A stay at our lake house in Belgrade Lakes feels like stepping into classic Maine — where mornings are quiet, days are active (or wonderfully lazy), and evenings end by the fire with the sound of water lapping against the shore.
You arrive down a peaceful wooded drive and the house opens up to a warm, pine-lined interior with soaring ceilings and sunlight pouring through tall windows. The great room is bright and airy, with a wall of glass overlooking Long Pond. From the couch, you can see straight out to the lake — the water changes color throughout the day, from soft morning silver to deep afternoon blue to glowing sunset gold.
The house comfortably sleeps 8, making it perfect for families or groups of friends. Five bedrooms and two full baths give everyone space to spread out. There’s a dining room for long meals, a cozy library lined with books for rainy afternoons, and even a pool table for friendly competition after dinner. In the cooler months, you can light one of the two wood-burning stoves and settle in with a glass of wine while the fire crackles.
Mornings often begin with coffee on the dock. Step outside and walk down to your 200 feet of private waterfront. The water in the cove is calm and clean — about 6–8 feet deep right off the dock and sloping deeper to 20 feet — perfect for swimming and diving. The lake itself stretches eight miles and is part of the pristine Belgrade Lakes chain, with over 2,700 acres of clear, clean water.
You can paddle out in one of the kayaks or the stand-up paddle board that are always in the boat house for a quiet cruise along the shoreline. Early mornings are glassy and peaceful — loons call in the distance, and the mist lifts off the water as the sun rises. If you’re into fishing, Long Pond is full of smallmouth bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, trout, salmon, and more. There are rods and tackle for your use already here, and the cove is known for steady action.
Midday might mean grilling on the Weber, floating on swim noodles, or reading in the hammock tucked along the path to the water. Kids can explore safely in the shallow entry near the wooded path, while stronger swimmers jump off the dock into deeper water.
If you’re feeling adventurous, boat rentals are available at Great Pond Marina. Take a pontoon boat (available upon inquiry) and cruise down to Day’s Store — a true Maine general store accessible by water. Tie up at the dock and grab sandwiches, ice cream, fresh seafood, or even supplies for a lobster boil. You can also boat over to The Village Inn & Tavern or 1958 Cafe for lunch and dinner, docking at the public slips nearby.
Evenings are magic here. The lake calms, the sky glows pink and orange, and the trees reflect in the still water. Light the fire pit near the shoreline and roast marshmallows while the stars come out. With minimal light pollution, the night sky is brilliant and you can see satellites slowly passing overhead, shooting stars, and the Milky Way to the south out over the lake. You’ll hear nothing but crickets, the haunting cry of loons and the occasional splash of a fish.
Beyond the lake, the area offers incredible hiking just minutes from the house. Trails like The Mountain, Mount Phillip, French’s Mountain and the extensive Kennebec Highlands Trail, provide easy and moderate climbs with panoramic views of the Belgrade Lakes region. For a day trip, Acadia National Park is about two and a half hours away — hike along ocean cliffs at Sand Beach and Thunder Hole, or drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise and one of the most stunning U.S. National Parks.
If you prefer golf, Belgrade Lakes Golf Club is one of the most scenic courses in the Northeast. Camden and Bar Harbor make beautiful coastal excursions, and in winter, Sugarloaf and Sunday River offer excellent skiing.
Back at the house, comfort is easy. There’s WiFi, streaming TV (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu), AC heat pumps for warmer days, and all the essentials — linens, towels, paper goods, a fully equipped kitchen, and even coolers for lake days. Open the windows at night and let in the crisp Maine air — it usually cools perfectly after sunset.
A week here feels different from everyday life. Time slows down. Phones get put away. Conversations get longer. Kids spend more time in the water than on screens. Meals stretch out over stories and laughter. You go to bed tired from swimming and sun, and you wake up refreshed by quiet and fresh air.
It’s the kind of place where traditions begin — morning coffee on the dock, sunset swims, competitive pool table tournaments, lobster nights, paddleboard races, stargazing by the fire. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simple stillness, this house offers both.
A stay here isn’t just a vacation. It’s a true Maine lake experience — peaceful, active, scenic, and deeply restorative.
Included:
• Folding lawn chairs and lounge chairs
• 2 Kayaks
• Stand Up Paddle Board
• Weber Grill
• Boogie Boards and Swim Noodles
• Coffee Maker
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Wifi
• Sheets and blankets
• Towels
• Paper goods, garbage bags
• Fishing rods and tackle are in the garage. Map of good fishing spots is on the counter in the dining room.
NOTE:
• No garage access. Off-street parking in driveway accommodates 4 cars.
