“Prefer a feast of friends to the giant family.” LoonsNest, a beautifully modernized year-round home nestled within the Maranacook Shore Association, is a property steeped in history and community spirit. Its story is one of transformation, legacy, and the celebration of life’s simple joys, shaped by the love and care of its past and present owners.

The double lot where LoonsNest now stands was originally purchased by Mildred Cole and her mother, Gladys Wight Cole, directly from Jordan Preston, who developed the community in the early 1960s. Mildred, who later became Mildred Cole Peladeau, was a distinguished authority on American hooked rugs and a dedicated local historian. Her life’s work in textile arts, particularly the history of hooked rugs in Maine, earned her national recognition, particularly through her landmark book, Rug Hooking in Maine, 1838-1940.

In the late 1980s, Mildred and her husband, Marius Peladeau, undertook a significant renovation of the original 1960s A-frame. Using all of their savings, they moved the structure to a new foundation and added a two-story extension, transforming it into a year-round residence that reflected their deep love for the area.

Mildred and Marius were not just homeowners but also stewards of history. Mildred’s expertise in textile arts and Marius’s passion for history – evidenced by his roles as Press Secretary for Congressman Vigorito during the Kennedy administration and Director of the Maine League of Historical Societies and Museums, as well as the Farnsworth Museum – made them pillars of the community. Their commitment to preserving Readfield’s heritage was particularly evident in their dedication to the Readfield Union Meeting House.

Built in 1828, the Readfield Union Meeting House is a historic gem in the heart of the town. Renowned for its Federal-style architecture and unique trompe-l’œil murals by artist Charles J. Schumacher, the Meeting House has long served as a center of community life. Its preservation was a cause close to the Peladeaus’ hearts.

After Mildred passed away in 2017 and Marius in 2022, the property was sold from their estate, with the proceeds directed toward the restoration of the Readfield Union Meeting House, ensuring that this historic structure continues to be preserved for future generations.

In 2023, Dana and Amy Therrien purchased the property, beginning a new chapter for LoonsNest. They honored the original charm of the A-frame by removing the two-story extension and meticulously refurbishing and modernizing the home. They enlisted the expertise of Hunt Stehli, a designer with a deep commitment to sustainable and socially conscious design. Under Hunt’s guidance, the updated LoonsNest now includes three bedrooms, three baths, modern work-from-home office space, and a home fitness area. A stunning modern post-and-beam grand room and porch were added to provide a welcoming space for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. This addition embodies the spirit of togetherness, allowing the Therriens and their guests to host friends and family in a setting that celebrates both nature and community.

The name “LoonsNest” is a tribute to the parenting loons that frequent the shoreline and to Dana’s father, Moon Therrien, who had a lifelong passion for these majestic birds. With its breathtaking views of Maranacook Lake, LoonsNest has become a meditative sanctuary where “a feast of friends” can be celebrated, echoing the lyrics of Jim Morrison. The Therriens envisioned LoonsNest as a retreat where the joys of life—family, friendship, and the beauty of nature—can be cherished and shared.

Today, LoonsNest is more than just a lakeside retreat; it is a living monument to the history and legacy of the Peladeau family and a vibrant space where new memories are made. The home seamlessly blends the past and present, offering a unique and meditative refuge on the shores of Maranacook Lake, where the spirit of celebration, togetherness, and peaceful reflection thrives.