Great Diamond Island offers a distinctly different way of experiencing Maine. Set in Casco Bay just a short ferry ride from Portland, the island combines coastal beauty, character, and a slower pace of life with easy access to the city. Within the island, Diamond Cove is a unique private community where historic architecture, waterfront living, and the natural landscape come together in a setting that feels both removed and connected.
The Cove
The story of Diamond Cove begins with its history as a military base built during America’s Gilded Age. Today, restored barracks and officers’ quarters feature slate roofs, wooden porches, grand staircases, and fireplaces, preserving the character of the former Fort McKinley while giving these historic buildings new life as residences. Some properties date to the 19th century, while others offer the opportunity to build a new home within the waterfront community.
At the center of Diamond Cove, the historic parade ground provides a defining sense of place, surrounded by restored buildings, mature trees, and open green spaces. Along the waterfront, homes and shared spaces take advantage of views across Casco Bay, with the island landscape providing a natural backdrop to everyday life.
Amenities & Island Living
Within Diamond Cove, residents move through the community on foot, by bicycle, or by golf cart. Hiking trails, a marina, swimming, kayaking, tennis, a gym, a game room, an antique bowling alley, common waterfront areas, and other outdoor amenities make it easy to enjoy the landscape, while the Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and General Store provide places to gather within the community.
A Connected Community
The connection to Portland is an important part of the experience. Casco Bay Lines provides ferry service between Diamond Cove and Portland, making the city’s restaurants, shops, galleries, cultural attractions, and everyday amenities easily accessible while maintaining the feeling of a true island retreat. The ferry ride becomes part of the rhythm of daily life, marking the transition between the energy of the city and the quieter pace of the island.
Beyond its amenities, Diamond Cove is defined by a strong sense of community and place. Historic buildings surround the former parade ground, waterfront properties overlook Casco Bay, and wooded paths connect the community to the natural landscape. The result is a setting where history and contemporary island living exist side by side.
For those looking for a property surrounded by water, history, and natural beauty, Great Diamond Island offers an uncommon opportunity. Just across Casco Bay from Portland, it provides the feeling of getting away without giving up access to the city—a place where island living becomes part of everyday life.
Explore the active real estate listings on Great Diamond Island below and discover more about Diamond Cove and this distinctive Casco Bay community here.
40 Sunrise Lane, Portland, ME 04109
Offered at $1,500,000
Presented by Glenn Jonsson and Amy Farrell
92 McKinley Court 92, Portland, ME 04109
Offered at $645,000
Presented by Carrie Martin
119 West Shore Drive, Portland, ME 04109
Offered at $247,000
Presented by Glenn Jonsson
