Spring’s just beginning, but Victorian Bayside is still charming, even without all the foliage and flowers.

Bayside is a secret Victorian village that’s hidden off of Route One, in Northport, just below Belfast, and above Camden.

Even true Mainers don’t know it’s there.

Bayside started as a Methodist/Episcopalian church camp in the mid 1800’s, and it’s charming Carpenter Gothic architecture is of true historic value.

It’s known for it’s active summer community but that’s gradually changing.

As people are discovering, Gingerbread dresses up the scene, no matter what time of year.

(To get to Bayside, turn onto the road at the very colorful Dos Amigos Mexican restaurant just below Belfast and Little River. Follow the road along the shoreline. You’ll go through the village and eventually come out at Route One near Saturday Cove. It’s about 4 miles along the water.)

Hidden on the Western shore of Penobscot Bay, between Camden and Belfast, even true Mainers are totally surprised when they discover this treasure that’s been right under their noses for more than a century. 

These Victorian cottages, many enjoying spectacular views, were built as part of a very active Methodist/Episcopal church camp begun in the 1800s. 

Not so long ago, they were mostly in disrepair and you could get a real bargain for 4 to 5 figures. Now, even in this somewhat soft market, the purchasing pennies need to be fairly pretty. But the increases haven’t been as steep as during the past few years, and by higher market standards, say California, dirt cheap.

It’s inhabited mostly in the summertime. There is even a golf course and a very active yacht club. But more and more, given the attractiveness of waterside living, folks are winterizing and staying all four seasons. Bayside is still enjoying it’s slumber but will soon awaken. 

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