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

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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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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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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 architecture
• Designing homes that are both beautiful and deeply personal
• The role of art, craftsmanship, and creativity in great design
• Entrepreneurship, reinvention, and embracing unexpected opportunities
• Why Maine continues to inspire exceptional architecture and thoughtful living

Learn 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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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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What happens after the diagnosis?

New Listeners Start Here:

New to this conversation? I recommend listening to Part I first, where Laura shares how a single Lone Star tick bite led to her Alpha-gal Syndrome diagnosis, the challenges of getting answers, and why awareness of this growing tick-borne condition matters.

In Part Two of my conversation with my lifelong friend, Laura Finney, we move beyond the medical diagnosis of Alpha-gal Syndrome and explore what it really looks like to rebuild a joyful, active life after a Lone Star tick bite changes everything.

Laura shares how she transformed her kitchen, reimagined entertaining, adjusted her travel habits, and learned to navigate a world where something as simple as sharing a meal requires thoughtful planning. Rather than allowing Alpha-gal to define her life, Laura has chosen resilience, humor, and community.

Her experience also inspired her to launch No Ma'am, a blog and growing online resource dedicated to helping others living with Alpha-gal Syndrome find trustworthy information, practical tips, and a reminder that they are not alone.

Whether you live in Maine, spend time outdoors, or simply enjoy hiking, gardening, walking, hunting, fishing, or exploring nature, this episode offers practical awareness about the growing prevalence of tick-borne illnesses while celebrating the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. 

In this episode we discuss:

•  How Alpha-gal Syndrome changed Laura's daily life beyond food 
•  Why she replaced nearly everything in her kitchen 
•  Navigating restaurants, travel, and social gatherings with a serious food allergy 
•  Building community instead of isolation 
•  Practical tick prevention strategies for outdoor enthusiasts 
•  Why awareness—not fear—is the best defense against tick-borne illnesses 
•  Finding humor during life's unexpected detours 
•  The inspiration behind Laura's No Ma'am blog and business 
•  Creating resources for the growing Alpha-gal community 
•  Why it's possible to live a full, active, joyful life after an Alpha-gal diagnosis 

Resources

No Ma'am (Laura Finney's website):
https://nomam.net

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Alpha-gal Syndrome—or you're looking for practical information about living with a mammal allergy—Laura's blog is an outstanding resource filled with practical advice, encouragement, and humor.

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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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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What if one tiny tick bite changed your life forever?

Most of us know about Lyme disease. But have you heard of Alpha-gal Syndrome, the life-changing allergy that can develop after a single bite from a Lone Star tick?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I sit down with my oldest and dearest friend, Laura Finney, to share her remarkable story of developing Alpha-gal Syndrome after a tick bite on Martha's Vineyard. What began as mysterious symptoms and frustrating doctor visits ultimately led to a diagnosis that transformed nearly every aspect of her life.

Laura explains why Alpha-gal is far more than a "red meat allergy," how it can affect dairy, medications, and everyday products, why it is often difficult to diagnose, and why growing awareness is so important as Lone Star ticks continue expanding throughout the Northeast.

Most of all, this is a conversation about resilience, humor, and finding hope in the face of an unexpected challenge.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  What Alpha-gal Syndrome is and how it develops 
•  How a single Lone Star tick bite changed Laura's life 
•  Why Alpha-gal is much more than a red meat allergy 
•  Why diagnosis can be delayed or missed altogether 
•  The growing number of Alpha-gal cases across the United States 
•  Why awareness—not anxiety—is the goal for those of us who enjoy the outdoors in Maine and New England 

Resources

•  Laura Finney's No Mam website: NoMam.net

Coming Up in Part 2

We'll explore how Laura rebuilt her life after her diagnosis—from replacing everything in her kitchen to navigating travel, restaurants, family traditions, and social gatherings—and how she turned an unexpected diagnosis into a mission of education, advocacy, and humor through No Mam.

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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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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Can a centuries-old game help keep your mind sharp while also bringing people together?

In Part 2 of my conversation with Melanie Charest, founder of Mainely Mahjong, we explore why American Mahjong is about much more than mastering the tiles. We discuss the growing body of research surrounding Mahjong and cognitive health, the importance of lifelong learning, and why gathering around a table with friends may be one of the healthiest habits we can cultivate.

Melanie also shares what keeps drawing her back to Maine each summer, why Peaks Island holds such a special place in her heart, and how Mainely Mahjong has become a vehicle for building friendships and strengthening communities throughout the state.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is reflecting on the Elegant Maine Living Mahjong Nights I've hosted for my clients, podcast guests, and friends. Watching people who have never met leave with new friendships and plans for their next Mahjong game reminds me that some of life's best communities begin with simply pulling up a chair.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The research linking American Mahjong to cognitive engagement and healthy aging
• Why lifelong learning is important at every stage of life
• How Mahjong combines strategy, focus, patience, and social connection
• The power of gathering around a table instead of a screen
• What Melanie loves most about Maine and Peaks Island
• Why community is one of Maine's greatest strengths

If you've been thinking about learning American Mahjong, or you're simply looking for a new way to connect with others, I hope this conversation inspires you to give it a try.

• Melanie Charest on Instagram: mainelymahjong

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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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.

Send us Fan Mail

Why is American Mahjong suddenly everywhere in Maine?

In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, I sit down with Melanie Charest, founder of Mainely Mahjong, to explore why American Mahjong has become one of the fastest-growing social activities in Maine.

What begins as a conversation about colorful tiles quickly becomes a discussion about something much bigger: building community, making new friends, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful opportunities to connect in a world increasingly dominated by screens.

Melanie shares how she transformed her passion for American Mahjong into a thriving Maine small business, teaching hundreds of new players and partnering with local restaurants, wineries, clubs, and businesses throughout Greater Portland to introduce people to the game.

We also talk about why I began hosting Elegant Maine Living American Mahjong Nights for my real estate clients, podcast guests, and friends of the podcast. One of the most rewarding parts of these gatherings has been watching complete strangers become friends, exchange phone numbers, and continue playing together long after the event ends. That's exactly what Elegant Maine Living is all about—creating connections that enrich our lives and strengthen our communities.

Whether you're curious about learning American Mahjong, looking to expand your social circle, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of Maine entrepreneurs who are making a difference, I think you'll enjoy this conversation.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why American Mahjong is experiencing a remarkable resurgence across Maine
• How Mainely Mahjong grew from one idea into a thriving Maine small business
• The differences between American Mahjong and Chinese Mahjong
• Why so many people are searching for American Mahjong lessons in Maine
• How learning a new game can lead to lasting friendships and stronger communities
• Why supporting local entrepreneurs helps strengthen Maine's economy
• The inspiration behind my Elegant Maine Living American Mahjong Nights
• Why putting away our phones and gathering around a table matters more than ever

If this episode inspires you to learn American Mahjong or join one of my future Elegant Maine Living American Mahjong Nights, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out through the Elegant Maine Living website, and I'll be happy to keep you informed about upcoming lessons and events.

Links:

• Melanie Charest on Instagram: mainelymahjong

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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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.

Send us Fan Mail

When I started the Elegant Maine Living podcast just over a year ago, I thought I was creating a platform to share conversations about Maine, real estate, entrepreneurship, and community.

What I didn't anticipate was how much these conversations would teach me.

In this special anniversary episode, I reflect on what I've learned from a year of sitting down with entrepreneurs, physicians, artists, investors, nonprofit leaders, designers, business owners, and community builders from across Maine.

I share why I started the podcast, what surprised me most, and why hearing people's stories has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional and personal life.

Over the past year, I've been struck by the generosity of my guests, their willingness to share not only their successes but also their challenges, uncertainties, and moments of reinvention. Those conversations have reinforced my belief that vulnerability is a form of strength and that some of life's most valuable lessons come from listening.

I also reflect on the stories that have stayed with me long after the microphones were turned off—from family business legacies and entrepreneurship to navigating aging parents, building creative businesses, and exploring how the Great Wealth Transfer may impact future generations and women.

Along the way, I discuss why I love recording Maine real estate market updates, how podcasting has expanded my appreciation for Maine, and what it means to live in a place defined by quiet sophistication, natural beauty, creativity, and community.

Most of all, this episode is a thank you—to my guests for sharing their stories and to you, the listener, for joining me on this journey.

In This Episode

• Why I started the Elegant Maine Living podcast
• What surprised me most during my first year of podcasting
• The generosity and vulnerability of my guests
• Lessons and life hacks I've adopted from conversations with guests
• Why some stories continue to stay with me long after the interview
• The unexpected challenges of creating a podcast
• My thoughts on curiosity, listening, and lifelong learning
• Why Maine continues to inspire and surprise me
• What I hope to explore in future episodes

A Few Reflections from This Year

"I thought I was starting a podcast about Maine and real estate, but really I was beginning a year-long education in listening."

"Vulnerability is a form of strength."

"If what you focus on expands, then spending a year focusing on Maine's beauty, creativity, resilience, and community has deepened my appreciation for this extraordinary place."

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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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.

Send us Fan Mail

What are today's buyers looking for, and how can homeowners position their properties to maximize value in an evolving real estate market?

In Part 2 of my Spring 2026 Maine Real Estate Market Update, I explore how changing buyer preferences are shaping the Maine housing market and share practical strategies for both buyers and sellers navigating today's opportunities.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why your first home does not need to be your forever home
• The "ladder strategy" for building long-term wealth through real estate
• Greg Dauphinee's practical advice for first-time homebuyers
• Current Maine market conditions and what they mean for buyers and sellers
• The growing role of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Maine housing
• How flexibility and multigenerational living are influencing housing decisions
• What today's luxury buyers are prioritizing, including wellness, privacy, and adaptable living spaces
• Why condition, presentation, and preparation matter more than ever when selling a home
• Practical steps sellers can take now to maximize value and reduce time on market

Whether you are considering your first home purchase, preparing to sell in the next few years, helping a family member enter the market, or simply interested in how Maine housing trends are evolving, this episode offers practical insights and long-term strategies for creating value through real estate.

Resources Mentioned

• Greg Dauphinee, Androscoggin Bank – First-Time Homebuyer Strategies
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468487/episodes/17180489

For more information about Maine real estate, market trends, or to connect with Elise, visit Elegant Maine Living.com.

Thank you for listening.

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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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.

Send us Fan Mail

Is the housing market slowing, evolving, or heading toward a downturn?

In Part 1 of my May 2026 Maine Real Estate Market Update, I explore what is happening nationally, why Maine continues to behave differently than many markets around the country, and why thoughtful buyers are still entering the market despite mortgage rates in the mid-6% range.

We discuss:

• Why today's market looks very different from 2008
• The growing divide between regional housing markets across the country
• Why homeownership continues to be one of the most powerful long-term wealth-building tools available to families
• The increasing role of women in homeownership and wealth creation
• The Great Wealth Transfer and its impact on real estate
• How parents and grandparents are helping younger generations purchase homes
• The opportunities—and potential emotional complexities—when family money enters a real estate transaction

Whether you are a first-time buyer, helping an adult child purchase a home, considering a move to Maine, or simply interested in understanding today's housing market, this episode offers practical perspective on ownership, wealth creation, and long-term planning.

In Part 2, we'll shift our focus to Maine-specific trends including ADUs, multigenerational living, luxury buyer preferences, wellness amenities, privacy, and the evolving definition of luxury living in Maine.

For more information about Maine real estate or to connect with Elise, visit Elegant Maine Living.

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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when two middle school girls leave behind their friends, sports teams, school routines, and familiar lives in Maine to spend nearly a year living in Africa and Europe?

In this second half of Elise Kiely’s conversation with the Cook Mueller family, Jasmine and Sydney Mueller share their family sabbatical experience from their perspective.

When their parents first announced the plan to leave Maine for nearly a year, neither daughter was enthusiastic. In fact, both wondered what they would miss—from friends and school traditions to sports, activities, and everyday routines. But over time, what began as uncertainty evolved into an experience that neither would trade.

Jasmine and Sydney discuss:

• Their initial reactions to learning about the family sabbatical
• Leaving friends, school, sports, and familiar routines behind
• Attending an international school in Tanzania
• Making friends from around the world
• Learning and living in a new culture
• Family adventures throughout Tanzania, Cape Town, Switzerland, and Europe
• Homeschooling while traveling
• The challenges and rewards of spending so much time together as a family
• What surprised them most about living abroad
• Returning home to Maine after a life-changing year

This episode offers a rare glimpse into a family sabbatical through the eyes of children and explores how travel, cultural immersion, international education, and shared experiences can shape confidence, perspective, resilience, and lifelong memories.

Whether you're considering a family sabbatical, worldschooling, homeschooling while traveling, living abroad with children, or simply looking for inspiration to step outside your family's comfort zone, this conversation is filled with practical insights and heartfelt reflections.

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: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

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.