. . . an oasis in the heart of Camden.

The best of both worlds: town & country

Unusually good for two couples. Two bedrooms, each with a queen bed, and two full baths. Extra is a day-bed in a multi-purpose room that has a regular twin size mattress.

"As cozy as a cottage and as spacious as a house." Some call it a "house," others a "cottage," others a "cabin." Whatever it is, it's comfortable, informal, and relaxing. Built in 2000, our place offers the convenience of 1 level living and an open floor plan. It is really is a contemporary house with the look and feel of a traditional shingled cottage.

The cottage also provides the comfort and peace of mind only modern utilities can provide: a mini-split air conditioner that cools the living area; a 2024 whole-home, permanently installed propane-fired automatic emergency generator that is always "on call" and ready to go; a 2024 new oil-fired furnace that provides central heat when needed, with two separate zones (one for living and one for the bedrooms); and a 2025 heat pump heater that provides plenty of domestic hot water.

We recently completed our 14th year as hosts. We lost count at 100 happy vacation groups of 2 to 5 guests from the majority of US States and 2 foreign countries. Many guests return. A few have considered our place their "summer home" in Maine and have stayed for long periods repeatedly.

This is a great place for a small family, or two friendly couples traveling together. Consider the savings of two budgets splitting the already modest cost. The layout works well for sharing.

THE SETTING
"Home Away from Home." *Peaceful* country setting bordered by an extensive woodland, open space, while being close to the center of town. Many call it an "oasis." Others have called it "a sanctuary."

Although located in it own quiet enclave, this cottage is just a 15 to 20 walk to downtown and the picturesque inner harbor. The Cottage is in a long established residential neighborhood of quintessential late-19th-century Maine homes. (Our home and carriage house, next door, were built in the 1890s.)

"Leafy" Pearl St. is well known and appreciated locally as an interesting, diverse neighborhood of single family homes in the “traditional village” zone.

A brand new street surface and ADA-compliant paved sidewalk were completed during 2024, connecting the cottage safely and conveniently—and providing a pleasant short drive or walk— to the center of town. In 2025, a sidewalk is scheduled to connect us, as well, with the Hannaford supermarket shopping center, also just or 15 minutes on foot.

We have no close neighbors, street corners, or busy traffic closely crowding our place, although there is very occasionally a special event next door at the American Legion Hall (no bar in this one). This happens perhaps once a month. The Legion also hosts public pancake breakfasts on a regular basis, twice month on alternate weekends.

Inside, there is ample indoor space for both privacy and to stretch out and relax.

There is a long driveway and private off street parking, for the exclusive use of guests.

Over the years, we have created many colorful informal gardens that feature flowering trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals on nearly an acre of land. We love giving guests tours of our gardens and encourage them to take photos.

We live next door for easy communication, and love to give personal recommendations. We make our friendly assistance available at all times but we also respect your privacy if you wish to keep to yourselves.

Among the gardens is a large open lawn where the kids can run about. You can keep an eye on them from the balcony/deck, or just enjoy a cup of coffee there in the morning or your own refreshments in the evening.

INDOORS
Usual occupancy is 2, 3, or 4. A 5th guest can be accommodated using the day bed with regular twin-size mattress for a $100 additional linens fee.

We clean to a high standard between stays, and refreshers can be arranged if you wish additional cleaning during a long visits.

David likes to pick and arrange fresh flowers for you weekly, or even more often upon request.

The square footage is 1350 sq. ft. Some say it is roomier than it appears in photos. The entry, dining, kitchen and living areas are as you enter, and the bed- and bathrooms are located down a short hall in the back. This is good for sleeping because it is especially quiet in the back of the cottage, next to the woods.

There are traditional, substantial home-like furnishings; we value comfort more than style. We keep it casual. Our place was originally furnished as a home, not to be a motel, hotel, B&B, or newly renovated or upscale vacation rental. Some might call it a little old-fashioned. A few of the pieces (like there Lazy Boy recliner) you might described as "well-loved." So, guests need to worry about accidentally soiling the upholstery! You can put your feet up.

Large, fully equipped kitchen.

EQUIPMENT
Wi-Fi

2024 flat screen smart, Roku TV with lots of free viewing. You can connect to your own subscriptions, as well.

2025 30 cu. ft. top-freezer stainless steel Frigidaire refrigerator.

Same-floor clothes washer & 2024 drier; starter supplies provided.

Air conditioning by Mother Nature. Also, ceiling fans in both main bedrooms, lots of portable oscillating fans are available, and a 2024 heat pump air conditioner can cool the entire main living area.

Games, puzzles, videos, lots of Maine and other books and magazines

OUTDOORS
A roomy 10 x 14' rustic camp-like wooden "Screen House" overlooks the gardens and catches the breezes. It is mostly for our personal use, but can be used occasionally by guests, by special advance arrangement, at no cost.

Well lit, barrier-free entry & deck

Outdoor table & chairs, charcoal grill upon request, morning sun on the deck, and shade for afternoons.

LOCATION
We are mid-way between Portland and the popular Boothbay Harbor region to the southwest and Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park to the northeast. Quaint Belfast is a great town to visit, just 20 minutes away, with its own allure of unique shops. galleries, restaurants, waterfront, old-time movie theater, and more.

Short drives to busy Camden, cozy Rockport, Mt. Battie State Park with ocean & mountain views--and many other parks, lakes, in addition to the ocean, for swimming and boating, farmland, wineries, lighthouses, fine museums, & 25+ art galleries.

A wide range of popular local midcoast attractions and activities is available within short driving distances. We love sharing suggestions and recommendations base on our personal knowledge. We've gotten pretty familiar with the area after 35 yeas in this one place, which we love.