117 Hayward Street, Portage, ME 04768

Lake life looks pretty good from 117 Hayward Street. Set along the shores of Portage Lake, this year-round home pairs waterfront living with the practical features that make enjoying it a whole lot easier. The home is unique with a slightly unconventional, yet practical layout.

Enter from the driveway on the upper level, where you'll find the bedrooms and half bath, then head downstairs to the lake level where the kitchen, full bath and laundry put everyday living closer to the water. Both levels have their own decks, plus there's a screened porch for enjoying those Maine summer evenings without becoming dinner for the mosquitoes.

Nearly to the end of a shorter, dead-end lake road, the setting offers less traffic and a little more privacy. Mature foliage on one side and fencing on the other create separation from the neighbors (who happen to be pretty great anyway). A two-car garage, storage shed, drilled well and engineered gravity-fed septic system add to the practical side of lake life since no septic pump station is needed here.

Two heat pumps provide heating and cooling, with a propane monitor heater for additional heat, and a whole-house generator keeps things running when the Maine weather has other plans. And when summer ends, you don't have to pack up the fun. ATV and snowmobile access put four-season recreation practically outside your door. Portage Lake has a way of making everyday life feel a little more like vacation. And this is a pretty great place to experience it.