by Amy Havel

The mystique of living on an island is no strange topic to literature or popular culture; somewhere between scrounging for food like Robinson Crusoe and exploring the philosophical nature of survival like the cast of Lost lives a profound activity of human nature: coming to terms with being separate from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. And nowhere can you better escape that crazy noise than Maine. Whether you prefer rustic living or lounging in the lap of luxury, no doubt one of the 20 Maine islands for sale this summer can suit your needs.

Little Squaw Island (with mainland property) $1,600,000

Offering what real estate agent George MacLeod calls “privacy without isolation,” the property for sale at the tip of Cape Jellison not only includes “a custom shingle-style home with over 1,000 feet of sandy shorefront,” but see that little island just dipping its toes into Penobscot Bay? Yours too. Accessible on foot at low tide, Little Squaw Island is “small, about a half acre, but a perfect place for picnicking or a tent overnight.”

Given its location halfway between Camden and Bar Harbor and “just 30 minutes from Bangor International Airport (and most easily approached on Route One from Stockton Springs),” the Cape Jellison peninsula clearly provides the illusion of being far away from it all with the conveniences of a small town just around the corner. Perched from a vantage point on Little Squaw, even as you ponder 1) a new name for your island, without delay, please, and 2) future plans for your landscaped grounds, don't be surprised if your eyes wander, turning south to the open waters: Penobscot Bay's sailing opportunities are world famous and part of your backyard.

George MacLeod, Trimble Private Brokerage, 944-8771

Berry Island, $395,000

Located only 20 minutes from Belfast and Camden, and 35 miles from Augusta, Berry Island—or Birch Island as it's known to some locals—can be easily accessed year-round from the public boat launch facility in Liberty. The island consists of seven acres and sits in the beautiful waters of Lake St. George, which has been consistently recognized as one of Maine's cleanest lakes.

Real estate agent Fran Riley explains that the island is “totally untouched, without any buildings, and features a virgin stand of native Maine white pine. Great swimming from the two beach areas, approximately 2,200 feet of deep-water frontage, and 360-degree views capture both the brilliant morning sunrise and the spectacular evening sunset!”

Riley also draws attention to the building opportunities, with “several sites suitable for building your cottage, family compound, or retirement retreat.” The soil has been tested in recent years, so the place is good to go.

Fran Riley, United Realty 338-6000

Bryant Island, $445,000

Take Route One to Nobleboro Center and get off at Center Street. Turn left onto Morgan Hill Road, then another left onto Lower Cross Road. Take West Neck Road, then turn onto Hidden Valley Road. You can park at a shoreline easement there and plop your canoe into the water.

Bryant Island is the cluster of pine and hemlock trees you'll see in Damariscotta Lake, only three or four minutes away by paddle. Although the island is quite hilly, you can easily walk right to the middle of it, to a high point which could be suitable for building a camp. Woods surround this idyll, and Damariscotta Lake provides 12 miles worth of bass, perch, togue, trout, pickerel, and salmon fishing. Realtor George Feus extols the quiet and timelessness of Bryant Island, claiming it hasn't changed much in the last 40 or so years.

“Bryant Island,” Feus says, “is seven beautifully wooded acres with high rolling topography offering great privacy in one of the most undiscovered large lakes in all of Maine, much less the mid-coast region.” Whether it's the fishing, the solitude, or the building opportunity that gets you, you'll be easily sold.

George Feus, Drum & Drum Real Estate, gfeus@tidewater.net

Chasse Island $449,000

From the Maine Turnpike, take the Biddeford exit, follow Route 111 west, then head north on Route 35 to Lyman. At the York County Fish & Game Association sign, take a slight left onto Mast Road. Wadleigh Pond Road is the right you'll take after that, following it for about a quarter of a mile. You should see a boat launch area on your left—Chasse Island is in the distance, about 1,200 feet from shore.

Wooded with pine, maple, chestnut, and birch, the island was a sole survivor, as far as high trees go, after the fire of 1947. Although clearly the area has regrown by now, the island's rural landscape, so close to the Portland area, is one of its values.

Russ Chasse, who's owned the island for six years, understands how wonderful this aspect is. “All islands offer tranquility and give the individual a sense of separation from society,” he says. “However, Chasse Island is unique, offering nature's best and the security of being situated in the heart of York County.

“I've been coming here since I was 12 years old, and it never changes. It's hard to imagine something like this can exist within 30 minutes of Biddeford/Sanford,” Chasse says. Jet-skiing, waterskiing, fishing, and ice fishing are all available on Wadleigh Pond. “The state stocked the pond in the fifties with large-mouth bass,” the owner says.

Building is also permissible here, if you choose to make Chasse Island your home (just far enough) away from home.

Chasse Island can be viewed at www.maineislandforsale.com, and Russ Chasse can be reached at rchasse@maine.rr.com.

Greer Island $759,000

Access to Greer Island is convenient from Vinalhaven's Carver's Harbor or right off Geary's Beach at Arey's Neck and the town beach/park. From here, it's less than three miles to town. Vinalhaven boasts an airport landing strip, medical center, restaurants, gift shops, art galleries, gourmet grocery store, toy shop, hardware, lumber company, post office, B&Bs, ferry terminal, two churches, and a harbor-side motel. Two Maine State Ferry boats carrying cars, freight, and passengers serve Vinalhaven six times a day.

Stepping onto Greer, there's a feeling of exhilaration, freedom, and peace, as one is drenched with the scent of wild roses, spruce, and sea grasses. Sweeping views from the island encompass Saddleback Lighthouse, Isle au Haut, the purple hills of Camden, and nearby Sheep Island.

A rare and beautiful place, Greer Island includes a grandfathered one-room camp, which may be enlarged and improved, amid rugosa roses and a majestic stand of balsam/spruce trees with protected anchorage. A small desalination plant could provide limitless water.

The existing bunkhouse can be expanded 30 percent, and a new building—600 square feet and 30 feet high—can be constructed atop the island, among the trees, with a variance. A septic permit and design are in place. The island is out of the 100-year flood plain as documented by FEMA. There are excellent elevations, no steep slopes, and an unusual amount of rich top soil. No conservation easements concern the deed.

Owner Elizabeth Arey says, “For more than 46 years, my family and I have spent summers on Greer Island, planting trees and wild flowers, reading our favorite stories and poems, basking under sun-drenched skies, cooking fresh lobster on the rocks, and sleeping under the stars. I'm always comforted when a silent fog mysteriously rolls in, blocking out the rest of the world. It's not hard to understand why Anne Morrow and Charles Lindbergh courted on Vinalhaven and North Haven—perhaps even on Greer Island!”

Call Elizabeth Arey at eaarey@aol.com or tel/fax 863-4392, www.greerisland.com

Pine Island $219,000

Starting in Dover-Foxcroft, head north up Route 153 to Greeley Landing. Take your boat into Lake Sebec about two-thirds of the way and you'll run into Pine Island, a .85-acre bit of green firmly stationed within the surrounding waters.

A small, rustic camp can be found surrounded by trees at the center of the island. According to realtor Maureen Briggs of Town & Country Realtors, the building is “okay for camping but could use some clean-up.” With only one room and a sleeping loft, it's quaint but comfortable. There's also an outhouse and electricity (from a generator), but you'll need to supply your own water.

From your position in the middle of this beloved body of water, you can take full advantage. Sunsets watched from the back of the island, along with the echoing sound of the loons—whose nests are not far away—create a serene mood, peaceful and with plenty of room for contemplation of big ideas.

Maureen Briggs, Town & Country Realtors, 564-2463

Birdsong Island $685,000

On Route 213, drive north along Damariscotta Lake. Turn right at Punk Point Road and then onto Charlie O'Way. Three-acre Birdsong Island is just a couple of minutes from shore: one minute by boat during most seasons, and a short walk from the parking area when the lake is frozen.

The changing house is the first building you'll run into, complete with a composting toilet, private hot shower, and a sink. But don't be impressed right away, as just ahead is the beautiful and new (2003), custom-built cabin with the works: screened-in porch, cathedral ceilings, large great room, and all pine walls. According to Kathleen Wyman of Newcastle Square Realty, the furnishings are far from bare-bones. New Ethan Allen furniture graces the interior, including a living-room set, dining table, and bedroom furniture, with room for 13 to sleep. If that's not enough, Wyman says there's “plenty of room on the island to add on to the existing building or perhaps build another. The island will support a full in-ground septic system if you decide to upgrade.” Although the island is technically “off the grid,” she says a reliable and efficient propane generator-battery-inverter system provides power.

Two large docks, a swim float, small wade-in beach area, and boat mooring ensure water access on the rocky shoreline, and bass and pickerel make for good fishing.

And they don't call it Birdsong Island for nothing. Not only will loons, chickadees, and robins provide the overture while you savor the light breeze and sunshine—occasionally you'll see a bald eagle flying by, enjoying the same.

Kathleen Wyman, Newcastle Square Realty, 563-1003

Genthner Island $375,000

Maybe you're seeking an island location that's just out of reach, or at least very out of the way. According to real estate agent George Feus, seven-acre Genthner Island in Pemaquid Pond could be just your place.

From Route 1, take Winslow Hill Road to Duck Puddle Pond to Brown Road. Basically just a swath in the woods, the access point is not clearly marked. A kayak might be handy to get you through the shallow waters, out to the pond, and around the island to where the camp and dock are located.

Complete with a screened-in porch, the two-bedroom getaway is rustic but set up with most furnishings: kitchen, full bath, and living room with an Ashley wood stove. The propane-fueled generator powers the water heater and refrigerator, as well as some gas lights in the cottage.

The shore has both rocky and sandy beaches, with nice swimming access, and if you love to fish, you'll have your choice of bass, perch, pickerel, and brown trout. More good news: the land is protected by conservation easements to remain forever in its pristine state. If you're interested, jump on this opportunity. According to Feus, there was “a lot of interest over the winter, surprisingly.”

George Feus, Drum & Drum Real Estate, gefus@tidewater.net

Crane Island $2,900,000

At the southern edge of Lake Megunticook, less than three miles from scenic Camden Village, leave the car in your private parking lot at your dock (yours when you purchase Crane Island) and boat out about a mile to your idyllic retreat. Embracing almost 16 pristine acres, Crane Island combines exceptional privacy, natural beauty, and accessibility.

According to realtor Terry Sortwell, one of the most magnificent vistas the island offers is on the western side, where “the entire view is of untouched Fernald's Neck, land protected by the Nature Conservancy.” Beautiful views of the Camden Hills complete the tableau.

Although this property is being sold as one piece of land, says Sortwell, “the island itself is divided into three lots. Perfect to develop into a family compound, if that's what you're looking for, or an opportunity to go into the land with a friend.”

One lovely four-bedroom, three-bath cottage already exists on Crane Island, but there is the potential to build three additional houses. Power is available from the mainland.

Terry Sortwell, Landvest, Inc., 236-3543, www.Landvest.com

Lower Birch Islands (2) $1,795,000

Drive past Harrington on Route 1 North, then take a right down Ripley's Neck. Go to the point and head out into Pleasant Bay to the two Lower Birch Islands. You'll want to leave your boat on the larger 24-acre island, on the north side, where you'll find a beach and a trail into the woods.

Follow the trail through a fragrant forest of spruce and pine until you find a field and a two-story post-and-beam house with a wraparound deck. Realtor James Trimble claims the house is “really beautifully made, and cost $500,000 to build when it was constructed over 20 years ago. Timber-framed, it has these amazing hand-pegged floors.” It also has three bedrooms, wood stove, fireplace, and solar-generated electricity and hot water.

Trimble suggests the smaller island, still a generous six acres, “offers a great building opportunity. You could really create the type of place you wanted. And it's accessible from the larger island through a quick walk at low tide.”

James Trimble, Trimble Real Estate, 947-1507, www.trimblerealty.com

Blarney Island $349,000

Take Route 109 to Acton past Mousam Lake. Turn right onto Goosepond Road, then left onto West Shore Road. Look for Street No. 1266; you'll be led down a dirt road to a private, shared dock on Square Pond. A quick boat trip out about 300 yards leads you to .8-acre Blarney Island.

Owner John Simonds points out that the island offers the feeling of being alone with your thoughts while being easily accessible. “It's easy to get around. Pine, birch, and poplar trees offer the squirrels a place to live, but there's no grass.” In addition, two sandy beaches make the water easy to get into, with no steep approaches to the shore on the island.

The cabin is deceptive from the outside, appearing to be a simple, one-story log ranch. Inside offers much more, including kitchen, living room, three bedrooms, and bathroom. The place has been redone, according to Simonds, with “hickory cabinets, cherry wood floors, custom cherry countertops, a gas convection oven, and a Fisher Paykel refrigerator.” The cabin also has electricity and a phone line.

But the view might be the finest point here. You can see a mile and a half in front if you look south, and even from inside, a seat on the living room couch offers a scenic panorama.

Call owner John Simonds, 324-7578.

Blake Island $549,000

Say you live in Waterville, Augusta, or even Portland, and the idea of a long drive to get to your great escape takes the wind out of your sails. Blake Island, on Messalonskee Lake in centrally located Oakland, gives you the chance to enjoy an unspoiled yet convenient island experience.

Seven beautifully wooded acres on one of the pristine and historic Belgrade Lakes, along with approximately 2,500 feet of lovely lake shoreline, give your city-weary eyes something spectacular to take in. Towering pines with birch, mixed hardwoods, and nesting loons complete the restful scene.

Blake Island has two building sites with installed septic systems, underwater power cable, and deeded right-of-way on the mainland. As you build your ultimate dream house, enjoy swimming, fishing (salmon, trout, bass, perch), and boating on 11-mile-long Snow Pond (an alternate name for Messalonskee). Any necessities you need can be found only minutes away on the mainland.

Meredith Jancovic, Lakepoint Real Estate 495-3700, www.belgradelakepoint.com

Norton Island $3.25 million

Downeast in Pleasant Bay, South Addison, you'll find an island that is not just a remarkable piece of property, but a labor of love. When the owners bought it in 1975, they had to hike to the frontage on Eastern Harbor; at the time there were no roads in an area that is now fully developed.

The boathouse that exists there now comes with the island property and offers an ideal launching pad for the 15-minute journey out to Norton Island. Facing the ocean, this 60-plus-acre island has two sandy beaches; open meadows; spruce, fir, and birch trees; cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries; clams and mussels. Mackerel and lobster are available if you're willing to put in the work. Waves crash against bold cliffs on the southwest side and gently rock your boat at its mooring on the protected north side where the pier and float point up the hill to the two houses.

Both buildings, in addition to a third small generator house, are completely shielded from one another to maintain maximum privacy. The board-and-batten guest house is about 1,000 square feet (including a sleeping loft). A Russian stove fireplace, gas stove, gas refrigerator, and instant hot water for the kitchen and shower provide comfort, and sliding glass doors opening on the large terraced deck provide inspiration.

The shingled, 10-year-old main house is about 2,500 square feet and offers a south-facing sunroom/greenhouse one step down from an enormous kitchen. The kitchen has a gas stove, gas oven, electric refrigerator, electric freezer, and instant hot water. A solar-panel system, set up in the generator house, generates all electricity. The system is so efficient that it maintains power on the foggiest of days and can store up to five days' worth of power when need be.

The owners have taken care of this extraordinary island for almost 30 years and are looking for an ecologically aware person to continue the stewardship. This commitment is so important to the owners that they are willing to negotiate a cool $250,000 off the price in exchange for easements such as limited motor-vehicle use and a restriction on all commercial use (except for fishing).

For more information, call S. Locke at (978) 887-5143.

Jed's Island $1,500,000

Starting at Newbury Neck, slide your kayak into Blue Hill Bay and enjoy the sights as you head out to 13.6-acre Jed's Island.

But you may have unexpected company.

Owner Ann McGraw says the seals are nothing to be afraid of—in fact, they're often adventurous enough to hop right into your boat. “They're pretty friendly,” she says.

McGraw has kept Jed's Island close to its natural state, with a campsite surrounded by thick woods. Tent platforms and an outdoor kitchen (with fire pit, cupboards, and sink) help with basic camp needs. You'll need to bring your own water, but that seems a small inconvenience for the opportunity to host a clambake right on your own beach.

Not only does Blue Hill Mountain provide a breathtaking backdrop, but another unnamed island—connected to Jed's Island at low tide—invites further exploration.

Although McGraw says that the tiny place is mostly just a home for nesting birds and seals, she remembers people coming in on a helicopter once for a picnic.

More everyday miracles include gorgeous sunsets and the opportunity to see the stars unhampered by city lights. If you find that getting back in touch with nature is on your agenda, Jed's Island is your place.

Ann McGraw, Compass Point Real Estate, 374-5300, www.compassrealestate.com

Burnt Island $395,000

From Augusta, meander east down Route 3, skirting lakes like fallen blue leaves until you find Sherman's Corner. Beautiful Lake St. George should be visible ahead on your right. Park in the private spot that comes along with the purchase of the island, and boat out a mile into the lake to find the white sandy beach of Burnt Island.

The three-acre island offers wonderful views and multiple opportunities for swimming and fishing, as well as a cottage, according to realtor Sam Mitchell, in the “perfect style to suit the island.”

Although Mitchell raves about the unique, hundred-foot rock wall that creates a type of wading area, almost like a lagoon, he suggests that one of the sweetest aspects of living on Burnt Island is the body of water that surrounds it. Lake St. George is “irregular in shape, with lots of little coves. Perfect for boating and exploring.”

The realtor isn't the only one who's enchanted here: Lake St. George provides legendary escape for those looking for rustic quiet, and it has an active lake association which keeps the area as nature intended.

Call Sam Mitchell, Town & Country, 338-3500 x24

Ram Island $555,000

Located less than one mile off the tip of Camp Ellis in Saco, and accessible only by boat (mooring available), Ram Island ensures total privacy even though you're minutes from the mainland. The three-room camp may have no utilities, but it does offer a cozy fireplace and one bedroom with unsurpassed views.

Great history surrounds this island. The prior owners of Ram Island, who built and lived here, had a flair for elegance: the husband kept a nine-hole putting green meticulously groomed at all times. They also used their flagpole to signal to outsiders whether it was a good time to visit. In addition, the author of The Shadow wrote the script during a summer spent on Ram Island. Maybe Ram Island is just what you need to spark your creative spirit.

Charlene Farley, Maine Coast Properties, (800) 238-0395

Queen's Island $265,000

Drive to the town of Andover by way of Route 120. At Roxbury Pond Beach, set your boat into the water and head toward .4-acre Queen's Island, the tiny spot of trees with the pretty house in the middle.

The ramp which leads up from the dock will take you directly to the island's house, a gorgeous 1940s two-story building created out of teak. No worries about feeling snug here in the winter: Fully insulated with a wood stove, generator, gas lights, and gas stove, it can be used all the way through snowmobiling season.

You'll find another, smaller outbuilding behind the house in nicely matching teak. Blueberry bushes run wild and a number of bird species make this island their home, too—among them blue heron and ducks. Don't be surprised to see an eagle taking in the views as well; he knows a good place when he sees one.

James Trimble, Trimble Real Estate, 947-1507, www.trimblerealty.com

Narrows Island $298,000

Located in a firth connecting Gardner Lake and Second Lake, Narrows Island is truly hidden in the heart of Maine's Washington County. You'll need to find the town of Marion first; there you'll see a boat landing with your name on it. Heading out to the island, you'll experience that wonderful sense of being isolated while knowing you've got the advantages of nearby civilization.

One of the major appeals, claims real estate agent Dan Martinson, is that Gardner and Second lakes are “two of the state's most picturesque sporting destinations.” Ideal for fishing, boating, and sailing, the six-acre island is a perfect location and size to support a cabin or small sporting lodge. Martinson agrees that the island has “many building possibilities and has been approved for power from underground.”

Whether you'd prefer taking in the stunning autumn colors the island's trees provide or lounging on the sandy beach, you'll no doubt take advantage of breathtaking views of both sunset and sunrise, and even of Acadia National Park's dramatic peaks in the distance.

Dan Martinson, Trimble Private Brokerage, 598-7799.

Sister's Island $895,000

Pick your jumping-off point: Brunswick, Freeport, or any of the boat launches surrounding the Harraseeket River area, and take the quick trip out to what was formerly known as Cistern Island.

Sheltered coves and a mooring dock welcome you to the deep-water shore. No need to tote the basic amenities: Sister's Island is fully equipped with, according to realtor Jane Leonard, a “very well-engineered infrastructure”: all the utilities and energy you'll need to live comfortably while being just far enough away from the manic business of Route One and the outlet stores.

The island is protected by a conservation easement in the deed, a wrinkle owner Mary Jane Guilcher feels was not only her responsibility, but her “privilege as steward of the property.” Guilcher calls the sole structure out here, a beautifully designed cottage constructed in 1995, a “real Maine camp” which provides civilized shelter on an otherwise rustic four acres. Three bedrooms, one and a half baths, and an exquisite stone fireplace pamper you while you enjoy the solemn majesty that only living on your island can provide. And the reassuring notion you're only a few minutes' boat ride away from Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster and that clam roll you've been craving.

Jane Leonard, RE/MAX by the Bay, 553-7385

© 2007 Portland Magazine Colin Sargent, Editor & Publisher editor@portlandmonthly.com Click here to subscribe