Location: Stonington, Deer Isle, Acadia, Maine, USA (Bangor International Airport or Bar Harbor - 1.25 hours) View Map
Accommodations: House, 6 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 3 Baths (Sleeps 10-11)
Keywords: Victorian House
Don't wait another day to reserve your vacation! "The Lobster Trap" is the only home you'll find on the island with such a special combination of waterfront location, charming ambiance, comfortable space for a large family — including your dog — and friendly, knowledgeable owners nearby. Just read our Guest Comments! Additional photos and rates for specific weeks on our website; see link below.
All the charm of a 1900-vintage house with completely updated kitchens and baths and modern conveniences for your vacation on the coast of Maine! Our summer rental seasons have been a rousing success, with all our guests very pleased with our wonderful views and charming, well-equipped house.
Stonington is a busy, working fishing village, a place of such unspoiled natural beauty that many who drive over the bridge from the mainland want to stay here forever! From The Lobster Trap there's always something to watch, whether it's the lobstermen bringing in their catch, pleasure boats exploring the waters and the islands, or the majestic windjammers sailing down the Thoroughfare from Camden, Rockland, and beyond.
We're just a short walk to Stonington village, yet we enjoy our own quieter corner of the harbor and the colorful flower gardens our parents lovingly tended on the ledges. Our stairway down to the water is easily accessible, and passersby often picnic on the rocks or launch their kayaks there.
As every visitor to the Lobster Trap says, "Wow, what a view!" The first floor of the house sits one story above street level and has a wide, wrap-around deck that always offers cool and refreshing breezes. If you can tear yourself away from the deck, you'll find a sunny living room with gas fireplace, dining room, and a cozy library with loveseat. The walls are graced with paintings collected through the years. The one bedroom on this level has two twin beds, with end tables and good reading lights for each. A full kitchen with gas stove and dishwasher, the bathroom with tub/shower, and a washer and dryer complete this space.
The view and the living space only get better on the second floor, where our parents spent the summers from the time that they bought the house in 1970. This level comprises one large room extending the entire width of the house, with well equipped kitchen (they both loved to cook!) and attractively appointed dining and living areas, a brand-new deck, full bath with shower, and sunlight galore! Facing due south, you'll gasp at the glorious sunrises, sunsets, and moonrises from this vantage point. Two bedrooms are on this floor: a small one with an extra-long twin bed plus the computer desk, and the master bedroom with comfortable king bed. All linens and colorful quilts are provided. A bathroom with shower is accessible from this bedroom as well as the kitchen.
And saving the best for last — if the extended family wants to join you on vacation, head upstairs! Five more can sleep on the third floor where the old-fashioned sloped ceilings and fabulous views delight our guests. You'll find another bath with shower as well as the wonderful Crow's Nest, a unique bedroom (double bed) with sitting area in the turret. This is the spot to sit and read, paint, or enjoy an evening cocktail or a game of Trivial Pursuit. The charming front bedroom has a queen bed and looks right out over the water. Another sunny bedroom with twin bed looks east down the Thoroughfare. The last room is at the back of the house, looking up hill toward the village, and a studio couch masquerades as a cozy daytime window seat.
With its south-facing exposure and many large windows, The Lobster Trap enjoys brilliant sunshine. But many guests find watching the fog banks creep in over the islands or a rip-roaring storm even more fascinating! No worries: we have central heat on the first and second floors, so you'll always be comfortable. We have just added a pretty gas-fired stove in the first floor living room for foggy days. Air conditioning is not needed on Stonington's waterfront. Just open the windows!
Cozy enough for a couple, convenient for two couples (each having your own complete living area), or great for a family reunion! We are offering the use of our deep-water mooring (for your boat up to 19 feet) and a two-person, sit-on-top-style kayak (with signed waiver of liability). Although this is our own home, we have been in the real estate and vacation rental business for years and can offer professional management, practical local advice, and hands-on caretaking if the need should arise!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided : ample, fresh & new
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (4) : (including 1 x-long twin)
- Crib : Porta-crib or full-size crib available on request, with sheets, as well as highchair and other baby supplies
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (3)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : variety of classics, dramas, comedies, kids
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : vast collection of classical music
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen (2)
- Cooking Utensils Provided : including lobster pots!
- Refrigerator (2)
- Dishwasher (2)
- Microwave (2)
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : huge, gated wrap-around deck
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Oceanfront : 100 feet of easily accessible frontage at all tides
- Communications
- Telephone (5) : cell-phone reception here too
- Free Long Distance
- Computer : Desktop computer; no printer
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Late May & Early June ............. $2,000/wk
Late June ......................... $2,500/wk
July and August ................... $3,000/wk
Early September ................... $2,800/wk
Mid September ..................... $2,500/wk
Late September/Early October ...... $2,000/wk
Mid October ....................... $1,800/wk
7% Maine Lodging Tax, $100-175 cleaning fee, $500 refundable security deposit.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Treasured Family Home on Stonington Waterfront
Year Purchased: 1970
Why the Owner Chose Stonington
We moved to Stonington full-time in 2003 because it's such a pleasure to live in a place where one constantly stops to admire the sheer beauty of the water, the islands, the moon and brilliant stars at night. And life in a small community provides so many opportunities to admire creativity, to learn something new, to share your own talents, to help your neighbors, and to laugh with friends.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Relaxing on the deck, watching the boats come and go, kayaking, walking to the Lily Pond with the kids and the dog, poking downtown to the galleries and restaurants, hopping on the mailboat for a 7-mile trip to Isle au Haut. Find more details on my website.
Ellen Dinsmore
Owner's Map of Stonington
My parents bought this picturesque old Victorian in 1970, just as Ray and I were starting our life together. It became our summer vacation destination as we raised our two sons: we all loved the cool ocean breezes, boating out to the many islands for picnics and exploration, and of course the family times together over the freshest seafood in the world! Lobsters bought at the dock, mussels gathered on the islands, Mom's fish chowder . . . Life just doesn't get any better!
Property Photos
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- The Lobster Trap from the Water - Maine Travel
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- The Deck of the Lobster Trap Has Wonderful Views - Maine Travel
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- Glorious Flower Gardens among the Granite Ledges - Maine Travel
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- Sunny and comfortable living room
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- Lobster Trap Master Bedroom with King Bed
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- Can you spot the Lobster Trap's distinctive red roof?
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- Gourmet kitchen with Deer Isle granite counters & stainless steel appliances
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- Kitchen has extra-large island with bar sink and loads of cabinet space
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- Queen-sized bed on third floor overlooks the islands and lobster boats
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- Double bed in cozy Crow's Nest
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- First-floor bedroom has two twin beds that can be made up as king
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- Cheery gas fireplace in the first floor living room
Traveler Reviews (25)
A Real Maine Experience!
Guest: Dale and Doug
(Indiana)
Date of Stay: 07/11/11
Review Submitted: 07/19/11
Mists blowing in from the harbor, cold blustery rain, beautiful sun warming the day, full moon reflected on the water – this past week we’ve had a real Maine experience. The Lobster Trap is a great old girl with many treasures . . . everywhere you look there’s an interesting painting or family heirloom, a fabulous view. We came from Indiana, Arkansas, Texas, and Florida and have had a million laughs and have tried to eat every LOBSTER possible! It’s been great to be together in such a lovely spot. Thanks so much for your gracious hospitality.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Bucket list!
Guest: Andi
(Florida)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11
Review Submitted: 06/21/11
Ellen, it was such a pleasure meeting you last week when my family stayed at your lovely home in Stonington. I had never visited Maine before and it was on my bucket list of things to do. I couldn’t have been more pleased with our wonderful accommodations, the beautiful area, the hospitality of the people in the village and of course the LOBSTER! I’ve been recommending The Lobster Trap to everyone I’ve talked to since my return to Florida.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers.
The harbor views were endlessly interesting
Guest: Liz, Michael, Maddie & Alexandra
(Cambridge, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10
Review Submitted: 11/09/10
We are sorry to have to leave this wonderful house. It was the perfect place to be as we (impatiently) wait for our fractured bones to heal. The house is so comfortable and well equipped it made us feel cared for. Even Maisy Brown (the dog) felt at home and turned into a fish, swimming in front of the house daily. The views of the harbor in its many and varied states were endlessly interesting and picturesque. I may have taken 100 photos of the same view! Thanks for sharing this piece of heaven.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, families with teenagers.
Destination: Lobster Trap
Guest: Kim, May, Donna, Retta, Ellen & Deb
(Alabama, North Carolina, Ohio, New York)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10
Review Submitted: 08/10/10
Once upon a time, there were six beautiful women who loved spending time together. When four of these women were turning 50, it was decided that they should celebrate together. One woman spent long hours at the computer and chose the Lobster Trap as a destination. For months, the beautiful women each pondered and planned; from Alabama to North Carolina to Ohio and New York, plans were hatched. Finally, July arrived. The six women were together for a magical week that included lots of Proseco, good fun, good food, lots of laughs, and tons of pictures. The Lobster Trap will forever be part of our memories! Thank you, Ellen, for a wonderful week.
Recommended for:Girls getaway.
50th Anniversary Celebration
Guest: Paul, Georgia and Family
(Michigan and Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10
Review Submitted: 08/10/10
Our long awaited Lobster Trap adventure has been everything we wished for. We’ve loved the spaciousness of this lovely house filled with wonderful art, collections of bountiful books, a plethora of fluffy towels – we wanted for nothing except more time here. This place will stay in our memories as we go our separate ways. Thank you.
Recommended for:Families with young children, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Loved the Lobster Trap
Guest: Trish & David
(Alabama)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10
Review Submitted: 08/10/10
Selecting the Lobster Trap for our family vacation has proven to be one of my better ideas. We have enjoyed everything that you, Stonington, the island, and the parts of Maine we have visited have had to offer. Loved eating fresh lobster cooked by our son-in-law, viewing the lighthouses by boat, and even taking a trip out on a sailboat. Thank you so much for allowing us to “live” in your beautiful area of the U.S.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Guest: Don Jackson1
(Salida, Co)
Date of Stay: 10/08/09
Review Submitted: 10/08/09
We rented the Lobstertrap for 2 weeks at the end of September and beginning of October. We had as many as 10 guests visiting. It was a dream. The location was superb located right in the heart of a wonderful lobster fishing village. Each morning we awoke to watch the sunrise and the Lobstermen head out for a hard days work. We walked to town whenever we wanted, simply around two corners. This family home is furnished perfectly full of wonderful touches and family memories. We did not want for anything. We used the kayak daily and relaxed on the decks. The 5 bed comfortable bed rooms made everyone comfortable at bed time, three baths allowed us all to use these facilities without waiting, the home was large enough to allow for anyone to find a quiet corner to read or relax. The decks were really magnificent. The town of Stonington is a real gem. We wanted to stay in a fishing village and not pure visitor town. The restaurants were inviting and the quality of food was superb. The Harborview Restaurant had a great special 2-1 1/4 lobsters for $17.95. Needless to say we enjoyed many dinners there. There was no reason to cook. The staff was a delight and we really enjoyed Stephanie our server. However I am not sure if the feeling were mutual... My mother required three times a week dialysis in Ellsworth Maine. The center there treated her wonderfully. Although the 1 hour drive was less than convenient we simply planned to explore the area during her treatments. It worked out wonderfully. We are hopeful for a return visit. This house is perfect for that getaway to a beautiful spot on the Maine Coast for a large group or family that wants to spend quality time together but also needs their own private space to relax. Ellen our host was wonderful.We would have loved to get to know her family. The location is perfect if you want to be a part of the lobstermen scene and we definitely wanted to be there. We really chose wisely. The Burntcove Market has just about everything you could need. It is a great find. Do be careful to not plan your stay too late in the season, it seems that businesses were getting ready to close up shop. If we had been much later I think most of the town would have been shuttered.
Recommended for:
Guestbook Comment
Guest: Lucca Laura
(Chicago)
Date of Stay: 11/01/08
Review Submitted: 11/03/08
It was the first time to Maine for almost all of us, and there was no better place to get a Maine experience but The Lobster Trap. The comfort of your home combined with the view of the harbor, the smell of the sea, the sound of the fog horn soothing us into a relaxed state of life. . . We spent our days exploring the beaches, nooks, and islands around us, and the evenings with puzzles, conversations, and the Olympics. The kids loved drawing views from the upstairs bedroom windows while the adults relaxed on the deck. As much as we tried to make use of the two kitchens, we never could but loved the concept. When we get back to Chicago, we will dream of Maine and look forward to returning soon.
Recommended for:
Guestbook Comment
Guest: Awgirl
(Awendaw, SC USA)
Date of Stay: 11/01/08
Review Submitted: 11/03/08
This place is magical, from the tall sailing boats to the working lobstermen: A perfect location and home. Your house is well-equipped and beautifully decorated. By far, it is the best home we’ve rented yet. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #115401
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This listing was first published here in 2007.
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