A unique private island in Maine, dubbed ‘Rocky Mecca,’ is up for grabs for $400,000. The island comes with a small studio-style cottage and a lighthouse, which, interestingly, houses the only toilet on the island.
Owned by Mary Seaman, a 62-year-old retired educator, she decided to sell the island just a year after buying it, realizing it wasn’t the right fit for her. She compared it to buying pants that don’t quite fit right.
A Man-Made Marvel
Built in 1934 from locally sourced stone, Rocky Mecca is a man-made island located on Lake Anasagunticook in Canton, Maine.
The original owner, who constructed the island as a ‘fun project,’ used stones from old stone walls and local places. The island, partially built on one of the lake’s most shallow points, did not even exist on maps before the 1930s.
The Current Owner’s Whimsical Purchase
Mary Seaman, affectionately known as the “Pond Princess,” bought the island ‘on a whim’ but soon found it unsuitable for her.
Part of her emotional unsettlement stemmed from a desire to have a home on a smaller lake in her childhood hometown. She has since purchased a property in her hometown, making it the perfect time to sell Rocky Mecca.
Winds of Trouble
The relatively short distance of 600-700 feet from the shore to the island can become quite challenging in windy weather.
Mary Seaman often found herself stuck on the island, occasionally spending an unplanned night due to the wind. Once, she even helped rescue a capsized kayaker by alerting a friend onshore who came to the rescue with a motorboat.
Charming, But Challenging Abode
The island features a 480-square-foot stone cottage, renovated in 2022, offering 360-degree views of the lake. Despite its charm, it lacks some basic amenities, including a septic tank, shower, and electricity.
The lack of light was particularly challenging for Seaman, who found that using a flashlight attracted mosquitoes.
Rustic Living Space
The cottage consists of a single room that serves as a bedroom, lounge, dining area, and kitchen. It can sleep up to five people, though one would need to brave the top bunk of a three-tiered bunk bed.
The lack of electricity and small propane heater make it less than ideal for winter stays, despite its cozy appearance.
Furniture Included, But No Couch
The sale includes all the furniture in the cottage, except for a couch. The current furniture includes a rocking chair and a kitchen table.
Despite its limitations, the cottage offers a quaint and rustic experience for those looking to escape modern trappings.
Decorative Lighthouse With a Twist
The stone lighthouse on the island, though purely decorative, offers the potential for a functional upgrade.
Currently without a light, a new owner could install a solar light, making the lighthouse functional. The top of the lighthouse can snugly fit five to six people and offers 360-degree views of the lake.
The Lighthouse Toilet Dilemma
The island’s only toilet is a compostable one located at the base of the lighthouse, which has been a sticking point for prospective buyers.
Seaman herself never used it, opting for a ‘human litter box’ toilet in the cottage and a Porta Potty onshore. The limitations of the island make installing a septic system unfeasible, though other options, such as an outhouse or camper on land, could be considered.
Alternatives to the Lighthouse Toilet
Realtor Rebecca LaBrie suggests that a new owner could install a portable toilet in an outhouse or a small shed on the island.
Another option would be to park a camper on land, equipped with a toilet and shower, and make trips back and forth to the island as needed. However, no one has taken these steps yet.
A Dream Retreat for the Right Buyer
Despite its challenges, Rocky Mecca is a dream retreat for someone seeking a rustic escape. With its stunning lake views, charming stone cottage, and decorative lighthouse, it offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of solitude amidst nature.
The island’s limitations require a certain level of adaptability, but for the right person, it could be the perfect getaway.
Rocky Mecca Awaits its Next Adventurous Owner
Rocky Mecca, with its unique characteristics and challenges, is a one-of-a-kind property. The current owner, Mary Seaman, hopes to find a buyer who can appreciate its quirks and make it their own.
Whether you are drawn by the prospect of owning a private island, the charm of a rustic stone cottage, or the potential to revamp a decorative lighthouse, Rocky Mecca awaits its next adventurous owner.
