Fall Weeks & Weekends Available at Our 5-Star Oceanside Cottage

Property description

WELCOME TO MARSHVIEW
Our lovely home is a short, 500-yard walk to beautiful, private Moody Beach-- voted one of the best beaches on the East Coast.

Our home, Marshview, is a large, two-story duplex, located on a quiet, private road. The Southside Cottage sleeps 7, as does the Northside cottage. (See rental #229249.) For large gatherings or groups of more than 7, rent the entire house. With all the amenities it's a great place for vacations, family reunions, wedding stays and so much more.

FIRST FLOOR:
Since we purchased MARSHVIEW in the late 1980s, we've updated, renovated & redecorated. We remodeled our large, fully-equipped kitchen with new countertops and tile backsplashes, as well as painted it in soothing, cool shades of blues. The half bath on the first floor has been completely rebuilt with new fixtures and tile floors.

In the spacious living room, you can hear the waves, catch the smell of the sea, and be lulled by the ever-changing light. We hope this adds to your beach experience. This area is furnished with comfortable furniture, lots of pillows, games, TV, DVD, and internet.

SECOND FLOOR:
On the second floor, there are three bedrooms and a full bath. Last year, we installed new flooring throughout the upstairs, making it easier to keep this area sand free. The refreshing blue walls combined with the mutating light give each room a unique feel.

The large master bedroom with a queen-sized bed is in the front of the house, . It’s a prime location to hear the waves crashing against the sea wall one street away. By keeping the windows open it's usually cool enough to need the quilts on the beds or even the blankets that are stored in each closet. On those atypical days when it’s HOT in Maine, there are fans in each closet. The middle bedroom contains two twin beds and a roll-a-way. The back bedroom has two singles and overlooks the ever changing Rachel Carson Preserve with its sights and sounds of various birds and other wildlife.

DECK & OUTSIDE
The back deck is a lovely area. It’s a “cool” place to drink your morning coffee or the perfect spot to view the spectacular sunsets. It overlooks the Rachel Carson Sanctuary and Preserve, a thriving habitat for many species migratory birds. So you’ll want to bring your binoculars, camera or your paint/sketch pad. The Preserve is also a great place for canoeing and kayaking.
In Marshview’s large backyard, you have your own charcoal grill and picnic table. There is a fire pit and hot & cold outdoor shower that are shared by both sides. The front yard is pleasant, oversized and perfect for playing—but not for parking!

TO START YOU OUT
To make it easier for our guests when you first arrive, there is a roll of toilet paper in each bathroom, a dish towel and dish cloth, as well as a roll of paper towels. There is also olive oil & vinegar, vegetable spray, salt & pepper, kitchen garbage bags, dish detergent & hand soap. (The only thing I ask is that you leave a note for my housekeeper if you run out, as a courtesy to the next guests.) There are 4 low-slung, sand chairs for your use. We bought a Beach Buggy for you to transport your belongings to beach. Blankets & pillows are provided, but guests must provide their own sheets, towels, etc. and we ask that you respect what's ours!

MOODY BEACH:
Spectacular Moody Beach is a private, sandy beach that provides something for people of all ages and all tastes. It’s a place for surfers and walkers, body surfers, surf casters, kayaker, or for those who just want to enjoy the sun and sea. Its tidal pools are spots where the young can enjoy the water and build their sand creations.

In the evening and the moon is full, the scene of the moon of the ocean is breathtaking. Regardless, the beach is usually lit by bonfires and flood lights to enhance the ocean’s stunning and mysterious views.

WALKING THE BEACH:
The beach is a great place to walk anytime—day or night. Just north to of our public right-of-way is a rock jetty. Our grandchildren amuse themselves for hours finding treasures in those “hidden caves that might have been left by pirates long ago”. At low tide, you can take a 4-5 mile walk on the beach south to Ogunquit, the Marginal Way or Perkins Cove.

OCEAN AVENUE VIEWS:
Go out to Ocean Avenue; turn left—i.e. north: Walk or ride your bike and take a 3+mile ride along Ocean Avenue with its breath-taking views of the sea. (Bring your camera.) You might catch sight of the seals basking in the sun on the rocks near Wells Beach. You won’t be disappointed as the sea crashes against the sea wall or draws back to reveal the rock formations that are gradually transformed from one summer to the next.

THINGS TO DO:
In the house, we’ve collected pamphlets about emergency services, churches, art galleries, museums, tourist attractions, historical sites, deep sea fishing and whale watch cruises and more. There are golf courses in Wells, York, Kennebunkport and Kennebunk which can accommodate all skill levels. The Ogunquit Playhouse has been producing professional theatre since 1933 featuring show business legends. It’s an opportunity to see quality, Broadway productions at prices you can afford.

All this information is in a basket on the bottom shelf of the table next to the front door. Relax on the back deck and plan what you like to do next.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
MAINE'S COASTLINE:
There’s much to do in addition to going to the beach. Take a ride alone Maine’s beautiful coastline, through its historic fishing villages and towns, meandering roads, antique shops, or art galleries. There are books at the house about the history of Moody Beach and Wells. They weave the history of the Coast, trace it and makes some conclusions about the emergence of the area today. The Destination Guides, that are in the basket near the door, also have activities for children, trolley rides, day trips, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, cruises, lectures, and much more.

There are high-end outlets in Kittery and Freeport--the home of LL Bean--selling everything from housewares to family apparel and accessories. Interesting boutiques feature one-of-a-kind gifts, hand-crafted items, as well as designer jewelry, leather goods and more. You can’t leave Maine without bringing something home with you.

TREAT YOURSELF:
Right up on Route 1, in the same plaza as Hannaford's Supermarket, go to Naviina Day Spa, a full service salon and day spa. (Naviina is derived from Sanskrit meaning new, fresh and modern.) Schedule a massage or facial with Jen. (Tell her Barbara sent you.) She is exceptional. I literally come up to Maine just for Jen’s massage. Call first--even before you arrive--to ensure you get the appointment you want.

LOBSTA?
Who would think of coming to Maine without eating a lobster dinner? One of my favorite places for lobster, clam chowder or fish dinners is Fisherman’s Catch, a rustic, friendly, family-owned restaurant off Route 1N on Harbor Rd. on the way to Wells Harbor. (If I don’t eat there several times a season, I go into withdrawal.) There are places where you can buy your lobster already cooked or raw and bring it home to cook or eat. Sometimes, there are festivals in Wells, Ogunquit or surrounding towns which often feature fish fries, lobster bakes, etc. Check in the basket I've left, on the bottom shelf of the table right inside the front door, there’s a schedule of events in the front. Find the free Tourist News weekly newspaper which is full of everything that's going on.

FOR ALL PALATES & POCKETBOOKS:

From the ever crowded Egg & I to the Old Village Inn, That Place in Ogunquit and Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove, Clay Hill, Varano’s, Federal’s and Fisherman’s Catch are just a few of the restaurants we like. Merriland Farm Café offers a fantastic breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. (This is where the homemade jam we given you is from.) Check the ever-expanding basket. Some people are good enough to leave notes in the sign-in book or cards, menus that give you their picks for great places to eat.

RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED
Our home is open from May to November—depending on Nature’s cooperation. July is almost always full; August and September have several vacancies. May, June, and early November are available. See the calendar. Many people reserve for the next summer before they leave. We have guests who have become like family--we know their children, are excited about family weddings, and wild about their the births of the Grandes.

Spring and Autumn are lovely times of the year. It’s quiet; there are no lines or short lines. The color of the landscape and sea are different than in the summer, but they are striking and breathtaking. We love being here at all times of the year.

Any season is enriched by being here in Maine! We hope you'll spend your vacation at our lovely, seaside home!
We try to make Marshview seem as if, as one of our guests says, “my own summer home”. Come and make it yours for a week or two. It is a great compliment when people tell us how they look forward to coming to Marshview and are unhappy to leave.
Thanks so much visiting our website. We hope you visit our home,

BARBARA & MICHAEL MURPHY