Phillips Maine Airstrip Property for Sale with a Rich History | 106 Acres with Private Runway in Western Maine

Your chance to own a piece of aviation history!!!

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A rare opportunity to own a private airstrip estate in the mountains of western Maine.

Set on 106 acres in Phillips, Maine, this unique property combines expansive land, a long-established private runway, and approximately one mile of Sandy River frontage—offering a level of privacy and versatility rarely found in the Northeast.

Priced at $1,250,000

Private Runway – A Defining Feature

At the heart of the property is a 4,239-foot private grass landing strip, recognized as the longest private grass airstrip in Maine. Well-established and known in the region, the runway offers the rare ability to fly directly to your own property.

While the strip does not carry an FAA identifier, this is typical for privately maintained airfields of this kind.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/02f75c_6d66e620d39b42e9bab0c2a0ff793b90/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Aircraft landing at John Fox Airport - Private Airstrip

Land, River, and Setting

The property is bordered by the Sandy River, creating a natural and serene boundary and providing access to fishing, paddling, and swimming.

Surrounded by forest and mountain landscape, the setting offers exceptional privacy with a blend of open land and wooded areas—ideal for those seeking a quiet, nature-driven retreat.

Residence and Future Potential

A partially finished, open-concept residence sits on the property, designed with expansive windows and vaulted ceilings to capture natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.

The structure can serve as a home, guest quarters, or recreational space, with ample room to build a primary residence if desired.

Infrastructure and Additional Land

The property is supported by existing infrastructure, including:

• A private septic system designed for a three-bedroom home

• A dug well at the residence site

• A drilled well located on one of the lots along Airport Road

In addition, the 106-acre parcel includes five separate 10-acre lots along Airport Road, offering flexibility for future development, resale, or long-term investment.

Outdoor Recreation and Lifestyle

This location is ideally suited for an active outdoor lifestyle.

In addition to direct river access, the surrounding region offers:

• Hunting for deer, bear, and moose

• Hiking, waterfalls, and backcountry exploration

• Snowmobiling, ATV riding, and mountain biking

• Fly-fishing and access to nearby lakes

Just across the road, Fox Carlton Sporting Camp provides a well-known destination for dining, lodging, and outdoor recreation tied to the area’s sporting heritage.

Location and Access

Phillips offers essential conveniences, including a local grocery store, gas station, and post office.

The town of Farmington is approximately 25–30 minutes away, providing expanded shopping, dining, and healthcare services.

Nearby attractions include Saddleback Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain for skiing and year-round recreation, the Rangeley Lakes region, and scenic drives throughout western Maine.

A Property with a Distinctive History

Originally developed in the late 1940s by John Fox, a Boston publisher and influential political figure, the airstrip and nearby lodge across the river were created as a private retreat.

In later decades, the property became associated with a unique and well-documented chapter of New England history through Richard Stratton, whose memoirs reference the use of remote airstrips in the region during the 1970s and early 1980s.

Accounts describe nighttime landings and coordinated operations made possible by the property’s secluded location and long runway.

Local recollections also reference periods of federal monitoring activity in the surrounding woods.

Today, the property remains a functioning landing strip with a rich and layered legacy.

Flexible Use and Investment Potential

This property offers a wide range of potential uses, including:

• Private aviation retreat or fly-in residence

• Recreational or sporting camp

• Seasonal or year-round living

• Long-term land or legacy investment

The combination of acreage, river frontage, and aviation access creates a truly distinctive offering.

Schedule a Private Showing

This is a rare opportunity to own a property with a uniquely documented place in aviation history.

For more information or to schedule a private showing, contact Mark DiDonato, at 978-457-9010