This western Maine house comes with its own runway

A property billed as a private pilot’s haven is on the market in the western Maine town of Phillips for $1.2 million.

The 106-acre property’s most notable feature is its 4,200-foot grass runway being sold by a private pilot who no longer owns a plane.

“That’s definitely something that is different than any other property,” listing agent Mike Moody, a sales associate with Engel & Volkers Casco Bay, said.

Most of the acreage is forest, but it also includes a mile-long stretch of the Sandy River and five 10-acre subdivisions that could be developed into residential properties or a commercial venture, Moody said.

“You could have your own private hunting ground, a trout fishing or fly fishing camp, you could expand and add an airport,” Moody said.

But in the couple of weeks the property has been listed, no one has yet shown serious interest in purchasing it. It will take a specific kind of buyer, Moody acknowledged. The agent hopes to host an unconventional open house in the coming weeks where private pilots can fly in and see the place for themselves.

The 1,200-square-foot home being sold with the property is structurally sound but a fixer-upper, Moody said. Its current owner uses it more as a clubhouse, where he and fellow pilots have relaxed, played pool and shared a meal. It’s off the grid right now and would need more work to be a year-round residence, he said.

That will be worth it for the right client, Moody said. The property and its outdoor recreation opportunities are also only a 45 minute drive from both the Sugarloaf and Saddleback Ski resorts, making it a year-round adventuring destination. It’s about 30 minutes in each direction from Rangeley and Farmington, although those are quick trips by plane.

“There’s a lot of potential for this piece of property, definitely,” Moody said. “And we’re looking forward to doing a fly-in open house.”