Location: Port Clyde, Mid-Coast & Islands, Maine, USA (2 Hrs. east-north-east of Portland, 30 Min. South of Camden) View Map
Accommodations: House, 11 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 6.5 Baths (Sleeps 24)
Keywords: Island, large, relaxing, quiet, historic, old fashion, turn of the century,
Imagine being picked up in the small fishing village of Port Clyde, Maine, riding just 3 miles out to sea, and arriving on a magnificent 110-acre private island. As you step into the buildings, you find them filled with artifacts and furnishings from the early to mid-1900s. While there are modern amenities such as electricity and running water, there are no TVs, no radios, and no landline phone service. The lack of these distractions, combined with the beauty of the Maine coastline and the plethora of possible activities, naturally result in people engaging in one or more of the many possible group activities.
Feeling active? Grab a kayak or canoe and go for a paddle around the rocky coves and beaches of McGee and neighboring Barter Island. Take a hike or comb the beaches in search of small treasures that the ocean deposits on the shores! If you like to swim, plunge into the refreshing salt water and then warm up in the waterside sauna or outdoor shower.
Want to relax? Sit back in a rocker from the 1920’s on the huge, wrap-around porch with 180º views of the ocean and neighboring islands. You might see an osprey, a bald eagle, a seal, or other wildlife, with little but your own conversation to break the tranquility. You might decide to play the baby grand piano, nap in the hammock, read a book on the porch swing, or explore the many rooms of the historic buildings.
Enjoy competition? Gather a group together for a friendly game of croquet, volleyball, or badminton. You can up the ante with a little wager – the loser has to wash the dinner dishes! For a slower-paced option, there is a closet full of board games for all ages.
Hungry? Try gathering food from the island. You can fish off the dock, collect mussels from the ocean, pick raspberries and blackberries that grow wild on the island, or take the easy route – buy lobsters from a passing lobster boat. You can work together with your friends and family to create delicious culinary dishes in the newly remodeled kitchen.
Want a night time activity? Gather for dinner in the Cook House built in the late 1700s and then retire up to the living room in the Main House. Start a roaring fire to provide the perfect backdrop for board games, reading, and socializing. Or head outside to the porch to watch an extraordinary moon rise or some incredible star gazing!
If group activities and shared experiences form the basis for life-long bonds, then McGee Island is an ideal location for family reunions and small gatherings from 4 to 24 people.
Accomodations:
Your rental includes McGee and Barter Islands. McGee Island is the larger of the two islands and has 3 residential structures: the Main House, the Cook House, and the Little Boat House. Barter is the smaller of the two islands, is undeveloped, and is accessible either by boat or by a natural land bridge that appears at low tide.
The two islands nestled close to each other to form a natural deep-water harbor that can accommodate yachts up to 60 to 70 feet in length. If you don’t have a yacht, don’t worry; our caretaker will be happy to transport you and your luggage and groceries from Port Clyde to McGee in our 10-person island boat.
The Main House is a beautiful, traditional, shingled summer home built in 1915. The interior walls were left exposed showing the beautiful wood that was used to construct the building. It has 9 bedrooms with two King, three Queen, and seven twin beds that can sleep 17 people. There are 4 full bathrooms equipped with original claw foot-era tubs as well as a relatively-new, partially-enclosed outdoor shower which tends to be the favorite place for bathing.
The Cook House, originally built in the late 1700’s, has a newly remodeled kitchen equipped with modern appliances and an outdoor BBQ gas grill. There are 2 dining areas in the Cook House. The breakfast table in the kitchen seats 6-8 and offers commanding views of the harbor. The adjoining dining room can seat up to 22 (more if everyone squeezes a bit). The Cook House also has a shower on the first floor and a large bedroom with 3 twin beds on the second floor.
The Little Boat House, also built in the early 1900’s, is located right on the water. It has a porch, a comfortable living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom on the first floor. The second floor has 2 queen beds. The Little Boat House is a favorite with teens as it provides a place where they can be on their own, yet is close enough to the Cook House for late night snacks.
McGee Island is a great place to leave behind the hustle and bustle of daily life. There is, however, a Wi-Fi Internet connection for those who wish or need to stay connected. There also is mobile phone reception depending on where you are on the island (n.b., Verizon and US Cellular work best).
If you’d like to spend a day on-shore, Port Clyde is a short 15-minute boat ride away. From there, you can catch the Laura B for a day trip to Monhegan Island, best known for its artists’ colony. The mainland also offers shopping in Freeport, the Lobster Festival in Rockland, and golf in Camden. On-shore excursions, however, are best limited to groups of no more than 8 to 10; the maximum number of passengers the island boat can carry, and must be completed within daylight hours.
McGee and Barter Islands have played a magical role in our lives. They have provided our clan with a place to congregate–where siblings, cousins, young and old can renew their bonds and create shared memories–while enjoying the spectacular beauty of the Maine coastline. We hope that you, your family, and your friends experience the same magic that brings us back, year after year.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking : Off-street parking is provided by Monhegan Boat Lines. Stop at their office at the end of Route 131 in Port Clyde and tell them how long you wish to park your car. They will direct you to an appropriate parking lot and they provide a bus to bring you and your belongings to the Port Clyde Public Landing
- Wood Fireplace : Wood is provided for the huge 8-foot fireplace in the Main House. Other fireplaces in the building are not operational.
- Wood Stove : The Cook House has a small wood stove to heat the kitchen.
- Beds
- King Bed (2)
- Queen Bed (5)
- Twin/Single Bed (9) : We actually have 10 twin beds on the island, 4 XL and 6 regular length.
- Child Bed : There is one cot available in the Main House
- Crib : There is a crib in the Main House that was manufactured around 1910. It does not meet current safety codes.
- Entertainment
- Sauna : Guests may use the wood-fired seaside sauna provided a competent adult is present at all times.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : The kitchen has a 48 inch gas-fueled, 8-burner commercial range with 2 ovens.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator : The kitchen is equipped with a 25 cubic foot refrigerator / freezer. The refrigerator is on top and the freezer is a pullout drawer on the bottom. There are also refrigerators in the Main House and Boat House.
- Dishwasher : Kitchen is equipped with a commercial dishwasher. Dishes are rinsed and placed in a rack before being placed in the dishwasher. The dishwasher cleans and sanitizes each rack in 2 minutes.
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Large Weber gas BBQ grill
- Deck/Patio : There is a porch along the entire front of the Main House with 180º views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding islands.
- View/Location
- Oceanfront : McGee is a private island in the Atlantic Ocean about 3 miles from Port Clyde, Maine.
- Ocean View
- Communications
- Cell Phone : Cell phone reception is available but some services (e.g., US Cellular and Verizon) have better reception. Reception also is affected by the weather and the caller's location on the island.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : There is Wi-Fi access to the Internet in the Main House. It has limited data throughput. It is adequate for sending and receiving most emails, but not for streaming movies or up-loading or down-loading large files.
- Other Amenities
- McGee has a plethora of raspberry and black berry bushes which typically produce fruit late July and early August. There are mussel beds that are accessible at low tide (n.b., check with the caretaker first to make sure a red tide alert has not been declared for the area). There are trails around and through the island. There is a Puffin rookery on an island about 15 minutes from McGee.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Dogs are permitted with some common-sense provisos. There also is an additional $100 cleaning charge.
- Kid Friendly : McGee is a great place for kids who like to swim, fish, canoe or kayak (with life jackets and adult supervision), catch crabs, explore the rocks and coastline, search the flotsam and jetsam that washes up, play active games on the huge playfield or indoor games, pick berries, etc.
- Smoking Allowed : Smoking is permitted outdoors so long as smokers take care to extinguish their cigarettes completely when done and that they throw the butts in the garbage.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings as this would represent an extreme fire hazard. Not only are all of the buildings made of wood, they do not have a sprinkler system and it would take the Fire Department at least 45 minutes to arrive on the island.
- Activities
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- There is an abundance of activities available including: • Paddling: 3 kayaks (1 double, 2 singles), 1 canoe, 1 rowboat • hiking around and through the island • fishing (mackerel are a fairly common catch) • berry-picking – there are many raspberry and black berry bushes on McGee which produce fruit typically between late July and early August • crabbing – a favorite activity for kids around 10 is catching crabs off the dock • volleyball • croquet • bocce / pétanque • badminton • board and card games – the closet in the Main House living room has card tables, cards and a host of games such as Texas Hold’em, Scrabble, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, Sliders, Battleships, Jenga, Tabu, Monopoly, Candy Land, Chutes &Ladders. There also is an assortment of jigsaw puzzles. • Golf – a few years ago family members brought about 500 golf balls to McGee and drove them into the pool between McGee and Barter Islands. Guests are free to collect the balls at low tide and drive them back in
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Rates for groups up to 12. For larger groups there is a per person add-on per week
May 5 - Jun 2 $3,595/wk + $150/extra person
June 2 - 16 $3,995/wk + $170/extra person / Jun 16 - 30 $5,995/wk + $250/extra
Jun 30 - Sep 1 $7,995/wk + $330/extra person
Sep 1 - 15 $5,995/wk + $250/extra person
Sep 15 - 29 $5,595/wk + $170/extra person
Sep 29 - Oct 27 $3,595/wk + $150/extra person
Payments: Check or PayPal; State/local taxes are 7%
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Private Island in Maine - Ideal for Family Reunions -Sleeps 24
Year Purchased: 1912
Why the Owner Chose Port Clyde
As our family expanded in number and spread out across the country and Europe, McGee Island has been a nexus that has brought together cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, in-laws, and even brothers and sisters. Time spent together preparing meals, gathering mussels, going for swims, walking or rowing around the islands, playing volleyball, croquet, and badminton during the day and card and board games at night has enabled us to form bonds and remain close.
The Unique Benefits at this House
McGee Island has magical qualities of its own. While the buildings have modern conveniences, there are countless furnishings and artifacts scattered throughout that date back to the 1920’s giving one the sense of stepping back in time. The views of the Atlantic with islands off in the distance, of Osprey and gulls wheeling overhead, of sunsets and of the moon and stars at night are amazing. It truly is a wonderful place where one can shut out the rest of the world for a period of time and have fun with your children, family, and friends. We hope you will enjoy McGee Island as much as we do. – The descendants and spouses of A.W. Erickson, Jr.
There are art galleries scattered all along Route 131 between Thomaston and Port Clyde.
Monhegan Island is a lobsterman and artist colony. Made famous by N.C. Wyeth and his son Andrew, it has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction. The Laura B. and Elizabeth Anne will ferry people to and from Port Clyde.
The Owl's Head Transportation Museum offers a collection of antique cars, airplanes, and engines many of which still work.
The Rockland Lobster Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It is held the last week of July / the first week of August and offers entertainment, road and crate races, a parade, and other family-oriented and fun activities.
About four miles north of Port Clyde is a gold driving range that is clearly visible from Route 131.
Property Photos
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- Aerial view of McGee and Barter Islands - Port Clyde Private Island Estate Rental, with Views of the Atlantic Ocean, Ideal Location For Kayaking, Musseling (Collecting Mussels), Hiking.
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- View of McGee from the harbor - Port Clyde Private Island Estate Rental, with Views of the Atlantic Ocean, Ideal Location For Kayaking, Musseling (Collecting Mussels), Hiking.
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- View of the Main House - Port Clyde Private Island Estate Rental, with Views of the Atlantic Ocean, Ideal Location For Kayaking, Musseling (Collecting Mussels), Hiking.
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- View of the ocean from the Main House porch
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- Grammy's Bedroom
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- The Pink Bedroom
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- The Yellow Bedroom
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- The Sewing Bedroom
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- The Green Bedroom
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- View of the Cook House from the harbor
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- The Kitchen with 8-burner, double oven gas range and commercial dishwasher
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- The Cook House dining room
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- The Little Boat House
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- The Little Boat House living room
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- One of two queen beds in the Little Boat House bedroom
Traveler Reviews (11)
A marvelous vacation destination for everyone.
Guest: Lei X.
Date of Stay: 10/07/11
Review Submitted: 10/13/11
Our families (six in total) come from the suburbs in Connecticut; in October, our neighborhoods bring honey crisp and jona gold apples, pumpkin carvings, and a crisp air that carries a memory of summer and a foreboding of winter. Our families, with children of different ages and various jobs that occupy our days (and sometimes weekends), are busy balancing our family lives and our professional ones. Columbus weekend, however, allowed our group to celebrate many things: the long weekend, the striking New England fall, and of course, our families. In short, we came to McGee Island to cherish that absolutely precious time with our loved ones; we left with stunning memories of watching the sun rise across the Atlantic horizon (those colors that streaked across the sky), hiking through the brush and trees along the sea breeze and mountain ash, and mostly importantly, with memories of laughing and cooking and talking late into the cool evenings. Beginning from the boat ride at the Pier until the very last sunrise we saw, McGee Island offered one surprise after another. The entire experience was layered: from picking mussels on the seaweed beds, to hiking along the windblown trees, to watching our kids try to “fish for crabs and lobsters”, to kayaking at sunset, and finally, to discovering the beauty of the home and estate. Every turn in the house offered a surprise: the old books that lined the shelves, the pictures drawn in the study from 1977, the newspapers of the First World War in the attic, the old grand piano which our kids played on in the evenings (it is the most spectacular place to listen to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata while the ocean is gentle outside, and we are quietly talking inside with our children playing with the board games on the living room floor). As for the island, we were greeted with treasures that allowed every single person to be marveled and excited, from four-year-olds playing “find the crab!” to the adults boating around the island to the teenagers playing volleyball out on the lawn. In that respect, McGee Island was timeless for us, offering something for everyone. As for McGee in October? When is New England more magical other than the fall when the leaves light and dance with the fires of yellow, orange, red and sienna? For us, this weekend was a reprise of summer, as we were lucky with 75 degree weather (I had dug up old shorts which I thought wouldn’t see daylight until April again) that allowed for some splashing
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, pet owners, tourists without a car, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
No "canned" vacation here!
Guest: first born
(Cape cod)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11
Review Submitted: 10/04/11
So exciting to experience a vacation that lives up to it's expectations and much more. As a member of a large family of 28 (ages 2 to 72 ) planing a vacation that can accommadate the many different needs, wants, likes and dislikes of all can be challenging but Mcgee island came in far above the mark. As a family we have done many actives in the past and what makes this the best EVER is the location, setting, and layout. Being on the island creates an adventure all its own. Far enough away from the distractions of every day life but close enough if needed (we needed for nothing). From sunrises to sunsets to star gazing to kayaking to walking the trails, the island provides it's own entertainment for all. The layout of the property creates a wonderful combination of inclusion, privacy and togetherness. Whether you like to sit on the deck of the main house and watch the going ons of the day( a favorite of ALL ages even if they wouldn't admit such) or take advantage of the tidal pool and all it has to offer during its ever changing tidal flow, you feel like you are always part of the actives. We loved the uniqueness of the three houses. The main house with it's picture perfect location and plenty of room for all provided endless hours of family fun in the fire place living room and quite the trip down memory lane with all the pictures and old relics. The cook house was ideal. A common meeting place for the early risers looking for that first cup of coffee or sleepy heads hoping for some left over breakfast. The fully equipped kitchen and extra large dinning room table made for some of the best family style dinners EVER. The boat house was so charming a toss up between a quiet get away, girls/boys night out or the cutest family suite. From lobster feast to volleyball matches, to kite flying, to high tide jumps off the dock ( yes the water's cold) there's something for everyone. If you are looking to make real memories and know what the word "fun" in "functional" means, then this is the best place for your next vacation. So worth it!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, tourists without a car, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
A Fantastic Family Re-Union 2011
Guest: Ricky
(Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11
Review Submitted: 08/23/11
Our family re-union on McGee Island was a fabulous success easily and comfortably accommodating the 23 family members that attended. Our re-union consists of a tight group of cousins and their children that some 15 years ago embarked on set schedule of re-uniting every three years so we don't lose touch with each other. While perhaps having regular re-unions is not so unique the locations we attend are. We have been to The Hamptons, Italy, Outerbanks, Austria (Alps) and now off the coast of Maine on McGee Island. Each re-union has been memorable but what truly makes our stay on McGee stand out from the others was the Main House, Don the caretaker and the spectacular Maine scenery. What made the Main House so special for us was the instant flashback of memories it triggered from our collective youth resembling a house that three of the cousins grew up in and where the remainder of us of spent as much time as we could learning about life. Perhaps difficult to put into words others would appreciate but suffice it say, there was just something "oh so special" about the Main House. The island and the Maine scenery is spectacular and cannot be overstated on how magnificent it is. Finally, ............ there's Don. Don is quite the character and I'm not sure what we would have done without him there making sure everything was perfect for us. Each morning as we awoke we would sit on the porch waiting patiently knowing our day would truly begin with the start of Don's little tractor. Sure enough along he would come finding the right time to check in on us and the island amenities. Should you visit McGee please take the time to chat with Don about Maine, the history of McGee Island and where/how to buy those fabulous Maine lobstaah. (that was for you Don. We loved your New England accent. All this to say............. We highly recommend McGee Island. Go and you will not be disappointed.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with young children, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
A Perfect Family Vacation!
Guest: Helen and Stuart
(Chapel Hill NC)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11
Review Submitted: 07/25/11
The Recipe for the Perfect Family Vacation ? Just the right blend of convenient yet private location (15 min boat ride from Port Clyde) ? Mix in comfortable, private bedrooms and accommodations for the entire family from teenagers to grandparents ? Blend of rustic, comfortable furnishings with one-of-a-kind historical pieces from first-edition books to decades old custom-made sailboats ? Generous amount of gorgeous sunrises and sunsets from the best oceanside porch in Maine complete with the perfect-for-napping hammock ? Add a family-friendly island trail, complete with Osprey nests & lobster buoy markers ? Don’t forget the large family room in main house to host family games,contests and puzzle solving. ? Unusual twist of a separate house for teenagers to hang out away from dreaded adults and a "cook house” for cooking, serving and eating large family meals … along with the perfectly blended early morning cup-of-Joe ? Throw in a Wimbledon-like grass field that welcomes family badminton, croquet and water balloon games ? Shake things up with the personable caretaker with laugh-out loud sense of humor ? Sprinkle in activities from kayaking around the island (kayaks included), dozens of places quietly welcoming you to take a seat and read a book, the occasional boat ride to Port Clyde to resupply if needed and a smooth boat ride to see the Wyeth’s private island and the famous Maine puffins. ? Mix in the huge boathouse chock full of historical keepsakes and classic wooden Maine boats ? Pour in a cup of water from your private harbor between Barter & McGee Islands teaming with wildlife performing daily for your viewing pleasure Cook for about a week in the cool Maine temperature and you’ll pull out the vacation that the entire family will always refer to as the “that awesome vacation on McGee Island, when are we going again?” Which is actually a great question, for us next year isn’t soon enough.
Recommended for:Families with young children, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
McGee Island is a very special place!
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/18/11
Review Submitted: 07/08/11
Our stay on McGee was a huge success. The Main House was comfortably furnished and easily accommodated us all while providing enough space for people to be off on their own if they wanted some space. We thoroughly enjoyed the evenings in front of the fire, playing games or quietly reading. I loved exploring the house; the wonderful old things, furniture and art work. Everyone loved the outdoor shower! I would say that pictures do not quite capture the magnificence of the place. The Cook House transformation, while not complete when we were there, was very nicely done!! The new eight burner/double oven gas range got some serious use. While the dishwasher was not yet functional; it will be a tremendous asset to have. Some of our most enjoyable times were spent in the Cook House preparing our meals and dining together in the large dining room. There is something wonderful to see no matter where you are. The magnificent view from the front porch never gets old, the lupines, foxgloves, roses, peonies and the ocean beyond were a constantly changing panorama to enjoy, with bald eagles and ospreys soaring over head, the ducks and a loon in the water and an occasional deer crossing from Barter to McGee. On a walk around the island amazing things are waiting to be discovered; beautiful fields of ferns, seals basking on rocks, fantastic ocean views everywhere, ospreys and their nests. Herons walking across the lawn a few feet from the house, for serious nature lovers this was a magical place! And the stars at night are incredible!!! The owner’s where very helpful and easy to correspond with, very prompt in replying and answering the many questions I kept coming up with. They obviously put a lot of thought and effort into preparing the property for renters. They also provide a very thorough information package. I also have to mention, the caretaker; he was a major factor in the success and enjoyment of our stay on McGee. He was very helpful and skilled in working out some of the kinks in the Cook House. He went out of his way to make sure everyone in our party got to do the activities they wanted to get in during our week, kayaking and canoeing, shooting/target practice and giving us a demonstration and instruction in the fine art of fly fishing. He also shared his knowledgeable of the local area and the history of the island. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the week on McGee! It was a complete success and a definite repeat.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with young children, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
A bunch of Brits' first taste of Maine - a truly memorable stay in a very special place
Guest: Jim
(Essex, United Kingdon)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10
Review Submitted: 09/13/10
Arriving at the McGee Island jetty in thick mist one Saturday lunchtime towards the end of July, after some 24 hours travelling, we felt excited but tired, and somewhat disorientated. The warm but laidback welcome we received, and the immediate comfort of our lodgings created just the right first impression. The next morning, waking to blue skies and clear sunshine, the sheer natural splendour of these beautiful islands and their surroundings washed over us. We were instantly entranced and remained so, as the days flew by. The views of forest, shore and sea, punctuated by the bright splashes of painted lobster buoys, bobbing in the waves, cast up amongst the rocks or even hanging from the trees, provided a constantly refreshing backdrop to the activities of the week. From grandmother to toddler, we all seemed to find what we were hoping for. Paddling in clear rock pools, crawling with life, catching a first fish, swimming in the sheltered tidal pool, or striking out around the island, on foot or by kayak, there was always something else to do, or try! And not to forget, a never-quite-ending game of cricket played out on the sweeping lawn below the Main House. It is probably worth noting that the kids never even mentioned the absence of a TV... We watched ospreys circling above the trees, and then hiking around the far side of the island, came across these magnificent birds on their nests almost within touching distance. One very windy afternoon we watched a deer scramble, leap and swim across the rocks and pools at the northern end of the channel, crossing from McGee to Barter Island – followed shortly by two wild turkeys! Each of the buildings has its own character and sense of history. The Main House is an extraordinary structure, to me it seemed the epitome of skilled construction and craftsmanship, with an abiding sense of timeless, exacting standards of comfort and style. The Boathouse was, as suggested, a wonderful and no doubt welcome retreat for younger members of the party. The Cookhouse was a loved and homely focus for our gatherings in the evening, cooking, drinking and eating. The long table was also the scene of the culinary highlight of our stay, an 18 lobster supper where, young and old, we got to grips with the art (or science?) of dismantling and downing a well-prepared Maine lobster - another special memory amongst many from this wonderful week. I can heartily recommend McGee Island as a very special family holiday destination.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, families with young children, girls getaway, families with teenagers, age 55+.
Guest: Sarah McNally
(Hudson, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 10/10/09
Review Submitted: 10/10/09
We’ve been visiting this island for over 20 years and this magical place seems almost lost in time. From the minute you hop on the boat that carries you from picturesque Port Clyde to the quiet of the island dock, you enter a world that recalls a time when people really got away from it all. The salt sea breeze, the sounds of harbor traffic and lobster fishermen, the screeches of seagulls and osprey, and the inherent beauty of the Maine landscape become the backdrop for some amazing memories. A week is hardly enough time to appreciate the property and all it has to offer.Our family rituals have evolved over the years. An exploratory hike around the island on the path and rocks at low tide is always the first thing. When our children were young that often turned into a bit of raspberry picking for the evening’s delicious desserts of cobblers or pies. Many favorite rituals seem to be centered around food: gut busting lobster nights; taking a boat ride to a local farm for fresh oyster appetizers; and picking chanterelles on the adjacent island. After dinner, everyone generally retires to the Main House for board games, chess, singalongs with family musical talents, or a good book next to the warm fire.In warmer months, children and braver adults often swim or play in the cold water along the shore of the cove, and end the bracing dip with a little sunbathing on the warm rocks by the boathouse. Treasure hunting for the perfect rock, shell, sand dollar or sea urchin is a favorite activity. The property and landscape are a treasure trove for the shutter bug. And kayaking is an exciting activity for active guests, as well as rounds of volleyball, badmitton or ultimate frisbee. Then there’s croquet and bocce ball for a slower pace. The accommodations are what I would call “rustic elegance”... not fancy, but tasteful and comfortable.This is a beautiful and historical place for people to spend time together, with no schedule, no agenda, no entertainment guide and no catered meals. It takes a certain amount of planning and cooperation but it is an extraordinary place.
Recommended for:
Guest: Phyl Harmon
(Strafford, Vermont)
Date of Stay: 09/23/09
Review Submitted: 09/23/09
Our stay on McGee Island was just wonderful. Each of us, ranging in age from 3 to 75 years, had plenty to do … hiking, canoeing, kayaking, playing games, and exploring the island. Most importantly, we were in a lovely setting without the distractions of everyday life. The slower, simpler pace gave us, both young and old, the time and space to connect and truly enjoy being together. It was the most successful family reunion we've had to date. We all highly recommend it! Phyl Harmon
Recommended for:
Guest: Mary J. Roberts
(Birmingham, MI 48009)
Date of Stay: 09/12/09
Review Submitted: 09/12/09
If you want to truly get away from the rush of daily life, McGee Island is the place. McGee is a private island with no one there but those you've invited. Rather than staying in a 5 star hotel,the house on McGee is like being in someone's home---only for the time you are there it's your home. No schedules to follow---no need to wear makeup, no need to dress for dinner. This is a great place for a large family to spend time together---catching up on each other's lives---renewing relationships. There is no TV so you can really escape the world and all it's many intrusions into your life. Those who have been to McGee frequently use the word "magical" and it is just that. Lots of exercise, lots of rest and relaxation, long walks, kayaking,sitting on the deck and reading, cooking great meals together---just wonderful. The house is not for people who need hotel style bathrooms and beds---while immaculate, each room has a special personality, a character of its own. I feel lucky to have stayed on McGee and would go back anytime.
Recommended for:
Guest: Ilene Roberts
(Baltimore MD)
Date of Stay: 09/12/09
Review Submitted: 09/12/09
My husband and I have been guests on the island a many times over the past 22 years. It is truly an unbelievable place - a step back in time with all the modern conveniences. Some of my favorite memories include: Singalongs in the living room in the evening in front of a roaring fire Being serenaded by flute, piano, violin, sax and guitar Making bread in the cook house with two of my nieces (about 6 and 8 at the time) Crabbing with my nine year old nephew Watching the kids put the lobsters to sleep (search on Youtube for how to put a lobster to sleep) before cooking (outside in a humongous lobster pot over a propane burner) Playing Dungeons and Dragons with the kids Taking canoes, kayaks, and rowboats to the far side of the island for a picnic Picking gooseberries and raspberries for pies Exploring the big boathouse Hiking around McGee Hiking around Barter Island Showering in the outdoor showers Eating lobster just bought straight from a nearby lobster boat Extreme frisbee tournaments Chics only swim and sauna after dinner Watching the dogs race around the island, learn to swim and become avid kayakers Collecting mussels for dinner Beading parties on the main house porch Awarding the winner of the FIRST ONE TO TIE A MONKEY FIST KNOT contest Giving the kids my husband's Tilley hat to tie dye it Homemade sailboat races Sleeping in unbelievably comfortable beds Watching the kids grow up OK, now that I've described some of the wonderful parts, it is time for some objective criticism. Thinking back to when I've thought --I wish...hmmm.....hmmm.....that the sailboat was always available... that there was a gas grill (oh, there is now)... that there was more than one coffee pot (oh, there is now) ... sorry, that's all I can think of - it is pretty near perfect. McGee is a unique and magical place. The outside world seems so far away (but is really only a quick 15 minute boat ride into Port Clyde if you need a mid-week food shopping trip). Now that there is wireless internet, it is easy to keep up with the outside world if you wish. And, if you really must use your cell phone, there is usually some spot on the island where you can get reception. Spending a week at McGee is an experience you will never forget. Thank you to Jim and Elizabeth for allowing us to share it with you. Bill and Ilene Roberts
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #188207
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
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