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.