Mount Desert Island is everything you love about Maine—stunning coastlines, historic towns, and of course – the incredible Acadia National Park. Whether you’re here to explore or looking for a place to call home, the island offers endless outdoor fun, a laid-back community, and some of the most beautiful scenery around. Dive into some local highlights and explore our featured listings below!
Hike, Paddle, and Explore Acadia National Park
Living on Mount Desert Island means Acadia is right in your backyard. With miles of trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding, there’s something for every nature lover. Whether it’s a morning hike up Cadillac Mountain, a peaceful kayak ride on Jordan Pond, or a family picnic by the shore, Acadia offers endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. One of the highlights of Acadia National Park is its 45 miles of historic Carriage Trails, perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The trails offer stone bridges, mountain views, and peaceful forest paths. It’s an ideal way to experience the beauty of Mount Desert Island at your own pace.
Dive into Bar Harbor’s Local Events and Festivities
Bar Harbor is not just a scenic coastal town; it’s also the center of a tight-knit community with events and fairs year-round. You’ll find farmer’s markets, the annual Acadia Night Sky Festival, and Fourth of July celebrations that light up the harbor. The Bar Harbor Art Festival and food fairs are perfect ways to enjoy local art, fresh seafood, and seasonal flavors.
Enjoy the Quiet of Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor
For a quieter slice of island life, explore Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor. These communities host classic New England charm and often hold small, local events, art shows, and even boat races that bring the community together. Don’t miss a visit to the Asticou Azalea Garden for a tranquil stroll, or the fun pop-up markets and garden fairs throughout the year.
Take a Boat Tour or Mailboat Ride to the Cranberry Isles
One of the best ways to take in the coastal charm of Mount Desert Island is by boat. Hop on a boat tour or take a mailboat ride to explore the nearby Cranberry Isles. These charming islands offer a quiet escape with stunning views of the ocean and glimpses of Maine’s traditional island life. It’s a great way to see the beauty of the region from a different perspective.
Our Featured Listings on Mount Desert Island
At Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, we’re proud to offer homes that let you experience all that Mount Desert Island has to offer. Each listing brings you closer to the lifestyle this area is known for. For more information on Mount Desert Island, visit our local guide here, and view our featured listings in the area below:
Lot 001 Crooked Road, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Offered at $3,500,000
Listed by Laura Farr
This impressive parcel offers a rare opportunity in Bar Harbor to own one of the largest privately held parcels of land. Spanning 179.2 acres, this property is conveniently located mid-island, making it accessible yet secluded nestled within the embrace of nature. With five newly approved lots, there’s flexibility for conservation, development, or creating a legacy property, offering options for a ‘kingdom parcel’ or a mix of all. The land is rich in wildlife and adjacent to Maine Coast Heritage Trust land, adding a level of privacy and natural beauty. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the untouched wilderness, providing a canvas for birdwatching, photography, or simply unwinding amidst the whispers of the wind. Towering pines, sturdy oaks, and graceful maples populate the land, their branches intertwining to form a lush, green mosaic. Fully surveyed, the property features 1,493 feet of road frontage, leading to a back elevation of 250 feet, which provides spectacular views and a sense of grandeur. Importantly, this land is not in tree growth, allowing full flexibility for future use without restrictions tied to tree growth status. This is the quintessential Maine landscape, with expansive forests, big-sky panoramas, and the opportunity to create a private haven. Perfect for those seeking a balance of convenience and a pristine natural setting for enjoyment today and preservation for the future. This parcel has several components already completed including wetland delineations, vernal pools, civil engineering, five approved lots with septic fields plans, and a new driveway initiated for access.
8 Gunlow Pond Road, Tremont, ME 04612
Offered at $2,850,000
Listed by Abigail Curless
Spectacular deepwater frontage with private mooring and a new 150′ pier with float/dock on the western shores of Mount Desert Island. The expansive gently sloping fields lead to a crescent cobblestone beach of nearly 200′. The 5.9 acres consist of five independent parcels that could be developed into five separate residential lots or crafted into one remarkable seaside estate. The three dwellings consist of a rustic beach cabin, a studio bungalow, and a charming 1850s year-round home, each a successful rental with stellar reviews. This unique offering enjoys southern exposure and island views from nearly every vantage point. A rare waterfront offering on the coast of Maine.
152 & 158 Richtown Road, Tremont, ME 04612
Offered at $2,195,000
Listed by Kristi Jacoby
Two spacious waterfront homes, 7 bedrooms combined, being offered together as a family compound or investment property located on the Quiet Side of MDI. One has four bedrooms and the other three, all with en-suite bathrooms, open living/dining areas, full spacious kitchens, and screened-in porches with spectacular western views over Duck Cove. Both properties have large, separate family/game rooms, laundry rooms and outside dining areas. The expansive lawn and Adirondack chairs offer a great place to visit, curl up with a book, soak up the sun and or star-gaze. The very accessible beach is great for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding in the protected cove. Richtown Road is a crescent with two entrances and a quiet place to stroll, walk dogs or ride bikes. Excellent rental history and comes fully outfitted.
196 Main Street, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Offered at $850,000
Listed by Kristi Jacoby
At the entrance to MDI’s Southwest Harbor and Acadia National Park, the recently renovated historic Wayside Inn awaits its next chapter. Once a favorite place for steamed lobsters, homemade meals, and rooms for tired hikers, the renovated, modernized space is ready to fill a need for more places to eat, sleep or shop for tourists, locals, and crew alike. With a new entrance off the DOT permitted parking area for 14 spaces, accessible ramp, enclosed wrap-around porch, large kitchen, four bedrooms and an unfinished third floor the possibilities are many. The beloved Milagro Coffee and Expresso shop with a two-bedroom apartment across the street is also for sale (MLS#1592481. The Wayside would be a perfect place to accommodate their growing crowds and loyal followers. Seal Cove Road leads to the beautiful trails of ANP’s Quietside and biking off Western Mountain road. The Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden is directly across the street and sidewalks lead to a short stroll to the village and hikes off Fernald Point Road. A vibrant year-round community, Southwest Harbor welcomes what’s next!
3 Wayman Lane, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Offered at $745,000
Listed by Abigail Curless and Nicole Richardson
Nestled in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home epitomizes comfort and convenience. Step into a thoughtfully updated residence boasting spacious rooms ideal for both indoor gatherings and outdoor entertainment on the expansive south-facing deck. The light-filled sunken living room offers a warm ambiance with a gas fireplace and a beautiful built-in bookcase. Hardwood floors and tile blend tastefully throughout the home and an additional gas fireplace in the entry provides a warm greeting space to welcome guests. A short walk to the end of Wayman Lane brings you to the ocean’s edge with direct access to the Shore path and views of Bald Porcupine and Ironbound Islands. A short walk in the opposite direction brings you to many of Bar Harbor’s favorite restaurants and shops. Coveted off-street parking is accessed by Center Street. Whether you’re seeking a turnkey retreat or an inviting year-round residence, this property offers the flexibility to suit your needs.
46 Greeley Avenue, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Offered at $695,000
Listed by Nicole Richardson
Discover your perfect home in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor! This property was fully renovated in 2020, offering modern living with the charm of classic design. Boasting 2 bedrooms and 1.5 pristine bathrooms, this home features stunning wood floors throughout, adding warmth and elegance to every room. Enjoy the beauty of every season from your glassed-in porch, perfect for relaxing with a book or hosting friends. The gleaming kitchen features granite countertops and ample storage that provide both style and functionality. Although the busy town is just a stone’s throw away, Greeley Avenue is a quiet, no through street offering a peaceful retreat for those who live here. A short walk to local restaurants, shops, and the grocery store, this home is also within a few miles of the breathtaking Acadia National Park, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. A multiple vehicle driveway and a dry basement for additional storage offers convenience and peace of mind. Low maintenance living at its finest, this home is perfect for those seeking a blend of comfort, style, and a prime location in the lively Bar Harbor community. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this beautiful home your own!
19 Upper Dunbar Road, Mount Desert, ME 04675
Offered at $425,000
Listed by Jan Moore
A modest year-round residence in the coveted village of Seal Harbor. Located from Route 3 within proximity to all the amenities of Seal Harbor: ANP hiking trails and carriage roads, Jordan Pond, Seal Harbor Beach, VIS village green and trails, Main St. shops, post office and restaurant. The four room, two-bedroom cottage is currently rented monthly. A 24-hr. minimum notice required for showings.
If Mount Desert Island sounds like the ideal place for you, reach out to view these exclusive listings!
