Underground home in Waterboro provides heating and cooling efficiency

Waterboro earth-sheltered home 07212026 — The approach to a partially buried home at 10 Sky Lane in Waterboro. (Kelley Bouchard/Staff Writer)

WATERBORO — Only the roof and main entrance are visible on the approach to 10 Sky Lane.

The ranch-style house is tucked into a hillside — an unusual feature that makes the home less expensive to heat in winter months and keep cool during summer heat waves.

Three sides of the rustic two-bedroom house are underground. The exposed portion and backyard face south, allowing the sun to stream through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Location: York County
Listing price: $399,900
Year built: 1985
Size: 1,224 square feet
Price per square foot: $327
Taxes: $2,650 per year

Earth-sheltered or partially buried homes can be more energy efficient, with natural insulation against extreme outdoor weather that can keep indoor temperatures more stable, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The approach to 10 Sky Lane in Waterboro, showing a recently built storage shed. (Courtesy of Julie Herbert)

The current owners have heated primarily with wood they harvested from the 3-acre property, said Julie Herbert, listing broker.

They burn 1-1.5 cords per season in a cast-iron cooking stove located in the open-concept kitchen and living area that’s at the center of the house, which stays around 70 degrees when they’re home, Herbert said.

Waterboro kitchen — The kitchen at 10 Sky Lane in Waterboro. (Courtesy of Julie Herbert)

Cutting trees from the wooded lot provides a significant savings. A cord of firewood costs $355 on average, depending on seasoning and delivery charges, according to the Maine Department of Energy Resources.

On the coldest days and when they’re away, they use electric baseboard heat to maintain an indoor temperature around 60 degrees, Herbert said. Their electric heating costs have been $150-$200 per month December through March.

The indoor temperature stays around 70 degrees in the summer months, with minimal use of one air conditioner during heat waves, she said.

Waterboro has just over 8,000 residents and is about 45 minutes from Portland.

The house has one full bath and many updated features, including flooring, walk-in closets and a workout or office space. The property is just off Route 5 at the northern end of Little Ossipee Lake, near commercial centers and year-round recreation.

“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.”