Location: Castine, Acadia, Maine, USA (1 Hr from Bangor or Bar Harbor Airports; 3 Hrs from Portland) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: House
Castine is a village where everything is within walking distance. Estabrooke Cottage, in the heart of the village, is the ideal getaway, offering the slow pace of small-town life along with abundant activities for active visitors.
You can walk to everything Castine has to offer. Folks wander down to the Back Shore to watch the sunset or amble over to the lighthouse -- one of the oldest on the coast -- to see it light up at dusk. The views down Penobscot Bay from the rocky promontory on which it sits are spectacular; even the fog is mesmerizing, with the bell buoy signaling the harbor entrance and the foghorn moaning its warning.
Bah's Bakehouse sends out heavenly aromas every morning, where coffee, muffins, pastries and cookies take center stage. In the evening there is formal dining at The Manor, or savor the exquisite menu at The Pentagoet Inn, which includes High Tea on the porch; Stella's Jazz Nocturnal provides musical nightlife and great food; more casual fare is available at Dennett's Wharf or Danny Murphy's Pub and a fast lunch is available for eating on the Town Dock, at The Breeze.
Walk around the town and look for the signs that tell the story of Castine's history. There are five Revolutionary War forts in Castine, and dozens of signs describing what took place there -- some of them gruesome! Witherle Library has richly varied children's programs and Emerson Hall hosts musical and artistic activities and gatherings throughout the year. The Wilson Museum has an extraordinary collection of Revolutionary War items, as well as pre-Colombian artifacts, and the Castine Historical Society, on the Town Common, displays documents and maps of many sites and historic events. Outdoor activities abound: collect shells and stones on the back shore beach; tour the TS State of Maine, Maine Maritime Academy's training ship; maintain your workout routine at the MMA fitness center and pool; wander through Witherle Woods and walk the old Indian Trail; find Murder Alley and seek out its dark secrets; go fishing across the harbor and end the day on Dennett's Wharf listening to live music while you wait for your Shore Dinner.
Summer is high season and Castine gets pretty lively -- for us, anyway. The Farmers Market is on the Town Common every Thursday morning; the Retired Skippers' Race takes place on Penobscot Bay waters off Castine; sailors, yachtsmen and their boats fill our harbor. Walk down to the Town Dock to watch the windjammers glide into the harbor, take a kayak tour of the islands that dot the bay, get a boat to explore on your own; play golf or tennis at Castine Golf Club; relax with a picnic supper on the Common and let the Castine Town Band regale you with music. Travel to the next peninsula to Brooklin, where the Wooden Boat School offers classes (short and long) to teach the skills of boat-building. Go over to nearby Blue Hill for a variety of shops, galleries and shopping, or visit the Nearing Farm, where "Back to the Land" was practically invented and now offers tours, classes and internships. Drive to Acadia National Park and enjoy the spectacular views from Cadillac Mountain, popovers at teatime at the Jordan Pond House and the invigorating hike to Sieur de Mont Springs or lounge in the crushed-shell 'sand' at Sand Beach.
Too much excitement? Relax on the deck at Estabrooke Cottage, catch up on summer reading, grill fresh fish or nice thick steaks. . . perfect your relaxing skills; it's a vacation!
Our calendar is updated with every inquiry and reservation, so please check there first. Feel free to call with any questions you may have or special needs for your visit. We are happy to share our local knowledge!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Washer/Dryer in house
- Dryer
- Linens Provided : Linens for all beds, plus futon
- Garage : Storage for your bicycles, kayaks or car.
- Off Street Parking : Drive will accommodate two cars.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : In the driveway.
- Wood Fireplace : In the Living Room
- Wood Stove : In the Camp Room; will heat the whole house if necessary. We use it just to 'take the edge off' in the evenings.
- Beds
- Queen Bed : In Master Bedroom, with half bath.
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : Pair of twin beds in guest bedroom.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Cable in Camp Room, perfect for separating noise and quiet areas.
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Oldies but goodies; bring your own favorites; rentals available in the village.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Eclectic collection.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Fully outfitted kitchen for at-home cooking & baking. . .some favorite local recipes included.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Cooking, baking, ice-cream-making supplies. . . as well as all the amenities for a lobster dinner!
- Refrigerator : We will happily stock your favorite staples for your arrival. It's nice to know coffee's there on your first morning.
- Dishwasher : Full-size
- Microwave : Over stove; full size
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : Grill is on the deck; charcoal in the garage, with starter.
- Deck/Patio : Deck overlooks the back yard; apple trees provide shade; full eating setup on deck, additional chairs and tables.
- View/Location
- Ocean View : Standing at the end of the driveway, you can look down Pleasant Street and see Castine Harbor and the "TS State of Maine", training ship for Midshipmen of Maine Maritime Academy.
- Communications
- Telephone : Local calls are free. Other calls require calling card with 800-number access.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Wireless connection in the Cottage; password protected.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : Back yard is sunny; quiet side street and little traffic anywhere in town.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Bicycling, mountain biking and walking are great in the Witherle Woods and the Hatch Preserve. Roads within Castine have little traffic. Mornings bring out the walkers, the bicycle enthusiasts and the early-morning kayakers. The waters of the harbor tend to be calm in the early morning -- perfect for exploring all of Castine Harbor and the islands at the edge of Penobscot Bay.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Multi-week or monthly rental available at a discount.
Payments made by Check or PayPal.
Check-In Sunday, 3:00 PM; Check-Out is Saturday before noon
Summer Rates: $800 per week + 7% Maine lodging tax
Cleaning Deposit: $80, refund if you leave the house sparkling!
For your own peace of mind consider Trip Insurance.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Estabrooke Cottage, in the Heart of the Village of Castine
Why the Owner Chose Castine
The eastern shore of Penobscot Bay is where Down East Maine really begins. This is where there are still working fishing villages, saltwater farms, pristine waters and gorgeous vistas over the bays and the Atlantic Ocean. This is territory too far away and too sparsely populated for coffee baristas to propagate; this is where you come to get away, not live the same life with different scenery. This is where you come to find your true self.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Some morning when you are here, you will awaken to an early-morning fogbank. It blankets the town, softens the canopy of American Elms that line our streets, muffles the sounds of an awakening village. Go down to the dock. Pick up a coffee and pastry at Bah's Bakehouse. Sit on a bench or a piling and watch the fog burn off. It is a mystical, quieting, slow process, and absolutely worth the wait.
This is where the action is in this seacoast town. The Breeze provides fast lunch food, the docks and floats are open to all, the water traffic is always active.Home to the TV State of Maine, the "Bowdoin", Admiral Macmillan's Arctic research vessel is also berthed here. Cruises aboard Bowdoin are available.
Open for tours of the ship that MMA uses for its training cruises: Everywhere from the engine room below to the bridge up top. Exciting visit for kids and adults alike.
Bah's is the place to be in the morning, where the aroma of fresh-baked pastries waft out the door. Stella's Jazz Nocturnal is terrific dining with live music on several nights a week. Reservations recommended.
The Yacht Club includes mooring rentals, float space, lessons for a variety of skill levels and several Regattas every season. This is the place to be if you love boats.
Casual restaurant on the water, tables on the wharf, plenty of lobster dinners and a full bar.
Victorian inn with a wrap-around porch for casual relaxation and Main Street people-watching. Excellent chef and wine cellar. Reservations recommended.
Old-fashioned inn with a wide porch looking out over the village to the harbor. Overnight accommodations, cozy bar and great hospitality.
An extraordinary collection of a world traveler with eclectic interests. Everything from Revolutionary War artifacts to Pre-Colombian art. Included is the Perkins House, one of Castine's earliest homes, with living history docents and a working blacksmith. Great rainy-day visit!
Fort Madison (one of five forts in Castine) is the place to be if you want to watch a Windjammer sail into the Harbor, a race of young sailors, or a private luxury yacht float into town.
One of the oldest operating lighthouses in Maine, the Keeper's home is private, but that doesn't stop you from wandering down the path to the promontory on which it sits, with panoramic views down Penobscot Bay. A spectacular site for sunrise viewing.
A shingle-style "cottage" from the days of glorious summer vacations, now an inn with an excellent kitchen and full bar. Reservations required, as demand is high and the dining rooms are intimate. Thursday evening in the bar is an informal 'ladies night'.
A classic links course designed by Willi Park, Jr., there are views of the water from nearly every hole. Golf includes daily play deals, clinics, private lessons, informal tournaments and events. The Tennis Club includes four HarTru tennis courts, daily play, clinics, Davis Cup-style tournaments and lessons for adults and juniors.
This is Castine's version of the beach. A shallow slope into the water makes this a great place for kids; the solar-heated salt water swimming pool is just across the road. Perfect for splashing and picnics. Shells and sea glass are also accessible here.
An earthenworks fort that still hosts historically correct encampments, Revolutionary War reenactments and Pirate raids. Its open space also provides a great ground for softball games, Santa Landings and outdoors activities.
Owner's Map of Castine
Estabrooke Cottage is named for my Great Aunt, who built it, and it has been in the family ever since. Castine offers everything I love about Maine: gorgeous scenery, a lively waterfront, neighborly activities, Town Meeting governance, warm greetings on the street and a leisurely pace of life.
As a native of Castine, I treasure what Castine has: a strong sense of place with a history, a place where community and neighbors are important.
Property Photos
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- Estabrooke Cottage, on a quiet street in the Village of Castine - Maine Travel
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- Living Room with Fireplace - Maine Travel
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- Eat-in kitchen w/ dishes, cookware and deck view - Maine Travel
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- Master BR has private half-bath attached.
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- Guest room with twin beds
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- Newly remodeled full bath. . . immerse yourself and relax!
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- The Camp Room, complete with 'Moose' head, comfy seating and cozy woodstove.
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- The swaths of Lupines in early Summer are spectacular!
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- Castine Golf Club offers a challenging Willie Park, Jr. true Links Course.
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- Small town, great parade! The July 4th Children's Parade is a Castine tradition.
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- Castine Yacht Club holds races, regattas and speakers events. Boats to rent/sail
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- Dinghies awaiting Spring put-in. Castine is beautiful in any season!
Traveler Reviews (11)
Perfect for our small family
Guest: love holden
(lynchburg, va)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11
Review Submitted: 09/06/11
Estabrooke was perfect for our family. We were able to have the true, small town Maine experience. It was so peaceful! Everything we needed, which mainly included ice cream, was within walking distance. We were able to take serveral day trips to Acadia National Park. We also enjoyed exploring Blue Hill Peninsula. Meriby was very helpful in recommending different points of interest. Great hospitality!!!! We can't wait to go back---so much still to see and do!!!
Owner response:I'm so glad you had a great time! You certainly took advantage of the proximity of all that this area offers, and your day trips sounded like a blast. I look forward to having you return to look into all the other nooks and crannies for adventures you might have missed -- or want to take again.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with young children.
what a gem!
Guest: maya
(Worthington, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/31/11
Review Submitted: 08/13/11
This house was an absolute gem! We loved its style ~ so charming! It was super cozy, yet spacious. Its location was wonderful; it was so nice to be able to walk to town. The house had everything you were looking for in a rental and more! Plenty of amenities that made you feel right at home. Hope to be back next year! Thanks so much!
Owner response:Thanks so much for your nice comments, Maya! I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay -- and it sounds as if the kids had a good time, too. I look forward to seeing you back at Estabrooke Cottage next summer.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway.
A comfortable, welcoming place to stay in a beautiful part of the world
Guest: Stewart
(Annapolis, MD )
Date of Stay: 08/14/10
Review Submitted: 08/26/10
Our stay at Estabrooke Cottage earlier this month couldn't have been better and enhanced our affection for Castine. It was like autumn there, the air so exhilarating we wanted to drink it; we kept taking deep breaths to preserve the ocean smells. Lots of lobster, long walks, even a concert and a play in nearby towns. Castine must be one of the most pristine villages anywhere – a New England fantasy. The amenities and comforts of the cottage were welcome after our long drive. Will miss sipping wine on the deck, walks to Bah's bakery and the Variety, picnics at Fort Madison, kayaking, the gorgeous views ... everything. Looking forward to returning next summer.
Owner response:I'm so glad you enjoyed Castine. It is a very special place! Thanks so much for your poetic review -- so good it's worth publishing. I'm glad you were able to take advantage of the events that abound in the area during the summer; it's always fun to see what guests are discovering about Penobscot Bay villages. Late Summer and early Fall are perfect seasons -- the weather and the air always cooperate. I'll keep the deck cleared for your next visit, and the wine at the ready for your arrival.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.
Charming Castine, Maine
Guest: Jerry
(Cos Cob, CT)
Date of Stay: 08/08/10
Review Submitted: 08/15/10
Castine is a nice, quiet town on the Maine coast. We enjoyed the opportunity of being near family, yet having our own quiet retreat for down time. The cottage was clean and charming. Would definitly recommend.
Owner response:Thanks for your nice comments, Jerry. We try to provide a comfortable place for folks to have their own personal space, whether it be for family visits, sightseeing the area, spending time on the beautiful Maine coast or just kicking back and relaxing. Estabrooke Cottage can provide a quiet retreat for all those options. Come back again, Jerry!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway.
Wonderful location!
Guest: Wahoogirl
(San Antonio TX)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10
Review Submitted: 08/09/10
What a beautiful week we had in Castine. The house could not have been better situated. The back deck under the apple tree was my favorite but so was the couch in the living room :) Sea Kayaking was a must-do for the adventurous.
Owner response:Texans love the Maine coast in the summer. I'm so glad you had a chance to reconnect with Castine after so many years away! Estabrooke Cottage is furnished so you can settle in and enjoy our delightful village. Glad you took full advantage!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+.
Guest: Jake, Cate, Cyrus & Rosie: VT
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/25/10
Review Submitted: 07/31/10
From the Estabrooke Cottage Guestbook: "We had a great week with beautiful weather -- it only rained ONCE during the daytime! Being so close to the harbor and the town conveniences has been great. We had everything we needed and really appreciate the wireless. Hope to be back next year and maybe stay longer."
Recommended for:
Guest: Jeff Jordan
(Traverse City, MI)
Date of Stay: 10/08/09
Review Submitted: 10/08/09
The house was perfect for our 20th MMA reunion. Great location, plently of room, clean, and stocked with a few of the essentials, like coffee! Meriby was very considerate of our needs and even email me to offer to pick up a few breakfast items if we planned on arriving late. Thanks you very much for being part of a great weekend.
Owner response:You're welcome, Jeff! Glad you fellows had a great reunion. I appreciate that you left the house in Bristol fashion!
Recommended for:
Guest: SW
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/08/09
Review Submitted: 05/08/09
It was perfect with a small child and extended family. Much better than a hotel because of the common areas and the ability to prepare meals (between the gluten issue and going out with a toddler). You never know what you're going to get when you step into someone else's home, but it was welcoming, neat and simply decorated and had great books and movies, though we weren't able to take advantage, it was fun to imagine having enough free time to indulge. We were able to make ourselves right at home. It worked out perfectly for us.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08
Review Submitted: 11/01/08
Great town for kids! The set-up at the cottage was perfect for our youngsters; lots to do and great fun!
Owner response:So glad you and the youngsters had fun! Castine is a great town for kids; I'm so glad you enjoyed yourselves.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/07/08
Review Submitted: 09/07/08
The cottage was so homey and comfortable.Very nice and clean. Beds lovely. Only one thing wrong, not enough time to see everything. Next time we'll stay 2 weeks.
Owner response:Y'all left the house so nice and clean, you're welcome any time! So glad you had fun; please DO come to stay longer next time. We'll play a round of golf together.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #185851
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