Vacation Rentals by Owner

lovely two week stay

Guest: T-man (Concord MA USA)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/10/11

Sunday July 10, 2011 HI Vicki (& Howard) - Well, we awoke this morning and heard a plane flying overhead .... and knew we were no longer in the idyllic Woods Pond cottage. Sigh. Next, we realized that SOMEONE ELSE was probably waking up where we'd been waking up for the past couple of weeks - another disturbing thought!! HOwever disquieting, we are forced to acknowledge that our little vacation has ended. But we wanted to communicate to you folks, more fully than our scrawled napkin-note of yesterday's departure, our vast satisfaction with Blue Hill in general and your cottage in particular. It was truly all as advertised, and we couldn't have been happier. We did get a canoe from the Activity shop, which knew your place and delivered, and had five splendid paddles over the last ten days or so of our stay. We ate in, but also ate out a lot and were actually HIGHLY impressed with how many very good eating experiences we had over our two weeks - the worst places we went were OK, the best ambrosial. We recommend Cleonice highly, and also had great breakfast & sandwich type stuff at c.shell's coffee spot in the brick building downtown in B.H. Arborvine was good, rather than great, but we'd probably go back there. The Lookout over in Brooklin, though underpopulated when we were there to dine (four tables on their porch the only eaters), still gave us excellent food. The Brooklin Inn had amazingly good Mussels Dijon, but the dinner fell off after that starting success. We Kneiselled two Fridays - it really doesn't get any better musically .... but that of course you know as you shared both the music and the mosquitos with us two nights ago. The drive to Acadia isn't much fun, but we got over there for hiking and biking three times - oh, and we did get over to visit our Isle au Haut pals for a night, too, hauling lobster traps with them and happily wolfing down our catch. Galleries, Khen Rinpoche talk at one of the local churches, even the Blue Hill Pops over at GSA on the 3rd w/ the flashing pans, Paul Stookey, et al... all this, plus gazebo-sitting several evenings with a perfectly chilled fume blanc. So: it were more than swell! Thanks, and keep up the good work! All best, Tom and Christopher.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Amazing retreat!

Guest: nashkim (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 10/07/10 Review Submitted: 10/16/10

We loved our recent stay at this Woods Pond retreat.The owner was nice & house was amazing in every detail- the lake view was awesome, even the view from master bed was planned to look up thru skylights at the dark starry sky! We really enjoyed the fact that due to no light pollution the sky was amazing at night. Took a night walk w/ flashlights down to their dock on lake with our little boy who'd never seen such an amazing scene at night. Awesome gourmet kitchen, however, we didn't get to use it much since we went to Acadia & other local sights. I laughed when my hubby noticed no window blinds, but explained there's no one but trees to see you for hundreds of yards at least! You can't go wrong with this if looking for quiet, peaceful place to stay. We can't wait to return for a longer stay. Kim from TN

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

This tranquil retreat is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have ever been.

Guest: Jon (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 10/13/10

I spent a week here with my partner and our golden retriever in late September. We were seeking peace and quiet and found that and more, incredible beauty, water views, lush woods, beautiful foliage, amazing outdoor space (the gazebo, the dock and the porch), incredible hikes, great canoeing, delicious local seafood and produce, wonderful seaside architecture and incredible tranquility. The owners were especially accommodating and welcoming of both us and our dog. I thought perhaps that the lack of a daily newspaper or a television would be an issue for me but I can honestly say that once I arrived I was actually glad to be able to turn off that part of my regular life. I would highly recommend this home for anyone looking for a true getaway and a chance to reconnect with their loved ones and nature. The Buddha sitting above the granite boulder sets the tone for the sense of harmony that pervades the entire property. I look forward to returning again and experiencing Wood Pond in all of its glory during the other seasons of the year as well.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Piece of Paradise

Guest: Linda (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10 Review Submitted: 10/19/10

Our stay at Woods Pond was spectacular. The cottage was charming, well maintained, clean and furnished beautifully with all the necessary amenities. The photos and description on the website of this gorgeous home and property were perfect. The owners were very helpful and kind in wanting us to have a positive experience during our visit. We are appreciative that the owners allow pets - our Samoyed enjoyed the outdoors. The town of Blue Hill offers restaurants, shopping and a co-op grocery store - delightful area. We feel very fortunate to have found such a lovely place to revisit in the future. Thank you Vicki & Howard!

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Close to Perfect

Guest: Diana (Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

We had a wonderful time at the Woods Pond Retreat. An already beautiful place was made even more so by the perfect weather. We kayaked on the pond, ate blueberry pancakes, bird-watched from the porch and the screen room. Our dog happily ate blueberries, hung out on the porch and slept on her bed placed under the spiral staircase. We tromped on many of the trails within an easy 30-minute drive, ate great seafood and had a perfect Maine vacation. We are delighted to have discovered Vicky and Howard's exquisite hideaway on Woods Pond--a very comfortable and beautiful cottage, completely private but minutes away from the village of Blue Hill. Vicky and Howard were great hosts--answering all our questions and giving us good advice on kayaks and trails.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Relax & Reconnect to nature

Guest: Bob & Mary (Sarasota, Fl)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Beautiful location, tranquil and serene. We had a wonderful relaxing stay at your retreat. Would recommend to those who need to relax and recharge. Nice escape from a hectic schedule. Would love to return in fall or winter. Blue Hill is great location close to many lovely areas of Maine. The couple at the Activity Shop were great, rent your kayaks there! The co-op is great too. Thanks Vicki & Howard for sharing your retreat!

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So glad we picked Woods Pond! Tranquil, private, gorgeous

Guest: Ben & Beth (Cambridge, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/10 Review Submitted: 03/28/10

We wanted a quiet, beautiful place to spend a few days for my wife's birthday--and must have looked through a hundred different cabins on Vrbo. We're so glad we picked this one! We drove five hours through a rainstorm to reach it, arriving late on a Sunday night--and found a lovely, warm, spotless, utterly secluded and relaxing cabin. It was dark when we arrived, so we didn't discover the view until morning: sunlight flooding in through huge windows, picturesque trees all around--and a stone's throw away, a pristine pond. It was just what we'd dreamed of. This is a very special place indeed. It's a one-of-a-kind cabin, built perfectly in tune with the surroundings. The open kitchen is stocked with dishes and tableware; we picked up groceries around the corner and cooked our own delicious meals. The place fills up easily with music from the owners' boom box; we used the tape adapter from our car to play Van Morrison from an iPod, but you can bring CDs or listen to the radio. In warm weather, you can sit outside--on the porch or, close by, in the gazebo looking out at the water. One day, we hiked up Blue Hill to watch the sunset; another day, we drove an hour to Acadia National Park, climbed Mount Cadillac, and then stopped at a soda fountain in Bar Harbor for a malted milkshake and grilled cheese. Evenings, we played cards. When our time was up, we didn't want to leave. One's experience in a place like this is very much shaped by the character of the owners--and in this case, the owners were delightful. They've poured their hearts into this spot, and they want visitors to enjoy it as much as they enjoy it themselves. They were responsive and gave us plenty of privacy. You'll treasure your time at Woods Pond. Please leave it in as good shape as you find it--because we hope to come back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Guest: Kate44 (Alexandria, VA)
Date of Stay: 09/18/09 Review Submitted: 09/18/09

We had a perfect vacation for our family of three. The property was clean, uncluttered and the owner provided excellent customer service. We opened the windows and enjoyed breezes and the sound of nature, alternating our days at the cabin relaxing and exploring the lake in our kayaks. One day we drove to Acadia National Park, and another was spent visiting nearby Deer Isle and Stonington. The village of Blue Hill has a well-stocked grocery store, a grocery co-op, great restaurants, a few galleries, and a bookstore. Our biggest regret was that we discovered the Blue Moose Restaurant at the end of our visit. They have the best blueberry pancakes!

Owner response:Thanks, Kate. It goes both ways and having kind, considerate guests makes for a mutually enjoyable arrangement. I hope to see you soon again. Vicki

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/15/09 Review Submitted: 08/15/09

Some experiences defy description--the Retreat at Woods Pond challenges the vocabulary. You are tempted to over use adjectives--suffice to say: sublime by design. 'Tis a beautiful place--a gift of the sacred--thanks for the experience--Rick and Nancy Small--P.S. Note the light throughout the day and in changing weather.

Owner response:Thanks for that, Rick and Nancy. I so enjoyed having you and am happy for your appreciation of the sacred feel of this place. Vicki

Recommended for:

Heaven

Guest: Rellimarual (USA)
Date of Stay: 08/08/09 Review Submitted: 08/11/09

Remarkably beautiful in every detail, with thoughtful and sensitive owners, this place is my ideal cabin in the woods. Quiet, peaceful, spacious and well lit. It's wonderful to be right on the lake for a tranquil afternoon swim if you're not keen on the boisterous scene at the local beaches. The setting is gorgeous and it's surprisingly close to town for shopping & meals. I even appreciated the *lack* of such modern "conveniences" as a microwave, TV, AC and dishwasher. One thing: it's really better for singles or a couple, as the second bedroom is really small. A great place for a romantic getaway, absolutely.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Guest: Rich and Sandra (Glen, NH)
Date of Stay: 10/21/08 Review Submitted: 10/21/08

Vacations are seldom absolutely perfect, but our week at your cozy and beautiful retreat was about as close as one can get. What a wonderful spot! Your house is beautiful and comfortable, and wonderfully private and peaceful. Hopefully we left it as you would have wished. We would love to take it next year if you are still renting. Maybe we could coordinate it with the dates of the “Wine and Food Festival”. This was also a perfect spot for our dog, Zorro. His activities were very much like home. We climbed Blue Hill, hiked in Acadia, Caterpillar Hill, Holbrook Island Preserve, and along the Neskeag Peninsula at low tide with our friends who live in Brooklin. Just great!

Recommended for:

Idyllic

Guest: Rich and Sandra (Glen, NH)
Date of Stay: 10/11/08 Review Submitted: 10/21/08

Vacations are seldom absolutely perfect, but our week at your cozy and beautiful retreat was about as close as one can get. What a wonderful spot! Your house is beautiful and comfortable, and wonderfully private and peaceful. Hopefully we left it as you would have wished. We would love to take it next year if you are still renting. Maybe we could coordinate it with the dates of the “Wine and Food Festival”. This was also a perfect spot for our dog, Zorro. His activities were very much like home. We climbed Blue Hill, hiked in Acadia, Caterpillar Hill, Holbrook Island Preserve, and along the Neskeag Peninsula at low tide with our friends who live in Brooklin. Just great!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Rich and Sandra (Glen, NH)
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/20/08

Vacations are seldom absolutely perfect, but our week at your cozy and beautiful retreat was about as close as one can get. What a wonderful spot! Your house is beautiful and comfortable, and wonderfully private and peaceful. Hopefully we left it as you would have wished. We would love to take it next year if you are still renting. Maybe we could coordinate it with the dates of the “Wine and Food Festival”. This was also a perfect spot for our dog, Zorro. His activities were very much like home. We climbed Blue Hill, hiked in Acadia, Caterpillar Hill, Holbrook Island Preserve, and along the Neskeag Peninsula at low tide with our friends who live in Brooklin. Just great!

Recommended for:

Guest: John M.
Date of Stay: 06/06/08 Review Submitted: 06/05/08

The week we spent in 2007 at the retreat was absolutely everything we wanted - - quiet, even serene. We walked a lot near Acadia and then came 'home' for candlelit meals and often sipped a glass in the gazebo watching the sunset. Climbs up Blue Hill and dinner out once in town were local faves. Thanks, Vicki!

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