Vicki Doudera - Realtor, Author, Mainer

It was always a dream of mine to have a small lakefront home tucked in the woods on some peaceful unpaved road. Ten years ago, the cheerful little structure that you see above came on the market, and my husband and I made an offer. When it was accepted, one of my most cherished dreams came true.

Sounds funny, I know, as most people hear “dream house” and picture a magnificent mansion, outfitted to the max, with sumptuous furnishings and a location to die for. Truthfully, this little abode does have a primo location, as it’s nestled on the shores of a small loon-dotted lake, but its snug 3 bedrooms, 1950’s kitchen, outdoor shower, and seasonal useage are not what many of you might deem “dreamy.”

I think the reason this little cottage (here in Maine we call them “camps”) has such a hold on my heart has to do with all the reasons we love special places — they represent the values we hold important, they fulfill childhood wishes, and they are sanctuaries where we we can truly be our authentic selves.  For me, this small house is all those things. Over the past decade, my family and I spent whole summers, and then, as our kids became teens, as much time as we could, at the camp. We’ve played endless games of poker, LIFE, and RISK; fished for bass at sundown; seen nature in its many forms; lost two boats and a float; and just plain spent unplugged summer time together. It’s the place where my two sons learned that books can be wonderful refuges, where my daughter perfected the art of catching turtles; where my husband and I spent time napping and dreaming in the hammock or gazing from the dock at the calm water.

Not everyone longs to win Megabucks or bring home the gold in the 50 free. Some of us dream about a cozy little place, tucked in the woods, where we can simply be.