Salt Water Farms

    There is often value in looking at where and how the early settlers sited their homes. Water, earth, light, and proximity to roads were primary considerations.  They remain important considerations today!  Water was essential in the building of boats and coast-wise commerce; earth for growing vegetables and raising animals; light for a myriad of things including staying warm.  Now we treasure these elements as delights to the soul.

   Our newest listing provides all of these wonderful qualities.  It is a recently renovated 1800's salt water farm sited amongst the fields and overlooking Great Salt Bay.  The setting remains pastoral and the nearby village of Damariscotta Mills retains the atmosphere of friendliness that we come to Maine for. Spectacular panoramic views of the bay are to the south. Thus the property becomes an arena for the sun and the moon.  Southwest breezes are off the water and cool in the summer.  Soils are rich and offer opportunities for gardens.  At one time the ample shoreline was the location of a ship building yard. Today it serves as access to the bay for kayaking, fishing, and journeys to explore the Damariscotta River.

   Nature abounds. Bob-o-links nest in the field between the house and shore.  Eagles, osprey and ducks entertain over the water. Spring brings the annual migration of the alewives up the fish ladder and into Damariscotta Lake.

   Inside, the home is spacious and the design well-conceived. The vitality and comfort of the new is melded with the charm of the old. Sun drenches the great room. The first floor master bedroom allows for ease of living. An attached barn and large finished shed offer options for workshop, office, or studio. The project is not complete, but the hard work has been done.  With your personal finishing touch, the rewards are many!  See more of this property on our website or contact me to arrange a personal showing.

Kathy Leeman

 

 

Mid Coast Maine Storm Damage

Not every part of a real estate brokers job is showing homes and writing contracts. Sometimes we have to step in and help our clients when they need it. This listing of mine in Damariscotta Mills took a glancing blow from a big tree branch last night, which isn't very surprising since we had wind speeds in excess of 70 miles an hour last night and there are over 25,000 homes without power in Lincoln County today. But it reminded me why I like living in a small town. A neighbor and friend knew the owner was out of town and called me to let me know that the house had been hit. I went over and took pictures, called the owner, contacted the insurance company, called the owner's friend, a building contractor, to give him the go ahead to fix the damage and within 15 minutes the owner of the insurance company was in the driveway assessing the damage and talking to the contractor. All while the owner is out of town. I just can't imagine that happening in a larger town.

So now the owners are on their way home, the work is getting done, the insurance claim is moving forward and everything will be right with the world once again. I even saw a bald eagle flying over the house when I was taking pictures and you know that has to be a good sign. I just wish I didn't have to cancel the showing for Sunday.

Tom Field

How We Measure Snow in Maine

Its a very scientific method. We watch how high it gets on the barbecue grill.
 

New Years Storm

The weatherpersons are saying that we are going to start the New Year with a three day Nor'easter.  By the looks of the sky over the harbor here in Damariscotta, I think they are right.

   The high tide combined with tonight's full moon is sure to wreak havoc with some low lying structures!

 

Damariscotta Welcomes Santa Claus

The first Saturday after Thanksgiving is usually a very slow day to have floor duty. I mean verrrrryyyyyy slow. So I was a little surprised when I saw all these people lining up on Main Street in Damariscotta apparently waiting for something.

They were all looking towards the bridge to Newcastle and I soon learned why. 

It seems that Santa Claus was coming to town for a visit to remind people that Christmas is coming. 

Here is the happy old gent out in front of Newcastle Square Realty.

And here are the tap dancing Elf/Rockettes who gave him a little tap dance welcome to town.

So once again you never know what is going to happen in the Greater Damariscotta/Newcastle Metro area.

Tom Field

Scenes from "the Early Bird"

Today is Damariscotta and Newcastle's "Early Bird" Sale.  Stores open at 6 AM with outrageous discounts that become progressively smaller as the day goes on.  So the big savings are to be had at the crack of dawn.  Here are a few scenes from later in the morning at what some would consider a more civilized hour.

 

 
 
 

 

 
 

Damariscotta River Striper Fishing

I have a love/hate relationship with Labor Day. It has never been a favorite holiday of mine mostly because it has always heralded the end of the summer, the beginning of school (although I do like that part now that I am a parent) and the approach of winter colder weather. So when my friend Alex called me and told me that he had heard that people were finally catching Striped Bass in the Damariscotta River I jumped at the chance to go out before I had to be in the office for floor duty. It certainly is possible that there are stripers in the river but either they are doing a very good job at hiding or Alex and I are doing a very bad job of finding them. Today I honestly couldn't have cared less. The weather has been unbelievably beautiful over the last week. Temperatures in the 70's, bright sunny skies and then cool nights that my grandmother used to describe as "sleeping weather". So although I didn't catch one of the elusive stripers that may or may not be in the river, I did manage to get some nice pictures before this holiday weekend.

 

I am pretty sure that if there are stripers this seal is finding them.

 

I don't know how he gets one dog to stay on the shore when the other dog goes after the ball.

  

This is what a huge pile of oyster shells left by some previous natives looks like after thousands of years.

 

It isn't the deepest harbor in Maine but it is scenic.

I hope everyone has a very pleasant Labor Day weekend and if someone does pull a striper out of the Damariscotta River could you let me know? I know Alex is pretty curious.

 

Tom Field

Pirates to Plunder Villages of Damariscotta and Newcastle

 In case you haven't heard there will be a pirate attack on the villages of Damariscotta and Newcastle this Saturday. The actual attack will be proceeded by a pirate breakfast at The Breakfast Place, The Blue Marble and The Salt Bay Cafe starting at 9 am. All through the day there will lots of pirate themed activities for children like a Pirate Costume Contest, Talk Like a Pirate Lessons and Sea Chantey Singing Lessons. At noon the pirates will be arriving by ship and probably manage to attack the villages despite the best efforts of the townspeople and their more than likely inadequate cannon and musket fire. So put on that pirate costume, pile the kids into the family rowboat and take part in the pillaging and plundering of the poor innocent villagers of Damariscotta and Newcastle. It promises to be fun for the whole crew. And if you are a little bit older (say 21) there is a Pirate Costume themed party at Schooner Landing starting at 8 pm with a prisoner auction, best pirate costume contest and a raffle for all sorts of pirate plunder. If you are a little unsure about how to fit in with the pirates here is a little video to help you fit in.

Tom Field

The Heart and Soul of Damariscotta

  Watch a short video of excerpts from neighbor to neighbor chats in Damariscotta as part of the Orton Family Foundation's Heart and Soul Project.

Winter's Retreat

 

   Slowly, almost imperceptibly winter is leaving the Damariscotta River watershed.  The sun is higher in the sky and the days are getting longer. The snow piles are going down and some days the roads are getting muddy as opposed to icy.  Seems like an apt metaphor for the way this recession will leave. It feels like a long time coming but it will happen.

   Will you be wishing you had bought your Maine home when prices were at the bottom?

Damariscotta River picture by Debby Schling