Top floor master bedroom . Wake up to the most spectacular sunrises.
Location: Belfast, Mid-Coast & Islands, Maine, USA (Miles: Bangor 40,Camden15,BarHarbor60,Boston215,Portland112)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 3 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Keywords: House, home cottage, vacation rental,
We are conveniently located right in Belfast, overlooking Belfast Harbor and Penobscot Bay with spectacular views across the Bay to Castine and Blue Hill. We are less than a 10 minute walk into historic downtown Belfast with its restaurants, wonderful niche shops, outstanding galleries, the Belfast Co-Op organic and natural food store, a working waterfront/public landing, movie house, local theater company and more. Surrounding the classic brick downtown area, residential Belfast boasts beautiful wood frame (and some brick) houses in Colonial, Victorian,and Greek Revival styles.Prosperous ship builders in the 1800s built some of the finest grand houses in all of Maine. Belfast has become famous for award winning gardens , for which there are tours .The beautifully landscaped Belfast Common is a short walk up our street and has become the canine recreation area of choice.
In recent years Belfast has caught the attention of many travel writers and created enormous interest in this previouslky semi-obscure town. Many crave an interesting and unhurried Maine vacation experience in a truly charming town and they have found it here, and return year after year. This midcoast area has also become a center of organic and sustainable family farming in Maine , the farm to fork slow food movement , and very good eating can be had from local and transplanted chefs. The full Circle Fair sponsored by MOFGA has become a major event in the fall.The Belfast Coop is Maine's oldest store of its kind. Our guest book comments transcribed into the reviews section will give you a sense of the culinary possibilities . Festivals , concerts and plays are held regularly in Belfast . The working waterfront features ocean-going tugs,launches sailboats, the ferry to Castine, and, the occasional small cruise ship stopping by. A consortium of boatyards and boatbuilders have created a world-class colaborative near the walking bridge which has breathed new energy into the working waterfront..
From our house, the town park with tennis courts and a great pool is a few minutes in the opposite direction, on Northport Ave. A major regional hospital and medical center is also down that way.
Facing East-Belfast across the harbor, our house sits above a sloping lawn which leads to a deck and private stairs descending to the beach below. We have ample space for beach chairs, kayaks, etc. This is an ideal location from which kayaking groups may explore the area.
In the summer, unlike much of the open ocean in Maine, the harbor in front of our little beach is warm enough to swim in comfortably. Depending on the tide, one can even walk into town via the beach.
Our house was originally a typical fisherman's house from around 1900 but has been totally rebuilt and reconfigured to include a new foundation ,insulation, plumbing, electrical and heating, and user friendly layout. Several rooms are connected to an open living room-kitchen area and lots of windows and doors look out on the water.The house features unique stairs landings and a loft. Many different woods are used throughout, notably oak, pine and cherry, much of it locally milled. The floors are birch, pine and, in the older parts of the house,the original pumpkin pine. A cedar wrap around deck is outside and stairs descend to the lawn below. We get great sun and ample ventilation and sea breezes naturally flow thoughout the house . Multiple ceiling fans and many windows and skylights help keep our guests comfortable even on the hottest summer days.
We have three dedicated bedrooms ;
A top floor bedroom with queen size bed, skylights and a bathroom and truly breathtaking views .
A second floor front bedroom has a full bed overlooking the Bay
A third bedroom contains two twin beds.Across from these last two rooms is a full bathroom. Belfast harbor is to the left and Penobscot Bay is to the right , visible from almost every room. The first floor(Livingroom/kitchen) level has a den with a sofa bed , a very comfortable day bed .An office/parlour room includes an upright piano,computer area with wi-fi,printer .Connected to that room is a bathroom with laundry facilities. The house comes equipped with books, games, music, TV, stereo . The kitchen is fully equipped with appliances , dishes, and cookware.
If there is something on our chart of amenities not listed, please ask and we will see if we have it, or can get it for you.
Our house is furnished with a tasteful blend of wicker and antiques. The wrap around deck and the decks by the water have an assortment of comfortable outdoor chairs and an umbrella table . We have a very comfortable house with breathtaking views and easy access to the water and town.
Belfast is also a wonderful place to come in the autumn and winter months as the
leaves turn , the air turns crisper and the pace slows down.
We are booking weeks for the summer and fallseason of 2012 weeks,partial weeks or week-end getaways and be in the ideal spot to experience all the seasons in Midcoast Maine.
We now accept Mastercard and Visa for reservations and payment.
Thank you for taking the time to look at our listing .Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, anytime.
Duncan and Naomi Draper
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : For summer 2012 we will keep 2 small room airconditioners on hand should they become necessary for any of our guests. Because we are on the water and the house has been designed with excellent cross ventilation and air convection (and ceiling and room fans)it rarely becomes necessary.
- Linens Provided
- Washer : Up to date easy to use washer and dryer
- Dryer
- Off Street Parking : Space for several cars
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : Please contact us regarding specific needs
- Wood Stove : Wood burning Stove in Livingroom
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : One bed room has two twin beds. A single size daybed with an excellent mattress functions as an extra bed in the den
- Convertible Bed (2) : Full size sofa bed in den and full size futon are available
- Child Bed : A fold up cot is available, about the size of a child's bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (2) : Cable service , local channels plus CBC. HD with cable, dvd, vhs, sound
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : HD with cable, dvd, vhs, sound
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : An interesting eclectic collection of films.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Good classical cds, some jazz, Celtic and folk
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Excellent 5 Burner Stove , Fridge , Icemaker,Dishwasher, microwave, toaster , crock pots , baking gear , turkey pans,lobster pot, everything you need
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Plenty- see above
- Refrigerator : spacious with pull out bottom freezer and icemaker
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill (2) : Gas grill on house deck and one down by the water
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : A small round weber w/o legs ,perfect for for beach use
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony : Wrap around deck on house . Downon water are several decks, stairs between the landings descending to the beach
- View/Location
- Oceanfront : Ocean/harbor frontage,private steps and decks descending to a little beach below.A Maine combination of rocky and sandy ,always walkable except at peak high tide; Our house is set back 100 feet from shore (see pictures)with spectacular views of the Bay and outer harbor.Only thing between our house and the shore is a shed which sits at the top of the bluff .It is used for storage ,changing storing oars,coolers and beach gear.
- Ocean View : Spectacular 120-180 degree views .The 2 main bedrooms and livingroom and den look out on water.Third bedroom has partial view.See pictures
- Water View : Spectacular 120-180 degree views .The 2 main bedrooms and livingroom and den look out on water.Third bedroom has partial view.Wrap around deck looks out onto bay.
- Communications
- Telephone : Land line with voice mail and unlimited calling in US.
- Free Long Distance : Free local and long distance in continental US., Canada Cell phones will work in the house also.The voice mail available for your stay.
- Broadband Internet : High speed cable internet ,printerBring your lap top. CAT5cableplugs &wi/fi.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : High speed cable internet printer .Bring your lap top. CAT5cableplugs& wi/fi.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : We are dog friendly , please inquire in advance
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : With advance notice We can install access ramp into 1st floor ;LR, Dining area, den, office and bathroom (not full bath on this floor) The open 1st floor layout makes wheelchair mobility relatively easy .
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations) : We have a ramp to facilitate easy access into 1st floor where there is LR, Dining area, den, office and bathroom (not full on this floor) The open 1st floor layout makes wheelchair mobility easy .Let us know if you need this.
- Kid Friendly : We have kid gates . rails, stairs ,spindle spacing Maine code specs.Please inquire .
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Please inquire .
- Smoking Not Allowed : You may smoke on the porch
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- We are only a few minute walk to downtown Belfast with its shops galleries and working waterfront.Also, in the other direction The Belfast Town Park,near the outer harbor, is only a couple of minutes by car , 5 mins by bike; Great pool , tennis courts and a small public beach overlooking the bay. We are in the perfect location for all sorts of day trips up and down the coast and Down-East.
Rate Details (In US Dollars/Canadian/)
$1750-$2250 US- Prime Season (Canadians:ask aboutour greatexchange-rate discount)
$1500-1750- Off Season
$850-1500- Winter late fall and early spring
Please inquire about special rates
Or For winter rental by the month
8.5% Maine Lodging Tax
Fractions of weeks and weekends are sometimes possible
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2003
Why the Owner Chose Belfast
We bought and rebuilt this house with an eye to moving back to new England after many years on the West Coast.which has taken longer than we planned but return every chance we get. and are thrilled sso many others have experienced Belfast and beyond from our home.
The Unique Benefits of this House
All one has to do is stare at the water , breath the air, walk the beach ,read a book on the porch, walk into town , have a good meal, go for a swim.
Thats plenty.
Property Photos
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- Top floor master bedroom . Wake up to the most spectacular sunrises. - Belfast Waterfront Vacation Home
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- Looking out through our kitchen and Livingroon - Belfast Waterfront Vacation Home
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- Deck and beach below. - Belfast Waterfront Vacation Home
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- Kitchen area and loft above
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- Looking at our house from lower back lawn near the steps to the beach.
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- Looking towards kitchen area and stairs from the living room
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- Looking down from loft- December 2010
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- Looking out from kitchen
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- wintertime view
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- Another winter view
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- view down the hall after entering front door
Traveler Reviews (12)
Enjoyed our stay
Guest: Tom and Diane E.and family, Grand Rapids ,MI.
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/08/11
Review Submitted: 01/23/12
May 8-14, 2011 Enjoyed our stay this past week -the weather didn’t totally cooperate, but that is not why we came. Would’nt you know it, our last morning was the only chance to view a beautiful sunrise from the third floor. We enjoyed Belfast,Camden and surrounding towns. We had a great time at Fort Knox and of course you can't beat the beauty of Acadia. Thanks for your home.
Recommended for:
Belfast is an awsome little city
Guest: Lauren M., John and Marie M., Alanna, Callie, Raly
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11
Review Submitted: 01/23/12
August 6-13, 2011 A week long stay of a multi-generational group - house was accommodating , pleasant and comfortable for everyone and we thoroughly enjoyed the location. The kids really enjoyed beach-combing , walks downtown and daily trips for ice cream.(our collective verdict ;The Barn on Route 1 has the best ice cream– we also enjoyed their fried food baskets of sweet potato fries.) Belfast is an awesome little city! It is welcoming and interesting , plenty of things to do without being touristy.(We had fun at a street party on Tuesday night and the Friday night gallery walk. Everyone's favorite shop was Beyond the Sea-the owner is really sweet!). Thanks for welcoming us to your lovely vacation house!
Recommended for:
Lovely house- lots of great day trips
Guest: Ann and Richard B, London , England
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11
Review Submitted: 01/23/12
September 10-16, 2011 We've had a great week staying in this lovely house- very comfortable and the views are fantastic. The weather has been a bit mixed, but we've had several amazing red sunrises and beautiful sunsets.We’ve enjoyed being in the house and in Belfast-we had an excellent meal at Darby’s and at Young's Lobster Pound which was a real treat for us. Also good trips to Acadia, Down East to Campobello(a long drive but interesting)and also to Fort Knox and the Observatory.
Recommended for:
Great 2 weeks
Guest: Linda and Thom J, Anchorage Alaska
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/30/11
Review Submitted: 01/23/12
September 16-30, 2011 Had a great 2 weeks here – Loved the Common -Ground Fair at Unity. Visits from friends from Long Island, Winthrop ,Maine and Australia. All loved the house and Belfast.
Recommended for:
Why we live in Maine
Guest: Kathie and Chris
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/22/11
Review Submitted: 01/23/12
Being “Mainers” we love the opportunity to just chill and enjoy the beauty all around us we seldom seem to see during everyday life. This place only confirms why we live in Maine. Gorgeous views-comfortable -relaxing. Highlights: Marshal Wharf 4 year beer, Sweet Grass Winery and Distillery in Union , trip to Entwood Bonsai in Burnham(bought 3) And of course,daily walks to the “Coop”.Love the homey neighborhood. Indulged our passion for hunting sea glass everyday possible.,Super!
Recommended for:
A Wonderful Christmas
Guest: Michele and Geoff B, Studio City , CA
(-)
Date of Stay: 12/20/11
Review Submitted: 01/23/12
December 30, 2011 What a wonderful 10 days we enjoyed in Belfast and in this lovely home.I'll miss the top bedroom the most,waking up to the incredible view and morning sky everyday was such a treat. We'll be taking away many fond memories of a very special Christmas with our family. M and Geoff B, Studio City , CA
Recommended for:
A fabulous two week stay
Guest: Betsy and Joe K., VA
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/27/11
Review Submitted: 09/16/11
A fabulous two week stay-Escaped the hurricane back in Virginia and enjoyed the beautiful Maine weather, most often awakening to fiery sunrises. Belfast is just the right pace for our family with a laid back feeling and lots of good places to eat. Young's was frequented almost everyday..Chases is a must as well as John's ice cream. Day trips to Bar Harbour, Acadia, the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, Camden ...Lots of places to go antiquing as well. We love Maine and we will be back!
Recommended for:
wow
Guest: Gloria and Stan W, Florida
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/21/11
Review Submitted: 09/16/11
Wow,came to chill while my husband was in school and fell in love with Belfast.The house was a wonderful place to relax and enjoy. The neighbors were great and everything was lovely. We loved being able to walk to town, walk to the beach , farmers market on friday is great and young's Lobster Pound has great food and you can bring your own wine. Darby's is also good.... We will definitely be back. Thank you for a lovely stay in a wonderful home.
Recommended for:
The best view ever!!
Guest: MustangSally
(Just North of Los Angeles in Ventura County)
Date of Stay: 06/19/11
Review Submitted: 06/26/11
The Good News: Stayed mid -late June 2011 for almost a week. Owner super helpful on the phone. House was open airy and plenty of windows to let in all the wonderful fresh air.. very comfy and CLEAN ! Furniture all in great shape. Amazing views from everywhere.. The kind of view where when you just open your eyes and don't have to lift your head off he pillow amazing views. Big wrap around deck and nice super quiet neighborhood ..walking distance from downtown Belfast. I spend lots of time a Chases Daily and the Belfast Co-op getting bread and things to cook with which is why I wanted a house and not a hotel room. I was there to take cooking classes at a nearby farm in Lincolnville; Saltwater Farm and visit old college friends. On the down side:. Friday 7 am!!! ( OMG) lawn mowers were right outside my bedroom window for 45 min -1 hr YUK.. Also the owner was around the last 2 days doing work on the house and yard as basement is not yet finished.. but sometimes he says he stays down there?? Really?? It's not a separate area that both parties can lock off like adjoining hotel rooms..Super weird as I was traveling alone as a single woman. Also one slider door did not lock and I had to keep a stick behind it .. Felt weird with owner around and just me by myself. He was actually in the house working on lower part when I was not there the last few days but still renting the house. Maybe this is normal some places but I live in LA now and didn't appreciate it but I know hotel rooms have cleaning staff in them when guests are not there.. but I don't like that either. and that's why I like renting houses.. more space and more privacy and more quiet!!. Lots of stairs... so maybe not best for those with stair difficulty or little kids that fall on stairs and property steep down to water where the is another deck and a place to swim but average adult and most people will have no trouble with that.
Owner response:We are pleased the reviewer found the amenities , views and cleanliness of our house in Belfast, exceptional . We have worked hard to make this one of the really great houses in which to stay , the result of totally rebuilding from top to bottom. We are, however, unhappy to hear that this renter, felt uncomfortable having me,the owner,on the premisis to perform essential tasks. Our substantial 4 level house has almost 2000 square feet of living area.The separate studio basement workshop refered to is being rebuilt slowly into an apartment after a broken dishwasher dumped 20,000 gallons through the ceiling a couple of years ago, hence we now leave nothing to chance . I inquired with this renter to see if it would be possible work but only with her express permission , only when she was out (as much as feasible).Work is usually handled by a number of parties especially the wonderful couple who also clean the house. Everyone was backlogged. I explained I would be quiet and unobtrusive. Had this renter expressed her unease at having me or any other male workman on the property concurrently at any time, no matter how brief , I would have endeavoured to do no work at all when she was at the house. Much of my work was trimming trees125 feet away on the lower lawn and in the shed near our stairs to the beach. This was a last minute rental at less than half of our seasonal rate,a rate more comparable to a hotel or B&B yet with far more space and extraordinary views. We regret that this renter's requirements for absolute privacy (ie no work to be done, no one else around at all) were not expressed more emphatically at the outset. We have always been able to work around the needs and requirements of guests;their wishes are paramount. Guests should have a feeling of total safety and that thier comfort zone and space is all their own. I did not put myself in the mindset a female from LA traveling alone and my apologies for not thinking beyond the work at hand. The lock on asliding Anderson door in the livingroom is being repaired to be easy to lock. We are sorry about the early morning awakening by lawmowers. These folks mow our lawn and all the adjacent lawns at the same time as they are all one continous rolling lawn spanning several properties. These folks sometimes get an early start or they do it in the afternoon every 10 days or so. We are happy to address anyone's concerns about anything in person, please let us know.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
Wonderful place, great people
Guest: LDH
(Colorado)
Date of Stay: 10/05/09
Review Submitted: 07/07/10
We had a family gathering in the Fall of 2009. The owner went out out of his way to accommodate our wheelchair-bound father. The home is beautiful with a great location on the harbor and only a very short walk to town. I hope we can get back there again (and again)!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
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