Built in 1879 by John J. Somes, this historic cottage is centrally located in the heart of Mount Desert Island. Thoughtfully preserved with modern updates, the interior blends the charm of the past with comforts of now, with an updated, open kitchen and a bright year-round sunroom. The cedar shingle barn houses bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, skis, and skates, and can also be used as a garage or envisioned anew. Surrounded by perennials, the backyard is sunny and there is a firepit, too. Paved sidewalks border the Somes Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary across the street which leads to the iconic mill pond and footbridge as well as to the private Somesville Landing, of which you can become a member of. Landing members have access to kayak or paddle board storage, a dinghy dock, the option to apply for a mooring and dedicated parking. Walk in the other direction and you are swimming in the freshwater of Somes Pond, or picking up organic produce from Beech Hill Farm on your way to some of Acadia National Park's most scenic trails.
Single-familyProperty Type
1879Year Built
0.27 acresLot Size
$508Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
1 car garageParking
Listed by Kristi Jacoby• The Knowles Company
Contact: 207 276-3322
Bought with Janet Moore• Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
Everything about this property personifies Maine, The Way Life Should Be and now it can be your life too! Located in the quintessential coastal Maine community of Somesville this home was built in 1879 by John J. Somes. The owners have given careful attention to it's restoration along with additions in 2007 of the sunroom, kitchen, and bath. The interior has been thoughtfully curated with furnishings both antique and modern making a perfect blend of style and comfort. Most furnishings are available for purchase outside of the home sale. There are hardwood floors throughout the first floor and original wide pine board floors upstairs. An original barn provides space for a vehicle along with ample storage. Whether year round or seasonal you'll find your piece of heaven on earth right here! As a property owner in Somesville you'll have the possibility of annual access to a private shorefront lot where you will have two parking passes, kayak storage, and an easy launching area. Additional access may include docking for your dinghy and you can apply for a mooring in the harbor with the town of Mt. Desert. Village amenities include Acadia Repertory Theatre offering free preview of shows to residents, the MDI Historical Society overlooking the mill pond and iconic footbridge, the Somesville Library, a gallery, and a gas station/convenience store. Across from the house is the Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary on Somes Pond where you can access a great swimming spot. This land will never be developed so your view will always be scenic. Close by is Acadia National Park, Echo Lake, and the popular island communities of Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Northeast Harbor. The free Island Explorier bus will take you there! Just around the corner from the house is Beech Mountain Farm where you can buy fresh vegetables in the summer. Camp Beech Cliff summer camp is nearby as well. Vacationland awaits your arrival!
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2024
$3,380 (+6.7%)
$84,700 + $278,700
$363,400
2023
$3,169 (+8.5%)
$84,700 + $278,700
$363,400
2022
$2,922 (+60.0%)
$84,700 + $278,700
$363,400
2021
$1,826 (+3.4%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2020
$1,766 (+0.4%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2019
$1,759 (+3.7%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2018
$1,697 (+3.3%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2017
$1,642 (+2.1%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2016
$1,609 (+2.3%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2015
$1,573 (+4.9%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2013
$1,500
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
Tax history for 20 Pretty Marsh Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2024
$3,380 (+6.7%)
$84,700 + $278,700
$363,400
2023
$3,169 (+8.5%)
$84,700 + $278,700
$363,400
2022
$2,922 (+60.0%)
$84,700 + $278,700
$363,400
2021
$1,826 (+3.4%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2020
$1,766 (+0.4%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2019
$1,759 (+3.7%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2018
$1,697 (+3.3%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2017
$1,642 (+2.1%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2016
$1,609 (+2.3%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2015
$1,573 (+4.9%)
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
2013
$1,500
$96,800 + $124,500
$221,300
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Other Equipment: Water Radon Mitigation System, Internet Access Available
Exterior
Building Information
Construction Materials: Wood Siding, Wood Frame
Foundation Details: Pillar/Post/Pier
Total Building Area (Sq. Ft.): 1,162
Building Area Source: Public Records
Property Information
Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence
Year Built: 1879
Above-Grade Finished Area (Sq. Ft.): 1,162
Lot Information
Lot Size (Sq. Ft.): $11,761.20
Lot Size (Acres): 0.27
Lot Size Source: Public Records
Lot Features: Well Landscaped, Sidewalks, Abuts Conservation, Historic District, Near Golf Course, Near Public Beach, Near Town
Road Surface Type: Paved
Zoning: VR2
Financial
Tax Information
Annual Tax Amount: $1,826
Tax Year: 2021
Utilities
Utility Information
Has Heating
Heating: Direct Vent Heater, Hot Air
Electric: Circuit Breakers
Sewer: Public Sewer
Water Source: Well
Water Heater: Electric
Location
Location Information
Unparsed Address: 20 Pretty Marsh Road, Mount Desert, ME 04660
Directions: From 102 South, take a right at Pretty Marsh Road just past the Somesville Fire Station and across from Acadia Repertory Theatre. Number #20 is on the left.
Public facts
Beds: 3
Baths: 1.0
Sq. Ft.: 1,162
Stories: 2.0
Lot Size: 9,148 square feet
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1879
Year Renovated: —
County: Hancock County
APN: 667634
Home facts updated by county records on Jul 27, 2026
Around this home
Schools
Mt Desert Elementary School
Public PreK-8 • Assigned • 4.9mi
10/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Lifestyle
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
3/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 86° expected this year, 16 days in 30 years
6/10 Wind Factor
68% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
1/10 Air Factor
0 unhealthy days expected this year, 0 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Mount Desert, ME • 04660
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
29
15
32
14
41
27
50
36
60
45
71
53
74
59
73
55
69
53
58
44
47
34
34
20
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
In this area, properties receive around 7.5 hours in
June and 3 hours in December, placing it below the
U.S. average for solar exposure.
7.5 hrs
3 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Estimated sale price
$561,000 – $680,000
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