Reviews for Camden Vacation Rental - VRBO 169584 - 3 BR Mid-Coast & Islands House in ME, In the Heart of Maine, Nestled in Camden Village

Loved our stay!

Guest Love the weather!
Date of stay 09/02/12
Review Submitted 10/10/12

Our first trip to Maine and we ended up staying in beautiful Camden for a month. The house was precious..... with plenty of room for us and two of our family members who visited for a weekend. The location was terrific... within walking distance of everything. We even walked to the neighboring town of Rockport. The home itself has beautiful hardwood floors and the owner's art is amazing.... and is hung throughout the home. We hope to return next year.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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Disappointed and Dirty

Guest Donna and Charlie
Date of stay 08/25/12
Review Submitted 09/11/12

After driving 2 1/2 days to enjoy our 2 week Maine vacation in Camden, we were horrified to find the home in such neglect. The bottom 1/4 of the shower curtain in the bathroom was covered in black mold and there was substantial black mold in the grout within the shower stall. My husband and I had to find a store open to purchase a new shower curtain and strong enough cleaning supplies/scrub brush to clean the shower....not want I wanted to be doing after driving so many hours in the car and anticipating a clean home. Most of the windows could not be opened since there were holes in the screens (to let the insects in) or the screen frames were just bent, which left wide gaps to let insects in as well. The 2 door screens also had many holes in them so we could not keep get fresh air in this way, as well. Huge cobwebs were on many of the other windows and screens. We so looked forward to the beautiful Maine weather and enjoying the fresh air but instead could only keep the air conditioning units on in the bedrooms. Although there were 3 TV's in the home, only 1 of them worked (in the living room). The outside of the home needed power washing desperately...covered with dirt and mold (as was the fence). There was a bird nest on the front porch with a significant amount of bird droppings beneath it. There was another bird nest on the outside of the air conditioning unit in one of the bedrooms with a sweet bird sitting on her egg most of the time. Unfortunately, the upstairs bedroom was so hot without use of the air conditioning unit but we were afraid that family sleeping in that room would breathe in airborne germs coming in from the air conditioning unit where the bird and her nest were promptly seated. There were other disappointing cleanliness issues but basically, this is not the home to rent if you are a discerning person when it comes to expecting "clean". When we spoke to the owner, she said that she and her husband usually stop by the house and check on it at the beginning of the summer but did not do so this year. Apparently, it had not been checked on in a VERY long time. We emailed the owners 1 additional time (when we didn't hear back from them) and we promptly received a rude email stating that most people renting there think the home is charming and that they did not want to hear back from us. We rec'd. our security deposit back yesterday W/O the additional $30.00 we were told we would receive for the shower curtain, etc. Lessons learned.....

Owner response: Naturally, I would like to respond to this review which is written with the same level of anger and tension I experienced throughout the two weeks that these renter's stayed in my home. They contacted me a number of times throughout their stay with deep rooted anxiety about the cleanliness of my home. My husband and I have rented our home during the summer for the last 15 years. We have rented with VRBO for the last 5 years and have received 16 very positive reviews. That said.... I would certainly like to address the renter's concerns: 1. I called within 4 hours of their arrival and offered to send all new bedding and my cleaning service but they said that it was not necessary. They brought all of their own bedding and did not require my cleaning service. 2. I contest that the windows do open in all rooms for adequate air. 3. Because the laundry room is full of cleaning agents, I did not think it necessary to pay for more cleaning solvents. 4. From other renters this season, I heard that there were two empty bird's nests and that they were charming. I did not feel they were a health issue. I do apologize. 5. The renter took pictures of a cob web and e-mailed it to me. The cob web was on the outside one of the windows and he suggested I have the house pressure washed. I responded that I would do that so not sure why that was interpreted as rude. 6. I also received photos of mold stains in the guest shower. I offered to send my cleaning staff but the offer was rejected. 7. The renter complained several times that I did not TV's in the master and guest bed rooms. There is nothing in the literature about the house that speaks to TV's in all the bedrooms. Sadly, I only have the one TV in the living room...point taken. I will certain try to outfit my home better in the future. 8. When I spoke to the wife, she cried on the phone because the trip had been so exhausting and she found the house so inadequate. The renter said more than once that the house was too expensive. For the next two weeks, every encounter was very negative. It is really a shame that my home was simply not the right fit for this couple and nothing I offered seemed to fix their discontent. I am not dismissing the concerns or disappointment of this family and will certainly address specific requests.

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Wonderful Stay

Guest Gail I.
Date of stay 07/14/12
Review Submitted 09/12/12

My friend and I loved our stay in this home in Camden this summer. The quaint New England charm is exactly what we needed. The morning began on the porch with a cup of coffee, with breakfast served in the gem of a kitchen. We strolled up town everyday and enjoyed the shops. Having the public library at the end of the street was perfect. Photos are exactly what you get...wonderful artwork, antiques, local charm, big bedrooms, soaking tub.......we will be back!

Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway.

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Relax and enjoy

Guest Triazine
Date of stay 06/30/12
Review Submitted 09/18/12

A beautiful restored cottage with all the modern conveniences furnished with impeccable taste. I felt staying in somebodies private residence furnished with selected antiques and decorated with exquisite pictures. Located on a side street with essentially no traffic at night and in about 5 minutes walking distance to the center of town. The kitchen is completely furnished, this included a lobster pot. It is also close the Camden Hill State Park and a trail starts behind the house. Camden itself is a lovely town with plenty of outstanding restaurants. There are some lakes in the area for swimming and boating. There is plenty of privacy for a family and everyone in our group enjoyed it.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

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The best house in Camden!

Guest Patrick
Date of stay 06/20/12
Review Submitted 09/19/12

Fabulous location! I love that this house is so close to town. Very comfortable accommodations--our entire family (four kids!) fit easily with room to spare. Well-appointed, lovingly decorated--we hope to go back every summer!

Recommended for: Families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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The Perfect Vacation!

Guest Ainslie
Date of stay 06/20/12
Review Submitted 09/14/12

My family and I stayed in this home for two weeks this past summer, and it is the most ideal house in the most perfect location. We adored it! We have traveled extensively in the US and throughout Europe, but this is at the top of the list of where we want to return. The house is utterly charming--so comfortable, fully renovated, completely equipped kitchen, the ideal place to come "home" to each and every day. It is perfectly situated at the edge of town--we started each morning with a stroll past the harbor to the local bakery, returning to the house to dine al fresco on the side terrace. Ah, I wish I were there now! The third floor of this home is a special treat--a tree house of an attic garret, full of light, the perfect place to read a book or gaze at the stars through the skylights. Be sure to enjoy hot chocolate in front of the fire in the living room on a cold morning, a glass of wine in the rocking chairs on the porch, and interesting conversation around the table in the fascinating dining room. The town itself is a dream--gorgeous white wooden houses, a perfect Main Street stretched along a harbor filled with wooden schooners, fun shops, delicious dining, a terrific library, overflowing window boxes...just walking through town is a treat in itself, and this house is truly in the ideal spot. Everything is within walking distance! The locals are so friendly--the people at the corner grocery store knew us by the end of our stay, and when my daughter needed ginger for the cookies she was baking, she just traipsed down to her favorite bakery in town and they happily gave her some!! Camden truly is what you picture when you think "idyllic New England town." And there's so much to do nearby--hiking, boating, swimming in the lake, eating lobsters at a lobster pound right on the water, canoeing and kayaking, beautiful gardens, interesting art galleries...I truly cannot say enough. Camden--and this house--have become our new favorites!!!! You can't go wrong, and will truly feel lucky to have stayed here.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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a great experience

Guest comment entered by owner

a great experience

Guest Pete and Mary
Date of stay 06/13/12
Review Submitted 06/26/12

We had a great visit in your spot! Comfortable-walking distance to the waterfront and great restaurants. Camden is very special. We had spectacular weather! Thanks so much!

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What a lovely stay!

Guest comment entered by owner

What a lovely stay!

Guest Michael
Date of stay 05/24/12
Review Submitted 06/26/12

The location and your home are perfect.....very quiet, comfortable and restful. We were here for a HGTV/DIY film shoot and sightseeing-great house fot he crew and others who joined us. Thanks for sharing you home. It was a memorable experience.

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Charming home in great location

Guest Mike & Andrea
Date of stay 04/09/12
Review Submitted 09/18/12

Adorable cottage in a great little spot just around the corner from Camden's picturesque harbor. The house was surprisingly spacious while maintaining a cozy charm. We felt guilty neglecting such a well-equipped kitchen - but with so many restaurants within walking distance, it was hard to bring ourselves to cook! Not sure we'll get back to Camden in the near future, but wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. Will recommend to my parents who are planning a New England trip this fall. Oh yeah, awesome yoga studio just a few doors down. Also went on a great hike/climb...trail head less than 1/4 away.

Recommended for: Tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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So Special

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So Special

Guest Terry and Pam
Date of stay 10/08/11
Review Submitted 06/26/12

Dear Mary and Dave, What a special experience this has been-spending time with friends, day trips to lighthouses and nearby villages, enjoying the local restaurants and returning home to spend the evenings playing dominoes or looking through the photos we took that day. Introducing our friends to Maine gave us such pleasure. I hope they come to love it as much as we do and wil return with their family int he future. Your home was so comfortable and you've done an amazing job of making it feel lived in but a true vacation home. We love the personal touches, especially your paintings, Dave. We hope to return, in fact, it is hard to leave.

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Loved this place!

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Loved this place!

Guest Kay
Date of stay 08/26/11
Review Submitted 06/26/12

Perfect location-great weather. We can't wait to come back!

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Your lovely home

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Your lovely home

Guest Tom and Jan
Date of stay 08/11/11
Review Submitted 06/26/12

We have made such wonderful memories with our families. After tripping around the area, it was a comfort to come to you lovely home to relax. David, your paintings are fabulous. You have a talent-the colors in your pictures are great. ...enjoyed each of them. Mary, it was wonderful to meet you in your beautiful shore-such lovely things. That you for making our week's stay such a success!

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We had a fabulous time!

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We had a fabulous time!

Guest Nicole and David
Date of stay 07/09/11
Review Submitted 06/26/12

We couldn't have asked for nicer accommodations. This home is lovely and decorated beautifully. I love the bath tub in the master and the gourmet kitchen. We say wonderful places while in Maine...Acadia, Monhegan, Lincolnville, Rockport, Rockland. We also visited Head Lighthouse. We were lucky enoughto have seen the 4th of July fireworks off The Olad Schooner....just awesome....We love Maine and can't wait to return......Oh, and thank you for the 20th wedding anniversary champagne.....

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A Wonderful "Maine" Experience!!

Guest Nicki
Date of stay 07/02/11
Review Submitted 07/16/11

We just returned from spending a wonderful time in BEAUTIFUL Camden in this lovely home. The photos are exactly what you will find in this home. A gourmet kitchen, lovely master bath and close to everything!! There are so many lovely details of this home, artwork, wood work, stained glass, etc. There is so much to do in the downtown area which is literally a few minute walk from this home. The views of the Harbour from the quaint little park up the road was just beautiful to sit and watch each evening. Right up the road was the perfect hiking area, not to mention you can hike to Mt. Battie just up the street. So much to do and "centrally located" to just about everywhere. A few must do's while you are here. Eat a lobster roll at least once. Watch the tide come in at Lincolnville Beach, it's pretty quick and happens around 1:30-2pm. If you have time, take the ferry to Monhegan Island, a very small island but incredible views and lots of history. Of course if you can...go to Acadia National Park and drive up to Cadillac Mountain or have a picnic lunch at The Jordan Pond, you won't be disappointed! Enjoy great shopping in Belfast! There are lots of great shop in downtown Camden too! A little pricey, but neat stuff to see! And lastly, if you get tired of lobster...order the "best pizza in the world" from the Camden House of Pizza ! Amazing!!!

Owner response: Oh Nicole, You are too dear! Dave and I thrilled that you and her husband enjoyed our home, Camden and beyond. Again, Happy 25th wedding anniversary. At 35 years and counting, we can affirm that it all gets better and better, Hope to hear rom you in the future. All My Best, Mary

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A perfect vacation in Camden

Guest Sis
Date of stay 07/01/10
Review Submitted 07/30/10

This lovely home was more than described in VRBO and the owners were delightful and accomadating. My few questions were answered at once. The home is large, airy, well equipped and convenient to all of Camden's many activities. We could walk to town, the library and any activity taking place in the park--which is a MAJOR plus. I had both family and friends visit at various times and they all want to return. Thank you for a beautiful and comfortable month.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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Guest Don Witherspoon
Date of stay 08/19/09
Review Submitted 08/18/09

The only noise we encountered when we stayed at your place in Camden was the sound of laughter from the good times we had! Oh, I forgot, there was also the high fives I got for renting your house!

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Guest Jim and Catherine
Date of stay 08/15/09
Review Submitted 07/17/10

This is always be the place where my eldest showed me her engagement ring, a lovely princess cut, 2 carat in platinum, to be married to an even lovier young man!! Happy Happy memory! Thank you for this week with all the warm, taste and class of a real home. The paintings on the wall speak of both detail and discipline. I loved the library, such a perfect epitome of what Camden stands for....I hope I will return!

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Guest Witherspoons and Dagens
Date of stay 08/15/09
Review Submitted 07/17/10

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely home and the beautiful village of Camden. We love coming to Maine. We think we may have depleted the lobster supply. We ate it everyday....sometimes twice! Atlantica was excellent! It was a fabulous holiday.

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Guest The Willekens Famly
Date of stay 08/01/09
Review Submitted 07/17/10

Dear Mary and Dave, We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at your lovely home. What a jewel it is ! It is decorated in such a tasteful way. It makes one feel peaceful. We loved your books. We also enjoyed our trip to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park The views are gorgeous. It felt like heaven! Many thanks, Marlene, Jan, Julian, Brigitte and Evert Leuven, Belguim

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Guest Cech Family
Date of stay 08/01/09
Review Submitted 07/17/10

You ahve a lovely house, warm and comfortable. Camden did not disappoint....very friendly and good book stores.

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Guest The Lopes, Holts and Coltons
Date of stay 07/26/09
Review Submitted 07/17/10

We had a great time in your beautiful home. The kitchen was perfect for our group...comfortable livingroom...a delightful place. We loved th erestaruants! Atlantica, Francine's and Cafe Miranda! ...great golf at the Samoset, lots of shopping and all convenient to 13 Mountain St. We also went to Mt Battied, the winery and ate lots of lobster! LOVED IT!

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Guest Bap Family
Date of stay 07/26/09
Review Submitted 07/17/10

Thank you so much...exceeded expectations...just the place for our family. We all loved Camden and the area tours....fell in love with the Grace Bailey and windjammer cruise. Maine has been amazing.

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Guest Phil Henry
Date of stay 07/19/09
Review Submitted 07/18/09

We really enjoyed our stay at your beautiful home in Camden. The location cannot be beat. We loved being able to walk into town for dinner and other activities. Also, the proximity to the park was great for taking some nice hikes. We hope to make this an annual trip.

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

In the Heart of Maine, Nestled in Camden Village [#169584] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (23)

Loved our stay!

Loved our stay!

Disappointed and Dirty

Disappointed and Dirty

Wonderful Stay

Wonderful Stay

Relax and enjoy

Relax and enjoy

The best house in Camden!

The best house in Camden!

The Perfect Vacation!

The Perfect Vacation!

a great experience

a great experience

What a lovely stay!

What a lovely stay!

Charming home in great location

Charming home in great location

So Special

So Special

Loved this place!

Loved this place!

Your lovely home

Your lovely home

We had a fabulous time!

We had a fabulous time!

A Wonderful "Maine" Experience!!

A Wonderful "Maine" Experience!!

A perfect vacation in Camden

A perfect vacation in Camden