San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)

Maine retreat inspired by Arts & Crafts movement

- By Kellie Speed

The new owner of this fabulous home in Camden, ME, might never need to book a vacation again. Built in 2012 and loaded with resort-style amenities, it’s a perfect landing spot for a summer staycation.

“It really is an extraordin­ary property,” said listing agent Brian Wickenden, of Legacy Properties Sotheby’s Internatio­nal Realty. “It’s like going to the nicest resort — you feel like you are at the Four Seasons. Every amenity you could think of went into this house.”

Available for $8.5 million, the Southern Maine property includes a three-bedroom main house and a one-bedroom guesthouse.

There are six fireplaces (including one at the guesthouse), stained-glass doors and windows, and a home theater. Luxe amenities include a sauna, exercise room, wine cellar, and greenhouse.

The property also takes its inspiratio­n from an unlikely source: the Arts & Crafts homes of Southern California pioneered by the architectu­ral duo of Greene and Greene.

“My client’s great grandparen­ts commission­ed Greene and Greene to design their house that was later known as the Gamble House. Greene and Greene were the pioneers of the Arts and Crafts movement at the turn of the 20th century. This was a tribute [to their style] built on an extraordin­arily private lot overlookin­g the water,” said Wickenden.

Speaking of that exquisite 18-acre lot, it overlooks Camden Harbor and the islands of Penobscot Bay.

“It’s quiet, peaceful, and tranquil with lovely views and close to town. It’s not located directly on the water, but it is close to the harbor, so you get the best of both worlds, and it sits below Camden Hills State Park. The grounds are just amazing,” said Wickenden.

The outdoor oasis boasts meticulous landscapin­g, ocean and mountain views, magnificen­t gardens, a pond, and vanishing-edge swimming pool.

The agent believes the home could very likely be purchased as a second home by someone with discerning taste. “Camden has become a market for second homes because Maine is still pretty affordable, especially for people coming from places like California, Massachuse­tts, or DC,” he said. “You also don’t have to worry

about any flooding as the house sits high up. We have had a good number of showings and lots of interest.”

Listing agent:

Brian Wickenden, Legacy Properties Sotheby’s Internatio­nal Realty, 207-975-9650, bwickenden@legacysir.com.

The post “$8.5M Maine Retreat Takes Inspiratio­n From the Arts and Crafts Movement” appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights on www.realtor.com.

 ?? Brian Vanden Brink ?? The listing is spread across 18 acres and includes a guest house
Brian Vanden Brink The listing is spread across 18 acres and includes a guest house
 ?? Brian Vanden Brink ?? Above: A fireplace warms a living room that features a beamed ceiling and sitting window. Below left: The listing includes a home theater with cinema seating and surround sound. Below right: The chef ’s kitchen revolves around a stone-topped island with integrated appliances.
Brian Vanden Brink Above: A fireplace warms a living room that features a beamed ceiling and sitting window. Below left: The listing includes a home theater with cinema seating and surround sound. Below right: The chef ’s kitchen revolves around a stone-topped island with integrated appliances.
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