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The Most Beautiful Cottage on the Most Beautiful Island in the World

Photo gallery for The Most Beautiful Cottage on the Most Beautiful Island in the World

Exterior
Aerial view
Living Room
Front Porch
Living Room from Stairs

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 152550 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Isle au Haut, ME
  • Place, Acadia National Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
  • Place, Point Robinson Lighthouse
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪154 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Green Maids

3 Twin Beds and 1 Double Bed

Judge Stone

1 Queen Bed

Suite 1

2 Twin Beds

Suite 2

1 Double Bed

Yellow

2 Twin Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Blue

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

First Floor

Toilet

Yellow

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

The Most Beautiful Cottage on the Most Beautiful Island in the World

Thank you for your interest in renting my home on Isle au Haut. Please go to the Isle au Haut website and review the COVID protocols. Also, no one who hasn't gone through the 14 day quarantine is permitted in any public space. Grocery orders must be placed by phone or email. Public space includes the Library, store post office and gift shop. Please let me know if you remain interested. There is an additional $500 damage deposit for the dog and a $100 fee. http://www.isleauhautmaine.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/COVID-19-June-Update.pdf


Stone Cottage is the most beautiful home on the most beautiful island in the world. It was built as the summer home of Chief Justice Harlan Fiske Stone. He was an extraordinary man and much beloved on the Island. His good friend Eleanor Roosevelt stayed here on her way to Campobello. The Cottage overlooks the thoroughfare between Isle au Haut and Kimball's Island which has an endless parade of lobster boats and yachts. Located on the edge of the village, the Cottage borders Acadia National Park with miles of trails with astounding views. Stone Cottage is a large, rambling summer home with five bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, large kitchen, living room and dining room, a wrap around porch and generations of laughter, singing and wonderful memories. Dogs that will not worry the deer are welcome. Bicycles are recommended, some cars can be rented. When the mail boat leaves it takes the world with it.

Isle au Haut, accessible by mail boat three times a day from Stonington, is the most beautiful island off the coast of Maine. Access is limited and controlled. It is six miles long, three miles wide, has five mountains, one road, several harbors and rugged cliffs. The village has: a grocery, tiny post office, one-room school house, town hall/library, church, softball field, wharf and fire station.

There are is one gift shop (Maine items only), one cafe and the lobster lady. The grocery store is open daily and has a full-range of foodstuffs, wines, vegetables, newspapers and the like. Orders are delivered to the Cottage prior to your arrival. Half of the Island is owned by the Park and has miles of hiking trails. Telephone is located at the Grocery and Library, you will need a telephone card.

Guest will need to collect their introductory box of Black Dinah Chocolates at the cafe. Guests are also treated to a lobster dinner (we supply the lobsters, you supply the hot water).

Testimonial: Oh Mat, where do I begin. What a wonderful, unbelievable, amazing experience you gave us. Your home is a picture of beauty and feels like a home of love and coziness. My family and I had a time like no other. I can't explain how long it takes my husband to relax...he relaxed immediately. My children did not ask once for a tv or a computer. We enjoyed every ounce of beauty that IAH had to offer. Boom Beach was amazing. Long Pond was sooooo refreshing. The Seal Trap trail was one of my most favorite adventures of the week. Simply beautiful. A beached whale and it's foul stench awaited us at the trail's end but prior to that it was a picture of beauty every step of the way. The lighthouse was just so amazing. Every person we met was filled with a wonderful spirit and a smile ( a rarity in Miami).

Testimonial: Your home is just such a wonderful place to gather. We had so much fun cooking, laughing and playing games. Your taste is impeccable. I love every color in every room. I love every piece of art and every piece of furniture. You have turned me into a wild, composting woman! My family made fun of me all week. I loved journeying out to the compost pile with all my little scraps. I'm going back to Miami the non green city and starting a compost pile! I'll be the talk of the town! The only stress i endured the entire week was whether or not I was separating the trash correctly. I Anyway...she helped me. I hope I did it all correctly! WE loved riding bikes. Thank you so much for allowing us to borrow your two bikes. That was wonderful. Our whole family was on bikes all week which was such a joy. I can't believe I'm not sore! Thank you again for allowing us to rent your lovely abode. My kids said today that they did not want to leave! I agreed!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 8:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Extra damage deposit required for pets.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Isle Au Haut

Located in Isle Au Haut, this cottage is in the mountains and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Sharks Point Beach, while Blue Heron Gallery and Stonington Opera House are cultural highlights. Traveling with kids? Consider Stonington Sea Products, or check out an event or a game at Edgar M. Tennis Preserve. Discover the area's water adventures with motor boating and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and hiking.
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Map
Isle au Haut, ME

What's nearby

  • Acadia National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Point Robinson Lighthouse - 10 min drive - 2.6 km

Restaurants

  • Cry Babies
  • 44 North Stonington
  • Stonecutters Kitchen
  • 27 Fathoms Waterfront Grille
  • Fin & Fern

Frequently asked questions

Is The Most Beautiful Cottage on the Most Beautiful Island in the World pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Most Beautiful Cottage on the Most Beautiful Island in the World?

As of Mar 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Most Beautiful Cottage on the Most Beautiful Island in the World on May 20, 2026 start from $464, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Most Beautiful Cottage on the Most Beautiful Island in the World?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Most Beautiful Cottage on the Most Beautiful Island in the World?

Check-out is at 8:00 AM.

Where is The Most Beautiful Cottage on the Most Beautiful Island in the World located?

This family-friendly Isle Au Haut cottage is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Point Robinson Lighthouse and Sharks Point Beach. Acadia National Park and Long Pond are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lily F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable, interesting, spacious, well equipped. My granddaughters want to come every year!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Annie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time staying at Stone Cottage. Three generations had plenty of space in this beautiful house. Highlights included mornings and evenings on the spacious porch with its beautiful view, sampling the wide selection of books, and gathering for meals in the lovely dining room. Big hikes during the days, quiet nights. The house and island are magical!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Island Stay

We had a wonderful stay at Isle Au Haut. The Stone Cottage seems perfectly located - right in the midst of the friendly Isle Au Haut community … and yet we were able to access all parts of the island. This home and island are quiet, serene, and a true place of rest away from the commotion of typical life. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to stay in such a lovely, tranquil place.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Valerie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Annual Retreat of "the Squad"

Perfect getaway for us - we are 5 women who try to experience different corners of Maine each year. Hiking, reading, eating, drinking wine.... This was perfect. Clearly many family memories live here.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

A week-long taste of island life was such a gift to our family. Hiking the shoreline, biking the loop road, swimming in the pond were only made the sweeter by just sitting on the front porch and quietly watching the tides roll in and out, sunsets over Kimball Island, storms blow through, lobster boats come and go, peonies bloom and gulls and crows circle and call. Stone Cottage is such a unique, well loved home, equally rich in charm and history. We will long treasure our memories of this week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming cottage on a breathtaking isle

The Stone Cottage is a lovely spot. Our group enjoyed its spaciousness, cleanliness, and facilities. The lobster dinner was a particular highlight. The island itself is a gorgeous gem, with hiking trails in close proximity and incredible vistas of the Maine coast. Everyone on the island was friendly and helpful, as well. It helped to know to order groceries in advance from the island store. Also, make sure to bring your own bedding and towels!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Island Paradise

We knew we were in for an amazing time on the mailboat ride to the island. Beautiful! The island is small with one main road, one store, one gift shop and a lovely library. The people.are friendly and helpful. Don't expect malls and gas stations. Or easy internet. This is a place for enjoying nature and family. Can't wait to visit again!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Once in a Lifetime Trip

This home is about as special as they come. So much history and so much love has been put into making this the home that it is. Very comfortable and exactly what we were hoping it would be. Such a great island community that opened their arms to me and my friends for the 4 nights that we stayed. The listing was spot-on accurate. It had all the normal necessities that you need to be comfortable and doesn’t have the things that detract from getting into the island vibe. It was truly a perfect 4 days.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location and spacious accommodations

This was our third year renting from Mat and we can’t say enough about how much we enjoy coming to stay at the Stone Cottage each year. The bedrooms are spacious, the view from the front porch is breathtaking and the kitchen is well stocked. Proximity to the Island grocery store, Island ferry amd Acadja can’t be beat.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jaki E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic!

We just loved our stay at Stone Cottage! We've enjoyed camping at Duck Harbor many times over the years, but it was a treat to stay in this beautiful house. Mat was very responsive and helpful. The house itself is just amazing! I think I spent the first hour just walking through the house, marvelling at all the bits of history and whimsical details. We would love to return again next year! We'll be in touch!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay at Stone Cottage

Stone Cottage is well-situated and lovely, a great place to stay while exploring Isle au Haut. During our week we picked enough blueberries out of the front yard to make 2 pies, enjoyed morning coffee & watching the boats motor by from the front porch, explored Acadia via the Mail Boat to Duck Harbor and daily runs into the park, and just relaxed. Quiet, low-key, and when you don't feel like cooking you can visit the Lobster Lady or order pizza.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Woody D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just as Advertised

Stepping through the door of the cottage is like stepping back in time. Everything has been lovingly maintained. For those who treasure tranquility and separation from the hyperconnectedness of the 21st century, this is the place. I loved every minute of my stay.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ann R.

Unique, Magical Vacation

My husband, teenage son, four of my son’s friends and I stayed at Stone Cottage in June. I want to echo the previous reviews, as our experience was similar – with respect to Stone Cottage, renting from Mat, and the island in general. First, the house is perfect – beautiful and extremely well kept and equipped, but without feeling stuffy or formal. It is a charming place to relax - on the porch, in the bright kitchen or in front of a fire in the living room on a rainy evening. It easily accommodates a big group without feeling crowded. We loved all the books, which let us delve into the history of the island and the house. The cottage is perfectly situated above the dock and in the village, and also adjacent to Acadia National Park, near the ranger station. Mat is friendly, well organized and full of information, which made the rental process easy. The island is a wonderful place for hiking, biking, bird watching, and just relaxing into a slower pace of life. We’d love to go back.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Amazing Place

My husband and I rented from Mat for two summers in a row, and although we haven't been unable to return in a few years, we still talk about the place. If you value peace, quiet, country living, fresh air, the first morning cup of coffee while sitting in your pi's staring peacefully out at the ocean, great hiking, AMAZING fresh seafood right off the boat, and are willing to go a little out of your way for it, THIS is the place. I was a little sketched out at renting off the internet, but Mat made it all so easy, and I immediately trusted him. He answered every email, and was just so kind. Plus, when he told me there were three kinds of coffee pots in the house, I knew we'd found our type of place! This place is classic Old New England, from the rustic stone fireplace to the beadboard walls to the Adirondack chairs on the patio. Deer graze in the back yard. It is just soooo peaceful. No one bugs you, but if you need something, the locals are happy to help out. We were staying a bit early in the season, in June, before all of the tourists were really around, and lobsters were a bit hard to come by. But then a local lobsterman offered to take half of our party out to pull a few traps, in exchange for some beer. After hours of story telling and more than a few beers, the rest of the party was greeted by two giant buckets of lobster and crab. It was a blast, and we will never forget the kindness of that lobsterman--or his entertaining stories! We aren't sure when we'll be able to make our next trip, but we seriously hope Mat doesn't plan to retire to Maine any time soon, because we look forward to renting from him again in the future.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jill S.

The Perfect Place for Peace

What a magical, wonderful place is IAH and what a jewel is Stone Cottage! To truly relax and enter another time, see what the world was like when nature was untouched and connect with a kind and interesting community of people is to vacation on IAH! The house is clean, perfectly maintained, yet rustic and beautiful. There are plenty of books, games, eclectic furnishings and art work. The listing and information you will receive from the owner will be accurate and dependable. The kitchen has everything you will need to cook your meals, the bedding is warm on chilly nights, the view of the water from the front porch is incredibly peaceful. Our 4 children loved playing in the yard or riding their bikes around the island or walking to the store in "town". It is safe and an excellent place to give children independence. My husband and I are both lawyers so we felt a special affinity wth the history of the place. Although it felt great to leave all the craziness that urban life entails, I must admit I was concerned about leaving its safety net of restaurants and stores, particularly with 4 children in tow. However, the Owner (Mat) made that part a breeze. He readily answered my questions quickly and completely before we left. He put me in touch with the locals so that we would be met at the boat and personally escorted to the house. For me, the best part was beginning my vacation by walking into a fully-stocked kitchen --- all the groceries that I had ordered had already been delivered and put away when we arrived! Immediately, it felt like home. We will equally remember the landscape of the most incredible hikes we have ever taken as we will the afternoons sipping iced hot chocolate at Black Dinah -- home of the best chocolate you will ever find! In fact, we ended up spending an afternoon there playing cards and enjoying the delicacies while my husband fixed my bike that had tanked just as we drove up to the place. After it proved unfixable, not only did we get a ride back to the house with the broken bike courtesy of the new friends that we had made while hanging out, but Kate, the owner of Black Dinah, offered her bike to me for the rest of the week. IAH is just that kind of place. The often used "if you are lucky enough" applies here: If you are lucky enough to make it to this most wonderous place, you are lucky enough.

About the host

Hosted by Matthew Hastings

Host profile image
Your typical Washington insider who thinks about Isle au Haut at least a half-dozen times a day.

Why they chose this property

In April 1980 I was in Ann Arbor, Michigan visiting my publisher. I wandered into a used bookstore afterwards and picked up a book called 'Here on the Island.' It was about an unnamed island seven miles off the coast of Maine. I bought it and put it away.

In July 1983 I was inspecting coastal property and came out to Isle au Haut really on a lark, to see the Island. I'd no intention of buying. The moment I arrived it felt as if I'd been there before. I'd been on many Maine islands and thought well, one must look like another. Then, suddenly it hit me. I asked in the store about the book and was handed a copy of it. I took this as a sign that I must buy this house. Plus, I'd fallen lock, stock and barrel in love with the Island. At that time there was no television or telephone. Everyone had a soup can near their front door with a pencil and paper. You left notes when you went 'calling.'

You really buy an Island when you buy a house six miles out to sea. I've never regretted my decision. The house itself is amazing. It's historic, comfortable and classic. It's like your grandmother's house, if your grandmother lived in an historic, rambling cottage on an island seven miles out to sea. The Island is magical.

You will join an exclusive club after visiting the Island. You will have been to paradise.

What makes this property unique

The views.
The proximity to Acadia.
-The parade of boats and yachts that cruise through the Thoroughfare.
-The 24/7 lobsters.
-Bernadine, the official boat greeter.
-The boat ride through the islands.
-The LOBSTER LADY
-The pie auction.
-The community.
-Once you come to Isle au Haut you are forever more in a very distinct group. You will dream about it after your stay.
-Children are truly safe here. They can ride their bikes and play and be free.

Languages:

English
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