‘Sign me up’: Readers would love to stay on this bare-bones Maine island
Duck Ledges Island may only have a cabin and an outhouse, but for some Boston.com readers, it's the dream getaway.
Duck Ledges Island, a private island off the coast of Maine without plumbing or Wi-Fi, isn’t the ideal destination if you’re looking for an all-inclusive vacation, but it is the perfect place for a number of Boston.com readers.
Related
Listed: A private island off the coast of Maine for $339,000
The island is on the market for $339,000, and we asked readers whether they could see themselves vacationing or even living on the island. Most of the 45 readers who responded to our poll said they’d happily stay on the island for a trip, but many still balked at the idea of living there full time.
“A solid weather report, first. Then I’d definitely spend some time there,” said Paul W. from Wendell. “Buy it? Nope. One day the owner will wake up to find it has been washed away. Prefer not to be inside there when it happens, because it will!”
The 1.1-acre island isn’t completely empty. There’s a two-room cottage with enough space for two and an outbuilding for when nature calls. The house includes a kitchen, dining area, cozy living space, and two single beds.
While most readers viewed the outhouse as a slight inconvenience they’d be willing to put up with, they were actually very enthused at the prospect of being cut off from the Internet while on the island. Several said that was the main appeal.
“I lived off-grid PRE-internet and with the cutest outhouse in the neighborhood for two decades,” Bill R. from Milo, Maine, said. “I wish I could go back to that way of life now!”
Readers said they’d pass time on the island by reading, making art, and taking in nature. Billy Milliken of Bold Coast Properties, the owner of the property and the agent on the listing, told Boston.com that avid kayakers and nature enthusiasts would probably most enjoy the island.
Craig P. said he’d love to spend his time on the island taking photographs of the scenery.
“I would DEFINITELY stay there for however long you’d like me to — long enough to photograph the landscape through the day and report on my life on the island,” he said. “After my last summer in Alaska, it would be an upgrade from some of the places I [stayed] while exploring the [wilderness] way up north.”
See why readers think Duck Ledges Island is a great location to unplug from the daily stress:
Some entries may be edited for length and clarity.
I’d vacation there.
“After hectic jobs, raising children, and the cruel world we are currently living in, being able to enjoy this beautiful island would be an amazing opportunity! Each day we see more hate and cruelty than the day before; being able to have even a brief moment of peace, time for self-reflection…that would be priceless!” — Tara L., Campton, N.H.
“When I’m looking to vacation, I’m also interested in disconnecting from my busy work and home life. To completely open myself up to a new and nostalgic experience. I grew up visiting a family camp in the woods of New Hampshire where no plumbing was normal and you trekked to an outhouse when you had to go. It was just the way of life. Some of my fondest memories were living more simply.” — Jen C., Lowell
“No internet would be great. I would enjoy the time reading. And having an outhouse is something I’ve dealt plenty with in the past. That’s a non-issue.” — Rick R., Bernardston
“To me, this would be the definition of peace and quiet. What better sound to fall asleep to than the music of nature? No Wi-Fi means no distractions and less time to sit in the outhouse watching YouTube. No wait time is always nice!” — C. Cozza, Hamden, Conn.
“Immersing oneself in nature can be incredibly restorative. I welcome the chance, at least once a year, to get off the grid and eliminate modern conveniences. Being surrounded by the raw beauty of the Maine coast with the wind, water, fog, and the sun makes for an unforgettable experience. Sign me up!” — Nicole F., Milbridge, Maine
I’d live there.
“Have you seen what the world is like lately? I’d happily live there.” — Matt P., East Longmeadow
“I love the idea of getting away from everything and everyone. Having to use an outhouse is a small price to pay for that kind of peace. As for the Internet, who needs Internet when there are books?” — Anna, Maine
“The cushiness of modern life doesn’t compare to what nature has to offer us.” — Kathy, Pembroke
“No amenities are okay! As an artist, I relish the solitary life. Just need my paints and a little boat for small adventures.” — Evelyn S., Granby
“Simple life!!! Being one with yourself, your surroundings, and nature! What more could one need to be rich with life?” — Jenny O., Roanoke, Va.
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
Subscribe to our free real estate newsletter at pages.email.bostonglobe.com/AddressSignUp. Follow us on Twitter @GlobeHomes and Boston.com on Facebook.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com