Luxury Homes

Writer Paul Theroux lists his private island in Maine. Price: $1.27m

“John Donne said ‘No man is an island.’ I beg to differ.”

Paul Theroux's Maine property, known as Calf Island, has a main home, a guest house, a shed, and a dock. Kate Sfeir

October 10, 2024

2 minutes to read

The acclaimed author of novels such as “The Mosquito Coast” and “The Great Railway Bazaar” has listed his four-bed, two-bath Maine retreat, known as Calf Island, for $1,275,000.

“John Donne said ‘No man is an island.’ I beg to differ,” Paul Theroux told Boston.com via email through his representative. “It’s a small boat owner’s dream but also a writer’s dream, the ultimate in privacy and outstanding natural beauty. Ospreys in the treetops, seals and lobsters in the bay. I’ve written a great deal here but it’s time to pass it on to another lucky dreamer.”

Theroux and his family purchased Calf Island, located in Wheeler Bay, nearly 25 years ago. Surrounded by towering spruce trees, the post-and-beam-style main house was built in 1976, but there’s also a guest cottage on the property, as well as 3,124 feet of varied shorefront with numerous pocket beaches and granite outcroppings.

Featuring 1,716 square feet of living space, the main home welcomes guests on a wide front porch. Inside, the open living room offers wide windows that boast exceptional views. Exposed wood accents add to the rustic vibe.

In the kitchen, you’ll find a wood-burning stove surrounded by stone. A dine-in area also provides stunning views.

Upstairs, you’ll find the same exposed wood with touches of stone. An open room could easily function as a combined bedroom and living area.

If you’re worried about being too isolated from reality on this 7-acre island, fear not.

Megan Johnson

Correspondent

Megan Johnson is a Boston-based writer and reporter whose work appears in People, Architectural Digest, The Boston Globe, and more.

“It has water and electricity from an undersea cable from the mainland, and it’s an easy 20-minute ride in my rowboat,” Theroux continued.

The guest cottage features the same trademark exposed wood, as well as a wood-burning stove. It comes with two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The porch is the perfect spot to enjoy the zen atmosphere. There is also a small shed on the property.

In addition to meadows and walking paths through forests, the property features a long walkway over the rocks leading to a dock, which has a ramp and float system. The natural features that come with the bucolic setting are some of the most charming parts of the property.

“There’s an incredible amount of bird activity and habitats, from ospreys to eagles visiting each day,” listing agent Joseph Sortwell of LandVest/Christie’s International Real Estate told Boston.com via email.

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