DRESDEN – To ascend the curving drive and discover this lovely, private property – Ashley Knoll – is to feel elevated, literally and figuratively.

The contemporary home and its three outbuildings sit on high ground that faces west far across the broad Kennebec River.

From the front lawn, the windows and the screen porch, the unspoiled views of woods and water and magnificent sunsets routinely include eagles in flight. In this peaceful setting, their conversations carry clearly. When relaxing on the private deck off the master bedroom, you may find yourself approximately at those eagles’ height in the sky.

Back at ground level, the immediate surroundings are just as pleasing. Off the driveway is a delightful year-round, two-story cottage – living room, bedroom, kitchen/dining, full bath –that now serves as a rental, but can offer first-rate accommodation for guests.

Nearby is a huge grove of purple lilacs – budded out on the sunny morning of a recent visit, and now surely much closer to profuse bloom. (Late in May, these flowers will be succeeded by equally aromatic Miss Kim lilacs closer to the house.) A “caminito” (little path) runs through the lilacs, to enhance guests’ enjoyment at the annual “lilac party.”

Behind the house, you look past a two-car, detached garage/workshop, and a two-level barn, directly out over acres of rolling pasture and meadow. The property extends a mile back, into woods, and measures some 58 acres, about 10 of which are cleared. An equine center is one of many possibilities here; a wedding/event center is another.

Boaters (and other water sports enthusiasts) take note: Steps across the street, the property has 500 feet of river frontage on the Kennebec. Swan Island, coastal Popham Beach and Boothbay Harbor are among the readily accessible boating destinations from Ashley Knoll.

Rich history is here. The 2,469-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home was built in 1992 on the foundation of the Ashley Hotel, which operated for more than 100 years, until 1967. Today, a towering, chimney of granite from neighboring Litchfield complements the massive blocks in the full basement.

Other highlights of the much-updated home include the cook’s kitchen with a professional-grade gas range and gorgeous green surfaces of Brazilian granite; a two-story, vaulted-ceiling solarium/dining room, ideal for entertaining; and a versatile, skylit “man cave,” studio, or bedroom.

High-speed internet service is among the advantages for those who work from home. Ashley Knoll is truly country living at its finest, yet close to many of Maine’s beautiful cities and towns.

The property at 270 Cedar Grove Road, Dresden, is listed at $845,000 by Kathy Gallant of RE/MAX Riverside in Topsham.

Please contact Kathy at 841-7569, 319-7823, or at kgallant@remax.net; and be sure to visit www.ashleyknoll.info.

Open Houses will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6.