtual tour of my listing on http://www.realtor.com/ Simply plug in the MLS number which is 863531.

Harraseeket Yact Club - Summer View

Summer of 2004 view of HYC on a foggy day when my kids were probably learning to tie knots rather than sailing on the bay. All of my children have learned to sail with me and with the help of the HYC summer program. Overall I think the instruction is good; although, I think the success of this program depends largely on how responsible the teenage counselors manage the children. My daughter use to sail with me on our Bullseye when she was young. She took sailing lessons at HYC and developed a fear of sailing probably because of the swift tides that ebb and flow in the Harraseeket river. I also think that better oversight by the counselors could have made a difference for her. My sons did learn the basics of sailing with me; yet honed their sailing skills at the yacht club for the two summers that they participated in the sailing program.

Harraseekt Inn - Broad Arrow Tavern

The Harraseeket Inn owned by Nancy Gray will be in full swing this week as families arrive in Freeport for Thanksgiving. Don't miss the Broadarrow tavern during your visit. My Colorado relatives will staying at the Harraseeket Inn for part of the Sparkle weekend holiday festivities. We will no doubt have lunch at The Broad Arrow Tavern. As in my previous post on the Harraseeket Inn, I may learn a history lesson about the Broad Arrow tavern in the comment section. I will try to provide posts while I'm visiting my mother and brother in Santa Fe this week.

Bustins Post Office

This is where island residents receive their snail mail delivered by the island ferry, the Lilly B. I have enjoyed communicating with many Bustins Island homeowners this week via my blog and a few via telephone. I have become more educated about island history courtesy of one or two island historians.

Bustins Island - The nubble

This octagonal cottage actually is slightly offshore from Bustins and is referred to by islanders as the "nubble". I don't have any background information to offer on this cottage; consequently, I'm hoping to solicit valuable insight from those who are reading my blog to provide architectural and historical details on this property. I was very appreciative to the anonymous writer yesterday who provided valuable insight into the green cottage by the propane dock.

Bustins Island - An Edward Hopper-like cottage

As you approach Bustins on the Lilly B, the island ferry, from the direction of South Freeport harbor, this classic cottage comes into view. It is located on the southeasterly end of the island that looks out onto Little Bustins island. In front of this cottage is the island mooring area where many island craft reside. One of my favorite boats that I enjoy seeing as I sail by is a sailboat with the name of "Panacea" It is an older Hinckley with very elegant lines.

Bustins Island - View of cottage from the water

I thought I would offer another Bustins Island photo this morning of the cottage I visited on Veteran's Day 2007. I happened to speak with someone yesterday whose family owns a cottage on Bustins. This person said that the owner of the cottage featured above, currently a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) may have a potential buyer. Naturally, I would be thrilled to list this cottage and implement a marketing plan that would allow the property to have broad exposure to the national market. Yet, I am mindful that this island is a place where word-of-mouth plays a significant part in finding potential buyers usually from people who have a longstanding connection to the island.

Bustins Island - a true Maine treasure

Who wouldn't want to own the cottage on the east side of Bustins with this incredible view from the front porch? I had a business appointment with a potential seller client who drove me out in his motorboat to see this cottage with it's millsion dollar view. Bustins Island is comprised of 115 summer cottages where homeowners and renters alike can escape from the rat race. Bustins feels as if it is frozen in time where life flows more easily and slowly than it does onshore. I sold two waterfront properties on Bustins island this year. Both properties had been in the same family since the late 1940's. I don't think much has changed on the island since then and that's just fine with most residents. You can access the island on the island ferry, the Lilly B, from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Regular ferry service is out of South Freeport harbor.

Veterans Day is everyday here in West Freeport

This homeowner provides those of us like me with a daily reminder of all things good about America. This home is on the Pownal Road in West Freeport just after the S curve heading toward Pine Tree Academy. Today we salute and honor those who have fought and died for our country.

Harraseeket Inn -

The Harraseeket Inn is perfectly situated on the outskirts of the shopping district in Freeport. It offers an authentic New England Inn with great service. It is the only place in Freeport that offers a formal dinning room where you can enjoy an elegant dinner. It also has the reputation for being a great spot for Sunday morning brunch. The adjoining Broad Arrow tavern offers great informal dinning and a small bar which is decorated in a way that makes you feel you are in Maine e.g. mounted moose head, hanging Old Town canoe, etc. Recently Beans opened a new Hunting and Fishing store which is comprised of 33,000 square feet and is a totally "green" building. It has the LEED certification which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Freeport is also undergoing a downtown revival with it's newest retail project called Village Station well underway. The town will be an improved destination for year round tourists.

R & D Auto

You will want to consider R&D auto for your auto repair needs. The owner, Rich DeGrandpre, is not only knowledgeable about cars but he is also knowldgeable about town and state politics. I stopped by R&D recently to discuss with Rich an alignment problem with my 1998 Toyota. Rich asked me very discerning questions including what brand of tires I had on my car. I confessed that I had opted for very cheap tires, a brand that Rich had never heard of before. They sell this brand at Walmart and discount tire warehouses. Rich thought it might not be an alignment problem but rather a bad tire. I appreciated that advice as I had a tire company in Portland all set to charge me for a front end alignment. What I also like about Rich DeGrandpre is the local and state political discussions that we engage in. As a Freeort Selectman, Rich is regularly dealing with important issues some of which impact me as a Pownal resident. The other day we were talking about Governor Baldacci's school consolidation plan where Freeport is talking to towns like Pownal and Durham. as possible merger candidates. Ask Rich about how he feels about Baldacci? You'll get an earful I guarantee.

Freeport Historical Society

Does this picture look like a major shopping mecca in Maine? No it doesn't, but this is Main Street in Freeport and there are many major retail outlets surrounding these two handsome, historical buildings. So you can shop until you drop and then visit Freeport Historical Society for a lesson in local history. Freeport claims it is the birthplace of Maine. As a Realtor I have found Freeport Historical Society very helpful in researching older properties in town. As a member, I was given permission to use several old photographs in my marketing efforts to sell 1 - 2 Bartlett Court in South Freeport. The current exhibit is "Shipwrights, Shopkeepers & Privateers: The Enterprising Porter family of Freeport, ME"

A recent capsize in Freeport Harbor

I am working on uncovering all the details about the recent capsize of a small sailboat in the Harraseeket river near Sandy Beach, a town owned small beach near Porter's Landing. I spoke with Jay Pinkham, the Freeport harbormaster, and he provided the following details. Three big guys were sailing in a 14' to 16' foot sailboat without a full centerboard one afternoon recently. There wasn't much wind that particular day. As so often happens out on the water, suddenly the wind kicked up and the three men found themselves in the freezing water somewhere off Sandy Beach. Fortunately, someone on shore heard the cry for help and called 911. The sailboat did have the required life preservers on board, however no one was wearing one. Apparently, one man wast taken to Maine Medical Center to be treated for minor hypothermia. Jay suggested I contact Freeport Fire and Rescue to obtain all the details. Last night I stopped by the fire station and spoke with officer Nathan Goodman of the Freeport police. He said he would have someone e-mail the log of this incident to me soon.

Summertime in South Freeport Harbor

South Freeport harbor is an active port as you can see from this picture taken at the height of summer. What a study in contract between a mega-yacht which could be from overseas and a classy, traditional New England designed sailboat to the left. By now you can probably tell which boat I would prefer owning?

South Freeport Harbor - this boat would still be afloat!

I feel for the owner of this boat. As I photographed this New England catboat, I was encouraged to see that the boat looked to be in pretty good shape. I think the 60 mph winds off Cape Elizabeth came closer to the Eastern Prom in Portland and severed the mooring of this classic New England styled boat. Now, if this boat had been in South Freeport harbor, it would probably still be on it's mooring. South Freeport harbor is extremely well protected from nor easters, which typically blow out of the north east. I spoke with a sailor from Cape Elizabeth last night who said his 23' sailboat takes a regular beating from the large boat traffic going in and out of Portland harbor. In fact, this Cape Elizabeth high school teacher said his mast broke when the back stay snapped after the boat was impacted by a huge swell from a ferry boat. He seemed sort of jealous that I keep my Cape Cod Bullseye in the protected waters of the Harraseeket river.

Arnold Family Forest - 67 acres of conserved land

The Arnold Family donated 67 acres off Staples Point Road to the New England Forestry Foundation several years. I haven't had a chance to walk this property. However, I may hold off until hunting season is over. If you want to check out this property, take a right at the big Indian followed by a right at Staples Point Road. You will see the sign featured above about 3/4 a mile down on the right.

You will want to visit Freeport's Winslow Park

Today the sun returned to Maine after high winds and heavy rains. The nor'easter knocked out power to 3,016 including the Drake residence in Pownal. Along the coast there was 60 mph winds that hit Cape Elizabeth which is just 30 minutes from Freeport. In the photo here, you can see a beautiful sunrise at Winslow Park. During the summer many visitors bring their campers here for an opportunity to have an ocean waterfront vacation. There is a beach which is more enjoyable at high tide than low. You can also launch a small sail or fishing boat.

Merriconeag Waldorf School Fall Fair

Today is the Merriconeag Waldorf School Fall Fair. My 15 year old son performed with his classmates in a drumming exhibition. My 13 year old son and his classmates played their recorder flutes. Artisans and craftspeople sell dry goods and food and the proceeds help tuition assistance for those students needing financial support. This school is located on Desert Road in freeport and is for students attending Early childhood through 10th grade school. Rudolph Steiner founded this education philosophy in Europe nearly 100 years ago. The education involves the head, heart, and hands; not to be confused with Montessori schools. Waldorf Schools here in the states are sprouting up all over the country and I've heard that it is one of the fastest growing private days schools in the US.

You can get there from here!

Just turn right on route 1 at the "Big Indian". Several years ago I had a listing off Park Street in South Freeport village. It was very easy to direct brokers or potential buyers to the listing because of "the Big Indian" landmark. According to a Portland Press Herald article I read last spring, this landmark dates back to the 1960's. Just before the summer of 2007, the "Big Indian" had a makeover; new paint and new supporting lines to keep him upright. Long live the Big Indian!

Halloween in the village

South Freeport is the place to be for Halloween. Most residents decorate their homes for the occasion. At least one resident creates a haunted house in their barn. Trick or Treaters from all over Freeport descend on the village to make the rounds. Strolling around the village almost feels like you are part of a Harry Potter movie. My 15 year old son visited his friend in the village last night and helped out with a haunted back yard obstacle course. I hope he wasn't terrifying little kids.

Bliss Woods and the Olins - Beal Farmland

The Freeport Conservation Trust as well as other conservation minded people were able to preserve nearly 100 acres from being turned into a subdivision back in the mid 1990's. In fact if you walk into the woods, you can still see surveying tape on some of the trees. My wife and I owned a lot on Bliss Woods way several years ago. We sold it to a couple who used Michael Welsher as their builder. It is one of the most attractive new homes in Freeport.

Across the street from Bliss Woods is one of my favorite farms owned by Olins and Beal. They own 36 acres of lovely pastureland. Although it technically isn't in conservation, 21 acres is in a "farmland" classification while the remaining 13 acres is in "tree growth". Tree growth classification is a way you can reduce your property taxes. The South Freeport community and visitors from away benefit hugely from having this buccolic open space.

South Freeport Post Office

The South Freeport post office is a daily community gathering spot. Home delivery isn't an option in the village. Larry Welsher, a well known builder in the area, owns the South Freeport Post Office. He in fact built it back in 1980. The U.S. Postal Service rents this space from Welsher. (I'm crediting Down East: The Magazine of Maine for this information) If you need a good builder, contact Larry's son, Michael Welsher, who does exquisite work. Larry taught him well!

L'ecole Francaise du Maine - South Freeport

Bonjour! Comment ca va? Ok, I'll switch to English. Who would have known that a French immersion elementary school would choose to locate in South Freeport village several years ago? The school occupies a building that formerly served as the early childhood program for the Freeport-based Merriconeag Waldorf school. I believe I'm correct in saying that the Province of Quebec and the French government support the South Freeport French immersion program in some way. There is a strong French Canadian connection here in Maine as many French Canadians immigrated to Maine over the years, especially during the heyday of the woolen mills. Simply open the phone book in any town in Maine and you will easily find French last names names. There is a Franco-American center Lewiston which occupies a former church building. Fifty years ago you would have heard French spoken on the streets of Lewiston/Auburn or L/A as the locals refer to that area. L/A is only 40 minutes away from Freeport. Brunswick maine which is just to the north of Freeport also had a very strong French Canadian population.

Harraseeket Yact Club aka HYC

With a prime waterfront location on the Harraseeket river, this is a community yacht club without the sense of prestige and exclusivity. All members pitch in to run the club whether it be organizing the dingy dock or managing the sail training for kids. The club offers opti's, 420's and laser boats for their summer training program. The program starts at "recruits" and moves on to "mates" and the highest level is "skippers". All three of my kids have participated in sailing lessons at HYC. My wife and I wanted to make sure each child learned the ropes of a sailboat which was sort of "mandatory fun" in our family. I enjoy the Wednesday evening races during the summer where I sail on "Milady" a 34' Sabre. Our skipper and crew are very competitive in the summer series of races. This Saturday the docks were hauled in for the winter. Alas, the onset of winter is just around the corner.