Wooded retreat in southern Maine

Description

Formerly worked in academia, but now firmly entrenched in nonprofit/philanthropic work. I split my time between Philadelphia and Maine. The house is a beautiful, peaceful escape, yet is only 30 minutes from Portland or just over 90 minutes from Boston. (Amtrak train service is 10 minutes from the house.) Ideal for those who seek a quiet retreat with easy access to beaches, great restaurants, and no shortage of opportunities to explore. Start the day with coffee on the back patio and enjoy watching the chipmunks frolic and the many birds (hummingbirds, chickadees, wrens, woodpeckers, goldfinches, titmouses, and more) making trips to the feeders and native plants. (If you’re not a birder when you arrive, you’ll be one before you leave. Birders also won’t want to miss East Point Sanctuary down the road in Biddeford Pool.) Don’t be surprised to see wild turkeys strutting through the yard either. Located on 4.5 wooded acres, this 2-bedroom house is located 5 miles (10 min drive) from the town of Biddeford and 1.5 miles (4 min drive) from some of the best beaches in Maine (Biddeford Pool, Middle Beach, and Fortunes Rocks), particularly for those who enjoy surfing. For calmer waters, walk 15 minutes across the University of New England campus to Freddy Beach or Hills Beach, where you can also swim, kayak, or paddleboard. Depending on the season, there are ample opportunities to pick fresh blueberries, blackberries, and fire cherries within steps of the back door. Peep the leaves in autumn. Cozy up to the fire, hibernate, and enjoy the peacefulness of the winter. Skiers and snowboarders can reach resorts in Maine in as little as an hour (Lost Valley) or 90 minutes (Shawnee Peak) or reach the White Mountains of New Hampshire in two hours. Take the opportunity to take a long walk along the Timber Point Trail or other parts of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge anytime of year. There are too many great restaurants to list, as well as breweries, distilleries, and creameries - both in and around Biddeford/Kennebunkport, as well as up the road in Portland. The kitchen has all you’ll need to cook (or grill) from the house, including top-of-the-line appliances and cookware, but I’m also more than happy to provide restaurant recommendations. The two bedrooms are large and each contains a small desk. There's also a desk in the open/common area on the first floor. The finished basement could also be used as a writing/studio space. Nearby: Portland (23 miles; 30 minutes north) Kennebunkport (10 miles; 15 min) Portsmouth, NH (40 miles; 45 min) Boston (100 miles; 1h 40min)