There is a quaint stone house on a secluded, private island just off the coast of Maine. Charles and Barbara first discovered the island thirty years ago and, after some serious detective work, found and convinced the owner, an elderly woman who was reluctant to sell her “little childhood treasure,” that their young family with three children would cherish and take good care of it.
The island is private and secluded . . . the stone house is charming. (Photo: Tria Giovan)
The house is used as a summer residence. Living in it year-round is not an option. When storms threaten or the summer season comes to an end, winds and waves take over the island with a vengeance. From time-to-time, they also take a little something as a souvenir.
but its real lord and master is the sea.
Barbara remembers how, during one storm, their piano swayed back-and-forth on the waves, right in front of her eyes, before it was swept away. Previous waves tore two gas refrigerators from the house and took them out to the open sea. Anything in the house is at the mercy of the water.
This is the cost of living on an island off the coast of Maine.
The cozy living room is primarily white with delicate hints of yellow, blue, and green. Live plants and fresh flowers add more color. Light wood and wicker furniture were used because they were the easiest to bring to the island.
(Photo: Tria Giovan)
Original built-in cabinet under the window.
(Photo: Tria Giovan)
Charles and Barbara learned early not to pay too much attention to furnishing the house. It was a “logistical inconvenience” to transport furniture by car, load the boat, and then move everything back home when summer ended.
Thus, the furnishings are simple and functional, showcasing the charm of the house’s architecture. Suitable and affordable items were found at flea markets; and rooms are decorated mostly with lamps, baskets, and fresh flowers.
If the sea comes in and takes a chair, Barbara says they can replace it without regret.
The living room settee faces the massive stone fireplace. (Photo: Tria Giovan)
Beyond the fireplace is a bedroom with a crisp red-and-white quilt. (Photo: Tria Giovan)
In the kitchen, baskets hold utensils and silverware and there is open shelving. Dinnerware is a simple white; stemware is clear. Splashes of blue and fresh flowers liven the space and add color. (Photo: Tria Giovan)
A narrow stairway leads to the upper floor. Stone walls, rough-hewn timber, and other natural materials maintain the rustic, cottage look. (Photo: Tria Giovan)
Stone walls in the dining room are painted in shades of gray. Flea market finds fill the cupboard shelves.
(Photo: Tria Giovan)
The biggest problem was securing fresh water. The previous owners had used a well, but it eventually turned into a brine. With careful planning, Charles and Barbara managed to connect to the water supply in the nearby town on the mainland. There is no electricity; the house is lit with oil lamps. Propane gas is used for refrigeration and heat.
A rustic, raised ceiling adds drama to the upstairs bedroom. Crisp, white linens dress the beds. (Photo: Tria Giovan)
A bouquet of fresh flowers sits on an end table in an antique pewter vase. (Photo: Tria Giovan)
Because there is no electricity, oil lamps are used throughout the house. (Photo: Tria Giovan)
Charles and Barbara’s determination to make the stone island house a liveable summer home is rewarded by peace, quiet, and spectacular views. (Photo: Tria Giovan)
[left to above] 1. Sitting on the deck in front of the house, Charles and Barbara can watch their “wet garden” ripple and roar as seals and dolphins frolic in the water; 2. The view stretches as far as the eye can see and disappears into the horizon. (Photos: Tria Giovan)
Admittedly, living on a secluded island isn’t for everyone. And, for some, living without electricity in such a dangerous “neighborhood” would be unbearable. Charles and Barbara, however, appreciate the nature and privacy.
in her own words
“Life by the sea teaches humility. It was supposed to be a quiet, peaceful place.” —Barbara
Hi!
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful home. Your photography is utterly beautiful, as is your blog. I’ve been living in Maine for six years now and am falling in love with it more and more every day. I never want to leave this state. I’m located in Frannklin County though, so I’m approximately an hour and a half away from the coast. I’ve made it to Bar Harbor, Acadia, and Camden so far and boy were they incredible places. There are so many cultures and “feels” here. Each area has got its own vibe. In Western Maine, we’ve got a more campy thing going on, but on the coast, I like to say it’s much more “real world.” I’d love to take a tour of this house in your post. That would make my day. Anyway, keep up the great work. I adore your blog and have subscribed.
Jay
Hi Jay, Thanks for writing. And thanks for your kind comments about the website. Tria Giovan is the photographer. I am merely featuring her photos on what I consider to be a stunning island home. I love Maine. My brother lives on the mid-coast near Rockland. It’s a beautiful area, picturesque and vibrant, full of things to see and do. Tom and I have gone as far north as Camden—not very far at all—and fell in love with the place. It would be a dream-come-true to have a home there, high on a ridge, overlooking a large body of water. Either bay or ocean would do. We haven’t gone inland, but I imagine it to be forested, secluded, and scenic with mountains and lakes. You’re lucky to call it home.
I have just started a blog about my island home. Yours is really wonderfully done. I am getting ready to build a cottage on the same island that I am already on. By the way, your site is lovely.