SCARBOROUGH – Steps from the sands, in the heart of one of southern Maine’s most desirable oceanfront communities, here is a vintage cottage built in 1900; winterized to become year-round in the mid-1980s, with upgraded windows, electrical, oil-fired heat, and newer foundation;   and now on the market after having been in the same family since 1970.

Higgins Beach is well-known as a multi-generational enclave to which families return decade after decade. This home offers the opportunity for a new family to begin building its own traditions. The house is move-in ready, but does need cosmetic attention. In one sense, that is part of its appeal: The new owners will have a seaside classic to customize to their liking.

Although not large, at 704 square feet, the cottage’s living space is extended by about 200 square feet by its spacious porches – enclosed to the front and on the south side, and open but covered and running the length of the other side.

There are ocean views from the front porch, and from the very back; some buyers might choose to add a deck at the rear of the house, above the big back yard. While it is not possible to give specifics here, it should be noted that the property has some expansion potential to be explored.

Off-street parking for several vehicles is along a driveway on the beach side of the house. The full basement has an outside entrance and provides some storage.

The second floor has a definite “camp” feel –floors and walls are rough. But the front bedroom is good-sized, with both a double and a single closet, and the side, No. 2 bedroom has a southeasterly view of the water. There’s a half-bath, too, at the back.

The home at 7 Ocean Ave., Higgins Beach, Scarborough, is listed for sale at $599,000 by Ken Lane of The Maine Real Estate Network.

Please note that an Open House will be held here from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today, Sunday Aug. 2.

For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Ken at 282-5000 ext. 204; 776-3414; or at klane6@maine.rr.com.

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Maine Sunday Telegram, the Home of the Week is provided at no cost.

Photos by Diane Maines.

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