Underground home in Waterboro provides heating and cooling efficiency

WATERBORO — A distinctive earth-sheltered home nestled into a wooded hillside in York County is drawing attention from buyers seeking both character and energy efficiency.

The two-bedroom residence at 10 Sky Lane sits partially underground, with three sides of the structure buried beneath the terrain. The exposed portion of the ranch-style home faces south, allowing sunlight to flood the interior through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 1985, the 1,224-square-foot property is now listed at $399,900, translating to $327 per square foot. Annual property taxes total $2,650.

The earth-sheltered design offers practical benefits for Maine's variable climate. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that partially buried homes benefit from natural insulation provided by the surrounding earth, which buffers against extreme outdoor temperatures and helps maintain more consistent indoor conditions year-round.

The current owners have taken advantage of their 3-acre wooded lot to offset heating expenses. They harvest timber from the property and burn approximately one to one-and-a-half cords of firewood each season in a cast-iron cooking stove located in the open-concept kitchen and living area at the center of the home. When they're present, indoor temperatures typically hold steady around 70 degrees.

During the coldest stretches of winter or when the residence is unoccupied, the owners rely on electric baseboard heat to prevent the temperature from dropping below 60 degrees. Their electric heating costs during the December through March period average between $150 and $200 per month. According to the Maine Department of Energy Resources, a cord of firewood costs roughly $355 on average, depending on seasoning and delivery.

In summer months, the home maintains a comfortable 70 degrees with minimal air conditioning use, even during heat waves.

The property received several updates under the current owners' care. Improvements include new flooring, walk-in closets, and a dedicated workout or home office space. A recently constructed storage shed adds practical outdoor storage.

Julie Herbert, the listing broker, highlighted the property's appeal.

"It's a unique property where the owners have made many improvements, including a custom-built shed," Herbert said. "And with 3 acres of land, there's potential for a lot more."

The residence sits just off Route 5 near the northern end of Little Ossipee Lake, placing it within reach of commercial amenities and year-round recreational opportunities. Waterboro's population exceeds 8,000 residents, and the community is approximately 45 minutes from Portland.