BOWDOINHAM – Secluded on its own 20 acres, which are enclosed by 400-plus acres of preserved land, here is a lovely contemporary hem designed by architect Stephen Moore, and built to inhabit its hillside setting in the natural manner of an Italian villa, its roofing ascending as the landscape does.

The elegant interior is of balloon construction (no interior supporting walls) and elevates over four light-filled levels of living, beginning in a beautifully appointed foyer with flooring intricately tiled in green and terra-cotta. The main level is a short, center-stairs flight up. To the left (the south side of the east-facing home) is a double-galley cook’s kitchen, with new, butcher block surfaces and slate sink, and stainless appliances including Viking professional gas range.

The kitchen is open to a sitting room that has a woodstove and whose full-view door accesses a sunny, two-level deck and terraced raised beds. Down a carpeted hallway are a spacious, updated full bath; good-sized second bedroom with built-in desk and shelving; and a very large end bedroom, with twin double closets.

The dining room, on the far side of the main level, has as a companion a hydrangea-draped “morning porch” outside. Up again, the living room seems a level unto itself, a haven for relaxation and conversation, its walls perfect for art display.

A few steps away, the lofty library has shelving to hold 4,000 volumes, and a desk space at the window. A short hall leads to the master suite – also lofty, with two double closets, and both shower enclosure and jet soaking tub in the bath.

The walkout lower level includes a carpeted, daylight storage room (or fourth bedroom); a large laundry room, and a pair of storage rooms. Forced hot water heat is four-zone, and the home’s superb energy-efficiency is complemented by an air exchanger. Generator, security system, and an elevator to the main level are further advantages.

A landscaped stairway leads down the slope to the four-stall horse barn, with paddock and fenced-in pasture. (Please inquire about additional available acreage.)

The location is just 5 miles from I-295, via Route 24 through charming Bowdoinham village. Boaters will appreciate the proximity of Merrymeeting Bay with its Kennebec River access, and there’s a public boat launch just across the river in town.

The 2,350-square-foot home at 181 Center’s Point Road, Bowdoinham, is listed for sale at $389,900 by S. Curtis Fish of Sharon Drake Real Estate in Bath, and is being shown by appointment. For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Curt at 443-1005, 443-4444, or at cfish@sharondrake.com.

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

Staff photos by Derek Davis.

Send home feature suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.