Maine and camps just go together. They’re part of the fabric of this beautiful-yet-rugged state. They dot the craggy coastline, mountain communities, and just about everywhere in between.
Most are seasonal, with limited heating (wood stoves and fireplaces) and typically no cooling. Insulation can be hard to come by, too. And they’re often in remote locations. It’s no wonder many have fallen into disrepair and been neglected over time, or even abandoned, like this camp in Camden, Maine.
Built in the 1950s, this diamond in the rough sat abandoned for years before being rescued by a family of four from Brooklyn, New York.
What the cabin lacked in livability, it made up for in charm and location. Situated on the banks of a quiet pond amid beautiful mountains, it would be the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city…even if it did need a ton of work.
Fortunately, the new owners saw the possibilities and took the plunge (figuratively and literally – after all, it did come with a floating dock!).
Two decades and many antiquing trips later, the cabin features a new second story (that you would think was there all along), shingle siding that weathers beautifully, blending in with the natural surroundings, cheery red trim, and vintage windows.
Inside, those antiquing adventures – many of which happened during the family’s drives from New York to camp – provided the perfect blend of furniture, art, and other decorative touches. Everything has a story, nothing is too precious, and it makes for a collected feel that is a hallmark of Maine camp life.
Inside, formerly dark wood got a refreshing coat of white paint. Brightening the interior provides a great backdrop for art and quirky accessories – like that awesome anchor fireplace screen. And at just 950 square feet, it helps the tiny space feel a bit bigger.
Clever accents like this rope handrail keep things light and interesting, not to mention safe on such a steep staircase (common in old Maine houses).
The living room is so charming! A cotton slip-covered sofa means easy living (and cleaning). Mixed with rattan chairs and footstools, there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy the view. We especially love that driftwood floor lamp – quirky, cool, and very Maine.
A closeup of the chippy green side table in the living room reveals a collection of oddities. Leather children’s shoes, a rusty anchor, shells, rope, feathers, and even honeycomb mingle with a house of shells, brass candlestick, and lamp sporting a Lego-like lampshade.
In the gathering space, a dining table with a built-in lazy Susan sits atop mustard yellow floors. The yellow seems to play off of tones in the table and chairs, which may be maple or pine.
Upstairs, the master bedroom makes the most of its small space with cool, white bedding, a large outdoor pendant light, colorful art, books, and loads of natural light.
Likewise, the boys’ bedroom features smaller outdoor sconces for reading lights, vintage twin beds, and a really cool spool of rope that functions as a side table. (Now I’m on the hunt for a big spool of rope – I love it!)
Finally, the bathroom showcases a series of framed leaves as art (another great idea). What a wonderful way to honor the beauty of nature.
We’re so grateful to people like this family who chose to breathe new life into a classic Maine retreat. Keeping these treasures alive – instead of tearing them down – helps preserve our heritage and supports environmental sustainability. It’s a wonderful combination.
If you love camps and cottages, check out our series of Maine Cottage Tours.
For more info on this charming camp, visit the original article in Country Living Magazine.