The Freeport House

During our nearly 3 years of adventure since my retirement in Feb-2012 I have often reflected on the many things in my life I have to be thankful for; family, friends, and unimaginable travel experiences in Europe, including a life in Italy for a year.  This past Thanksgiving seemed the appropriate time to share where this year’s travels landed us; Maine.

We lived in Portland for 6 months before we found and purchased a permanent home in the town of Freeport. After looking at an estimated 150 homes online, in drive-bys, and in showings, we chose our home in Freeport because it is at the end of a quiet street (surrounded by a woods on 3 sides), is walking distance to the middle of a small, fun town, and is a less than 20 minute drive to Portland. 

After removing the chimney on the left and replacing this original black roof with brown architectural shingles, we turned our attention inside. 

The kitchen had been updated a few years ago and included a new stove and micro, so no changes for now.  The previous owner had also expanded the kitchen into an open floor plan with the dining room, providing great views out of large casement windows at either end. 

Off the kitchen is the family room and like the kitchen/ dining room it provides open views of the woods at either end. 




The sliding glass doors out the back open onto a stone patio (this picture was taken with the previous owner's furniture still in the room.)

It was the bedroom where the bulk of our renovations took place.  The room on the left was a very small sitting room, the room on the right an even smaller 1^st floor bedroom. 

Taking down the wall the wall that separated them was the first step to building a master bedroom with bath and walk-in closet.

Once the demolition was complete, including the removal of an unnecessary closet and the chimney that was hidden in it, the room began to take shape.

The large “egress” windows allow a flood of natural light, and bring the wilderness outside our door practically into our bedroom.  

The new bedroom layout is amply sized yet left us enough room to build a walk in closet and full bath. 

Our renovations were completed in time for our first snowfall, which served only to affirm the warm and inviting choices we made.  This winter we will paint the two upstairs bedrooms and complete converting one of them into a reading & TV room, turning the 2^nd floor into a suite where our guests can sleep or just spend some quiet time.  With the onset of winter we look forward to Maine’s offering of snow sports, including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing at Sugarloaf and Sunday River.  Stay tuned!  

  - Doug