PRIME LOCATION: 44º 03.3' north, 68º  47.1' west TAXES: $3,756.48.  (half due Nov 1, half due May 1) ASSESSMENT: $291,200   (Land: $280,700    Building: 10,500) MAP/LOT:  007-053 LOCATION: 17 Greer Island ZONE: RP

A private island with easy access

• A rare property, family-owned by the Arey family for more than a century, Greer Island sits just off Geary’s Beach, Vinalhaven.
   
• Located only 2/10’s of a mile off shore, Greer Island is a breathtakingly beautiful sanctuary for those seeking picnic, steam a batch of clams or mussels, enjoy the scent of wildflowers and ocean breezes, pick wild strawberries, and sleep out under the stars and enjoy the serenity and beauty of a pristine Maine island. It’s a place to have a lobster.
   
• Greer Island offers ultimate privacy amidst tall spruce, native grasses, granite, and wild roses with 360-degree views all the way to Isle au Haut  and the Camden hills. Located across from the Town Beach and  VH Town Preserve, this unique property is the only one of its kind in the Fox Islands. 
   
• Less than a mile from Carver’s Harbor, Greer Island access is easy. It’s a short run from the Ferry Landing; or drive out Main Street to State Beach Road to the Town Park Preserve at Geary’s Beach (where parking is free) and from which kayaks, canoes, a small Zodiac or punt can be launched. 
   
• All the spruce trees on Greer were planted by The Areys every summer over a period of 44 years and, beyond. It was their passion and mission to restore the island. The Arey family spruce trees are young, robust, healthy and propagating new seedlings every year on their own — the forest continues to grow. Maine spruce have a lifetime of 100-150 years and northern spruce are known to live 800-900 years.

Awaiting a new owner

• A 12 x 15 rustic fishermen’s shack (in poor condition, needs repairs) surrounded by tall grass and wild roses, faces VH on the cove side.
   
• A new building permit with seasonal float dock and ramp permit renewed by the Town of VH for more than 10 consecutive years must be reapplied for by a new owner. The Town of VH refused to renew existing permits in 2017-18 because construction was postponed. (Owner moved to Santa Barbara.)
   
• Soil tests done in 2008 show two feet of rich top soil.  A Waste Disposal Permit was granted by Buddy Skoog, Town of VH Plumbing Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer prior to 2008. The town approved engineer Dennis Small's Waste Disposal Plan on file.
   
• Gentle slopes with elevations to 28 feet at the highest point on the island where 12 foundation pads are installed. Island survey available at Joe La Branche, Mid Coast Surveys, Oak St., Rockland, ME
   
• MDIFW certification that Greer Island is not a Significant Wildlife Habitat and does not meet criteria to be in Resource Protection Zone. The island was used for commercial fishing by Clyde Bickford, Bickford Lobster Company for 30 years. Greer Island has a Warranty Deed on file at the Knox County Courthouse, Rockland, Maine.

Deepwater anchorage

• Twelve Pads/foundation footings in place for 600 square foot cabin.
• Maine DEP approval for seasonal float dock and ramp, pin in granite.
• Excellent cell phone reception.
• Sweeping views to Saddleback Light, Isle au Haut, and Camden Hills.
• Neighbors on nearby Sheep Island with home and guest house.

Access

• Less than a mile to Town, Island access is convenient from Carver's Harbor or from State Beach Road and Town Park. Free parking at the Town Beach opposite Greer Island

Vinalhaven has...

• Medical Center, Historical Museum, Art Gallery, Gift Shop, Supermarket, US Post Office, Lumber Company, Marine Hardware & Boat Supplies, Clothing Boutique, summer flea market.
• Motel, Bed & Breakfast, Restaurants
• Churches
• Maine Artist Robert Indiana Museum (under construction)
• Maine State Ferry Service (6 trips daily carrying cars, freight and passengers between Rockland and Vinalhaven)
• Air Strip (passenger service by Penobscot Air from Owl's Head, Rockland)
• Lobster Co-op on the harbor -- Live lobsters for sale daily to the public
• Three scenic spring-fed granite quarries for swimming
• Free wireless Internet Access at Library
• Canoeing, Kayaking and Sailing on Carver's Pond and in The Basin
• Vinalhaven summer home owners hail from all over the country.
• Summer out-of-state residents own more than 80 percent of Vinalhaven real estate.
• A five-minute boat-taxi from Vinalhaven takes you across to North Haven where there is a 9-hole golf course, theater/arts center, tennis/yacht club, shops and restaurant.

Questions?

CONTACT: Owner Elizabeth Arey at eaarey747@gmail.com 858.204.1238 mobile

Articles about owning your own private Maine island

• Portland Magazine, June 2024, "Dream Islands" Page 40 - Read More

• TIME Magazine, March 10, 2008 - How to Buy Your Own Island - Read the article here: Download PDF