CHINA – Basic can be beautiful, as this classic cottage on China Lake (“The Lake of the Loons”) demonstrates.

The east-facing property in a secluded neighborhood enjoys lovely sunrises from its generous, 0.71-acre lot slightly elevated above the lake, on which it has 75 feet of waterfront. Need to take a bath or a shower? Although one could probably be added, there is at present no such indoor facility; rather, the entire lake is yours to refresh yourself in. (There is, however, plumbing, and what used to be called a “gentleman’s toilet” in an enclosure.)

Such was the camp-getaway experience in 1938, when this camp was built; and so it remains, although the place has certainly seen updates and improvements since. But much of the cottage’s appeal derives from its original features, such as the stone, floor-to-ceiling, wood-burning fireplace in the living room; the beadboard touches; the French doors, and the paneling of aromatic pine – all of which enhance the simple joys of Maine lakefront living in the summertime.

The kitchen is spacious and dine-in, although the enclosed, lake-facing porch makes a perfect dining room, too, when you’re not entertaining al fresco. At 900 square feet, the cottage is not of “lodge” proportions, but can sleep eight people thanks to the cool loft. With some work, the lower-level room could be converted to add space.

The cottage at 162 Fire Road No. 9, China, is listed for sale at $159,000 by Dianna Patterson of Realty of Maine, and is being shown by appointment. Annual taxes are $2,304 (2015-16).

For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Dianna at 445-4027, 215-8216 or at realtyofmaine@roadrunner.com.

The Central Maine Home of the Week is produced by the Marketing Department of the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.

Send feature home suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.

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