Cottage is 20 feet from Sand Pond, great view from sleeping/dining porch
Location: Chesterville, Mountains & Lakes, Maine, USA (10 Miles To Farmington, 80 Miles NW of Portland) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 3 Bedrooms + Sleeping Porch, 1 Bath (Sleeps 6-7)
Keywords: waterfront, lakefront,cottage, private, pet-friendly, 4-season, family-oriented, year-round
Waterfront cottage on Sand Pond in the beautiful western Maine mountains, rustic but newly modernized, fully furnished kitchen, linens provided. As a new owner in 2008 I've made it cozy and welcoming. One step up to cottage, bathroom and master bedroom on first floor, gentle slope and a few stairs to lakefront and dock make it feasible for elder guests. It is small (756 square feet) but sleeps 3-6 adults comfortably and there is a roll-away cot. Cathedral ceiling and new Hunter ceiling fan in living room make it feel spacious and airy. Downstairs bedroom has a new in 2009 Hunter ceiling fan; 2 upstairs bedrooms and each has a floor fan and cross-ventilation. This is a quiet (except during snowmobile season) winterized camp with a shallow (average depth 13 feet, 23 feet at its deepest point), warm, sandy pond, 40' dock with octagon, across a dead-end dirt road (and snowmobile trail, fun for mountain biking and hiking), so it may not be suitable for toddlers as other camps' residents do use the road. State certified as a Lake Smart house in August 2009, use of eco-friendly products required.
BOATING AND FISHING: the pond is known to be full of large-mouth bass and white and yellow perch, and loons serenade each summer evening. 2-person canoe, 4-person pedal boat, older Old Town kayak, 7 life vests provided. No large motorboats are present on the pond, but guests are welcome to bring a kayak, rowboat, or canoe. 15' fishing boat with 45hp motor is available for rental to experienced boaters only. NEW FOR 2011: ADDITIONAL KAYAKS AVAILABLE FOR RENT, DELIVERED.
PLEASURES AT THE CAMP:
This is a very rural area, not for those who want constant entertainment, but great for reading on the front porch (completely screened in during April 2009, only first two photos reflect this) overlooking the pond or on the large octagonal dock or sitting in front of the wood stove. There is also a propane heater for the colder months (year-round, insulated cottage). Fire pit and picnic table at the water's edge. Most popular activities: listening for the loons, sunset watching, swimming, boating, and hiking, berry picking, chilling in a porch rocking chair, lobster grilling, gathering with friends around the fire pit after sunset, board games. NEW FOR 2011: Vonage phone line in cottage. Cell phone reception is good on the porch, at least for Verizon and Maine Cellular subscribers: iffy reception for ATT, TMobile, Sprint. HDTV Satellite/high speed internet/WiFi installed June 2009; tv reception cannot be guaranteed during cloudy weather.
THINGS TO ENJOY NEARBY:
You can quickly find small town life 10 miles away in Farmington and at the University of Maine, shopping, a movie theatre, summer concerts and summer theatre nearby, a couple of interesting restaurants, three independent bookstores, an ice cream stand and a summer farmer's market. 15 minutes to pick strawberries and blueberries in season and buy freshly caught lobster. Half an hour to Mt. Blue State Park, 45 minutes north to scenic Rangeley with brilliant fall foliage and dramatic mountain views (and you may see moose), skiing at Saddleback, Sugarloaf, and west at Sunday River. Sand Pond is about 3 1/2 hours from Boston.
PRIVATE BUT NOT "OFF THE GRID":
While you cannot see a neighboring camp, noise is amplified over water, so if someone nearby puts 20 people around their fire pit and has a party, you are going to hear it. This does not happen often, it's not a frat party area, mostly owner occupied, but absolute quiet cannot be guaranteed. Also, this is not the last camp on this dead-end road: 7 neighbors farther down the road do use it, so cars, trucks, ATVs, bicycles, people walking or running with their dogs do come right in front of the cottage.
WEEKEND RENTALS CONSIDERED DURING THE SPRING AND FALL SEASONS
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : W/D in bathroom
- Dryer : new 2008
- Linens Provided : Beds will be made up with fresh sheets before you arrive.
- Off Street Parking : Room for 3-4 cars.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : Next to shed.
- Gas Fireplace : Propane heater supplies winter heat.
- Wood Stove : For experienced users only; cut wood supplied.
- Beds
- Double Bed (2) : 1 in downstairs bedroom, 1 in upstairs bedroom.
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : Two solid birch twin beds in second upstairs bedroom with mattresses of a quality not usually found in rental properties.
- Child Bed : Roll-away cot can be used in a bedroom, living room, or screened-in porch on clear nights.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Flatscreen TV, DirectTV satellite installed May 2009. Reception not guaranteed on cloudy nights, sorry!
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : limited selection of VHS and DVD movies
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : New propane stove, electronic ignition. Also a new blender and toaster.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Chosen by an owner who loves to cook!
- Refrigerator : Frost Free, 8 years old
- Dishwasher : New 2008
- Microwave : New 2008
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : Weber, new 2008; also a fire pit.
- Balcony : Front porch runs width of cottage, was completely screened in April 2009
- View/Location
- Lakefront : Cottage is perhaps 30 feet from lake, across the private dirt road, great direct view from porch. Perhaps 5 cement steps down to the dock. Right on the lake are the firepit, picnic table, and charcoal grill, all lit by a flood lamp at night if desired.
- Communications
- Telephone : Vonage phone line, 45 minutes/week of incoming/outgoing calls anywhere in US
- Free Long Distance : Total call time local and long distance cannot exceed 45 minutes a week
- Broadband Internet : Hussey installed fiber optic high speed internet June 10 2009--strong microwave signal.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Wireless router allows you to use your laptop anywhere in the cottage, on the porch, probably on the dock! HP printer also supplied.
- Other Amenities
- 40' seasonal dock with octagon, older kayak, canoe and pedal boat, 7 life vests, and a 1-person towing tube. Guests are welcome to bring kayaks, new for 2011: additional kayak rental available, delivered. New cedar picnic table. Firepit new June 2009. If you are going to fish you need a Maine license, available for 1-3-7-15 days or all season, online at www.state.me.us/ifw/licenses_permits/fishing.htm. Buy locally or via credit card online and print immediately.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Well behaved dogs and cats only will be considered with an additional pet deposit. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required to confirm your rental.
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : One step to porch and entry door; bathroom on first floor, large stall shower, but too narrow for wheelchair access. Several concrete steps to dock.
- Kid Friendly : Bedroom decorated for young children, board games
- Smoking Not Allowed : If smoke is detected or renter puts cigarette holes in the screens, cleaning/repair fee will be deducted from security
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Guest passes to U. Maine at Farmington's gym with exercise equipment are available for purchase. On snowmobile trail ITS 82 and in the summer we see an occasional ATV.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Weekly rentals: May and June, July til 4th, Sept after Labor Day $650
Weekly rentals: July 4 through Labor Day weekend $850
Monthly rentals for academic sabbaticals/writers' retreats only in
off season: Sept-May,$950/month
Check-In Time Is 3:00 PM Saturday, Check-Out Time Is 11:00 AM Saturday
$400Deposit At Booking, Balance Plus Security Deposit Due 2 weeks prior to arrival
All rates are subject to 7% Maine Lodging Tax and $400 security deposit
Weekends and partial weeks considered in the off season.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2008
Why the Owner Chose Chesterville
Sand Pond is 10 miles from a university town with some intellectual life, two good bookstores, a few good places to eat including a memorable ice-cream stand, a fresh-from-the-ocean lobster store, shopping for all the essentials, but not a mall in sight. It's too small for big noisy boats. There are only 30-odd camps on the pond and a similar number on Locke Pond right behind it off the same private road. I like the curvy country roads (in summer anyway), the warm shallow pond for swimming, the fact that I can't see or hear a neighbor but know several friendly folks are a phone call or a 2-minute drive away.
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
Compared to the last rental I took before buying, where a neighboring camp sounded like a remake of Animal House every weekend, this place is pristine and quiet. Loons serenade their partners every night. I like being able to build a fire in the wood stove, cook for my friends, sit on the porch with a glass of wine and a book, or on the dock with one hand in the pond. You can boat around the pond and never see another human, or wave to children on a floating dock. Most of these cottages have not been gentrified or razed and replaced by McMansions, so it feels like a step back to a saner time and simpler pleasures--board games, jigsaw puzzles provided. If this scene makes you smile like it does me, you'll enjoy a stay here.
Owner's Map of Chesterville
I'm a university administrator in New York City but need peace and quiet to balance that life. My great-grandfather bought a lakefront cottage in western Maine in the 1880s and I spent part of every summer of my childhood falling in love with this part of Maine and learning why generations of my family, mostly born in Jersey City, kept coming back to this very special place. Of course I brought my daughter here as a child to make sure she fell in love with it too!
Property Photos
-
- Cottage is 20 feet from Sand Pond, great view from sleeping/dining porch - Chesterville, Maine- Waterfront Cottage
-
- Fall view from the front porch, overlooking Sand Pond/private dock/grill/firepit - Chesterville, Maine- Waterfront Cottage
-
- Picture of the cove taken from my boat--not a neighbor in sight - Chesterville, Maine- Waterfront Cottage
-
- Private dock, 13' wide at the octagon, pedal boat & canoe provided
-
- Eat-in kitchen, with new stove, dishwasher, microwave, toaster oven, blender
-
- living room with cathedral ceiling, stairs to second floor, wood stove
-
- Master bedroom on first floor, double bed, computer table/printer
-
- 2nd bedroom, big window just added on left wall has views of Locke Pond
-
- 3rd bedroom, 2 terrific twin beds
Traveler Reviews (17)
"Lucky in Maine" or "Husky does Sand Pond"
Guest: K. Hope V.
Date of Stay: 10/01/11
Review Submitted: 11/09/11
My elderly parents, my Husky dog, "Lucky", and my husband and I spent the month of October this year (2011) at Pinehurst Too on charming Sand Pond in Chesterville, Maine. We enjoyed ourselves so much, that we are definitely considering spending a Fall month at this venue next year! The quaint cottage is exactly as it is described here by the owner, in this listing, and the property was very clean and well-maintained when we arrived. We were welcomed by a fire that had been started in the stove by the property managers, so things would be nice and toasty for us when we arrived. Pictures you will see here give a very accurate depiction of the place, except the pictures are not able to reveal all of the charm that's here! I would definitely recommend this property to friends and family. In fact, my son and his family are thinking about coming here for a vacation, after they paid us a visit, while we were staying here! A girlfriend of mine who visited said that she thought Pinehurst Too had the very best view of the water on Sand Pond, and we walked around the pond several times. Carol, the owner, made sure that we had everything we wanted or needed, and she was kind enough to leave the dock, a paddle boat, and a canoe in the water for us, despite it beginning to get pretty chilly. We went out in the paddle boat one day with Lucky going along for the ride (he didn't do much paddling!), and when we came in to dock, he fell into the water! He's a Husky, so it was okay, but it is just one of the memorable stories we will have about our Sand Pond stay! It's wonderful that Carol's property is "pet friendly" because that meant that we were able to bring Lucky along for the vacation, rather than leaving him at the kennel, as we frequently have to. We particularly enjoyed Calzolaio Pasta Company in Wilton, which is apparently an old Bass Shoe Factory, converted to a very nice and interesting restaurant, but there was really nothing we saw or did here that we didn't like. I wholeheartedly give this vacation destination five stars, and I would recommend it to young and old alike, as well as pet owners and non-pet owners alike. And Lucky likewise gives it five stars (despite that falling in the pond thing!), and recommends it to all kinds of dogs, even small, fluffy ones! Hoping to see you in 2012, Carol!
Owner response:I particularly appreciate this guest's comment about the charm of the place, not as easily visible in the photos, as it is unpretentious and comfortable. I'm also glad to see the endorsement for the Calzolaio Pasta Company, which isn't just the best local restaurant, but can be favorably compared to more trendy vacation locales with more competitive restaurants. I also like that this review reflects my intention to do what I can to cater to a guest's requests: it certainly wasn't my property manager's preference to leave the dock in the water so late in the season, brrrr., he needed a wet suit to take it out! Also, fall is a really nice time to visit this area, with brilliant foliage and very few residents on the pond, so much solitude accompanied only by the sounds of nature.
Recommended for:
Just About Perfect
Guest: Nic
(Peru, ME)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11
Review Submitted: 08/30/11
Wicked cute pond, cozy cottage stocked with everything we could have asked for, lovely weather, we could have happily stayed another week (at least until school started). Adults loved it, kids loved it, dogs LOVED it. Caretaker checked in with us, but wasn't the least intrusive, and his lovely daughters were polite and friendly, offering to hang out with our kids. If only every Joe and his cousin didn't feel the need to ride up and down the road on a four wheeler several times a day, it would have been truely perfect. But as the title says, it was just about perfect, and that is good enough for me to want to come back again someday.
Owner response:I'm always happy when a guest has a great experience at my cottage, and takes the time to credit my property manager and his just right level of contact and readiness to ensure everything is in working order. I aim for "truth in advertising," and recently updated my description in my posting of the level of privacy and solitude in my cottage to reflect an increase in vehicle and ATV traffic on the dirt road between the cottage and the pond due to the addition of a seventh cottage between mine and the end of the dead-end road, that I had not observed until last month. That traffic is at its height in July and early August, but lessens nearer the end of the summer and in the fall and spring. I'm glad this guest's experience rated 5 stars and the yen to return.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Wonderful week!
Guest: Jennifer
(Edinburgh, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 08/21/10
Review Submitted: 09/08/10
Spent a week at this cottage with a group of friends, and we had the nicest time! I loved the seclusion, and the use of the boats was extra special. I must say the nicest thing about this place is the caretakers. They went out of their way to answer all our silly questions, and made sure we were comfortable. They, along with a very nice neighbor lady, offered some great tips on places to go and where to shop! Don't let the square footage in the description fool you. This cottage is laid out with great use of space. There were 6 of us, and we had plenty of room to move about. The beds are very comfortable too The only complaint I had was that I wish I had brought my dog! The area is very dog-friendly, and nearly every person we saw (which really wasn't that many!) was walking a dog. Even our daily 4-wheeler with his running spaniel alongside was an amusing treat! Every single one of them stopped to say "Hey"...such friendly people in this neck of the woods! The loons are wonderful. I wish I could have brought one home to sing to me. I will really miss that! We hope to be back to Maine, and would not consider another place to stay!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Lovely Cottage
Guest: Steve,Sue,Shadow
(N.H.)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10
Review Submitted: 08/13/10
Our vacation was amazing. Pinehurst Too is lovely and your pond is wonderful. In my 44 years I have never had better fishing. We caught15 plus bass 2 lbs. or bigger, spending most of our week on the pond. The loons are just so fun to watch. The boat rides will be remembered as fun and exciting. Jumping off in the middle of the pond for a refreshing swim was incredible. Your cottage is great. Thank you, Carol.
Recommended for:
Exhale and Breathe
Guest: Beth & Steven
(Baltimore, Maryland)
Date of Stay: 06/04/10
Review Submitted: 08/06/10
It has been 15 years since my husband and I stayed in a cabin on Locke Pond (just behind Sand Pond). Now, 5 kids later, we felt that everyone was finally old enough for the long van ride from Maryland for a lake-side vacation. My husband found your lovely cabin online, and we scheduled this vacation. As soon as we arrived at your cabin in Maine, we exhaled all of the stress of city living, and breathed-in the fresh Maine mountain air. We knew at that moment that it was going to be a restful vacation. Favorite activities of the week included rides on all three boats, swimming in the lake, fishing, watching the two sets of momma and baby ducks on the pond, counting up the different species of wildlife that we saw, (including my run-in with a porcupine on a walk around the pond!), lake-side night-time fires while listening to the loons and roasting marshmallows for s'mores, and laying on the dock at night and looking at the stars. (One of our kids exclaimed, "There are a lot more stars here in Maine than there are in Baltimore, Maryland!") I especially enjoyed reading on the porch and on the dock, and my children greatly enjoyed playing and exploring outside. Even rainy days were pleasant as we listened to the rain while we read, played games, and watched movies. A special "shout-out" goes to Mike, the property manager and Stephie, the housekeeper, who are not only lovely people (along with their daughter, Ashley, whom my children adored), but also care for the property as if were their own and treat the guests as friends. Thank you for following your dream, purchasing, improving, and furnishing this lovely cabin. We hope to have many summer vacations here and have already reserved for 2011!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Home Away From Home
Guest: Mo
(Long Island, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10
Review Submitted: 08/03/10
Do not be afraid to rent this gem ! Carol (owner) and Mike(property manager) go to the extreme to make sure everything is in perfect order. Everything you need to enjoy your stay is here and works !! As a vacation rental owner, I am proud to recommend this cottage. You will not be disappointed.
Owner response:I'm particularly pleased to see my property manager Mike complimented as he and his wife Stephie (and daughter Ashley and mother Alice) work as a seamless team to clean, repair, maintain and otherwise ensure my cottage stays in tip top shape for guests.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Guest: Matt
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10
Review Submitted: 07/21/10
I just wanted to say how pleased Jeanette and I were with our stay at your cottage. My wife was particularly struck by what she described as the “homey” feeling of the place. Your handpicked decorations were very fitting. The piece in the kitchen with the notes from Dr. Bogardus was wicked neat. The screened in porch made sitting outside at night a pleasure which we enjoyed every evening. Having the property manager meet us onsite and then finding the bottle of wine with the complimentary glasses was a VERY nice touch. And my personal favorite was having the motor boat available. We spent hours on the pond every day just toodling around and fishing. BTW we each caught Bass upwards of 4lbs and I am fairly sure Jeanette’s best was a legit 5 pounder (we will send you pix one of these days). We really tried (and succeeded) to spend the vast majority of our time at the camp and on the pond.
Recommended for:
Summer getaway
Guest: Maine Law Student
(Westbrook, ME)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10
Review Submitted: 07/10/10
We just got back from a very relaxing week here. We loved that you cannot see any neighbors, so it is very private. I think we saw 2 other boats go by in the entire week we were there, and I loved listening to the loons. The house is comfortably furnished. It's not huge, so we were pleasantly surprised that the bedrooms were such a good size, and comfortable. We spent a lot of time on the large screened in porch, as well as swimming and boating and fishing (the water is beautiful.) The property manager and owner clearly care greatly about the property and were great to work with. I wish we had more time to explore the area because it's beautiful and Farmington is a great little town, but truthfully, once we got there we didn't really want to go out!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers.
last 2009 review--see all on www.vrbo.com #207124
Guest: Mary Regan, Waltham, MA
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/18/09
Review Submitted: 03/20/10
We had a wonderful long weekend at Pinehurst Cottage. We enjoyed fishing off the dock and walking on the tree lined roads and trails. It was furnished lovely. We had the wood stove and the heater keeping us toasty warm. The kitchen had everything we needed. It was a nice to get away from the noise and hustle and bustle of our everyday lives and sit on the front porch and read or to sit in front of the wood stove and play clue with a glass of wine! Make sure if you get the chance to visit to you take a minute to look up...the stars are amazing. Also the owner has taken the time to give you history and loaded a book with helpful hints and nice to knows. I am hoping we can visit again when we can swim in the lake...which you will see is crystal clear. Looking forward to another visit!
Recommended for:
what my first guest wrote:
Guest: Joe Kaczynski, Tuscon
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/06/09
Review Submitted: 03/19/10
This place was GREAT. I highly recommend it for those looking for a quiet, comfortable getaway. The fishing for large-mouth bass was good. Being located only about 15 minutes from Farmington made it very handy to pick up any necessary supplies. I will definitely consider renting again next year. Thanks for a wonderful time.
Recommended for:
First (10) of (17). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #207124
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - Friday, September 09, 2011
