Your Private Island Escape on Long Lake
By Sebago Lake Lovin
For most people, owning an island is the kind of dream you bring up jokingly on a summer boat ride, then laugh off. But for Randy and Jamie Bernard, that dream became real in the spring of 2025, when they purchased Pine Island, a stunning 1.22-acre retreat perched in the heart of Maine’s Long Lake.
To Randy, Pine Island wasn’t just a piece of land—it was a fixture of his childhood, one he never expected would become his. Growing up across the water, he spent fifty years staring at the same cluster of trees and shoreline rocks, wondering what it would be like to set foot there.
The island had never come on the market. Not once. It was constant, visible, untouchable.
So when it finally went up for sale in 2025, he knew he had to make a move.
“I looked at my wife Jamie and said, ‘Do you trust me?’ And when she asked what I had in mind, I told her, ‘Let’s buy an island.’”
The answer was yes.
And with that, Pine Island became a shared adventure—an endeavor built on equal parts love, courage, and imagination.
A Place with a Past Long Before It Had Owners
Though Pine Island was never publicly marketed or widely written about, it holds a quiet but meaningful place in the local landscape. Generations of boaters have drifted past its shoreline, wondering about the structures set back among the trees. Kids on the lake made up stories about what might be hidden there.
For Randy, the island was more personal—never owned by his family, but always part of the backdrop of his life.
He remembers watching sunsets hit the western cove, the way the birch tree leaned into the water, the mysterious “green building” that locals joked was the best bathroom view in the region.
Even before he knew the island’s history, he knew its silhouette like home.
The Window: The Soul of the Island
One of Randy’s favorite places is what he affectionately calls The Window—a rocky overlook where Adirondack chairs face directly into the sunrise.
It’s where he drinks coffee, where guests gravitate naturally, and where the island feels most alive.
“Sometimes I wake up here in the morning. You can’t beat this view,” Randy says.
The Window captures the true character of Pine Island—quiet, steady, and breathtaking.
Getting There
Pine Island is accessible only by boat — which is part of the magic. The owner coordinates pickup from a dock on Long Lake, and within minutes, you're arriving at your own private island.
Arriving by boat as the sun rises over Long Lake. — Photo: Sebago Lake Lovin
The island is about 1.5 acres, with a main cabin, a guest cabin, and plenty of outdoor spaces to explore.
The Cabin
The main cabin is rustic but comfortable — exactly what you want for a lake retreat. Wood paneling, cozy furniture, and views of the water from every window.
The main cabin — rustic charm with modern comforts. — Photo: Sebago Lake Lovin
The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking, and there's a screened porch that's perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks.
Even the bathroom has a view.
Yes, even the bathroom has a lake view. — Photo: Sebago Lake Lovin
The Outdoor Spaces
This is where Pine Island really shines. The island has multiple outdoor areas, each with its own vibe.
Adirondack chairs positioned perfectly for sunset watching. — Photo: Sebago Lake Lovin
There's a fire pit area that's ideal for evening gatherings.
The fire pit — perfect for s'mores and stories. — Photo: Sebago Lake Lovin
And for the adventurous, there's a Tentsile platform — basically a suspended tent platform in the trees.
The Tentsile platform — sleeping among the trees. — Photo: Sebago Lake Lovin
The Sunset
I've seen a lot of sunsets on Maine lakes. The one from Pine Island might be the best yet.
Sunset from Pine Island — no filter needed.
Being on an island means you have 360-degree views. The sky lights up, the water reflects everything, and you realize why you came here in the first place.
Exploring Long Lake
The island comes with kayaks and paddleboards, so you can explore the surrounding waters at your own pace.
Long Lake stretches out in every direction. — Photo: Sebago Lake Lovin
I paddled over to some of the nearby coves, explored the shoreline, and generally lost track of time in the best way possible.
The Hosts
The Bernard family owns Pine Island, and their hospitality made the experience even better. They're clearly passionate about sharing this special place with guests.
The Bernard family — hosts who genuinely care.
From the welcome message to the thoughtful touches around the island, you can tell they've put a lot of love into this place.
Should You Book It?
If you're looking for something truly unique — an escape from the everyday, a chance to disconnect, and a memory you'll never forget — Pine Island is it.
It's not the cheapest option out there, but for a special occasion or a group of friends splitting the cost, it's absolutely worth it.
Your private island awaits. 🏝️
Book Pine Island
Ready to experience your own private island escape?