Inside The Most Expensive Home For Sale In Maine

135 Mountain Arrow Drive in Camden, Maine has the distinction of being the most expensive home in state, per Trulia, and it may be the most evocative address, too. The house sits atop 18 acres of elevated land, both wooded and manicured, overlooking Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. The 7,295-square-foot Arts and Crafts style home, with an easy flow to the outdoor stone patios and terraced gardens, is the epitome of comfortable luxury.

One visits this region of Maine for its rugged coastline and stripped-back essence — it's not a resort-wear, coconut lotion experience, but one of blueberries and maple syrup. Mainers themselves, especially Downeasters, are independent and resourceful, with reverence for the outdoors and wild beauty — after all, they're absolutely surrounded by it. The ocean, Camden Hills State Park with its Mt. Battie Tower and storybook views to ships and the harbor below, three nature preserves, and several lakes are all nearby. 

The charming coastal village of Camden straddles scenic US Route 1 and offers restaurants, shops, an historic opera house, and plentiful accommodations; though the listing's guest cottage (with its own fireplace) has that covered. Summer's not the only season the area shines; autumn and winter hold sway with postcard-worthy fall foliage and holiday scenes, and it's quiet — the tourists are mostly gone home. This bucolic and secluded property within the splendor that is Downeast Maine is available for sale as a retreat or full-time residence for $8.5 million.

The sprawling 2012-built craftsman home feels like an exclusive lodge; stylistically appropriate details were carried throughout its construction with architectural features such as a stone-columned portico, stained glass entry door, cedar shake siding, and wood trim. Several designed and casual spots take advantage of the tremendous ocean and mountain vistas; from outdoor furniture encircling a fire pit on the patio to a hanging swing to a pair of iconic Adirondack chairs on a sloping, grassy lawn. Also featured are a vanishing-edge swimming pool equipped with chaise lounges and umbrellas, a hot-tub, and an outdoor shower. Perennial gardens, stone retaining walls, and a human-made pond all complement the untamed nature of the woodland environment – the reflected sky of the water feature meets sky and sea beyond, while the gardens transition to forest. It makes for a stunning property, and equally so at night.

Four garage spaces provide room for cars and recreational vehicles, and a one-bedroom cottage — a miniature version of the primary residence — offers comfort and a separate domain for visiting guests.

Completely private, the retreat's 18 acres abut conservation land (via Coldwell Banker), yet it's located just 1 mile from the amenities and entertainment in Camden. Alternately, the towns of Belfast and Rockland are within an hour's drive, each exhibiting a different atmosphere; one can also catch the ferry to various Penobscot Bay Islands from the Rockland terminal.

The home's interiors are a mix of classic New England coastal and lodge-style decorating — comfort and quality with a traditional, but not stuffy, inclination. Expertly crafted details, such as wood paneled wainscoting, tiled fireplace surrounds, and stained glass pocket doors and windows abound throughout; these earthy touches tie the home to its surroundings. Per Trulia, there are six fireplaces distributed among the rooms; one is in the elegant living room, with a grid of exposed beams and a bank of windows highlighting the expanse of greenery outside. The dining room features another, with stacked stone and a barrel vaulted ceiling. 

The kitchen exudes warmth and features stone countertops with high-contrast veining, an island, and a sweet breakfast nook with an ocean view. There is a finished basement with a small den featuring a wood stove, as well as an exercise room and sauna, a theatre room with inset speakers and whimsical seagulls hand-painted on the ceiling, and a wine cellar. Again, no detail has been spared in the execution of materials and finishes. 

Amenities of the property include geothermal and radiant heated floors, central air conditioning, a generator, solar power, and a security system, providing comfort in addition to safety and convenience.

A handcrafted staircase, with walls encased in wood paneling and bannisters in an authentic Arts and Crafts style, leads from the entry hall to the second floor and the bedrooms. There you'll find more fireplaces in beautifully appointed bedrooms, with covered balconies to take in the same breathtaking views. The walls of a bespoke walk-in closet are lined with solid wood cabinetry, reminiscent of a ship's cabin. On the third floor, a recreation room expands the entirety of the footprint, with dormer alcoves and a wooden ceiling outfitted with paddle fans to circulate the ocean air — it's the magical attic space we've always wanted.

The guest cottage is entirely charming — a smaller replica of the main house, Trulia notes, it features the same thoughtfulness and attention to detail in its use of stained glass fixtures, built-in cabinetry, and a gourmet kitchen, for example. The angled roofline and fireplace engender a cozy atmosphere. The accommodations offer privacy, yet will make visitors feel pampered, rather than as if staying in an ancillary property. 

At $8.5 million, this home is an amazing value, especially in comparison to other coastal listings. This is the perfect investment property, and one that also beckons family and friends for idle days and quality time together.