Private Moosehead Lake Island Retreat With 660-Sq-Ft Camp Listed for $450,000

Molly1 hour ago

3 12 minutes read

Private Moosehead Lake Island Retreat With 660-Sq-Ft Camp Listed for $450,000

Imagine waking up to the sound of water, surrounded by towering Maine pines, mountain views, and nothing but the lake between you and the mainland.

That is the experience being offered at #25 Island in Lily Bay Township, Maine, an unusual private-island property on Moosehead Lake currently listed for $450,000.

The property features a compact but beautifully renovated one-bedroom, one-bath camp with approximately 660 square feet of finished living space. According to the listing, the camp was completely renovated from the studs in 2022, creating a modern interior while preserving the atmosphere of a traditional Maine lake retreat.

But the building itself may not be the biggest attraction.

The real story here is the location.

This is an island retreat surrounded by Moosehead Lake, with approximately 200 feet of owned waterfrontage, scenic mountain views, generator power, lake-drawn water, and direct access to the unique lifestyle that comes with owning a piece of private island property.

A Private Island on Moosehead Lake

For many buyers, waterfront property means having a house near the water.

This property takes that idea considerably further.

The camp is located on an island in Moosehead Lake, creating a setting where the lake becomes part of everyday life.

There is no conventional driveway leading to the home and no standard parking area on the property. Instead, access is centered around the water.

The listing states that a dock will be needed for seasonal access and use, making dock planning one of the most important considerations for a potential buyer.

That also means the property offers a lifestyle that is very different from a typical vacation home.

Instead of pulling into a garage after work, arriving at this property involves thinking about boats, docking, water conditions, and seasonal access.

For someone who specifically wants an island getaway, that may be part of the appeal.

Approximately 200 Feet of Owned Waterfront

The property reportedly includes approximately 200 feet of owned waterfront.

That is an important feature because the camp is not simply located close to Moosehead Lake—it directly fronts the lake.

The shoreline can become the center of outdoor life, whether that means boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, wildlife watching, or simply sitting near the water.

The exact shoreline configuration and usability should still be inspected in person.

Water levels, terrain, weather, shoreline conditions, and applicable regulations can all affect how the waterfront can be used.

Buyers should also verify the precise waterfront boundaries and all rights associated with the property.

Mountain Views and Maine Sunsets

The listing highlights scenic mountain and lake views.

For a small camp, those views can make a major difference.

Rather than spending most of the day looking at neighboring houses, the windows open toward a much larger natural landscape.

The combination of water, mountains, forest, and sky creates the kind of backdrop that makes a small retreat feel much larger than its actual square footage.

The listing also highlights Moosehead Lake sunsets.

A quiet evening watching the sun disappear behind the surrounding mountains could easily become one of the defining experiences of owning the property.

Renovated From the Studs in 2022

Another major feature is the condition of the camp.

The listing states that the property was completely renovated from the studs in 2022.

That is a significant distinction from an older camp that requires a full renovation.

The interior combines modern finishes with traditional materials and a Maine camp atmosphere.

For a buyer looking for a recreational property rather than a major renovation project, the recent work may be an important part of the appeal.

Still, prospective buyers should verify the renovation history, permits, contractor records, electrical work, plumbing, insulation, structural components, and other improvements before purchasing.

A Small Camp With a Big Setting

The camp contains approximately 660 square feet.

That may sound modest compared with conventional lake houses, but the property is clearly designed around the outdoor environment.

The home has one bedroom and one full bathroom, making it particularly suited to a couple, individual owner, or small household.

The relatively compact size can also mean less interior maintenance.

Instead of managing a large vacation house with multiple unused rooms, the owner gets a focused retreat where the lake and surrounding landscape provide much of the living experience.

Open-Concept Interior

Inside, the camp features an open-concept living area.

This design allows the kitchen, dining, and living spaces to work together instead of being divided into multiple rooms.

In a 660-square-foot property, that can help maximize the usable space.

Warm wood finishes contribute to the traditional camp atmosphere, while the renovated interior gives the property a more contemporary feel.

Large windows help connect the interior with the surrounding scenery.

A Stone Accent Wall and Wood Stove

One of the most distinctive interior details is the stone accent wall with a wood stove.

The combination of natural stone and wood fits naturally within the Maine setting.

The property is also listed with a direct-vent heater, providing another heating source.

The wood stove could become particularly appealing on cool evenings when the weather encourages owners to spend more time indoors.

Before using the stove, buyers should have the appliance, chimney, flue, and related components professionally inspected.

Modern Kitchen With Center Island

The kitchen is integrated into the open living space and includes a center island.

The listing states that a gas range and refrigerator are included.

The island provides additional preparation space and can also serve as a casual eating area.

For a small camp, the kitchen appears designed around efficiency rather than excess.

That makes sense for a property where outdoor recreation and the surrounding landscape are likely to be just as important as the interior.

A Beautifully Finished Bathroom

The bathroom adds another modern element to the renovated camp.

The listing describes a tiled walk-in shower with a glass enclosure and pebble-stone floor.

The natural textures complement the wood finishes throughout the property.

There is one full bathroom, serving the one-bedroom camp.

The bathroom’s design gives the small property a more polished feel while maintaining the natural aesthetic of the retreat.

Second-Level Bedroom

The home’s one bedroom is located on the second level.

That arrangement separates the sleeping area from the main living space downstairs.

For a couple or individual owner, the one-bedroom configuration can provide everything needed for a private weekend retreat.

The limited bedroom count also keeps the property focused on smaller-scale occupancy rather than large gatherings.

Wood Floors and Natural Materials

The interior incorporates wood flooring and natural materials, reinforcing the connection between the home and its surroundings.

Wood, stone, and lake views are all elements commonly associated with traditional northern lake camps.

The 2022 renovation appears to bring those traditional elements together with updated finishes.

The result is a property that maintains a camp-like atmosphere without relying on an outdated interior.

Generator-Powered Island Living

The property has generator power, including a generator hookup.

For an island residence without conventional utility infrastructure, independent power is an important consideration.

A buyer should determine exactly what generator system is installed and what it is capable of operating.

Questions about generator size, fuel requirements, maintenance, backup power, and operating costs should be answered before purchase.

Island living can be peaceful, but it also requires owners to understand and maintain their own infrastructure.

Lake-Drawn Water

Water is supplied through a lake-drawn system.

This is another feature that distinguishes the property from a conventional home connected to municipal water.

Prospective buyers should inspect the entire system and determine how water is drawn, filtered, treated, pumped, stored, and winterized.

Understanding the maintenance requirements is especially important for anyone unfamiliar with seasonal waterfront properties.

Compost Toilet and No Sewer

The property does not have a conventional sewer system.

The listing identifies a compost toilet.

This type of system can be suitable for certain seasonal and remote properties, but buyers should understand its operation, maintenance, capacity, and regulatory requirements.

The sanitation system should be reviewed carefully during due diligence.

No Driveway and No Conventional Parking

The property has no driveway or conventional parking.

That is expected given its island location.

Instead, owners need to plan how they will travel between the mainland and the island.

This could include arrangements involving a boat, mainland parking, boat storage, marina access, and seasonal transportation.

The property’s island setting makes access one of the biggest differences between this camp and an ordinary lake house.

A Dock Will Be Needed

The listing specifically states that a dock will be needed for seasonal access and use.

This should be treated as an important part of the purchase analysis.

A prospective buyer should determine where a dock could legally be installed, whether permits are required, what type of dock is appropriate, and what the estimated installation and maintenance costs could be.

Seasonal removal and storage requirements should also be investigated if applicable.

For this property, the dock is not simply an optional luxury—it can be an important component of practical access.

Metal Roof and Post-and-Pier Foundation

The camp has a metal roof and a pillar/post/pier foundation.

The roof should be inspected for condition, weather exposure, flashing, fasteners, and other potential maintenance issues.

The post-and-pier foundation should also be evaluated by a qualified professional.

Because the property sits in a waterfront environment, moisture exposure and structural support deserve particular attention.

A 4,356-Square-Foot Island Lot

The property sits on approximately 4,356 square feet of land, or about one-tenth of an acre.

That may appear small when compared with mainland homes, but an island property is fundamentally different.

The surrounding lake provides the open environment, while the island itself provides the private setting.

The listing also includes a shed, providing additional storage for property-related equipment.

No Air Conditioning

The camp does not have conventional air conditioning.

For a seasonal Maine retreat, this may not be a significant issue for every buyer.

However, anyone expecting central air or modern whole-home cooling should be aware that it is not listed as part of the property.

The building’s insulation, windows, ventilation, and natural airflow should be evaluated to understand summer comfort.

LURC Zoning

The property is listed under LURC zoning.

This is an important consideration for anyone planning future improvements.

Because the property is located on an island and directly on Moosehead Lake, shoreline, environmental, land-use, and construction regulations can be particularly important.

Buyers should verify all applicable requirements before making plans for additions, shoreline work, dock construction, landscaping, utilities, or additional structures.

No HOA Listed

The property does not list an HOA.

That can simplify some aspects of ownership, but it does not mean the property is free from restrictions.

Zoning regulations, environmental rules, shoreline requirements, permits, easements, and other legal restrictions may still apply.

All proposed changes should be confirmed with the appropriate authorities.

Annual Property Taxes of $562

The supplied listing information reports annual property taxes of approximately $562.

Buyers should independently verify the current tax amount before purchasing.

Property taxes can change, and the current figure should be included in the buyer’s overall ownership budget along with insurance, transportation, utilities, maintenance, and dock-related expenses.

Listed for $450,000

The asking price is $450,000.

The property had reportedly been listed on Zillow for 14 days based on the supplied information and had accumulated more than 21,000 views and approximately 1,100 saves.

The supplied listing information also reported a Zestimate of approximately $425,500 and an indicated figure of around $682 per square foot.

Automated estimates should not be considered appraisals or guarantees of market value.

An unusual private-island property can be difficult to compare with ordinary homes because there may be relatively few directly comparable sales.

The Real Value Is in the Setting

Looking only at the 660-square-foot interior would miss much of what this property is offering.

The purchase is about more than bedrooms and square footage.

It is about owning an island location on Moosehead Lake, approximately 200 feet of owned waterfront, mountain views, privacy, a renovated camp, and a very different lifestyle from conventional residential living.

For a buyer specifically searching for a private lake retreat, those characteristics may be more important than the size of the house.

A Turn-Key Maine Escape

The listing describes the camp as a turn-key getaway.

The 2022 renovation and finished interior certainly make it different from a property requiring extensive reconstruction.

The kitchen, bathroom, flooring, heating systems, wood stove, and living spaces are already established.

However, turn-key does not mean maintenance-free.

An island property can require ongoing attention to its dock, boat access, generator, water system, compost toilet, exterior, foundation, roof, and seasonal preparation.

A professional inspection remains important.

A Private Vacation Retreat

The property could serve as a personal vacation retreat for buyers who value solitude and outdoor recreation.

One bedroom keeps the property intimate.

The open living area creates a comfortable central space, while the surrounding lake provides an enormous outdoor setting.

Days could revolve around boating and fishing, while evenings could center around the camp’s wood stove and views across the water.

The island itself becomes part of the experience.

Seasonal Access Is a Major Consideration

The seasonal nature of access deserves careful attention.

A mainland home can be reached by car at almost any hour.

An island camp requires a transportation plan.

Weather, water conditions, boat availability, docking arrangements, and seasonal conditions can all influence how easily the property can be accessed.

Buyers should understand how previous owners have reached the island and what arrangements are currently available.

Winter conditions should also be considered if year-round access is contemplated.

Important Questions Before Buying

Anyone seriously considering this property should investigate several issues before making an offer.

These include:

What is the current access arrangement to the island?
Where can the owner park on the mainland?
What type of boat is recommended?
Where can a boat be stored?
What permits are required for a dock?
What would a new dock cost?
What are the exact waterfront boundaries?
How does the lake-drawn water system operate?
What maintenance does the compost toilet require?
What generator is installed?
What systems can the generator operate?
Are renovation permits and records available?
What restrictions apply under LURC zoning?
What insurance is available?
What seasonal maintenance is required?
What are the winterization procedures?

Getting clear answers to these questions can help a buyer understand the true cost and responsibilities associated with island ownership.

A Rare Maine Real Estate Opportunity

Private island properties are inherently unusual.

A buyer searching for a conventional vacation house has countless options.

A buyer searching specifically for a renovated one-bedroom camp on a private island with approximately 200 feet of owned Moosehead Lake waterfront has a much narrower market.

That uniqueness is part of what makes this property so interesting.

The camp may be small, but the surrounding experience is anything but.

The lake provides the horizon. The mountains create the backdrop. The trees provide privacy. And the island setting separates the property from ordinary road-access homes.

Final Thoughts

#25 Island in Lily Bay Township, Maine, offers a rare combination of private island ownership, direct Moosehead Lake waterfront, mountain views, and a recently renovated camp.

Listed for $450,000, the property includes a 660-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bath camp that was completely renovated from the studs in 2022.

Inside, the camp features an open-concept living area, wood flooring, natural materials, a stone accent wall with a wood stove, a kitchen with center island, gas range and refrigerator, and a modern bathroom with a tiled walk-in shower and pebble-stone floor.

Outside, approximately 200 feet of owned waterfront puts Moosehead Lake at the center of the property.

The setting offers scenic mountain views, towering Maine pines, lake access, and the possibility of enjoying spectacular sunsets directly from the island.

The property also comes with infrastructure suited to its remote setting, including generator power, lake-drawn water, a compost toilet, direct-vent heating, and a wood stove.

At the same time, buyers need to understand that island ownership comes with responsibilities.

A dock will be needed for seasonal access and use, there is no conventional driveway or parking, there is no sewer system, and the camp does not have air conditioning.

The generator, water system, sanitation system, foundation, dock requirements, access arrangements, insurance, and zoning should all be carefully investigated.

For someone simply looking for a large lake house, this property may not fit the traditional idea of waterfront real estate.

For someone looking for privacy, island living, and a unique Maine escape, however, the property tells a very different story.

It is a small camp surrounded by a very large landscape—and that may be exactly what makes #25 Island so special.