Japanese Style Lakehouse Featured in Better Homes & Gardens
- Minimum stay:Contact manager
- Internet:No
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Japanese style at Little Sebago Lake. Located on a wooded peninsula at the Narrows, with the lake on both sides, the property has a sand beach (with new dock), and more than 400 feet of shorefront.
The open plan of the house, which was designed to adapt traditional Japanese rural architecture to a wooded lakefront setting, employs lots of glass, sliders and skylights, porches and engawas to embrace the natural world. The main level is dominated by a great room, a high ceilinged, timbered space with a fireplace that encompasses the living room, dining room, and fully-equipped island kitchen. The views of the surrounding woodland and lake are a constant source of pleasure.
On the second floor balcony, shojii screens set off the master bedroom suite with king-size platform bed, and European style bathroom. A window in the tiled shower and the private balcony overlook a pine grove. The guest bedroom below, a tatami-floored space with its own private entrance, sleeps two adults or two children. It is set off from its adjoining bathroom (also with shower) by more screens. Although this bedroom is ideal for both adults and children, kids and teenagers really like having their own special sleeping loft with two futons above the ell off the living room. Altogether we can comfortably accommodate 6 people - up to four 4 adults. See additional short-term guest space below.
Special features of the ell, which are reminiscent of a Japanese teahouse, include the traditional tokonoma, an alcove for displaying Asian art, and the floor-level viewing window facing the lake. Two more futons here can used for overnight guests, or just to lounge and relax.
For early risers, a typical vacation day at the lake might start with watching the sunrise from your own sand beach. You might even spot an eagle soaring overhead or fishing in our cove. After breakfast spend a lazy morning sunning, swimming, or exploring the lake by canoe. Spring-fed Little Sebago Lake is ideal for children because of the gradual drop off and excellent water quality, which is monitored by an active owner’s association that also provides a boating safety patrol during the season. Power boats can be rented locally. If you bring your own boat, there is a public launch site on the western shore of the second lake. The lake is stocked with bass and trout; some of the larger bass often swim around your dock, which is shared with the neighbor’s cottage to the east (owned by the same family).
Afternoons might be spent playing outdoor games in the level clearing west of the house and there is a ping-pong table set up in the adjoining pine grove. Or for a change of pace, try reading or napping in the hammock strung between two trees in a clearing southwest of the house. Later on in the day, step out on the porch deck for the golden sunset hour, also the best place to trace the path of a moonrise over the lake. Dine inside or barbecue and eat dinner on the cantilevered screened porch, another great place to watch the sun go down.
All of southern Maine’s attractions - lighthouses and rocky seacoast, historic villages, mountains, and pine forests – are all within a short drive. An up-to-date list of suggestions on where to eat and what to see in the region can be found in the house guest book, but here’s a sampling: For younger kids, check out the amusement park on the road to Raymond or the wild animal zoo in Gray, always popular on a rainy day. Dine at home with steamed lobster from Bob’s in Windham or try one of the local family-style restaurants. Try ocean kayaking, or take the cog railway to the top of Mt. Washington. Browse the craft shops and art galleries in Portland’s Old Port, Maine’s premier tourist destination. Treat yourselves to dinner at one of its many highly rated restaurants, or check out the club scene and pubs that are very popular with the young at heart.
See 'Better Homes and Gardens.' Decorating Spring 1996, pp. 44-55 (reprint included in guest book).
Keywords: Little Sebago Lake, Lake House, Lake Cottage
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
- Non Smoking Only
- Children Welcome
Bedrooms: 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 6
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishwasher
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Refrigerator
Amenities
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Ping Pong Table
- Television
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
- Lakefront
- Beachfront
Activities
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Fishing
- Miniature Golf
- Boating
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Theme Parks
- Zoo
- Cinemas
- Live Theater
- Museums
- Shopping
- Sight Seeing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Restaurants
- Antiquing
Reviews
Write a review-
A week at the Tea House
A week at the Tea House
- Guest A
- Date of stay 08/04/12
- Review Submitted 09/05/12
We are a family with 2 boys aged 9 and 12 and we spent a week in August at the Tea House and had a very good time. The house is wonderfully situated on a spit surrounded by water. We had lots of space in the house and there is always a pleasant breeze of air going through the house. Therefore we hardly had any mosquitoes. It was wonderful having the lake next to the house and we did a lot of swimming and canoeing. Due to the many trees the house is always covered by shadow and not too hot. The owner was very friendly and hospitable.Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing.
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A Vacation to Remember...
A Vacation to Remember...
- Guest Melinda
- Date of stay 08/25/12
- Review Submitted 09/04/12
What an idyllic week – the beautiful, calming architecture, the lovely kitchen and great meals on the screened-in porch, the comfy futons, the breezes, the sound of water lapping on the shore, the call of the loons, the smell of pine straw, the clean water and sandy shores. Exploring the lake by kayak, watching the ducks, playing croquet amidst the pine cones, sleeping and smiling – a lot. Ahhh! We can’t wait to return. We highly recommend this place for anyone seeking absolute peace and relaxation.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing.
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A Perfect Honeymoon!
A Perfect Honeymoon!
- Guest Crabcatcher
- Date of stay 08/20/11
- Review Submitted 08/30/11
We found this house looking for a peaceful, relaxing getaway after a whirlwind wedding weekend and we truly couldn't have chosen a better place. The house is clean and simply beautiful. Everything you could possibly need is there for you. We are big cooks and stocked up at a nearby grocery store and enjoyed cooking in the well-stocked kitchen nearly every night. Although it's close enough to Portland for fancy nights out if desired. The fireplace is stunning. The lake is gorgeous and feels like it wraps all the way around the house. There is a canoe to take out into the lake anytime you want - and a dip in the sparkling water is highly recommended. This house is perfect for couples, families or anyone looking for a relaxing getaway in Japanese-styled paradise. ~JulieRecommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Peace and activities galore
Peace and activities galore
- Guest Liz
- Date of stay 07/17/10
- Review Submitted 04/22/11
I rented this Japanese house last year with my daughter, who also brought up a friend. It had everything I could have wanted, and some things that i didn't even know I wanted. Firstly, it is beautiful, clean and luxurious. The decorating and ambiance is beyond comparison. Secondly, it is right on the water along a cove and it was so peaceful. They offered enough water craft and other special features that I felt like I lived there. The porch overlooking the lake is wonderful. The kitchen is wonderful to use and i didn't even mind cooking. When I went to my bedroom at night, I felt so comfortable and relaxed. It is a safe and special place! I recommend this place for anyone.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Great place and great lake!
Great place and great lake!
- Guest SoCal
- Date of stay 07/24/10
- Review Submitted 01/02/11
Greta location - lots of privacy and terrific lake views from every room, as well as the deck and screened eating porch. The description and photos are quite accurate - if anything they don't really show off just how great this place is. The beach is perfect for kids, nice and sandy, and the lake itself is gorgeous. If you ever get tired of the lake, the Maine coast with its lobsters and lighthouse are an easy drive, and Portland's Old Port area is a fun spot for shopping, eating out, and nightlife. The place is in great shape, very well-maintained. We would definitely go back!Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing.
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Anonymous
- Date of stay 07/24/10
- Review Submitted 11/08/10
Lovely design...the airy open feeling is conducive to relaxation and time spent together -- cooking, talking, reading, working puzzles...surrounding woods and lake were a constant source of pleasure and inspiration. Overall, we could not have been more delighted with the house and its lovely surroundings.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Rates
$1670/week; one week minimum,7 nights, Saturday to Saturday; Two or more weeks - $1560/week. After Labor Day rates on request. 7% ME lodging tax and $300 reservation deposit required for all bookings.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
Manager info
Year Purchased: 1995
About: The culmination of a lifelong interest in Japanese culture, the lakehouse was a collaboration between the owner, an architectural historian, and her son, a design builder, now the property manager. We've been delighted to share the house with family and friends since it was completed in 1995.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
Family, friends, and guests always tell us how the Japanese style of living evokes feelings of peace and harmony -- better than a spa vacation!!
Contact us
- Primary: (860) 344-1192 (CONNECTICUT USA)
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Lake House with Water View on Left
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Your Own Sand Beach
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Dining Area
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Master Bedroom with King-Size Platform Bed
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Porch and Deck for Viewing Sunsets and Moon Path on Lake
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Lower Lake from Your Beach
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Living Room Facing West (Fireplace on Left)
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Island Kitchen with Master Bedroom Balcony Above
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Guest Bedroom with Tatami Floor
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Screened Porch Overlooking Woods and Hunger Bay to West.
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This listing was first published here in 2010.
Date last modified - Saturday, May 25, 2013
(860) 344-1192 (CONNECTICUT USA)