Housing This section of the BDN aims to help readers understand Maine’s housing crisis, the volatile real estate market and the public policy behind them. Read more Housing coverage here.
A refurbished farmhouse sitting on 100 acres with a clear view of the western Maine mountains is for sale for $1.4 million.
The current owners of the 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in Phillips have lived there for more than three decades. They maintain the fields so they don’t grow over. The chief reason they’re selling the place is because they’re at retirement age and don’t want to deal with the upkeep.
Its large acreage has set it apart as a rare opportunity for homebuyers, but that’s also the reason the property has sat on the market for more than 200 days since September.
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“It’s a lot for some people to think about,” listing agent Eric Kinney said. “At that price point, you might want to take care of those fields.”
The large acreage presents plenty of opportunities for creative buyers. One is a potential subdivision, Kinney, a real estate agent with Sandy River Realty in Farmington who has also worked in the area as a builder for the last 45 years, said. He said “decent” homes are in real short supply in Phillips, where this is the only home for sale.
One prospective buyer has been interested in maintaining the fields and restoring the property back to what its purpose was decades ago: a working farm. But most are just looking for a full-time residence. Some are interested in splitting the parcel up to sell off land, Kinney said.
The listing is one of 32 properties for sale in Maine as of Thursday that sit on 100 acres or more. Such a large parcel of land is a much rarer find today than it was just a few years ago, Kinney said.
“There’s fewer and fewer of those,” he said. “There’s not many places left with this acreage, views, privacy.”
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Many larger properties like this listing were sold to people from out of state during the COVID-era real estate boom, the agent said. At the pandemic’s outset, people wanted to get away and buy their own private space. Maine had plenty of properties that fit the bill.
Today, that frenzy has chilled. But the luxury market is still strong and properties like Kinney’s going for more than $1 million are still seeing a high level of interest. A mix of both local and out-of-state buyers have been interested in purchasing the Phillips property since it was listed for sale in September, but none have followed through with an offer yet.
The farmhouse itself is an attraction, boasting more than 2,500 square feet of living space with views and tasteful updates made by the current owners. It was built in 1850, so has rustic charm and antique quirks including two wood stoves, but the owners have installed a new furnace, alarms, electrical systems and insulation. It also has a firepit, root cellar, barn, shed and a three-car attached garage.
The property is rural, but is less than 10 minutes from in-town Phillips, a small town that still retains some amenities including a grocery store. It’s about a half-hour to both Farmington and the four-season vacation destination of Rangeley. The road that splits the property is town-maintained, an added bonus in the winter months.
“It’s just a unique property, with the views and everything that goes with it,” Kinney said. “It’s just serene up there.”
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Democrat Graham Platner has picked up another high-profile endorsement in his bid to flip a key Senate seat blue, marking another sign of the oyster farmer and combat veteran’s political resiliency even as he continues to face controversy throughout his campaign.
Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego announced Monday that he was backing Platner, saying that the first-time candidate “reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine.”
“Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn’t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,” said Gallego, who won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024 by more than 2 points while Trump carried the state by nearly 6 points.
Platner has previously been endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat.
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However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Platner’s main opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
Both Platner, 41, and Mills, 78, are hoping to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, a five-term incumbent who announced last month that she was running for another term. A victory in Maine is crucial for Democrats’ efforts to take back control of the Senate. The Democratic Party needs to net four seats to retake the Senate majority, and they are aiming to do that in Maine, North Carolina, Alaska and Ohio.
READ MORE: Maine’s Graham Platner thinks voters will overlook his past to support a new type of candidate
Platner has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message. He’s pressed forward despite controversies over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he recently had covered up.
Gallego is among the Democrats named as possible 2028 presidential contenders. Last fall, he stumped in New Jersey, Virginia and Florida, where he campaigned for Democrats who went on to win their elections.
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“I have an immense amount of respect for him and I’m looking forward to joining him as a fellow Marine and combat infantryman in the U.S. Senate,” Platner said in a statement.
Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
On March 2, Spurwink will join community partners for a special viewing of Building Hope: Ending Homelessness in Maine at the University of Southern Maine’s McGoldrick Hall.
Directed by Richard Kane and produced by Melody Lewis-Kane, the film shines a compassionate light on the realities of Maine’s homelessness crisis. Through deeply personal stories, Building Hope explores the challenges faced by unhoused individuals and families, while highlighting the hope that emerges when communities come together to create solutions. It’s been praised for its honesty, dignity, and inspiring message: change is possible when we work together.
Following the screening, a panel of local leaders and advocates will discuss the film and the ongoing effort in Maine to end homelessness. Panelists will include Katherine Rodney, Director of Spurwink’s Living Room Crisis Center; Cullen Ryan, Chief Strategic Officer at 3Rivers; Donna Wampole, Assistant Professor of Social Work at USM; and Preble Street staff. Catherine Ryder, Spurwink’s Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, will bring her expertise in trauma-informed care and community collaboration to the panel as the moderator.
Keon Johnson had 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Maine Celtics defeated the Windy City Bulls 122-87 in an NBA G League game on Sunday afternoon at the Portland Expo.
Hason Ward scored 16 points and Jalen Bridges 14 for Maine (13-15), which had seven players score in double digits. Bridges drained four 3-pointers for the Celtics, who shot 13 for 28 (46.4%) from beyond the arc.
Max Shulga dished out 11 assists and scored nine points.
Maine led 33-18 after one quarter 72-36 at halftime.
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Keyshawn Bryant scored a game-high 25 points for Windy City (12-12).
