Readfield blends country living with lake access and history
Originally part of an area called Pondtown, Readfield is a central Maine community known for its waterfront lifestyle and quiet rural appeal. The town was founded in the 1700s, and some of that history can be seen today in centuries-old homes and meeting houses that are still in use. As part of the Winthrop Lakes Region, water recreation is a big part of life, and there are public access areas throughout the community. The highly rated Kents Hill School, a private boarding school that also enrolls day students, is another draw for the area. Debra Cooke, an associate broker with Lakehome Group Real Estate, grew up nearby and moved back to raise her kids. “I wanted them to benefit like I did growing up with all the outdoor activities,” she says. “Sometimes, people wait until they're retiring to move back. There are even people who've never lived here full-time but have come to the same house on the lake for generations. That’s very common here.”
Year-round outdoor recreation on lakes and trails
Readfield’s lakes and ponds are the centers of outdoor recreation during the summer. Maranacook Lake is known for its bass fishing and clean water. Residents can access it at Readfield Beach, a nearly 9-acre park with a volleyball court and a playground. Maranacook Lake and Torsey Pond both have public boat ramps. There are also many hiking trails throughout the area, including at Torsey Pond Nature Preserve and the Readfield Fairgrounds. Autumn is a popular time for apple picking at Kents Hill Orchard. “Going to apple pick and starting to see the leaves change — that’s what Readfield means to me,” Cooke says. In winter, the frozen lakes are popular for ice fishing, and the Readville Blizzard Busters Snowmobile Club maintains 35 miles of snowmobile trails through the area.
Lakefront cabins, secluded farmhouses and spacious properties
Narrow country roads lace through Readfield, where the homes sit far apart on over an acre. Farmhouses and colonial homes from the 1800s and early 1900s are common here, and there are also New Traditional homes built in the 2000s. Many residents use their spacious yards to keep chickens, plant gardens or have extra storage buildings. Lakefront cabins can be found on the shore of Maranacook Lake and others in the community; these typically come with less acreage but have private docks and water views. Prices typically range from around $240,000 to $530,000, while homes built since 2000 generally cost between $580,000 and $850,000. Manufactured homes can cost between $120,000 and $280,000. Some properties here, especially those on the water, can be at high risk of flooding, and homeowners might have to buy flood insurance.
B-rated public schools and a renowned private high school
Kids attend schools in Regional School Unit 38, which earns an overall rating of B from Niche. They can start at the B-minus-rated Readfield Elementary and then go to the B-rated Maranacook Community Middle. At the B-minus-rated Maranacook Community High, students can take German language classes and participate in the German American Partnership Program, which hosts trips between the two countries. Kents Hill School is a private high school nearby; it earns an A-plus and is ranked by Niche as the best private high school in Maine. “People come from all over the country to go to school there,” Cooke says.
Longstanding restaurants nearby, with more options in Winthrop
Weathervane Restaurant and Lounge is one of the few eateries in Readfield. This locally owned favorite serves comfort food and seasonally inspired dishes, and many come here for the view of Maranacook Lake. The Apple Shed Bakery has served cinnamon roll-ups and other baked goods since 1979; they also offer take-home dinner entrees and homemade soups. For groceries, Readfield Family Market is a classic country store selling groceries, pizza and sandwiches, and Christianson Farm Stand has locally sourced produce and meat. Hannaford is nearby in Winthrop, which has more restaurants, a hardware store and thrift stores.
Community events include a heritage festival and concert series
Readfield Heritage Days is the community’s biggest event. Held each August, the weekend-long festival features activities like a library book sale, a kickball tournament and fireworks at Readfield Beach. The Readfield Union Meeting House was built in 1827 and is Maine’s second-oldest brick church. Today, the space hosts community events throughout the year, including the annual Strawberry Festival in June and the Tuesday Tunes concert series in May.
A car-reliant community near Augusta and Winthrop
State Route 17 leads about 13 miles to Augusta, a drive that takes roughly 20 minutes. Winthrop is a 6-mile drive down state Route 41. There’s a sidewalk connecting Readfield’s town center and Readfield Beach. Readfield United Methodist Church is on Route 41, and the church holds occasional services at the Jesse Lee Meeting House, the oldest operating Methodist church in New England. MaineGeneral Medical Center is 15 miles away, and Portland International Jetport is a 63-mile trip.
Written By
Annie Franklin
