Location: Blue Hill, Acadia, Maine, USA (Blue Hill, Maine - One hour to Bangor airport) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Keywords: "Home Away from Home"
This brand-new 800-square foot apartment is on the granite shores of the Salt Pond, a four-mile long saltwater cove opening on Blue Hill Bay and home to bald eagles, seals, osprey, kingfishers, and a myriad of aquatic birds. It's a great place for kayaking or just sitting on the shore with a good book. The apartment, on a very quiet five acres with panoramic water views, is a cozy place to hang out. There are some nice walks and bike rides nearby, or drive four miles to the village where you'll find several great restaurants, galleries, quality shops, two excellent bookstores, a wonderful library and a supermarket.
For a terrific view of the coast, from the mountains of Acadia to the islands of Penobscot Bay, take one of the trails up Blue Hill Mountain, just a few minutes from the village. Besides the world famous Wooden Boat School in neighboring Brooklin and The Haystack Mountain School on Deer Isle there are almost endless opportunities for education and activity on the Blue Hill Peninsula. You might want to participate in an oil or pastel class with award-winning artist Carolyn Caldwell - (check her website under her name plus dot com.) And if chamber music is to your liking, you won't want to miss one of the weekly chamber music concerts at Kneisel Hall where for over 100 years they have educated young classical music students as well as offering concerts by renowned performers, including members of the Julliard String Quartet.
Acadia National Park is just beautiful beyond description and only a short drive away. Hike dozens of mountain trails, bike the well-maintained carriage roads, spend the day at Sand Beach, drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain and watch the sun rise or set. Watch one of the 100-plus cruise ships come into Bar Harbor. The town is loaded with restaurants, shopping, nature cruises and other diversions.
For those of you drawn to the watery side of the coast of Maine, Blue Hill sits in the middle of what some consider the finest sailing grounds in the world. The rugged coast, with innumerable islands, coves, bays and harbors, is a paradise for kayakers and those who want to spend a half day or several days aboard an old schooner seeing Maine as Verrazano and Champlain did.
Know that your hosts want you to have an excellent vacation, and Maine is full of people and places to ensure that you do.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : There is plenty of parking for your small boat/trailer if you wish to bring it along.
- Wood Stove : The wood pellet stove is easy to use and will take the chill off your early summer or late fall evenings.
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Entertainment
- Jetted Tub in Bath
- DVD
- Video Library : Loads of DVD's provided for those quiet stay-at-home evenings.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : From rock to classical and most everything in between
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : You can make anything from toast to a lobster dinner.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator : Full size
- Microwave
- View/Location
- Oceanfront : Tidal cove off Blue Hill Bay
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : We are on the Salt Pond, which is a very relaxing part of Blue Hill Bay.
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone : Free local calling
- Other Amenities
- We have a picnic table and chairs on the shore for those leisurely days when you just want to "get away from it all."
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : Sorry . . .
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- The Wooden Boat School in Brooklin is 20 minutes away, Acadia National Park is less than an hour, dozens of art galleries, jewelers, potters, The Stonington Opera House and The Grand in Ellsworth both show movies and have live productions. Local theater groups perform throughout the summer, street dances with an award-winning steel band, Kneisel Hall is one of the greatest summer features in Blue Hill - world class musicians perform in a very intimate setting and the annual Blue Hill Fair held on Labor Day weekend. There is so much to do you'll need a vacation from your vacation!
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
May 5 - June 15, 2012 - $545/week, plus 7% tax.
Jun 16 - Oct 12, 2012 - $645/week, plus 7% tax.
Oct 13 - End of Oct, 2012 - $545/week, plus 7% tax.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Why the Owner Chose Blue Hill
There is so much beauty all around . . .
The Unique Benefits at this Apartment
Kayaks are available for your use here on the Salt Pond - paddle in the early morning and find yourself in the midst of seals sunning themselves or bald eagles hunting for breakfast for their young chicks.
Owner's Map of Blue Hill
We love to travel so we know what makes for a comfortable "home away from home." And, we also love living where we do. We find the ocean so relaxing and beautiful - watching the bald eagles fly by, listening for the osprey, kingfishers, and terns, observing seals on the rocks and having them play peek-a-boo with you as you kayak the Salt Pond - well, come see for yourself. It is a magical place!
Property Photos
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- Just one gorgeous scene after another . . . - Blue Hill Vacation Home Near Golf and Hiking
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- Your home away from home . . . - Blue Hill Vacation Home Near Golf and Hiking
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- Your private picnic spot on the shore - quiet, restful and a gorgeous view! - Blue Hill Vacation Home Near Golf and Hiking
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- Comfy and Cozy
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- Dining area with water views
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- Full bath with jetted tub
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- At the end of a long day, your queen bed awaits!
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- Kitchen with water views - you won't even mind cooking once in a while!
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- Another beautiful view!
Traveler Reviews (18)
From California
Guest: John and Karolee
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11
Review Submitted: 11/14/11
Steve & Maureen - Our stay in your beautiful, super clean apartment was wonderful. We thank you for sharing it with us. We thank you for giving us the perfect amount of privacy. We feel fortunate to have spent a week in such a place. Thanks, too, for the advice on places to see and go. The wine is our treat to you from California.
Recommended for:
Honeymooners
Guest: Andrew and Andrea
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/03/11
Review Submitted: 11/14/11
Steve & Maureen ~ Thank you for a fabulous time in Blue Hill. The Garaj Mahal was so beautiful and comfortable, and your hospitality and helpfulness could not have been more wonderful. Thank you for the gifts and tasty treats and for making our stay so memorable.
Recommended for:
The Perfect Vacation Spot
Guest: Orties_DK
(Gladwin, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11
Review Submitted: 10/04/11
Our stay at the Garaj Mahal was one of the most memorable vacations we have had. The area is so peaceful and relaxing. It was like a little piece of paradise! We were provided with everything needed to function as a home should. The apartment is cozy, well-maintained, clean and tastefully decorated. Its open design makes it feel larger than it actually is. Kayaking was a most peaceful, serene experience. We saw the seals and the eagles. Most of all, we relaxed--just what we wanted to do. It was so refreshing. Steve and Maureen are very gracious hosts. In the planning stages, Maureen was quick to email answers to any questions regarding amenities at the Garaj Mahal and any questions I had about the area. As hosts they left you alone, but if you needed any advice or help they were right there to help. They have good suggestions on things to explore in the area. We went to Brooklin, Stonington, and Acadia National Park on a couple of days. In addition to the national park, we would recommend MERI (touch tank) and the library in Blue Hill, Island Tours in Bass Harbor (go even if it's foggy), Mount Desert Ocenarium (lectures and touch tank—though it’s a little “mom and pop”), Sand Beach in Stonington (one of the few in the area) also the pier there, Penobscot Narrows Bridge observatory near Bucksport, sunrise on Cadillac Mountain and the WoodenBoat school/store in Brooklin. The surrounding area was a perfect place to go and explore, but at the end of the day the Garaj Mahal was a great place to come back to. A couple of days we just stayed at the apartment and relaxed and read. This is a place we would highly recommend and are hoping we can visit again someday. Thank you so much Steve and Maureen for sharing your beautiful, restful surroundings with us!
Owner response:David & Kimberly - We were so excited to have you celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary here - we know it was a surprise for Kimberly - she had no idea where she was going to end up! We're sure glad you had a great time and thank you so much for such nice comments. We enjoyed meeting you and hope you return. Many, many more years of happiness to you both!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.
Home away from home
Guest: Chi-Chi
(Northport, New York)
Date of Stay: 08/13/11
Review Submitted: 09/18/11
Our stay exceeded what we had expected. This was our first experience with VRBO and did not know what to expect. This property is an example of a quality stay and we would gladly vacation through this site again and would especially love another stay in the Garaj Mahal since there is so much to do in this part of Maine. We were in contact by e-mail by the owners to keep us informed for our upcoming trip. The apartment was incredibly clean and furnished with "Maine" touches reminding you of why you came. Everything was maintained as if we were the first to stay there. It was complete with everything we needed and returning from a day's ventures was like returning home. It was close enough to the Bar Harbor area and activities yet we were able to retreat to the quietude of this area. What not to miss in Blue Hill, by the way, is their own "Flash in the Pan" steel drum community band who play in the park once a week to a dancing crowd of local residents. As if all of this were not enough, we received a gift of a nautical canvas bag filled with canned blueberries, local mustard, nautical note pads and nautical napkins to take home. We loved it here and hope you choose it also.
Owner response:We are so glad you were happy with the Garaj Mahal as well as VRBO. We've used VRBO many times ourselves and know what people expect so it was easy to make your "home away from home" a pleasant one. Thanks for such kind remarks and we hope you return to this beautiful area!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
September at the Garaj Mahal
Guest: Hoosiers
(Middlebury, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 09/03/11
Review Submitted: 09/14/11
Had an absolutely wonderful week at the Garaj Mahal. The apartment is perfect - everything you could want, plus personal travel advice from Maureen & Steve! Sitting on the bank of Salt Pond every evening was so relaxing - and we saw harbor seals, bald eagles, and lots of other birds. There's also great nature/hiking opportunities nearby on Blue Hill peninsula, but if you want to take in Acadia National Park , it's just a short drive. For us, though, the quiet, comfort and privacy back at the Salt Pond made for a perfect vacation!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Home away from home!
Guest: Phyllis
(Ft. Myers, Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11
Review Submitted: 09/14/11
The pictures didn't do this lovely garage apartment justice! It was so open and spacious, and the workmanship was very impressive, down to the last detail. I'd wanted more of an in-town experience, but once we were there, the romance of our surroundings took over. Our hosts were very hospitable and welcoming, and obviously proud of their slice of heaven! We look forward to our next Blue Hill visit whenever that may be, and do hope to return to the Garaj Mahal.
Owner response:We do hope you return - we know it is always a nice mid-summer respite from that Florida heat and humidity! Thanks for your kind comments.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Perfection
Guest: Virginians
(Yorktown, VA)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11
Review Submitted: 08/12/11
I'm almost reluctant to write a review--but then, this gem will not be a secret very long no matter what. If you are a single person or couple who want a lovely, roomy, QUIET place to come home to after exploring all Blue Hill and beyond (Castine, Acadia, etc.) you could not-- ever-- find a more comfortable or suitable place. I wish we could hire Maureen and Steve to come plan and furnish the Garaj Mahal we are contemplating, because theirs is just about perfect. The bed is one of the most comfortable we have ever slept in, the bathroom is glorious, the kitchen is equipped for any project you'd want to concoct. I'm just afraid that we may all have to be in a lottery to get a week next year. If you like to be within walking distance of everything, you'd need to be in town, but we had already walked and hiked every day and were glad to return to our snug hideaway with local lobsters. A wonderful vacation!
Owner response:Again, it is such a pleasure to share this place with wonderful guests from all over the country. Thanks for your kind review; we hope to see you next year.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Loved our stay~
Guest: Heidi and Chuck
(Newark, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11
Review Submitted: 06/18/11
What can we say - great place, great "hosts", great views, great food! Just wish you were a little closer so we could come by every year! We saw two bald eagles, two deer, three seals, four loons, a couple of chipmonks, a "horse moose" (lol) - and three sweet doggies including April, the newest addition to Steve and Maureens family! I would recommend the "Garaj Mahal" to anyone wanting a home base that is comfortable and clean, then go out to explore "down east"! Thanks you two!!!
Owner response:The pleasure was ours as well. It was so nice getting to know you and we do hope you get to return! Stay in touch and thanks for sharing your wonderful photos!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
What a wonderful place!
Guest: Christine and Kenny
(Philadephia)
Date of Stay: 05/21/11
Review Submitted: 06/02/11
We just returned from Garaj Mahal and so sad we had to leave. It is a amazingly warm and comfortable space with beautiful views and amazing hosts. Steve and Maureen are very warm and gracious, helpful and respectful of quiet time. The best ever! This space is perfect for a couple looking for a home away from home. Nice space to relax, cook dinner, read, play chess, listen to music. Immaculate, more than enough space for 2, beautifully decorated. We enjoyed most: kayaking and seeing the seals and bald eagle, bike riding in the area, drives to the little coastal towns and just hanging out by the water. And we can't forget their most welcoming and funny dog, April! Highly recommend and can't wait to return.
Owner response:The best part of what we do is to share this beautiful area with wonderful guests. We are so happy to have met such a terrific couple and we hope you return often!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
last week of august at the Garaj Mahal
Guest: travlR
(montclair, nj)
Date of Stay: 08/28/10
Review Submitted: 09/11/10
My mate and I spent the last week of August at the Garaj Mahal, which is much more open, airy, and spacious than the pictures suggest. The above- garage apartment is really an open loft, with a beautiful enclosed bathroom (the jacuzzi is MARVELOUS!!). Very good sound system for the CD player/radio. Kitchen well equipped, bed very comfortable, lots of storage space, well furnished to make you feel right at home. Great location to use as a base for exploring the Blue Hill Peninsula and Acadia. Steve and Maureen are very good hosts, taking care that all our needs were met. The Salt Pond is so beautiful - we kayaked almost every day, and were able to observe the fledgling bald eagle (although not the parents, who must have been out fishing elsewhere) 3 separate days, and saw otter, seal, loons, cormorants, and kingfishers. Salt Pond water warm enough to swim. By happenstance we were here while the Blue Hill Fair was open - I highly recommend going if you get the chance!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #216428
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