Vacation Rentals by Owner

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:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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.

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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

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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.

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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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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/10/09

If you’re looking for an authentic downeast Maine vacation destination for a large group, you can do no better than McGee Island. Starting with your arrival in Port Clyde, a quintessential Maine Coast fishing village, to the rocky shores of McGee and Barter Islands and even the somewhat salty but always helpful caretaker Don Winchenbach, a trip to McGee will immerse you in the Maine experience like almost nowhere else.Our group of 8 adults and 9 children (ages 1-5) were the island’s very first non-family tenants in its 100+ year history. We knew this going in, and expected to hit some snags as a result, but we found the Ericksons and Don to be incredibly helpful and accommodating. It was clear to us that they wanted to make sure that we had a fantastic experience on McGee . . . and we did.You have probably already seen the beautiful pictures on the website, and I can tell you that they paint an accurate picture. Bring an extra memory stick for your camera (who uses film anymore?) because you will be taking a lot of pictures. There is natural beauty everywhere you look on McGee and Baxter, yielding hikes and canoe/kayak trips as pleasing to the eye as to the soul. If you’ve read the descriptions you have no doubt also seen the long list of other activities on the island, but frankly it makes no sense to visit the islands if you are not also looking forward to a good dose of solitude. It’s hard for most people to picture just how large a 115 acre island is, but let us just say that with 17 people on the island we could have easily gone whole days without seeing another soul (even those within our own group) if that was what we had wanted to do.We heartily and unreservedly recommend the islands. However, here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering a trip:• This is not the Ritz. The Main House is a charming and not-too-rustic 9 bedroom cabin; it is well appointed as a summer vacation home, but it is not fancy. The Cook House and the Little Boat House are perfectly functional for their purposes, but are one further step toward the rustic end of the spectrum. In particular, keep in mind that you will be washing a lot of dishes (N.B., a dishwasher is rumored to be in store in 2010)

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