Cottages at Hidden Pond: Find and Seek

As indigenous to Maine as lobster, blueberry pie and Moxie, is the saying "You can't get there from here." Many a first time visitor has come upon the crossroad signs scattered about our countryside that point north, east, south, west and some directions only found in Maine. (Like down east to go north!) So when journeying towards HIDDEN POND, don't fret because it seems a bit remote and clearly unmarked. In fact your only guide just might be the faded yellow line in the middle of Goose Rocks Road. But fear not because just "that mile up the road" paradise awaits.

Approaching from Kennepunkport (south) the main entrance is the second left,. Large rock outcroppings, artistically placed by a landscaper other then Mother Nature, announce your arrival. Up the road " a bit," the artfully designed garden is on your right. Around one more sweeping bend and you have entered the magic kingdom of HIDDEN POND.

WELCOME!

...to the Cottages at HIDDEN POND. This sixty acre compound is the latest brainchild and development of Atlantic Holdings who created Cabot Cove in Kennebunkport a few years ago. Partners Tim Harrington and Juan Urtubey market nostalgia and the State of Maine slogan, "The Way Life should Be." Unlike Cabot Cove which was developed as condominiums , HIDDEN POND is developed to operate as a high end resort. So once the two week Decorator Showcase ( www.hiddenpond.com/showcase) , running from the gala on June 27 to July 9, is concluded, HIDDEN POND enters its next phase and designated mission, a family oriented cottage resort. It is with that eye that I share my thoughts on my June 24th visit.

First stop is the lodge. Contemporary Adirondack rustic in style, it is quite modern day majestic with its craftsman timber, stone and wrought iron work. Custom made furnishings from re-claimed wood are both inviting and organically beautiful. "Come. Sit in me," they softly speak. Fine art adorns the walls. I could easily spend many a day curled up reading or socializing in this arena.

Directly outside is the swimming pool, lawn and "recreation" area. Sophisticated indoor-outdoor furnishings have been decorator selected. This entire set appeals to my adult get away dream but I'm not sure how it's going to play to raucous kids and normal family noise. I keep seeing kids cannonball into the pool screaming "Marco," "Polo!" More Disneyesque then serenity in the woods. But the beach is about a mile away so maybe shuttles will take the energy of youth there.

Tucked into the manicured woodlands, with pine needle walkways, are fourteen theme "decorator" cottages ready to make your "rustic" Maine summer resort experience present day comfortable. Offering a variety of different layouts and one or two levels, all the abodes have two bedrooms, two baths, large living/dining/kitchen area, outdoor shower and a screened in porch. I particularly like the focus and functionality of the porch as it invites the guest to participate in al fresco living. On a warm summer night it can be a most desirable sleeping chamber. Sleeping porches, built off the master bedroom, were once a common room in summer homes of yesteryear. Nice to have them back.

The decor is everything from traditional blue and white cottage chic, woodsy camp, re-claimed-re-cycled, to white on white or apple green plexi and tin. The installations are all meticulously conceived and decorator executed. Of the seven out of fourteen cottages I visited on my quick two hour tour, I came away with the following feelings.

Most Kid Friendly Bedroom: The Smokey the Bear room in FIREFLIES by Brett Johnson. Warm, inviting...lots of room to play. And it smells like the woods. As a mom, I loved the custom fabricated agate green cement sink that won't show the dirt washed off from the outside play.

Most Family Inviting Camp: THANK YOU cottage executed by Beverly Bangs. Having raised three boys, Beverly inherently understands the rough and tumble comfort that families desire. This is definitely a kick-back camp and sweatshirts left on the floor won't be noticed.

Most Creatively Interactive: The winning combined talents of designers Darcie Bundy and Jane Fox in SWEET FERN have left me totally captivated. The bird inspired wooden loom shuttles from Tibet, installed over the fireplace, best exemplify the genius of Bundy and Fox at work. Bundy found the box of birds in an antique shop, Fox brought them to life by securing them to movable arms. My first impression was, sandpipers running along the beach.

The downstairs bathroom sink is a combination vessel sink fabricated from an old granite christening basin set into a rectangular galvanized steel vanity holding beach stones. Their imagination and execution holds no boundaries.

Dream Bedroom: Again in SWEET FERN, tuck me into the India -SHAHRAZAD master bedroom and let me dream beneath the floating bed canopy. Darcie Bundy is passionate about textiles and her love is in evidence here. Before your eyes shut, gaze upon her original painting of Goose Rocks Beach. Sweet dreams and more.

Gather Ye Friends: I love the post-modern treatment at LAZY DAYS by Krista Stokes. Open, open space and the creative use of natural woodland and seashore elements is very appealing. From custom designed headboards made of slate chips framed in a wooden frame to the mussel shell encircled bathroom mirror, Krista's use of natural raw materials is inspired.

Definitely Martini Time: Hip and contemporary with nostalgic elements. DAY DREAM breaks out of the traditional and presents a different take on "Life As It Should Be." Mark Spiker has presented a fun, full of life interpretation. From traditional oars for towel bars to corrugated steel screens, Mark is gutsy in his marriage of old with new. For anyone who doesn't like overstuffed, check in here.

HIDDEN POND as a development is refreshing and encouraging. Its principles are committed to the green movement and a return to family centered life. This task will be an effort requiring finesse and adjustment beyond the Decorator Showcase. As a show house, this is a must visit for anyone looking for decorator inspiration. There's no better ticket in town. As a destination resort, it will evolve. Presently I see it as perfect location for a:

Destination Wedding

Adult Reunion

Corporate Meeting / Retreat

Adult Camp

Beyond enjoying the natural wooded setting, guest could bring or rent a bike as it's an easy trek to Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport or the antique vendors in Arundel.

Tim Harrington and Juan Urbutey are to be commended for taking on this great challenge. It's a long journey from developer to hotelier. But as they did with Cabot Cove, they always leave it better then they found it. HIDDEN POND will evolve and find its rightful place in the environment of today and tomorrow.

To visit the Show House, which contirbutes to three charitable organizations, or to check-in as a guest...find your way there. Don't let it be said, "You can't get there from here."

Happy, lazy, HIDDEN POND days.(http://www.cottagesathiddenpond.com/)

Madeline....enjoying it all on the Back Cove of Portland

FRIDAY ART WALK and GARDEN PARTY

June, 2008.

The spandex wrapped U-Haul parked in Portland's Monument Square was the first sign that June's First Friday Art Walk was going to be a venue of a different flavor. Music filled the air as the band, HOUSEBOAT, playing to the side of the truck, rocked on. It was good ole' rock-n-roll and an audience was forming to listen and learn. The ramp leading in to the open truck was surrounded by curious observers. "Do you go in?" was the question on every ones mind. One brave soul did and I was quick to follow. Inside, the truck floor was empty but the walls hung with miniature drawings of people, places and things. Some framed in black, others in ornate gold wire, it was not clear as to whether art was for sale or simply for viewing. No pressure sales here! This certainly qualified as the most unusual gallery exhibit on the art walk. The Rock-N-Roll Spandex Truck Art Gallery is the brainchild of Eli Cay er. Billed as MAINE MEAD WORKS, this rolling review presents a gallery where one doesn't exist. Constantly on the move, it locates in one place for an hour and then travels on. TOMMY'S PARK on the corner of Exchange and Middle Street was its next stop.

We caught up to it there after a visit to the DANIEL KANY GALLERY (http://www.kany.net/) at 89 Exchange Street. With its opening in 2006, Portland gained a world class art gallery. During the month of June, Portland is fortunate to have Rockland artist, Richard Remsen's major glass installation, Glass Claws-Pulse Point, on exhibit. Sitting on a 100" square base, four cantilevered plate-glass sheets imprinted with x-ray images of lobster shells float above, reflecting the crustacean image on the base. Adding texture and intrigue to this presentation, about two dozen glass blown lobster shells of different hues are piled in the center. Is this the beginning of a lobster feast or the end? Either one, Pulse Point is a sensory feast of grand proportion. DON'T MISS THIS EXHIBIT!

A week later I experienced my first visit to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. (http://www.mainegardens.org/.) An easy hour drive to the Boothbay area from Portland, one couldn't have asked for a more perfect Maine day. Temperature in the 70's, blue, blue skies , dry air and a wispy breeze. The afternoon event was the launch of a major exhibit by kinetic sculpture, George Sherwood. The initial forty minute talk by Mr. Sherwood focused on his history and gradual progression to the stainless steel sculptures which are his signature. The whimsical magic of movement found in his creations is unlike anything I have seen in other sculpture. Part engineering, part child play, certainly high design, Wind and Light will leave you awestruck trying to understand the configuration and fluidity of each piece. Wind and Light is on exhibit from June 11 to July 27 in the Great Lawn and Ledge Garden.

But don't stop there. Acres of foot paths and subject gardens call. More then one return visit is in order for me to adequately describe all that is offered here. Maybe I will approach it one garden at a time. In the meantime, let me leave you with a photograph of The Snapdragon Garden in the children's area just outside the Visitor Center.

I believe there are eight theme related fantasy gardens, designed by area landscape designers and garden centers. Appealing to the young at heart of all ages.

Whether you're walking the city streets of Portland, gallery to gallery, or skipping the garden paths of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, art is alive, well and flourishing in this enchanting state. Come indulge your senses.

Madeline

SLEEPING IN THE EAVE : MAINE ISLAND LIFE

A visitor to Maine recently asked me, "Where do people who live in Maine go?""Oh, we go away," I responded. By that I mean, we, like all who travel to Maine in search of a less frenetic pace, also have our special places for a "get away." It's any place that takes us out of the daily routine and puts us in a place of relaxation, simplicity. Could be an island, a lake, the beach, the mountains, to the "County" or even a city. The fortunate have somewhere they go. For me, my place of solitude takes me to an island off the coast of Maine. Come. Join me.

Silently and swiftly the ferry slips away from its mainland bay. Pilings pass on the right and left. Within minutes we have cleared the dock and passage to "the island" is under way. Ah, my heart sings as I settle in for the hour crossing that transports me to this off- shore haven where I will be the guest of my dear friend, an island summer resident and proprietress of "the" gift store. It is my first visit of the season.

The blue, blue seas, reflecting the cloudless blue sky, are glassy calm. The winds that have been prevailing from the southeast for the past week have finally subsided. The sun is warming. Spring has been good to us this year and we embrace another of its gifted days. We glide through the water, barely creating a wake. Any stress I may have been feeling when I boarded is washed away less then a mile off shore. The ambling pace of island life is already with me.

We make the crossing in less then the allotted hour. Very smooth sailing! Familiar sightings guide us to the island dock where the huge piling fenders have the appearance of a bottle. I recall the year when the words "Absolute Island Time" adorned them. But, Maine DOT made sure that was only for one summer.

Island life is reminiscent of life in the 1950's. Maybe it feels that way to me because that is when I first came to Maine as a "summer kid." Days and evenings are filled with activities but the pace is slower, more civil. No road rage here. And the thought of 24/7..... not on this island time.


My time is divided between helping in the store, reading, and restoring myself in a bedroom that calls to mind Maine summers of my youth. It is in this room that tranquility returns and reigns. Tucked under an easterly facing eave, the room is simple: white chenille dressed twin beds divided by a bedside table, an oak dresser, rocking chair, towel stand and a small shipmates sea trunk. Double windows drench the room with sunlight and, weather permitting, a warm breeze floats on in. Each afternoon around 4:00 the room calls. It may be quiet reading time or a time to snooze. Whichever, I become enveloped in the eave and it's womb like comfort. An hour under the eave freshens me anew.

On this visit I'm reading a mystery set on the island. It's a quick read and the source of good discussion between my hostess and me. "Who is that person? Did that really happen? Can you believe how accurate her descriptions are?"


Late afternoon I watch the activity on the waterway dividing this little island from the bigger one to the south. It's still pretty quite this time of year. Just the local fisherman and lobstermen coming and going. After July 4th, small skiffs and Boston Whalers buzz back and forth as the summer population passes from one island to the other. But for now, I'll watch a gentrified lobster boat cruise on by.

Traditional Friday night dinner fare for many a generation has been fish chowder and Nabisco Sea Biscuits. Tonight we'll be supping on a "baked fish chowder" I brought for the host family. Polite comments were spoken at dinner but an equal amount of discussion was spent describing their "authentic" recipe from the neighboring island. We'll taste-test that on another Friday. Once dinner is over, evening plans are discussed.

Since an overcast, rainy day is in the forecast, we decide to drive to the northwest shore of the island with the hopes of catching a fine sunset. For those of you who don't participate in sunset searching, let me share the following: "Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning."

En route we pass a couple of sheltered harbors that are home to magnificent sailing vessels during the summer. This time of year it's still quiet but we spot two windjammers laying over in the most popular one. For many a sailor, this could be Jimmy Buffet's "One Particular Harbor." Our windows wide open, sweet lilac scent drifting in , we continue our ride to the higher ground. We're just in time!

The sun is setting with clouds overtaking the once blue sky. But the sun will not go easily or unnoticed. Breaking through in patches, golden rays of its radiant light illuminate the distant mainland hills. We watch until the last ray is but a glimmer. Our search is satisfied. We are silent.

Riding home to the village, we pass homes that will be opening soon as the summer residents return to the island for another season. We also pass the homes of the island natives who work the seas or piece together a living caring for the homes of others. One population dependent upon the other, both ways. And why do they stay on the island or return again and again, now extending the once short season into the fall and holidays? The island lives in their soul...pure and simple.

Once home I return to my room and the bed beneath the eave. Slumber comes early and the mystery is placed on the bedside table. Tomorrow is another day....on island time.

Madeline

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: STAR GAZING IN MAINE

For over a century celebrities from all walks of life have sought the solitude and privacy of life provided in Maine. You see, Maine is one of the few places on earth where the rich, famous and infamous can be left alone. ( Maybe that's why Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan don't visit.) Mainers are too unto themselves to even acknowledge the presence of someone with a public persona. But the lack of squeals doesn't mean that name dropping doesn't occur. It is social sport and in the Greater Portland area the name most often spoken has to do with a Glenn Close sighting. Ms. Close is married to Mainer and IDEX founder, David Shaw. That makes her a part-timer.


Recent close encounters include:

• Sighting at Aubuchon Hardware in Cape Elizabeth




• Dinner at FORE STREET




• Traveling into Portland on Delta Express




• Fetching at FETCH, a doggy supply store in the Old Port that she is rumored to be a part owner.
  

Other sightings , but not close encounters, may include:

• Joan Lunden shopping at THE NEST in So. Casco.




• Stockard Channing shopping at ORPHAN ANNIE'S in Auburn.




• John Travolta and family awaiting a ferry or flying overhead.




• Kristy Alley awaiting a ferry.




• Ned Lamonte, CT. Democratic Senatorial candidate in '06, awaiting a ferry.




• Artist Eric Hopkins taking his own boat or plane.




• Trenton airport with private plane flight delays caused by arrivals of the Mt. Desert Island summer folk.




• Andy and Betsey Wyeth offshore in their Lyman Morse "Picnic" boat.


• Everyone who is anyone goes to LL BEAN in Freeport.
• Oliver Platt on island time.

If you have a close encounter with the familiar or very famous, leave me a note of who and where. Soon we'll have our own Maine Map to The Stars. Move over Hollywood.

Madeline

Memorial Day, 2008 MAINE MORNING DUCK REPORT

Baby nuthatch raucously chirp, chirp, chirp from their nest tucked into the honeysuckle bush directly outside my window. Oh, what a welcoming sound! It has been too silent since the ducks and birds went nesting in mid-April. Hopefully the innocent chirping is an indication that ducklings will soon be at home on the tidal basin and the south bank duck channel will again be filled with mallard families. The new, expanded population will return only when the ducklings can survive any dangers of an urban environment.


In spite of the absent water fowl, abundant flora activity has changed the foot path landscape from barren winter to numerous shades of lush spring greens. Blooming linden trees, ringing the cove, fill the air with their delicious scent. Combined with the aromatic honeysuckle, it is a sweet ride or walk on the Boulevard. Residences on the embankment are framed with flowering white pears, golden forsythia, pink and yellow honeysuckle, purple lilacs, magenta azaleas, daffodils, tulips and violets galore. It is a pallate of springs glorious fabric. A feast for the eye. A perfect spring day. Let's take it all in.


Beginning at the public parking area located in the south east corner, we'll take to the Back Cove foot path to enjoy the pastoral serenity of this Frederick Law Olmsted designed park. In the northeast corner, we'll connect to the harbor walk which will take us into the Portland waterfront and the Old Port. I have dubbed this outing my "urban walk."


It is high noon and a southeast breeze keeps the sun from feeling too warm on the skin. (One must be careful not to become dehydrated in these conditions as both sun and wind absorb bodily fluids.) People of all ages and nationalities are out walking, jogging and bicycling on this picture perfect Memorial Day. On these days the foot path can become congested so going against the human tide, which flows clockwise, we will walk east and then north along the 295 corridor.

It is on this eastern shore that Portland's Stonehenge is constructed. One of the city's unidentified artists creates formations from existing rocks lying seaside. Mother nature has claimed some of the delicately balanced towers, but many are built to withstand her fury and remain just as they were created in the summer of 2007. Always a work in progress, new creations replace the fallen. It has become part of the ever changing Back Cove landscape. Passing this natural sculpture garden on my left, I continue walking up the incline that puts me level with I 295 and continue until it drops down and under the highway. From the peaceful, contained Back Cove, I emerge from the dark, noisy underpass to the expansive Casco Bay on my left. A bit like Alice going through the rabbit hole. The transition is quick, the view breathtaking. The great Atlantic, dotted with the 365 Calender Islands, spreads out as far as the eye can see.



The cement walkway announces the urban landscape we have entered. Half mile along the way, we happen upon the graffiti wall. Today an artist is practicing his craft and repainting this ever changing vibrant cement scape. Referring to the design draft on paper, he applies the image to the wall. With spray paint can in hand, his motion brings to life what was once just a vision in his mind. Once complete, tools of the trade will be removed and the walk will be left clean of rubbish. The wall remains for enjoyment or another artistic endeavor.

Quickly from there I happen upon East End Beach where boats are being launched and a few sun bathers spot the sand. It seems more like July 4 then Memorial Day. A few steps further and I come upon "Picnic Urbana." The beach is lined with two rows of three foot high sand mounds built to hold the fishing poles.

No casting and release here. Fishermen are enjoying libations by the rock barrier. This is fishing for food, not sport, brought to the beach of Casco Bay from another land.

Eventually we reach the mouth of the Fore River. Following the curvature of the river, the walk way takes us towards town and the bustle of Commercial Street. We also follow the tracks of The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad which provides rides for the young and young at heart. Operated and maintained by a corps of volunteers, the train was salvaged from a town in Southeastern Massachusetts and transported on flatbed trucks to its new home in Portland. Each year more track is laid and the shore line ride gains in length. In December, lights and decorations are placed to brighten the way. Rumor has it that Santa sometimes makes a visit.

Soon we've reached the corner of Commercial and India Streets where the new Ocean Terminal has been constructed. During the summer and early fall months, cruise ships and the high speed "CAT" come and go. Lots of life on the waterfront.

Just a few blocks away, I'll find the Porthole Restaurant on Custom House Wharf. Good food at reasonable prices. Once replenished, I reverse my direction and begin the return journey. Accesses to the foot path and harbor walk are frequent so plan what is suitable for you. Round trip my way is about 4.5 miles. Good walking shoes are always a must!

As you're enjoying our beautiful city, maybe I'll see you "out there!"


Madeline