Charming 1930 Waterfront Cottage in South Bristol, Maine, With Stone Fireplace, Built-in Bookshelves, and Private Dock

This charming 1930s waterfront cottage in South Bristol, Maine, exemplifies classic New England coastal architecture with its inviting covered porch, wood floors, and stone fireplace. Rich in maritime history, South Bristol is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and tranquil river views, making this home a serene sanctuary. The cottage boasts three bedrooms, a full bath, a basement, and an unfinished attic, featuring modern upgrades like high-end stainless appliances while preserving original built-ins. Situated steps from a private dock, with vibrant gardens, a stone patio, and additional outbuilding, the property offers the possibility of a 30% expansion (with permit). Listed at $1,149,900, this rare gem offers direct water access and a peaceful escape just a short ride from local attractions.
Private Dock

A long wooden dock stretches over calm green-blue coastal waters, leading from a floating platform to a charming white cottage set amid lush trees. The dock is supported by wooden pilings and features a simple railing with a green mat runner. The floating platform at the waterโs edge has metal ladders for easy access to the water and displays gentle weathering, suggesting frequent use. The cottage, perched on rocky terrain above the shoreline, boasts a wide porch and a large window, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. An atmosphere of tranquility and classic waterfront living is strongly evoked.
Waterfront Yard

A lush, green lawn leads to a charming white single-story house with a green roof and forest-green shutters, nestled among mature trees and overlooking a peaceful body of water. The pathway to the house is a worn dirt lane bordered by manicured hedges and stacked stone retaining walls. The house features a small porch and several windows, offering views of the scenic natural landscape. Firewood is neatly stacked by a stone wall, and the property’s edge meets a wooden dock, blending rustic comforts with tranquil waterside living amidst a serene woodland setting.
Waterfront Grounds

A sweeping aerial view reveals a lush, forested peninsula surrounded on three sides by sparkling blue water. Dense stands of mature trees create a green canopy, partially obscuring several homes nestled along the rocky shoreline. Wooden docks extend from the forest to the water at multiple points, suggesting private access for boats. The shoreline features rocky outcrops and gentle curves, with the natural foliage blending seamlessly into the waterโs edge. Beyond the peninsula, more forested land and clusters of buildings appear on the distant shore, contributing to the serene and secluded atmosphere of this waterfront property.
Kitchen Breakfast Bar

A bright and open kitchen features white cabinetry, spacious wooden countertops, and a large stainless steel refrigerator on the left. Woven barstools with black metal frames sit at a breakfast bar that extends from the main counter, facing into the kitchen. Overhead, a rack suspended from the ceiling holds copper and metal pots, adding rustic charm. Warm, honey-toned wood floors extend throughout the room, complementing the natural light from large windows above the sink and countertop. A back door and a vertical blue calendar on the wall create a functional, lived-in atmosphere. The overall ambiance is cozy, clean, and inviting.
Entryway and Living Room

Bright entryway with a teal door featuring window panes leads to a view of tranquil water and lush greenery outside. Inside, the space is airy with white walls and warm, honey-toned hardwood floors. Rattan dining chairs and a wooden table sit near the entry. Down the hall, the living room is furnished with a plush sectional sofa, wooden mission-style furniture, and showcases a cozy stone fireplace. Two large rugs with intricate patterns add color. Large windows overlook scenic water views, letting natural light fill the room, creating a fresh and welcoming ambiance with traditional elements.
Kitchen Counters

A bright and inviting kitchen corner features ample white cabinetry with recessed panel doors, set against natural wood countertops. The L-shaped workspace is arranged beneath large windows that flood the area with daylight and provide a green forested view. Hanging metal baskets flank the main window above a white porcelain sink, adding a touch of functional charm. Above the gas range, stainless steel cookware hangs from a black utensil rack, contributing a rustic touch. Recessed lighting in the ceiling offers focused illumination, while the overall palette of white, wood, and metallics creates a clean, harmonious atmosphere with a sense of warmth and openness.
Dining and Living Area

Open-concept dining and living area with richly colored wood accents and classic furnishings. The dining space features a dark wood table with four chairs, centered under a vintage-style brass chandelier, and set atop a detailed red and blue oriental rug. Adjacent, the living room offers cushioned seating in purple hues, a wood-framed sofa, and a brick fireplace with artful decor above. Large white-trimmed windows bring in abundant natural light; built-in shelving lines the far wall for books and collected items. Warm oak flooring, touches of brass and deep red textiles, and subtle white walls create a welcoming, historic ambiance.
Living Room View

A cozy living room with large windows facing a waterfront, providing abundant natural light and scenic views. The space features built-in white bookshelves filled with books and decorative objects, a deep red and cream patterned area rug, and sturdy wooden Mission-style furniture, including a sizable sofa and loveseats upholstered in dark leather and patterned fabric. A wooden coffee table matches the end tables and TV stand, which supports a flat-screen television. Subtle recessed ceiling lights and white walls contribute to a bright and open feel, while artwork and pottery add character to the space. French doors open onto a leafy outdoor area.
Living Room Entryway

This space features a cozy living room area with a large window and glass-paneled door that provide sweeping views of a lake and surrounding trees. Natural light flows freely, enhancing the warmth of the tan hardwood floors. To the right, white built-in shelves display books and art, giving the room a cultured, lived-in feel. A wood desk with a matching stool sits beneath framed artwork, suggesting a thoughtful reading nook. The furniture includes a deep red patterned armchair and a dark brown leather sofa, lending comfort and understated elegance to the space, while outdoor greenery adds a refreshing backdrop.
Dining Area with View

A bright, traditional dining nook with a round table draped in a patterned white cloth and surrounded by four wooden chairs sits atop a richly colored oriental rug. Overhead, an ornate brass chandelier with frosted glass shades provides gentle illumination. Light streams through large, multi-pane windows dressed with soft, white curtains, offering a lush green view outside. The far side of the open layout reveals a cozy seating area with a stone fireplace and a lamp-topped side table. Glass doors and transom windows along the back wall showcase scenic waterfront views, contributing to a welcoming and airy ambiance.
Living Room Details

A cozy living room with large windows overlooking a serene lake, letting in abundant natural light. Rich, dark wood mission-style furniture frames comfortable leather and fabric seating arranged around a central wooden coffee table atop a detailed, vintage-patterned red area rug. A stone fireplace with a wooden mantle anchors one wall, adding historic charm. Built-in white bookshelves span an entire wall, filled with books and decorative pieces. The neutral walls contrast with warm natural tones and create an inviting, homey atmosphere. Recessed ceiling lights offer soft illumination, and glimpses of an adjoining room enhance the open layout.
Bedroom Window View

A small, cozy bedroom featuring a single bed with a blue comforter and a pillow accented with green and white stripes. The focal point is a large window framed by simple white curtains, offering an expansive view of a body of water and a distant shoreline with trees and buildings. On the right side, built-in white shelving holds a few books and small items. Natural light fills the room, enhancing the bright, minimalist aesthetic. The walls and ceiling are painted white, while warm wood flooring adds contrast. The overall atmosphere is serene and inviting, with an emphasis on the scenic outdoor view.
Front Porch Seating

A spacious front porch features light gray wooden decking and crisp white siding contrasted by a dark wood ceiling. Green accents are present in the trim of the screen door and two large planter boxes filled with vibrant red and white flowers. Three black wicker chairs with pale green cushions are arranged around a small circular glass table, creating a cozy sitting area. To the left, a square dining table with brown cushioned chairs rests near a large window. The porch overlooks calm water, visible through wide divided pane windows that reflect interior lighting and lakeside views, suggesting a peaceful and inviting outdoor retreat.
Waterfront Porch

A wide, covered porch featuring a plank wood ceiling and pale gray composite flooring overlooks a tranquil waterfront. Dark wicker armchairs with light-colored cushions provide comfortable seating along the porchโs edge. The space is open to the grassy yard, where a round wooden hot tub and matching bench nestle beside a rail fence leading to a wooden dock extending out over the water. Mature trees and lush greenery surround the porch, framing serene water views and distant buildings across the bay. The neutral tones and natural materials create a warm, inviting, and relaxed coastal retreat.
Bedroom View

This is a cozy bedroom featuring sage green walls and bright white trim that highlights two large windows, allowing plenty of natural light to enter. A dark wood four-poster bed with a sea-inspired blue and white quilt is positioned against one wall, accompanied by matching pillows. On the left side, a wooden nightstand with a classic lamp adds a warm accent. The hardwood flooring contrasts gently with the green walls. Above the bed and on the adjacent wall, landscape paintings in simple gold frames provide a touch of artistry. The space has a ceiling fan, and a wooden luggage rack sits near the window.
Bedroom Details

A cozy bedroom features walls painted a warm peach tone, evoking a historic charm. The centerpiece is a wooden four-poster bed with turned posts, dressed in a quilt with blue seashell and starfish patterns on a white background. Flanking the bed on each side are matching dark wood nightstands, one with a classic black table lamp and the other topped with a small appliance. Above the nightstands, framed artwork and photographs add character. A large double-hung window with white trim fills the room with natural light and offers a view of lush green trees. A ceiling fan hangs overhead, complementing the bright and inviting atmosphere.
Bathroom Details

This bathroom features a white pedestal sink with gold-tone fixtures and traditional wood cabinetry. The black-and-white hexagonal tiled floor lends a classic look, coordinating with the black-and-white accent tiles that run along the upper shower wall. The spacious shower has a glass door framed in gold, while the window over the sink is framed in warm wood and adorned with a lace curtain. Above the sink, stained glass artwork and framed art pieces add a vibrant, historic touch. The lighting fixture and wood medicine cabinet enhance the vintage, period-correct feel of the room, blending functionality and character.
Bathroom Sink Area

A quaint bathroom corner featuring a pedestal sink with brass hardware, positioned beside a medium-tone wood vanity or dresser. To the left, a window framed in natural wood lets in light and greenery, while a decorative sheer lace curtain provides a vintage touch. Hanging in the window is a striking piece of stained glass art in cool blues and greens, depicting irises, and complementing the round, ornate-framed wall mirror which reflects the stained glass as well. The overall color scheme is bright and inviting, emphasizing white walls, natural wood, and artistic floral details for a charming, classic look.
Exterior Overview

A classic, single-story white house with dark green shutters and a green roof sits nestled among tall trees on a gently sloping grassy lawn. The home features two prominent white chimneys and multiple windows, offering plenty of natural light and ventilation. The lush, manicured lawn surrounding the house leads down to the edge of a tranquil, tree-lined waterfront. A wooden fence and small deck area border the shoreline, inviting relaxation and outdoor gatherings. Mature trees provide shade and privacy, lending to the peaceful, secluded, and inviting atmosphere of this historic American lakeside property.
Waterfront Porch

A spacious porch overlooks a tranquil body of water framed by lush green trees. The porch features a rustic wooden ceiling with a glass light fixture and sturdy white columns. Outdoor wicker chairs with cushions provide cozy seating on one side, while a black glass-top dining table with four mesh chairs offers a space for meals or gatherings. The light-toned flooring contrasts with the dark ceiling, and a patterned rug sits near the entrance. A wooden railing holds vibrant red and white flowers in planter boxes, adding a pop of color and enhancing the peaceful, inviting atmosphere ideal for relaxation.
Living Room Details

A cozy living area featuring a deep burgundy leather sofa with wooden arms and three patterned accent pillows. Built-in white bookshelves flank a center section with a large ocean-themed framed print hanging above the sofa. The shelving displays an assortment of books and decorative pottery. French doors with glass panes open up to a screened porch, allowing light to filter through. The adjacent room, visible through a wide doorway, continues with built-in cabinetry and shelving, topped by a bright window dressed in sheer white curtains. The floor is a warm wood, complemented by a traditional patterned area rug in muted reds and blues.
Porch and Waterfront

A spacious, inviting porch features a white wooden railing and steps, enhanced by lush flower boxes filled with red and white blossoms. The porch is shaded with a dark wood ceiling and outfitted with brown wicker chairs gathered around tables, creating a comfortable seating area. The lawn below is green and gently slopes toward a serene body of water, framed by mature trees. A rustic wooden hot tub sits prominently in the yard, surrounded by natural stone pavers. The scene blends charm and tranquility, with soft natural colors, classic architectural lines, and a peaceful lakeside atmosphere.
Living Room View

A cozy living room with warm, craftsman-style design elements. The space features a central stone fireplace topped with a large wooden mantel and adorned with nautical decor, including a model sailboat and vintage clock. Rich wooden furniture, including a deep burgundy leather sofa and matching mission-style armchairs, creates a comfortable seating area arranged around a wooden coffee table. An ornate red and cream oriental rug covers the wood flooring. Large windows wrap around the back corner of the room, letting in abundant natural light and framing a scenic waterfront view with trees and blue water, giving the space an inviting and serene atmosphere.
Lakeside Entrance

A charming side entryway of a historic American home features white painted wood siding, deep green shutters, and a matching green front door. Two classic lantern-style wall lights frame the doorway. The house sits on a gently sloping lawn overlooking a tranquil lake with a rustic dock extending toward the water. Lush greenery, including mature trees and flower beds bordered by stone, add to the serene and inviting atmosphere. The white-brick chimney and subtle roof details give the facade character, while the stone steps and gravel path provide a practical yet picturesque transition between the yard and the door.
Kitchen Countertop

A spacious kitchen features white cabinetry lining the walls, creating a bright and airy feel under soft recessed lighting. The hardwood floor adds warmth and contrasts with the sleek stainless steel refrigerator. A central island with a wooden countertop doubles as a breakfast bar, surrounded by tall stools with woven rattan seats and decorative metal backs. Above the island, a black metal pot rack hangs with several copper pans, hinting at historical charm. The decor is simple and functional, blending classic American farmhouse style with practical modern touches like small appliances and clean lines.
Kitchen to Living Room

A cozy kitchen with warm wooden countertops and white cabinetry opens into a bright living area. The kitchen features sleek stainless-steel appliances, wicker-backed bar stools, and a corner with labeled recycling bins for glass, metal, and plastic. The walls are painted crisp white and the natural light from a nearby window enhances the fresh atmosphere. Beyond the kitchen, wooden floors flow into the living room, where a blue sectional sofa and a Persian-style area rug create an inviting seating space. Large windows in the distance overlook a tranquil landscape, infusing the home with light and scenic views.
Dining Area

An intimate dining space features a round wooden table covered with a white tablecloth adorned with a blue floral border, surrounded by four dark wood chairs with cream upholstered seats. A large, ornate red and blue Persian-style rug anchors the area, while above, a brass chandelier with frosted glass shades provides elegant lighting. The walls are crisp white, accented by a gold-framed landscape painting and a glass-fronted china cabinet displaying glassware and ceramics. To the right, the area seamlessly connects to a bright kitchen with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and large windows bringing in natural light. The overall atmosphere feels classic and welcoming.
Kitchen Corner Details

A cozy corner of the kitchen area features an antique cast iron stove resting on a dark-tiled hearth, nestled between white painted walls. Large sash windows framed with crisp white trim and light curtains supply abundant daylight, revealing lush greenery outside. Next to the stove is a traditional wooden desk with curved legs and a black and gold desk lamp, offering a spot for work or reading. Warm wood flooring extends into the adjacent kitchen, where white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a farmhouse sink create a blend of historic and modern aesthetics. The overall palette is bright and welcoming, emphasizing comfort and charm.
Waterfront Dock View

A wooden dock stretches out over calm waters, framed by leafy green trees and colorful flowers in the foreground. The dock is well-worn with railings on either side and a canopy structure near its end. Smooth rocks line the shoreline to the right, creating a natural edge. The horizon reveals a distant town, gentle hills, and a few boats anchored on the water. The outdoor space evokes tranquility, with a soft, natural color palette of greens, blues, and browns complemented by splashes of red and purple from the blooms, suggesting a peaceful lakeside or riverside retreat.
Dock and Waterfront

A weathered wooden dock extends from a rocky, tree-lined shore into calm, clear water, with a small white cottage nestled among dense green foliage at the end of a long ramp. The dock includes a floating platform with a ladder, ideal for swimming or tying up boats. The shoreline is fortified with a rustic stone wall, giving a sense of both historic charm and durability. The cottage, set slightly back among mature trees, features a modest porch and traditional gable roof, evoking a peaceful lakeside retreat. The surrounding forest and gentle waves complete the tranquil, picturesque scene.
Listing Agent: Property Owner of Newcastle Realty via Zillow