NEW GLOUCESTER – Not “on” Sabbathday Lake, but perched high over it and enjoying sweeping views from its windows; its mahogany-floored, side-to-side back porch; its sloping back yard covered in blueberry bushes, and its picnic-dining spot at the top; this spacious, contemporary, vinyl-shingled, year-round home is ideal for entertaining or as a family retreat.

Built in 1999 by a master plumber – which helps to account for the superb quality of construction and materials; the radiant heat throughout the first floor (and set up for the oversized garage, too); and the separate zones for the four upstairs bedrooms,the home feels as new as today. Paint is fresh, maple floors refinished.

The main level is beautifully open, its center a water-facing kitchen and family room of more than 800 square feet that opens to the porch through full-view doors. The kitchen’s high-end stainless appliances include a gas range. Cabinets are cherry; counters – including a two-level work/dining island and a divider with architectural columns – are honed granite. There’s a woodstove-ready brick hearth, and two rooms to the side offer a choice of dining rooms, with the other making a perfect office.

Upstairs, the master suite (deep, double closets, and a lovely bath with steam shower, jet tub, and Corian-topped vanity) looks out to the lake; its huge “twin” bedroom is at the front of the house, and like the third bedroom, is served by a full bath. Another good-sized room is set up for washer and dryer.

The basement adds 776 square feet of living space (for a total of 3,887) in the form of two daylight, finished rooms, the larger of which makes a fine family/media room, and has walkout to a covered patio, plus a full bath attached. The largest room has great workshop/storage, and a sink, too.

The fishing is fine at 340-acre Sabbathday Lake, maximum depth 68 feet, with brown trout and brookies stocked annually, and “a limited bass population” supported, according to the state Web site. Water traffic is low-key, and undeveloped, Shaker-owned land on the lake’s west side helps maintain peace and privacy. Off Outlet Road on the north end of the lake, a sand beach and a public boat launch are available.

The home at 443 Sabbathday Road, New Gloucester, is listed for sale at $448,000 by Corki Gray of Keller Williams Realty in Portland.

For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Corki at 553-2638, 838-9366 or at cgray@kw.com.

Staff photos by Derek Davis. Summer photos by Lynn Dube, Wave5 Productions.

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Portland Press Herald, the Friday feature home is provided at no cost.

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