Description

Seanook has a unique vantage point in East Boothbay grandfathered on the shore next to its own rocky point.  Seanook sits on the beach; the tide comes in under and around it. Staying here is like being on a boat except it doesn’t rock.  Four decks and floor-to-ceiling windows unfold water views in three directions, including a long vista to the mouth of Linekin Bay where it joins the open Atlantic sea.  From the dock in summer see spectacular sunsets across the water as you soak up soothing salt air, or in winter bask in the glow of the fireplace stove while you watch through the windows wind-whipped snow whirling across the waves.   On a rainy night, the pitter-pat on the roof will lull you to sleep. Wake up to the call of seabirds and the sloshing of little waves.

If immersing yourself in the relaxation of our spot doesn’t float your boat, you can venture out to discover woods and coastal activities in Boothbay and nearby Boothbay Harbor. Live theater, museums, artist studios, gourmet seafood restaurants, antiquing, boating excursions, fishing or kayaking on the ocean or a lake, or hiking the lush Maine woods are some of the activities to be found in this area.  See “About Boothbay” for more things to do.

To find Seanook on the map below you can actually zoom in on the “Satellite” version to locate the “dog-leg” dock; Seanook is immediately next to that. Seanook, Paradise Cottage, and Paradise Studio (our shop/studio) appear in a straight line from West to East.

History:  Seanook was built as a bungalow shortly after 1900 by John Seavey, then-owner of the East Boothbay General Store.  This enterprising shopkeeper used it as an annex from which to sell snacks, bait, and fuel to lobstermen on the bay.  His dock extended straight out from the lower deck where he gathered the rocks to secure his pilings.  An opening underneath allowed small boats to be stowed below the bungalow. Gas, that Mr. Seavey sold to lobstermen, was stored in a shed just south and down a few steps off the front lawn.  (Photo of painting, right.  When you enter the cottage you will see this painting showing the bungalow as it was when Mary Ellen’s parents owned it.)

The breakwater on our north beach pre-dates Mr. Seavey.  The previous owner of the land used it, to haul up and store his boat for the winter. Obviously, ocean levels were not as high then because that wall is well under water now on a normal high tide.

Subsequent use of the cabin was for “people from away” who were escaping the summer heat in Massachusetts.

Mary Ellen’s parents bought the bungalow through realtor, Mr. Linekin, in 1947.  Her grandmother knew him because both their families were originally from Pittsfield, ME.  Mary Ellen’s father came up with the name “Seanook,” a nook by the sea.  Every summer he did an improvement project on the building. It was then a 5.5-hour drive for us to come from Natick, outside of Boston.  Starting the year she was 5 years old until she was 17, she spent three months every summer here.  She always knew this was where she wanted to be.

When Mary Ellen acquired the property in 1997, she contracted gradual renovations to winterize it and added the second floor, the sunroom (previously a partially enclosed porch), entry hall, and laundry room. After all the major work was done, she and Ron have been making subsequent improvements themselves.

The shoreline here is the quintessential authentic rocky coast of Maine.  Seanook is grandfathered to overhang the water; on a very high tide the ocean is magically near.  Any new construction lacks this intimate closeness.  For nature’s sights and sounds Seanook is unparalleled.  For relaxation it is sublime. Come experience this proximity to weather, wildlife, and water, now available year-round.

Seanook can be your escape cabin on Linekin Bay! Please, first check our Availability Calendar, and send your request now!

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