Vacation Rentals by Owner

Best getaway ever!

Guest: Todd C (Boston)
Date of Stay: 04/29/12 Review Submitted: 05/20/12

I've been to a lot of places, but Maine was a new experience for me. The Garaj Mahal was amazing. Comfortable, clean and quiet. I was looking for a retreat and this was exactly what my mind needed. Not even the rain could stop me from having a great time. Maureen and Steve were great hosts and had plenty of suggestions for eating and exploring. Being there in the off-season, there were times when I would be completely alone on a hiking trail. I did see the eagles and a very inquisitive seal one morning, another first for me. All-in-all, I would definitely visit again, I'd move here if it was available for rent! Thank you Maureen and Steve for the great time.

Owner response:Thanks Todd - We are thrilled you found the peaceful retreat you wanted. And seeing the eagles and seal - just an added bonus! We do hope you come visit us again sometime. And thanks again for your kind words.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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.

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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:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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.

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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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing rental experience!

Guest: Jessica (Pittsburgh, PA)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10 Review Submitted: 08/19/10

We cannot thank Maureen and Steve enough for our wonderful stay at the Garaj Mahal. The rental is even more beautiful in person than in the listing photos (which we didn't think would be possible!). The Garaj Mahal was bright and airy and open, absolutely spotless, and decorated beautifully. Steve and Maureen have thought of everything you might need or want during your stay and provided it- from cooking needs, to (kind) use of their kayaks, to extra blankets, to countless brochures and magazines to help you to determine what to explore in the area. During our stay, they provided the perfect balance of offering us complete privacy and quiet time while also being available to answer questions or offer their insight. The surrounding area is gorgeous; proximity to the salt pond and its wildlife is amazing, and blueberry fields are within sight on the nearby hills. The Garaj Mahal is also located in an area that positions you perfectly to explore nearby Blue Hill, other small towns, and Acadia National Park without long drives while still providing a completely quiet place to return at the end of your day. We can't say enough about our experience at this rental and with Maureen and Steve. Thank you for a great vacation stay!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Just perfect!

Guest: sparky (Lenox, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

Another heartfelt vote for Maureen, Steve and the Garaj Mahal! It was an amazing place to stay. The apartment is new, lovely, comfortable and private. The grounds are gorgeous, as is the area and there is much to do and see on the peninsula. Our vacation was wonderful and I highly recommend the Garaj Mahal for anyone planning a visit to the coast of Maine.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best vacation EVER!!

Guest: TwilaRN (Clearwater, FL USA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 06/01/10

We stayed at the beautiful Garaj Mahal for 5 nights and it was the best vacation we have ever had! The pictures do not do it justice. It is peaceful and cozy with spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Maureen and Steve are the most gracious of hosts and make sure that your every need is met. If you ever have a chance to go to Blue Hill Maine, you have to stay at the Garaj Mahal or you will be missing out on a great experience!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Wendy Muello (Lancaster NH)
Date of Stay: 02/08/10 Review Submitted: 02/08/10

My husband and I spent the first week in August of 2009 at this wonderful place. We loved it! The furnishings are lovely, there's a lot of light and air, and it feels very private--easy to go kayaking right from the house or travel to Mt Desert for biking , hiking, dinner. The owners are very nice, generous and helpful, but not overbearing --privacy is respected. A special spot-we're returning this year!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/26/09 Review Submitted: 10/26/09

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto! We so enjoyed our visit in early October; the foliage was spectacular and the location was perfect for trips to Acadia and beyond. The accomodations were amazing and we even loved a rainy day with lobster, good books, and the 'toasty' stove. Our heartfelt thanks to Maureen and Steve for their hospitality and for sharing their beautiful homestead! Jane and Mike, Metamora. IL

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Guest: Jill & John S. (Rumford, RI)
Date of Stay: 10/18/09 Review Submitted: 10/18/09

Wow! This place is an excellent value. Cozy, charming and ideally located, we felt the Garaj Mahal was just right in every way. Kayaking on the salt pond was a real treat. We would (and hopefully will) return - highly recommended!

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Guest: Paul Smith1 (State College, PA)
Date of Stay: 09/29/09 Review Submitted: 09/29/09

The setting is spectacular, the hosts are wonderful, and the place is like the perfect home away from home. Spotless, efficient, and thoughtfully designed, furnished, and decorated. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Garaj Mahal and plan to return - and tell our friends!

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Guest: Janet & Dennis Whitty (East Haddam, CT)
Date of Stay: 06/03/09 Review Submitted: 06/03/09

We just returned from a great week in this beautiful area of Maine. The Garaj Mahal is a wonderful place to call home while away. It is warm, cozy, clean, wonderfully decorated and has great veiws. Everything you need is provided. Thank you Maureen and Steve for opening your beautiful home for others to enjoy.

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