The BDN is exploring Maine’s housing crisis from every possible angle, from how it affects home prices, to what it means for Mainers across the state. Read our ongoing coverage here and fill out this form to tell us what you want to know.
Perched on the shore of downtown Lubec, this $849,000 building with both commercial and residential space is among the easternmost properties in the nation.
The 5,000-square-foot building is broken up into three commercial spaces, totalling 3,500 square feet, and a 1,500-square-foot condominium upstairs, said Jason Clark of Coldwell Banker Realty, the listing agent for the property. The various commercial areas could be kept separate, or combined to create a larger space.
The lower floor now contains a front office space, accessible from the street, as well as an open area, which the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Station Keepers Association is using as a pop-up exhibit and gift shop.
There’s also an additional commercial space on the back of the building, which offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a deck overlooking the ocean. This area could be perfect for a yoga studio, bookstore or coffee shop.
“It’s perfect for someone who’s looking for waterfront living and wants to have their own business and live above it,” Clark said.
Upstairs, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo features luxury finishes, high-end kitchen appliances, large windows and a balcony that overlooks Lubec Sound. The open layout leaves space for a large kitchen island, exposed ceiling beams and plenty of natural light.
“The living space is homey and cozy, but very modern too,” Clark said.
The floor-to-ceiling windows on both floors of the building offer views of Lubec Narrows as well as Canada’s Campobello Island and Mulholland Point Lighthouse.
“The views are second to none,” Clark said. “You can see lobster boats going back and forth and the owners told me that they’ve seen seals and the occasional whale.”
The building is the only residential space on Water Street currently for sale, Clark said. The neighborhood is known for being walkable and dotted with restaurants, coffee shops, museums and galleries.
The property hit the market in June 2025 with an asking price of just over $900,000. The listing was removed in December when Maine’s real estate market slowed significantly, then listed again earlier this month for $849,000.
“There aren’t many oceanfront properties in Maine for under a million, so this is definitely ideal for somebody who wants to live in the ocean,” Clark said. “It could be a great year-round home for somebody, or a second home.”
The property includes 30 feet of ocean frontage, and roughly four off-street parking spaces behind the building.
It’s unclear when the building was created and what it was first used for. But, historical photos show the building was standing in 1910, Clark said.
“At one point, Lubec was the sardine capital of the world and most of the surrounding buildings were previously sardine canneries,” Clark said. “This building, as far as we know, wasn’t part of sardine production.”
The owners bought the building in 2017 and renovated both floors in the early 2020s. Before that, the lower level held an autoparts store, then Annabell’s, a local pub.
“For a long time it was one of the town’s gathering spots,” Clark said. “It’s a really special place. There’s nothing quite like it.”