95 Acres of Untapped Potential in Northern Maine – Former Family Farm with Mountain Views
Opportunity awaits in the heart of Northern Maine, where vast skies, rolling fields, and mountain horizons create a landscape defined by freedom and possibility. This remarkable 95-acre property in Van Buren offers the rare chance to own an expansive piece of rural land steeped in family history and agricultural heritage. Formerly a working family farm that has remained in the same family for decades, this parcel carries the character and quiet strength of generations past. While the existing farmhouse is considered a teardown and has been vacant for many years, the true value of this offering lies in the land itself—its size, zoning flexibility, scenic beauty, and the boundless opportunities it presents for redevelopment, farming, recreation, or investment.
Set against a backdrop of fields, wooded areas, and mountain views, the property captures the essence of Northern Maine living. The farmhouse, designed in a traditional farmhouse architectural style, once served as the heart of a busy agricultural homestead. With approximately 1,600 square feet of total interior livable area, the structure includes five bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms. All five bedrooms are located on the second level, reflecting the classic layout of older New England farmhouses where living and gathering spaces occupied the main floor and sleeping quarters were arranged above. The first floor consists of a kitchen and living room, spaces that once likely bustled with daily activity and seasonal farm gatherings.
Though time has taken its toll and the home has been vacant for decades, its layout still tells a story. The property features forced air heating, though no cooling system is installed. Flooring materials include tile, vinyl, and other finishes reflective of updates made throughout the years before the home was ultimately vacated. There is no fireplace, and the basement is of the “doghouse” style—an older design common in rural properties, providing exterior access to the lower level. Of the total 1,600 square feet, approximately 700 square feet is finished above ground, with an additional 900 square feet finished below ground.
However, prospective buyers should approach the structure with the understanding that it is considered a teardown. Decades of vacancy have left the building in significant disrepair, and renovation would likely be extensive. For many buyers, the highest and best use of this property may involve removing the existing structure and designing a new residence tailored to modern needs while taking full advantage of the extraordinary setting. Whether envisioning a contemporary farmhouse, a rustic cabin retreat, or a fully operational agricultural headquarters, the blank-slate nature of the site opens the door to creative possibilities.
The land itself is zoned Farm-Forest, offering flexibility for agricultural use, forestry management, homesteading, or other rural pursuits. With 95 acres at your disposal, there is ample room to establish fields for crops, pasture livestock, create private trails, or maintain wooded sections for timber or conservation. The zoning encourages productive land use while preserving the rural character that makes this region so desirable. For those seeking self-sufficiency, the acreage provides space for gardens, orchards, greenhouses, or even renewable energy installations.
Scenic views enhance the property’s appeal. From various vantage points across the acreage, you can enjoy sweeping fields, tree-lined borders, and distant mountain silhouettes. The combination of open land and wooded areas creates visual interest throughout the seasons. Spring brings fresh green growth and renewed vitality. Summer showcases expansive blue skies over rolling terrain. Autumn transforms the trees into vibrant displays of color, and winter blankets the fields in peaceful white stillness. The ever-changing landscape ensures that the property feels dynamic and alive year-round.
Utilities are already in place, including private well water and a septic system connected to private sewer. Electrical service operates via circuit breakers. While these systems may require inspection or upgrading depending on future plans, their presence can simplify redevelopment efforts compared to raw, undeveloped land. The property also includes a two-car garage, providing parking for up to two vehicles and potential storage space for equipment or tools. A porch adds a traditional farmhouse touch to the existing structure, hinting at the charm the property once held and could again embody under new ownership.
Financially, the property presents a compelling value proposition. With a price per square foot of $103 and annual property taxes of approximately $650, the holding costs remain relatively modest considering the size of the acreage. For investors, developers, or individuals seeking a long-term land investment, Northern Maine continues to attract attention for its affordability compared to many other regions of the country. The combination of substantial acreage, established utilities, and flexible zoning positions this property as a noteworthy opportunity in the current market.
Van Buren, located in Aroostook County along the Canadian border, is known for its agricultural roots, open landscapes, and strong sense of community. The region offers access to outdoor recreation including snowmobiling, ATV trails, hunting, fishing, and hiking. The St. John River nearby provides additional opportunities for boating and angling. Residents appreciate the slower pace of life, the beauty of the countryside, and the resilience of a community shaped by farming and forestry traditions. For buyers seeking privacy, space, and a connection to nature, Northern Maine delivers an experience that is increasingly difficult to find in more densely populated areas.
This property’s long-standing presence within one family adds a layer of sentimental value and continuity. Decades of shared history are embedded in the fields and foundations. While the farmhouse itself may have reached the end of its practical lifespan, the land remains a canvas ready for its next chapter. Whether you dream of restoring the agricultural legacy, building a custom homestead, creating a recreational retreat, or holding the acreage as a strategic investment, the possibilities extend as far as the eye can see.
Imagine designing a new home positioned to capture panoramic mountain views. Picture establishing walking trails that wind through wooded sections, or cultivating open fields that once again yield crops beneath the Northern Maine sun. Consider the potential for a small-scale farm operation, equestrian facility, or even a seasonal getaway compound where family and friends gather to experience the quiet beauty of rural living. With 95 acres, there is room not only for a house but for a vision.
In a real estate landscape where large parcels are becoming increasingly scarce, especially those with existing infrastructure and a legacy of agricultural use, this offering stands out. It invites buyers who see beyond the current condition of the house and recognize the intrinsic value of land—particularly land with history, character, and scenic charm. The opportunity to own nearly 100 acres in Northern Maine does not come along every day, especially at a price point that keeps long-term investment potential within reach.
If you have been searching for space, privacy, and the freedom to create something uniquely your own, this former family farm in Van Buren deserves serious consideration. Bring your plans, your imagination, and your vision for the future. The old farmhouse may be ready to step aside, but the land endures—waiting for new life, new purpose, and a new story to unfold across its fields and forests.
Listed on Zillow