A Rare Opportunity: Own an Entire Private Island Off the Coast of Maine
For most people, "escaping it all" means a quiet weekend cabin or a beachfront rental. But for a select few buyers with the vision and the means to match, a truly extraordinary opportunity has just emerged along the rugged northeastern coastline. A fully private 25-acre island off the shores of Georgetown, Maine, has hit the market for $3.85 million, offering an incomparable blend of natural seclusion, storied history, and timeless coastal charm. This is not simply a property listing — it is an invitation to own an entire world unto itself.
Introducing Long Island: Maine's Most Compelling Private Estate
Located off the picturesque coast of Georgetown, Maine, Long Island is a sanctuary unlike anything else currently available in the New England real estate market. Spanning 25 pristine acres, the island is surrounded by the cold, dramatic waters that have defined Maine's identity for centuries. Whether approached by boat on a calm summer morning or observed from the mainland on a misty autumn afternoon, Long Island commands immediate attention and inspires a deep sense of wonder.
The island is being offered as a fully private retreat, meaning the buyer will acquire not just a home, but an entire ecosystem — woodlands, meadows, shoreline, and all the solitude that comes with it. In an era where privacy has become one of the most coveted luxuries in real estate, Long Island delivers on a scale that is virtually impossible to replicate.
The Historic 1862 Waterfront Estate: A Home With a Story to Tell
At the heart of Long Island stands its crown jewel: a magnificent 3,346-square-foot waterfront estate built in 1862. This Federal-style home, boasting four to five bedrooms and sweeping panoramic ocean views, is a masterclass in 19th-century craftsmanship and enduring elegance. Framed by mature trees and rolling lawns that lead gently down to the water's edge, the residence feels both grand and intimate — a rare combination that speaks to the skill of its original builders and the care of every steward since.
The home's Federal architectural style, popular in the early-to-mid 1800s, is characterized by its symmetrical design, refined detailing, and restrained elegance. More than 160 years after its construction, this estate continues to stand as a testament to quality and permanence. Thoughtful maintenance over the decades has preserved its character while ensuring it remains fully livable and deeply comfortable for modern residents.
A Legacy Property: The Former Home of Artist Stephen Etnier
Perhaps the most captivating dimension of Long Island's story is its connection to Stephen Etnier, a celebrated American artist renowned for his luminous seascape paintings and his deep, lifelong affection for the coast of Maine. Etnier, who lived from 1903 to 1984, was widely recognized as one of the foremost painters of the American maritime tradition, and his association with Long Island lends the property a cultural and artistic significance that goes far beyond its physical attributes.
To own this island is, in a very real sense, to become the next chapter in a narrative that has been unfolding for generations. The large, separate artist's studio that still stands on the property serves as a tangible reminder of Etnier's presence and creative spirit. Whether a future buyer chooses to use that space as a studio, a home office, a guest retreat, or simply a quiet place to think, they will be occupying a space where genuine artistic greatness once flourished.
What's Included: A Full Island Compound
Long Island is far more than a single house on a piece of land. The listing describes a remarkably complete compound, offering a diverse range of structures and features that transform the island into a fully self-sufficient retreat. Among the highlights included with the property are:
- A meticulously maintained four-to-five bedroom Federal-style historic home with panoramic ocean views
- A substantial deep-water pier constructed from Deer Isle granite, capable of accommodating serious boating needs
- A large, separate artist's studio with historical ties to Stephen Etnier
- A classic boathouse positioned at the water's edge
- Old stonework and beautifully preserved perennial gardens that reflect generations of careful cultivation
- An ancient orchard that adds both charm and a tangible connection to the island's agricultural past
- Waterfront meadows ideal for relaxation, recreation, and taking in the extraordinary coastal scenery
- Woodland walking trails that wind through all 25 acres, offering daily exploration and connection with nature
- Mainland parking and access infrastructure, ensuring practical connectivity to the mainland
Adding another layer of reassurance for environmentally conscious buyers, the entire property is protected under thoughtful conservation measures, ensuring that the island's natural beauty and ecological integrity will be preserved for decades to come.
The Ultimate Setting for Outdoor Living
Maine's coastline is legendary among outdoor enthusiasts, and Long Island places its owner at the very center of that world. The surrounding waters are ideal for boating, kayaking, sailing, and fishing, while the island's interior trails offer peaceful hiking through ancient woodland. The granite pier provides easy access to deeper waters for those who want to explore the broader Kennebec and Sheepscot river systems, both of which are celebrated among sailors and naturalists alike.
The changing seasons in coastal Maine bring an ever-evolving backdrop — from the lush greens and brilliant wildflowers of summer to the fiery foliage of fall, the stark, snow-dusted quietude of winter, and the hopeful renewal of spring. Owning an island here means experiencing all of these transformations in absolute privacy, with nothing between you and the natural world.
Listed With Vitalius Real Estate Group
The listing for Long Island is held by Poe Cilley of Vitalius Real Estate Group, a firm with deep roots in the Maine real estate market and a well-earned reputation for handling distinctive, high-value properties. Buyers interested in exploring this once-in-a-generation opportunity are encouraged to reach out directly to the listing agent for full details, private showing arrangements, and any additional information about the island's history, conservation status, and access logistics.
Is This the Most Remarkable Property in New England Right Now?
Private islands come to market only rarely, and even more rarely do they arrive with this depth of history, this quality of infrastructure, and this degree of natural beauty all in one offering. Long Island off Georgetown, Maine, represents something genuinely special — a place where the past and the present coexist in harmony, where artistic legacy meets rugged natural splendor, and where the concept of privacy is taken to its most complete and satisfying expression.
At $3.85 million, this 25-acre historic island estate is a compelling proposition for discerning buyers seeking not just a home, but a legacy. It is a property that will define whoever is fortunate enough to call it their own — and one that, like the tides that surround it, will endure long into the future.