Reviews for Bass Harbor Vacation Rental - VRBO 307378 - 2 BR Mount Desert Island Apartment in ME, Comfortable Elegance with Great Harbor Views

Close to Nirvana

Guest Retired in Cleveland
Date of stay 07/22/12
Review Submitted 08/06/12

It would be difficult to find a better spot for spending a vacation than the Quietside of Mt. Desert, and the Gray Barn experience is part of the fun. The accomodations are modern and in great shape, and the windows both have a great view over upper Bass Harbor and give great air circulation. Access to cellphone and internet coverage is a convenience. The kitchen is very functional, though you'll want to visit the lobster pounds and restaurants in the area. A perfect base for hiking in Acadia National Park. The week we were there was perfect for using the owner's kayaks in the upper harbor and the estuary beyond. We've stayed three different years and will be happy to return.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Comfy get-away on the quiet side of the island

Guest Craft family
Date of stay 07/08/12
Review Submitted 08/07/12

Our family of 4 had a wonderful time while staying at the Gray Barn. Took about a half hour to get to many attractions on the Bar Harbor side of Acadia, but it was nice to come "home" to relax away from the crowds. And there's plenty to do in and near Bass Harbor, too--Acadia mountain, Echo Lake, Thurston's Lobster Pound, boat tours, ferry, quick access to a lobster pier to buy your own (cheap) lobster to cook. The Gray Barn is on a small, residential road, set back a bit from the main road, with a direct view of the harbor and short walk down to the water. It was very clean and well-kept, with all the amenities of home, including a nicely stocked pantry of basic cooking supplies and paper products. The sunroom/dining room was bright and breezy with view of the harbor. Beds were comfy, there was plenty of room on the living room and sunroom couches to stretch out, and having a washer and dryer on site was handy. The kayaks were a bonus--we enjoyed exploring the harbor or nearby marsh. And the raspberries growing on the property were a treat. The owner was really friendly and helpful in orienting us to the island when we arrived, and provided maps and brochures to use while we were there. He recommended a tasty, authentic Mexican restaurant (XYZ) in town and told us about a great swimming spot on Echo Lake ("the ledges") that our kids really enjoyed. If we make it back to Acadia Nat'l Park, we'd stay there again for sure. Would highly recommend the property.

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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Awesome week, really nice rental

Guest Ronnie and Bill clan
Date of stay 08/14/11
Review Submitted 08/27/11

This rental is everything it says, and more. The house is comfortable, nicely furnished with a relaxed decor, VERY well equipped, and well situated away from the heaily trafficked areas of Acadia. The owner was incredibly helpful, and his advice helped us to make every day special. Maps, books, restaurant tips, and anything else you could need are there. We especially loved paddling around the harbor and up into the marsh....and Johnathan's advice on timing with the tides was infallable, as were his suggestions for where to hike (and even where berries can be found as you hike) :-). If you want to cook, there were condiments and spices beyond what we typically find in a rental, and a nice cultue for leaving the house well supplied for the next person. We would definitely stay there again, and highly recommend it. Thanks again to our hosts.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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Well Appointed, Very Comfortable, Great Location

Guest Eric and Amanda
Date of stay 07/24/11
Review Submitted 08/09/11

The Gray Barn provides everything from an ice cream scoop and spices to a gas grill and kayaks. We definitely did not want for any amenities. The third floor bed was extremely comfortable with its soft and supportive mattress and fine linens. After a good night's sleep, the Gray Barn is close to MDI destinations such as Long Pond, Acadia Mt, St Sauveur, Seawall, Echo Lake and Southwest Harbor. Finally, Jonathan Bender (owner) is a wonderful host. His recommendations for dining are especially noteworthy. Specifically, we loved XYZ Restaurant (SW Harbor - fine dining Mexican - do yourself a favor and go), Finelli's Pizza (Ellsworth) and the Maine Grind (Ellsworth - comfortable, rainy day coffee house). Finally, we have been vacationing in Acadia since 2001. This, however, was our first year at the Gray Barn and it proved, again, that the Acadia/MDI area has an endless supply of "Great".

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Great place to stay!

Guest Erin
Date of stay 10/05/10
Review Submitted 10/11/10

Deciding where to stay while on vacation is one of the biggest decisions that is made! This apartment served us VERY well. It was spotlessly clean and well equipped. Beds were comfortable, shower and bathroom great and had a washer and dryer, cable TV, cell phone service and wireless internet to boot! Located on the "quiet side" of the island allowed us to get a better glimpse of what real life is like on MDI. It was about 25 min to Bar Harbor and Acadia's main entrance. However, there were hiking trails and carriage road access near by on this side as well. The owner was great at pointing us in the right direction of things to see and do. I would stay here again without a second thought!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Perfect vacation rental

Guest kayaking family
Date of stay 07/05/09
Review Submitted 07/20/09

We were so pleased with our stay at the Gray Barn. We had four adults and two teenagers and we were very comfortable. The upstairs room was wonderful for the kids so they could have some peace and quiet away from the adults. The rustic look was very attractive and it was nice to have a beautiful place to hang out on the one day that it rained. We really appreciated the use of the kayaks too! All the details were thought of. If you are looking for a trouble-free, relaxing vacation, this is it.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

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Great Getaway

Guest Florida 1022
Date of stay 10/26/08
Review Submitted 11/11/08

We stayed at the Gray Barn for 1 week, the last week in Oct 2008. The gas fireplace kept us warm. The sunsets were more than we could have hoped for. Having the Bass Harbour Lighthouse 3 mins away was neat, we stopped their almost everyday. The Gray Barn has everything you need. We had a wonderful time at Acadia National Park.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

The Best

Guest Murry
Date of stay 09/14/08
Review Submitted 11/10/08

This Maine vacation has been one of the best we have had in a long time. The Gray Barn was just right, well situated, generous accommatations and wonderful view. After a day of outdoor life we were always happy to come back "home" to the Gray Barn with its warm atmosphere, well equiped Kitchen and comfortable evenings.The quiet side of Mount Desert Island is a great getaway. Bravo Jonathan for offering a home away from home. Muriel and Ed from Québec

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Great place, people, time.

Guest llllll
Date of stay 06/15/08
Review Submitted 07/24/08

Me, my wife and our two teenage daughters had a wonderful time. We hiked, biked, kayaked, shopped, and relaxed. Acadia is one of the best national parks for variety. The Gray Barn was clean, well maintained, comfortable, and a home away from home. I found the host to be exceedingly friendly and informative. I recommend it enthusiastically and without reservation.

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Guestbook Comment

Guest Austin5
Date of stay 09/01/07
Review Submitted 09/04/07

The Gray Barn was a perfect place for us to stay - clean, nicely furnished, with a pleasant view and plenty of space for all 5 of us. It was a great home base allowing quick and easy access to all of Mount Desert Island's hiking, swimming, Lobster Pounds, quaint towns, boating trips, kayaking, etc. After enjoying nature all day it was a pleasure to return to the Gray Barn for evening games around the dining room table. Having on site owners knowledgeable of their area added to our fun, all the recommendations were accurate!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Guestbook Comment

Guest The Fuori's
Date of stay 07/01/07
Review Submitted 07/09/07

We had such a fantastic vacation. The Gray Barn was the perfect place to stay for our family of five. The Benders are such knowledgeable hosts that we could have done without a guide book altogether. Everyone wants to go back!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Guestbook Comment

Guest Sheri_HAC93201
Date of stay 07/01/07
Review Submitted 07/01/07

The Gray Barn was a wonderful experience in itself. The host and hostess were wonderful with suggestions for places to visit, restaurants, directions on how to drive to Maine from Virginia, etc. The accommodations were very clean and everything we needed was available as well as a wonderful welcome basket in the kitchen. The loft area has wonderful views of the harbor. The dining area is entirely surrounded by windows and there is a wonderful warm and cozy gas stove to sit by in the living room. The facilities are new within the last 5 years so all the appliances are well maintained. Yes I would reommend this as a vacation home for a couple and would return to Maine and this wonderful home next week if I could.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Guestbook Comment

Guest David&Ellen Zietlow
Date of stay 10/01/06
Review Submitted 10/22/06

We had a lovely stay at the Gray Barn. All the amenities we needed were provided. The kayaks were an added treat. The location was good, just a 30 minute drive to Acadia and all Bar Harbor had to offer. The "Barn" was very clean, modern, and comfortable. There was a lobster bake a few miles away and it was good! We really enjoyed our stay at the Gray Barn and in the Acadia National Park. Would stay there again. Dave&Ellen Zietlow

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Guestbook Comment

Guest Julie Castillo,Eddie and Geddy
Date of stay 08/01/05
Review Submitted 08/22/05

Our stay at The Gray Barn was most relaxing. It's location was perfect for our outdoor excursions (hiking, biking and kayaking). We had everything to return home to at The Gray Barn. We could relax in comfort with all of the amenities needed. We especially enjoyed the very comfortable beds and the calming sounds of the ocean comming into the bay.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

Guestbook Comment

Guest Dave_HAC35201
Date of stay 08/01/05
Review Submitted 08/14/05

Beautiful place to stay. Well-equipped kitchen and bath, beautiful views, kayaks, washer/dryer, good books, great patio/deck/grill. Jonathan and Julie were very gracious and helpful. We look forward to coming back.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest Lisa Rockenmacher
Date of stay 07/01/05
Review Submitted 07/30/05

The Gray Barn was a fantastic place to stay! It had everything we had hoped for. We loved the kitchen, the view from the dining room, the extremely comfortable bed, and the Benders were lovely hosts. It was nice to be in a quiet part of Mt. Desert Island and to still be so close to Acadia and Bar Harbor. We hope to return again to the Gray Barn. Sincerely, Lisa

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

Guest comment entered by owner

Guest N/A
Date of stay 01/31/05
Review Submitted 01/30/05

Welcome to the Gray Barn Guest Page. We are your hosts, Julie Meltzer and Jonathan Bender. Our goal is to help you make your vacation time as rewarding as possible. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Comfortable Elegance with Great Harbor Views [#307378] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (17)

Close to Nirvana

Close to Nirvana

Comfy get-away on the quiet side of the island

Comfy get-away on the quiet side of the island

Awesome week, really nice rental

Awesome week, really nice rental

Well Appointed, Very Comfortable, Great Location

Well Appointed, Very Comfortable, Great Location

Great place to stay!

Great place to stay!

Perfect vacation rental

Perfect vacation rental

Great Getaway

Great Getaway

The Best

The Best

Great place, people, time.

Great place, people, time.

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