2020 was a year full of unexpected change. Among them was a booming real estate market as families traded heavily populated states such as New York and California, along with major metropolitan areas, for the suburbs and rural America. The reasons are many, but the lower real estate prices outside of congested areas are a big factor, enabling buyers to opt for larger homes with more amenities. Fresh air and proximity to outdoor activities appear to be another factor, and the widespread availability of high-speed internet coupled with the work-from-home movement has enabled buyers to make a move their careers couldn’t accommodate in the past. As this trend is expected to continue into 2021, Marni Elyse Katz explored what you can buy for $3M-plus beyond the city and highlighted one of our favorites, Rockport Harbor Views. With a world-class view of Rockport Village and the Harbor, a unique contemporary interior, a large home office with one-gig internet speed, and access to the Camden / Rockport / Midcoast amenities, this property checks all the right boxes.
History of the Residence
Rockport Harbor Views was originally a Methodist church built in 1875 and converted into a residence by Nancy Talbot, founder of Talbots clothing stores. The home offers comfortable and elegant living spaces that are bright and open, yet warm and cozy; and historic details are highlighted by modern accents. The current owners purchased the property in 1998 and recently completed an extensive renovation and expansion that includes a gourmet kitchen and great room, a two-bedroom in-law apartment complete with kitchen and living room, two new decks with excellent views, and there is professional landscaping, with a Japanese water feature for enjoying the outdoor living spaces. Urban Luxury in a Seaside Village.
The centrally-located living room has nineteen-foot ceilings, historic cathedral-style windows, a wood-burning fireplace, and it is intersected by contemporary catwalks and spiral staircases.
The newly-expanded gourmet kitchen features professional Wolf and Subzero stainless-steel appliances, a vast kitchen island with leathered granite countertop, a six-foot, custom-built linear propane fireplace, butler’s pantry, full-size wine cooler, and Wood-Mode custom cabinetry.
The spacious master bedroom with luxurious en-suite bath – including a propane fireplace – also has a private deck.
Excellent outdoor living spaces include multiple decks, two patios, professionally-maintained and irrigated gardens, and a Japanese garden with a soothing water feature.
What you get
- Stunning views
- 9,500± square feet
- Up to four bedrooms in the main house
- A spacious home office designed for running a business, with broadband (one-Gbps) internet
- Gourmet kitchen and great room
- Separate in-law apartment, recently updated and expanded, with two bedrooms
- Four-story elevator, a whole-home generator, mudroom with a luxurious dog bath
- Panoramic views from the historic bell tower
- Garage space (attached) for three cars
Nearby Outdoor Activities
Rockport is one of the most picturesque waterfront towns in Midcoast Maine and its location in the heart of this region makes it an ideal home base for enjoying a plethora of year-round activities. The Camden Hills State Park covers 5,500± acres of land with intersecting trails and access to popular vistas (hills, lakes, oceans and islands) such as those visible from Maiden’s Cliff and Mt. Battie. Maine Coast Heritage Trust also has a variety of scenic land with public access, or charter one of the many local Schooners for a tour of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. One of our favorites is the Schooner Surprise. The Camden Snow Bowl and Ragged Mountain Preserve also offer year-round activities. This family-friendly mountain has three lifts and a variety of terrain for down-hill skiing plus a number of trails for hiking, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking. During the winter, Hosmer Pond at the base of the mountain is frequently dotted with ice skaters and ice fishing houses; and the National Toboggan Championships in February draw a huge crowd!
Local Dining & Shopping
Just a minute’s walk from Rockport Harbor Views is the small but charming Rockport Village area featuring some of the best dining in Midcoast Maine. 18 Central Oyster Bar and Grill has seafood and steaks utilizing local ingredients. Nina June combines Mediterranean and Maine flavors in a beautiful setting with amazing views of the harbor. Just a few short blocks away on U.S. Route 1, visit Maine Street Meats new location now with a popular café, market, and butcher. A quick drive into Camden opens up an even wider variety of casual and upscale dining experiences: Long Grain in Camden is always packed with diners craving Thai comfort food, the iconic Waterfront is a delightful location for both people and boat watching, or provision for your daily adventure at Camden Deli.
Don’t forget to shop local! Glendarragh Lavender offers a variety of products made from local lavender. Jo Ellen Designs has the most beautiful displays of everything from cookbooks to glassware, men’s gifts and children’s goods. Camden’s Sea Bags store is fully stocked with sought-after versions of the well-known bag made from recycled sails. The Owl and Turtle Bookshop Cafe is a charming bookstore with café, and peruse the excellent selection of local and unique items available at Once A Tree.
Rockport Harbor Views is located about 60 minutes from Augusta and the major I-95, 20 minutes from Knox County Regional airport which is served by commuter flights to and from Boston and fixed based operator facilities serving private jets, and just under two hours from the Portland International Jetport.
For more information on Rockport Harbor Views and other Midcoast properties, please contact Joe Sortwell or Terry Sortwell in our Camden office, 207-236-3543.
Banner Image: Rockport Harbor Views, Rockport ME
