Nestled along the southern coastline of Phippsburg, Maine, Small Point is one of the state's most treasured waterfront enclaves. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Casco Bay, and miles of unspoiled shoreline, this historic seaside community offers a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and authentic Maine coastal living.
For generations, families have been drawn to Small Point for its understated elegance, breathtaking waterfront scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. Originally established as a prestigious summer colony during the late nineteenth century, Small Point has retained much of its historic character while continuing to attract those seeking one of Maine's most exclusive coastal lifestyles.
With a limited number of waterfront properties and a tradition of multi-generational ownership, opportunities to purchase a home in Small Point are exceptionally rare. Many homes have remained in the same families for decades, contributing to the strong sense of continuity and stewardship that defines the community today.
Today, Small Point remains one of Maine's most treasured coastal communities and one of the most sought-after locations for waterfront homes in Phippsburg, where generations of families have created lasting traditions surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty and the enduring character of the Atlantic coast.
From mornings spent walking along quiet beaches to evenings watching the sun set over the Atlantic, life at Small Point feels both peaceful and deeply connected to the Maine coast.
Why Buyers Are Drawn to Small Point
Life at Small Point revolves around the rhythms of the ocean. Days begin with sunrise walks along sandy beaches, the sound of waves rolling onto shore, and ocean breezes drifting across the coastline. Afternoons are spent on the water, and evenings conclude with spectacular sunsets stretching across the Atlantic.
Residents enjoy:
Expansive oceanfront vistas
Private beaches and scenic shoreline
Exceptional boating and sailing opportunities
A rich tradition of summer community life
Outdoor recreation and exploration
A peaceful coastal setting that encourages relaxation and connection to the natural surroundings
While Small Point feels worlds away from the pace of everyday life, residents enjoy convenient access to downtown Bath in approximately 20 minutes and Portland in about an hour, creating a unique blend of seclusion, convenience, and coastal living.
Beaches, Boating & Outdoor Recreation
With miles of rugged coastline, protected waters, and unspoiled natural beauty, Small Point is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and waterfront homeowners.
Residents spend their days exploring nearby coves by kayak, sailing through Casco Bay, fishing off the rocky shoreline, paddleboarding in protected waters, and enjoying some of Maine’s most scenic boating opportunities. The area’s natural beauty is defined by sandy beaches, granite ledges, and panoramic ocean views that stretch for miles.
Popular destinations in and around Small Point include:
The shoreline along Atkins Bay
The pristine waters surrounding Casco Bay
Beyond Small Point itself, residents enjoy easy access to some of Midcoast Maine's most beloved coastal destinations. Whether hiking the scenic trails of Morse Mountain to reach the expansive sands of Sewall Beach, spending the day at Popham Beach, exploring the historic grounds of Fort Popham, dining at Sebasco Harbor Resort, or visiting the natural beauty of Hermit Island, the surrounding area offers countless opportunities to experience the very best of the Maine coast.
Beyond the water, Small Point’s scenic surroundings are ideal for walking, biking, hiking, and simply enjoying the slower pace that defines life along the Maine coast.
Whether enjoying a morning beach walk, an afternoon sail, or an evening paddle along the shoreline, outdoor recreation is woven into everyday life in Small Point.
Visiting Small Point Beach and the Beaches Nearby
The name “Small Point Beach” is used loosely, so it helps to know which beach you mean. The Maine Geological Survey uses it for the beach west of the Morse River, where Seawall Beach also lies. Directory sites sometimes attach the name to Head Beach on Small Point Road. Both are privately owned, so access rules matter more here than at a state park.
Beach | Who owns it and how to get there | Know before you go |
|---|---|---|
Seawall Beach | Owned by the Small Point Association. Reached on foot only through the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, open all year from dawn to dusk. | No dogs in any season. Additional cars are turned away once the lot is full. |
Popham Beach State Park | State park on Route 209, 14 miles south of Bath. Open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset, with a fee collected year-round. | Maine’s busiest state park beach. Morse River sandbars are usually covered about two hours after low tide. |
Head Beach | The private sandy beach of Head Beach Campground and Cottages, a family-owned property of more than 300 acres at 612 Small Point Road. | Seasonal. Call (207) 389-1666 about access. |
Hermit Island beaches | Inside Hermit Island Campground, open since 1952 with more than 270 sites. | Registered campers only; visitors are not allowed. |
A Community Steeped in History and Tradition
What truly distinguishes Small Point from many other coastal communities is its remarkable history.
For more than a century, families have returned year after year to spend summers along these shores, creating a community rooted in connection, stewardship, and appreciation for the natural environment.
Small Point emerged as a prominent summer colony during the late 1800s, attracting influential political, business, and maritime families from Maine, Boston, and beyond. Among its early residents were Joseph Homan Manley, one of Maine’s most influential political leaders, and Arthur Sewall, the renowned Bath shipbuilder and 1896 Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States.
Their presence, along with that of other prominent families, helped establish Small Point as one of Maine’s most distinguished coastal communities. Today, that legacy remains evident throughout the area, where many properties have remained in the same families for generations and where preservation of the community’s historic character continues to be a shared priority.
Historic summer cottages, oceanfront family compounds, and carefully preserved landscapes continue to define the character of Small Point, creating a community where traditions are passed from one generation to the next.
The result is a coastal community that feels both exclusive and welcoming, where traditions continue to be passed down from generation to generation.
The Small Point Club and the Summer Colony’s Landmarks
Two buildings from the colony’s early years are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and their nomination files tell the story in detail. The club is private, so the best way to appreciate it is through its history rather than a visit.
The colony’s reputation for privacy goes back just as far. Tom Hinkle’s history of Small Point, Small Wonder, notes that summer residents in the 1880s did not want directional road signs pointing people to Small Point, and that the club gave members a place to enjoy a drink in a state that had gone dry in 1853.
Preserving the Character of Small Point
Part of what makes Small Point so special is its commitment to preserving the qualities that have defined the community for generations.
Unlike many coastal destinations that feature busy commercial districts and crowded summer attractions, Small Point has intentionally maintained its quiet residential character. Residents are drawn to the area for its privacy, uncrowded beaches, and strong sense of preservation.
Nearby markets, local seafood suppliers, seasonal dining destinations, and the amenities of Bath and Brunswick provide convenient access to everyday essentials while allowing Small Point to retain its peaceful residential character.
This balance of seclusion and convenience allows homeowners to enjoy the best of coastal Maine living while preserving the atmosphere that has defined Small Point for generations.
Small Point Through the Seasons
Small Point is part of Phippsburg in Sagadahoc County. Much of the surrounding land is protected, which is a large part of why the area still feels quiet.
Place | Season |
|---|---|
Popham Beach State Park | Open all year |
Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area | Open all year, dawn to dusk |
Fort Popham State Historic Site | Memorial Day to Labor Day |
Fort Baldwin State Historic Site | June 15 to Labor Day |
Hermit Island and Head Beach campgrounds | Seasonal |
Luxury Real Estate Opportunities in Small Point
As demand for luxury coastal living continues to grow, Small Point remains one of Maine’s most coveted waterfront markets.
Properties here are exceptionally limited, with many homes remaining within families for generations. When opportunities do become available, they often feature:
Expansive ocean frontage
Private beaches
Deepwater access
Historic architectural character
Sweeping Atlantic views
Generous acreage and privacy
Currently listed at 37 Alliquippa Road and represented by Pete Molloy and Lynn Hallett of Town & Shore Real Estate, this exceptional waterfront property presents a rare opportunity to experience the privacy, natural beauty, and coastal lifestyle that have drawn generations of families to Small Point.
With many properties remaining within the same families for generations, opportunities to own in Small Point are exceptionally rare. For buyers seeking a legacy property on the Maine coast, few communities offer the exclusivity, beauty, and tradition found at Small Point.
Town & Shore Real Estate has proudly represented exceptional waterfront properties throughout Midcoast Maine, helping buyers discover some of the region’s most remarkable coastal homes and communities.
Experience Small Point with Town & Shore Real Estate
At Town & Shore Real Estate, we understand that waterfront properties are about more than just the home itself; they represent a lifestyle, an investment, and a connection to the Maine coast.
With decades of experience representing some of Maine’s most exceptional waterfront and coastal properties, Town & Shore Real Estate is proud to help buyers and sellers navigate the unique opportunities found throughout Midcoast and Southern Maine.
Whether you're searching for a seasonal retreat, a luxury waterfront estate, or a legacy property to pass down through generations, Small Point offers one of Maine’s most distinctive coastal experiences.
For those seeking a legacy property on the Maine coast, Small Point offers a rare opportunity to become part of a community defined by history, natural beauty, and generations of coastal tradition—an enduring place where memories are made and passed down for years to come.
Buying Waterfront in Small Point: Questions to Ask
Waterfront homes here come with rules and logistics that inland homes don’t. These are the questions we walk through with buyers, alongside our broader collection of luxury homes for sale in Maine.
- How much of the lot falls in the shoreland zone? Under Maine’s Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act, it covers land within 250 feet of the upland edge of a coastal wetland, which includes all areas affected by tidal action.
- How will you launch a boat? All Phippsburg town landings require a resident sticker, and vehicles without the proper permit can be ticketed.
- Is the deepwater access tidal? Ask the owner and a local harbor contact how the dock or mooring works at low tide.
- Ask whether the home uses a private septic system and well, and request the records.
- How busy does the road get in July? Popham Beach State Park is the busiest day-use park in Maine’s state park system, and the state contracts with the Phippsburg Police Department for traffic and parking enforcement on busy days.
