The owner, a Boston based interior designer, lovingly restored the
home and furnished it with art and antiques in the English Country
style. And what's a country house without dogs? Angus, a Westie,
was the first to preside over Whitegate and now his protege Chance is
the official wagging greeter.

The original home was built in 1865 by Samuel Parsons and is one of
the earliest homesteads on Peaks Island. An additional wing was added
to create two dwellings within one facade. It is the original antique
side, called the Antique Cottage, which is available for your summer
pleasure.

With all its charm, the house was chosen twice by Traditional Home
magazine. Featured first under the caption Island Romance in 1999 and
again as the launch of AngusWeare,
an apparel company for very pampered dogs.

Antique Cottage

There are two English style bedrooms with views out to the Bay, two
bathrooms, a sitting room with faux painted Neoclassic sky with
nesting birds, a cozy library to curl up with a good book, a dining
room with banquette for intimate dining and a petite gourmet
kitchen. Sit on your sun porch under the old apple tree for lazy
afternoons watching the sun setting over Casco Bay and while away the
evening under the stars listening to the crickets' serenade.

This is a romantic and elegant hideway for the most discerning who
enjoy art, history, and antiques along with the finest in modern
conveniences.

"The house is gorgeous!! We loved every minute of our stay at
Whitegate. I'm not sure who had the most fun, us, or our beloved dog
Wally who adored the huge lawn to play ball along with walks on the
beach below. We all look forward to returning."
Alison in Boston, Massachusetts

The Island

On Peaks Island there is much to do, and if you choose, nothing to do
at all but relax with a good book or lay on the hammock and listen to
the seaside sounds. The island is five miles around and is a lovely
walk or bicycle ride. You will find the island has two distinct
sides; Harborside faces Casco Bay and features several small sandy
beaches and the rocky Oceanside faces the open sea.

There is much to do here from bicycling the backshore, to kayaking,
sailing into the sunset on a 72' schooner, picnicking on the rocks
overlooking neighboring islands, or island hopping on America's
oldest ferry service.

Scrambling over the rocky Maine coastline is always fun, and for more
adventure, there is the Maine Island Kayak Co. for half day and full
day instructions and excursions.

And, after all that adventure, you'll want to head Downfront to the
ice cream and souvenir shop for a big cone of chocolate and caramel
Moosetracks. Depending on your taste, there are several small
restaurants and a pub on the island for dining, and there is always
Hannigan's IGA Market for a great pizza to go.

For guests at Whitegate, Basic Membership is included in the island's
wonderful old summer Club, Trefethen, which offers opportunities for
children to learn sailing along with tennis and lots of fun programs
for all ages. Summer starts with Friday Night Cocktails on the
Porch, then there is the Victorian Tea (an annual event for ladies of
all ages), and the end of July is the croquet tournament, or perhaps
you'd like to participate in a culinary progressive dinner party or
a gourmet dinner with one of Portland's leading chefs.

So many things to do, and so many friends to meet and share those
summer memories with. You'll find it all on Peaks Island.

The Old Port

Of course don't forget the day trips to Portland's Old Port where
shops and restaurants abound. The Island Romance ferry takes you
right to the heart of downtown Portland to shop, or a visit to the
Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest and finest art museum with
some of the best examples of Wyeth and Winslow Homer.

You'll work up an appetite after a museum tour and many of the
restaurants and fine bistros of Portland have received national
acclaim such as Sam Hayward's Fore Street.

After lunch stroll the old narrow cobblestone streets for treasures
in the many boutiques. Only a twenty minute car ride north brings
you to Freeport, home of L.L. Bean and many other great names in
outlet shopping.

To The Sea

For those who love sailboats there are daily trips on classic John
Alden designed beauties. Either the 72' schooner Bagheera or the 88'
Wendameen. Their beauty will surely take your breath away and the
sound of the water lapping against the hull under full sail is truly
a Maine experience not to be missed. There are morning, afternoon and
sunset cruises.

And, for island hopping, Casco Bay Ferry excursions run daily. As the
oldest ferry service in America, it makes its regular daily runs
through some of Maine's most beautiful natural scenery. There are
scenic cruises and music cruises, from the Mailboat Run to the Sunset
Run all taking you to the wonders of coastal Maine you just can't get
to by car.