Real Estate & Elegant Maine Living - The Way Life Should Be

Elise Kiely

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s luxury real estate market, distinctive properties, and the lifestyle that makes this state such a special place to call home. Hosted by Elise Kiely, a top-producing real estate advisor and lifestyle connector with Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, the podcast features thoughtful conversations with local leaders, creatives, and visionaries who embody the spirit of elegant living in Maine. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply Maine-curious, each episode offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the people and places that define Maine.

  1. 2d ago

    Choosing the Hard Thing: Cheeny Plante on Naked and Afraid, Service & Life in Maine — Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail What can surviving in the wilderness teach us about how we live our everyday lives? In Part Two of my conversation with Maine fishing guide, Air Force veteran, and Sanford City Councilor Cheeny Plante, we explore her four appearances on Naked and Afraid—from 21 days in South Africa to a solo survival challenge and two seasons of Last One Standing. Cheeny shares what happens when food, comfort, technology, and everyday distractions disappear—and why those experiences taught her as much about character, resilience, and second chances as they did about survival.  We also talk candidly about a difficult experience on her first Last One Standing, the criticism that followed, and why Cheeny chose to return and give herself a second chance. Her fourth challenge, this time in the Australian Outback, became the reset she needed—and a reminder of the power of showing up differently when we're given another opportunity.  But Cheeny’s philosophy of choosing the hard thing doesn't end in the wilderness. Back home in Maine, it led her to organize volunteers to clean up Sanford's roadsides and eventually run for City Council. Her challenge to all of us is wonderfully simple: rather than sitting on the sidelines and criticizing, find a way—large or small—to contribute to your community.  It's a conversation about Maine, outdoor adventure, leadership, resilience, community service, intentional living, and having the courage to follow your own North Star. If Cheeny’s story inspires you, please share this episode with someone who might need a little encouragement to choose the hard thing—and discover what they're capable of. Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

  2. Sep 8

    Doing Hard Things: Maine Guide Cheeny Plante on an Intentional Maine Lifestyle — Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to intentionally choose the harder path? In Part One of my conversation with Maine fishing guide and Air Force veteran Cheeny Plante, we explore a remarkable journey that began in Sanford, Maine, and led Cheeny to enlist in the Air Force at just 16 years old. She went on to become a SERE Specialist—completing the demanding Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training and ultimately teaching those skills to others. Cheeny and I talk about resilience, service, doing hard things, and the confidence that can come from pushing beyond what we think we're capable of. We also discuss the importance of helping young people discover their own path rather than simply following the path others expect of them—a theme that connects closely to my work with the Olympia Snowe Women's Leadership Institute and its focus on Values, Voice and Vision. And, of course, we return to the place where Cheeny and I met: Bradford Camps, a historic sporting camp deep in the North Maine Woods. We talk about fly fishing, seaplanes, brook trout, Maine Guides, and the increasingly rare experience of truly unplugging. It's a wonderful reminder that the Maine lifestyle can sometimes be at its best when getting there requires a little effort. Learn More & Listen: Bradford Camps — Maine fishing and sporting camp on Munsungan LakeU.S. Air Force — Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Specialist TrainingOlympia Snowe Women's Leadership InstituteElegant Maine Living — Mentoring Maine's Future with Christina McAnuffNext week, Cheeny and I continue our conversation with an entirely different kind of survival challenge: her four appearances on Naked and Afraid. We explore what extreme conditions reveal about leadership and character, why integrity matters more than winning, and how Cheeny continues to serve her Maine community today. If this conversation makes you think of someone who is considering a new path—or simply needs a little encouragement to do something hard—please share this episode with them. Subscribe to Elegant Maine Living for more conversations about the people, places, businesses and ideas that inspire us to live more intentionally in Maine. Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

  3. Sep 1

    LifeFlight of Maine with Brian Elowe: Protecting the Maine Lifestyle and Giving Back — Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail What makes it possible to safely explore some of Maine’s most remote places? In Part 2 of my conversation with Brian Elowe, we explore why LifeFlight of Maine is such an important part of Maine’s outdoor lifestyle—and the infrastructure that supports our tourism economy. From Maine hiking, skiing, fishing and boating to exploring remote islands and the North Woods, access to critical medical care matters when help may otherwise be hours away. Brian explains how the nonprofit LifeFlight Foundation helps fund the aircraft, equipment, training and technology needed to bring ICU-level care to critically ill and injured patients throughout Maine. We also discuss how listeners can support LifeFlight—not only through donations, but through volunteering, community events and simply helping more people understand its life-saving mission. Our conversation then turns to a broader idea I love: becoming part of a community by giving back to it. Brian shares how, after returning to Maine following a long corporate career, his leadership at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine and his service with LifeFlight helped him become more deeply rooted in the Maine community. We talk about why volunteering can be especially meaningful for people who are new to Maine, the relationships that grow from community involvement, and Brian’s hope that as Maine continues to welcome new residents, we preserve the culture of quiet generosity, participation and neighbors helping neighbors that makes this state so special. Learn more and get involved: LifeFlight of Maine / LifeFlight Foundation] Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine Part 1 of my conversation with Brian Elowe If you love the Maine outdoors, Maine lifestyle, and the communities that make this state extraordinary, I hope you’ll listen—and share this episode with someone who should know more about LifeFlight’s remarkable work. Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

  4. Aug 25

    LifeFlight of Maine with Brian Elowe: ICU-Level Care from Maine’s Islands to the North Woods — Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail LifeFlight of Maine: Critical Care When Minutes Matter — Part 1 with Brian EloweWhat happens when a medical emergency occurs miles from the nearest Maine hospital—on an island, a hiking trail, a ski slope, or deep in the Maine woods? In Part 1 of my conversation with Brian Elowe, a board member of the LifeFlight Foundation, we explore the mission, history, and extraordinary importance of LifeFlight of Maine—and why Maine's geography and outdoor lifestyle make this air medical service such an essential part of our state. Brian shares his family's deeply personal connection to LifeFlight, and we talk about how LifeFlight brings critical, ICU-level care to patients when minutes matter. We also explore the unique challenges of providing emergency medical care across a state defined by islands, rural communities and vast stretches of wilderness. For those of us who love Maine hiking, Maine skiing, Maine fishing, boating, hunting, snowmobiling, or simply exploring places a little off the beaten path, LifeFlight is an important part of the infrastructure that allows us to enjoy the Maine outdoors. We also discuss how LifeFlight grew from an ambitious idea into a statewide critical-care transportation system—and the role philanthropy continues to play in its mission. Related listening: You may also enjoy my conversation with Dr. Mike Bauman, Chair of the Emergency Department at Maine Medical Center, where we talked about emergency medicine in Maine and touched on the important role LifeFlight plays in connecting critically ill and injured patients with the care they need. Conversation with Dr. Mike Bauman Whether you live in Maine, visit for the Maine lifestyle and outdoors, or simply want to understand more about the people and organizations that make life in this state possible, I hope you'll join us for this conversation. Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

  5. Aug 17

    Maine Real Estate & Lifestyle: Reading the Tea Leaves | Why Thoughtful Maine Buyers and Sellers Are Winning in Today's Market

    Send us Fan Mail What is it really like to buy or sell a home in Maine today? In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, Elise Kiely moves beyond the headlines and shares what she's seeing every day with buyers and sellers across Southern and Coastal Maine. While inventory has increased and buyers have more choices than they've had in several years, the best homes continue to attract strong interest—and in many cases, multiple offers.  Rather than focusing only on statistics, Elise explores the conversations happening around kitchen tables: what today's buyers are really looking for, why thoughtful preparation has become more important than ever, and how changing lifestyle priorities—including privacy, wellness, flexibility, multigenerational living, and access to nature—are shaping the future of Maine real estate.  Elise also shares practical advice for first-time buyers, growing families, empty nesters, and luxury buyers, along with a look at her newest waterfront listing on Cumberland Foreside as a real-world example of the lifestyle many people are seeking today. Whether you're buying, selling, relocating to Maine, or simply interested in the Maine real estate market and the lifestyle it offers, this episode provides thoughtful perspective on where the market is today—and where it may be headed. In This Episode  Why some Maine homes still receive multiple offers while others sit on the market  What today's buyers are really looking for beyond bedrooms and square footage  Why preparation, pricing, staging, and presentation matter more than ever  Luxury buyer trends including privacy, wellness, flexibility, and multigenerational living  Why Elise continues to encourage buyers to think long term and "get in the market"  A closer look at Elise's newest waterfront listing at 15 Sturdivant Road, Cumberland ForesideContinue the Conversation 🎙 Why Staging Matters with Elizabeth Carper of The Styled Home Learn why thoughtful preparation and staging help buyers emotionally connect with a home before they ever make an offer. Episode with Elizabeth Carper 🎙 The Great Wealth Transfer & Family Gifting with Amelia Dow, Portland Trust Company Explore how generational wealth transfers are helping families purchase homes and reshaping today's real estate market. Episode with Amelia Dow and the Great Wealth Transfer   🎙 Helping the Next Generation Become Homeowners with Greg Dauphinee, Androscoggin Bank Practical advice for first-time buyers, financing strategies, and building long-term wealth through homeownership. Episode with Greg Dauphinee 🏡 Featured Property: 15 Sturdivant Road, Cumberland Foreside Explore Elise's newest waterfront listing featuring nearly six private acres, over 380 feet of beachfront, a first-floor primary suite, Wright-Ryan craftsmanship, exceptional privacy, and just minutes from Portland. 15 Sturdivant Road Listing I'd Love to Hear From You Questions about today's Maine real estate market or an idea for a future podcast episode? I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at Elise@EliseKiely.com, or visit EliseKiely.com to explore current listings, learn more about the podcast, or connect with me directly. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be grateful if you would subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is interested in Maine real estate, relocating to Maine, or simply loves the Maine lifestyle. Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

  6. Aug 11

    Maine Real Estate: Reading the Tea Leaves | What the National Housing Market Is Whispering to Maine

    Send us Fan Mail Is the national housing market finally shifting in favor of buyers? And if so, what could those changes mean for Maine real estate? In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, Elise Kiely steps back from the monthly headlines to explore the national trends quietly reshaping today's housing market. From housing supply and affordability to demographic shifts, family gifting, wellness, multigenerational living, and evolving buyer priorities, Elise explains why understanding why the market is changing is often more valuable than simply following the latest statistics. Whether you're a current homeowner, first-time buyer, investor, or simply curious about the future of Maine real estate, this episode offers thoughtful perspective on the forces influencing tomorrow's housing market. Next week, Elise brings the conversation back home, sharing what she's seeing every day with buyers and sellers across Southern and Coastal Maine. Continue the Conversation Family gifting and wealth transfer with Amelia Dow, Portland Trust Company https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468487/episodes/18895231 Helping the next generation become homeowners with Greg Dauphinee, Androscoggin Bank https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468487/episodes/17180489 Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

  7. Aug 4

    Designing Extraordinary Homes in Maine: Inside Shooting Rock with Amanda Pratt | Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Can a home change the way you live? In Part Two of my conversation with interior architect and designer Amanda Pratt, we step inside Shooting Rock, one of Maine's most extraordinary waterfront homes, to explore the vision behind its remarkable transformation. Amanda shares how architecture, art, craftsmanship, and the natural landscape come together to create a home designed for gathering, creativity, wellness, and connection. From opening the home to the ocean views to creating spaces that encourage family traditions, this conversation is about much more than design—it's about creating a place that feels like home.  Hit play to discover why the most unforgettable homes aren't simply beautiful—they're intentionally designed around the lives lived within them. In this episode:  The story behind the transformation of Shooting Rock  Designing for family, entertaining, and waterfront living  Why today's luxury buyers value privacy, wellness, authenticity, and a connection to nature  Creating spaces that inspire awe while feeling deeply personal  Amanda's philosophy for designing homes that truly reflect the people who live in them Learn More AM Collective (Amanda Pratt): https://amcollective.nyc Explore Shooting Rock – 33 Massacre Lane, Scarborough, Maine: https://www.elisekiely.com/33-massacre-lane-scarborough-maine Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

  8. Jul 28

    Designing Extraordinary Homes in Maine: Amanda Pratt on Architecture, Art, Reinvention & Living Well | Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Designing Extraordinary Homes in Maine: Amanda Pratt on Architecture, Art, Reinvention & Living Well | Part 1 What transforms a beautiful house into a home people never forget? In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, I sit down with designer, entrepreneur, and interior architect Amanda Pratt to explore the experiences that shaped her remarkable career—from construction sites and Wall Street to designing extraordinary homes in Maine. Together, we discuss architecture, craftsmanship, creativity, entrepreneurship, and why the best homes are designed around the way people truly live. Hit play to discover how Amanda's journey of reinvention continues to inspire the way we think about home, design, and living well. In this episode: Amanda's path from Wall Street to interior architectureDesigning homes that are both beautiful and deeply personalThe role of art, craftsmanship, and creativity in great designEntrepreneurship, reinvention, and embracing unexpected opportunitiesWhy Maine continues to inspire exceptional architecture and thoughtful livingLearn more about Amanda and AM Collective: AM Collective Coming next: In Part Two, Amanda takes us inside Shooting Rock, one of Maine's most extraordinary waterfront homes, and shares the vision behind creating an iconic coastal retreat. Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at  Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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About

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s luxury real estate market, distinctive properties, and the lifestyle that makes this state such a special place to call home. Hosted by Elise Kiely, a top-producing real estate advisor and lifestyle connector with Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, the podcast features thoughtful conversations with local leaders, creatives, and visionaries who embody the spirit of elegant living in Maine. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply Maine-curious, each episode offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the people and places that define Maine.

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