After two decades in Paris, Erica Berman built a cozy Newcastle home, and found a new calling, growing food for needy Mainers.
“My French husband and I moved from Paris to Newcastle with two suitcases in the summer of 2012. After 20 years in a big city, eight of them with a husband who hates cities, I was ready to move to the midcoast, which I have loved and visited regularly since childhood. We rented a furnished apartment sight unseen, and were thrilled to have a spot on a leafy side street overlooking the water, a short walk from downtown. Skeptical friends predicted we wouldn’t last a winter. Nine years, two cats, and 50 chickens later, not only are we still here, we have bought land in Newcastle, built a cozy house, and started Veggies to Table, a non-profit, organic, grow-to-donate farm on our property. In three seasons, we have given away more than 25,000 pounds of produce and 1,200 bouquets to those experiencing hunger and needing joy. We came to Maine looking to create a more purposeful life — to nourish our souls, live sustainably, and connect to a community. We ended up with all of this and so much more. We are feeding ourselves and our neighbors, and fostering meaningful relationships along the way.” — ERICA BERMAN
Does your Maine home have a sweet view and a good story to go with it? Send a photo of the view from your porch, window, or yard, and a brief explanation of why you’ve chosen to live in this spot, to sarah@mainehomes and we may feature you.
