Elegant Boothbay Waterfront Estate-15 acres/Gardens, Trails, Wildlife
- Estate3500 sq. ft.
- Sleeps: 11
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5
- Min Stay: 3–5 nights
5 bedrooms, 5 full, private baths, sleeps 11 in beds
Bedrooms
Owner
Melissa Thornton, Owner
- Languages:
- english
About Melissa Thornton, Owner
I’ve been saving for my ‘dream house’ for 40 years....and I fell in love with kayaking about 12 years ago. After a five year search through waterfront properties in CT, the Adirondacks, MA, NH and finally ME, this was the property that offered the combination of things I'd been seeking. And it was perfect for building vacation rentals so that the awesome environment could be shared. The setting is idyllic...with fields, woods, many perennial gardens, apple trees, lilac trees and old stone walls wandering down to the Back River. There are 15 acres of land, facing west for sunsets, on the protected waterfront of Maine and with a big freshwater pond and woodlands. The whole estate sits atop Maine ledge, which is sculpted to fall gently towards the water. It's in an area where I am able, in the 'off-season', to offer weekend and week-long retreats that combine personal growth, spirituality and 'back to nature' events, including hiking, paddling and exploring the nearby Botanical Gardens. And I want to share this beauty with as many people who love Nature and the wild, wonderful aspects of Maine as possible...so vacation rentals are the perfect answer.
Melissa Thornton, Owner purchased this Estate in 2006
Why Melissa Thornton, Owner chose Boothbay
Mother Nature has shaped this property to be both elegant and beautiful...the buildings are on the plateau at the top of the estate and the lawns and gardens, stone walls and woodlands slope gently down and down to the Back River. A great Blue Heron often visits the freshwater pond; then flies off towards the river. Our local pair of bald eagles are seen wheeling overhead regularly as the tides change. A huge porcupine was seen at the south end of the property recently and we have visits from foxes and deer, ospreys and hawks. The property has a healing energy which most people feel the moment they step onto it. A visit here fills the vision with color, the spirits with hope and the body with calm and peace.
What makes this Estate unique
The Boothbay peninsula offers the perfect getaway. The area is naturally breath-taking, with forests and fields, farms and gardens, brash rocky coastline and gentle coves and lakes. Boothbay Harbor is a charming town with lots of engaging activities and it’s just six miles down the road. This is the area to go shopping, visit galleries and craft fairs, sample local fare at great restaurants, enjoy deep water activities like whale watching and lobster-boating. And there are natural bonuses: 13 nature preserves for hiking within 10 miles---5 within 5 miles---one within 1/2 mile; a world-class Botanical Garden within 4 miles; kayaking possibilities in rivers and lakes and the Atlantic. We also have a world-class golf course 4 miles away. The Rockland/Camden area and Freeport shopping are within an hour's drive in either direction; and my favorite Maine park, Acadia National Park is just under three hours away. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward island, both favorite parts of Canada, are nearby too… The Bold Colorful Life Estate is also a Retreat Center in the off-season, so plan to join us for a Retreat for personal growth, renewal and spiritual centering...The Bold Colorful Life Gallery offers colorful elegant jewelry, stunning natural photographs, and dramatic works of art in oil and pastel to our rental guests...when it's open.
Amenities
Featured
- No Smoking
- Satellite or cable
- TV
- Children Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- Internet
- Air Conditioning
- Heater
- Parking
- Fireplace
- Accessible
Bathrooms
- Bathrooms: 5
Safety features
- Deadbolt lock
- First-aid kitKitchen cupboard near refrigerator
- Fire extinguisherKitchen pantry
- Exterior lighting
Location Type
- Near The OceanSix miles from this property, the tidal Back River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. On the way, you'll pass the amazingly beautiful Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens...located right on the Back River!
- WaterfrontThe estate has 300 ft of water frontage on the river, which empties & refills every six hours & wildlife is profuse. At half & high tide, you can swim, paddle, canoe, fish or just sit & admire views.
- RiverAt low tide, you will often see dozens of birds on the uncovered islands & day or night you might hear the haunting call of the loons. There are half a dozen seals who like to play in our cove.
- WaterfrontA pair of bald eagles are nesting at the northern end of Tibbetts I (1/8 mi down river) & they regularly swoop overhead, looking for lunch. Enjoy your own lunch, on our picnic tables, with river views
General
- Air ConditioningWindow air conditioners are rentable...for $50 per week or per visit.
- Heating
- Linens ProvidedThe bedrooms are 'dressed', with full linen sets-sheets/towels/robes-on arrival. Guests are asked to wash, dry & fold the linens before departure..bring your own if you'd like to avoid that last chore
- Washing MachineThe washing machine is a front loader, large-sized washer.
- Clothes DryerThere are two clothes dryers:one is a front loader, large-sized dryer...and the other a standard front loader.
- Fireplace
- Parking
- Internet**WiFli is short for 'When It Feels Like It'...our WiFi works wonderfully about 90% of the time, but we are on a peninsula which juts out into the ocean, so Mother Nature rules, at times.
- Towels ProvidedTowels are provided, but we ask that you bring your own beach towels.
- Fitness Room / EquipmentWork out at the local YMCA, 5 miles from here.
- Wireless Internet
- Iron & Board
- Hair Dryer
- Paper Towels
- Basic Soaps
- Toilet Paper
- Living RoomThe Great Room is 26 feet high and built with 200 year old timbers around new structural panels.
Kitchen
- Dishwasher
- RefrigeratorStandard refrigerator in the Pantry.
- StoveThe stove and oven are restaurant sized (6 burners and a good-sized oven), and gas-fired. It comes with a 4 burner griddle, for those Sunday morning brunches!
- OvenThe stove and oven are restaurant sized (6 burners and a good-sized oven), and gas-fired.
- MicrowaveThere are two microwave ovens in the pantry.
- Grill
- Coffee Maker
- ToasterThis kitchen has two toasters.
- Blender
- Coffee Grinder
- Lobster Pot
- Pantry ItemsThe pantry is stocked with two microwave ovens, two blenders, two toasters, a toaster oven, a Kitchenaid food processor, iced tea maker, ice cream maker, coffee grinder, waffle maker, crepe maker, etc
- Dishes & UtensilsPantry and kitchen cupboards are full of dishes and utensils.
- Kitchen
Dining
- Dining Room
- DiningThe dining room table is a 200 year-old barn door, finished for dining. It seats 20 intimately; 18 with elbow-room. There are 5 raised stools at the kitchen island, as well.
Entertainment
- Television
- Satellite / CableThere is a large, flat screen TV in the Media room and another TV that can be moved throughout the building...all bedrooms have cable hook-up.
- StereoIpod dock in the dining room also entertains the new back deck.
- DVD PlayerFound in the Media Room...first floor.
- BooksHundreds of books for loan while on site, in the Great Room library.
- GamesFound in the Media Room...first floor.
- Games for Kids
- ToysChildren's toys are located in the sports equipment deck box, behind the Gallery Barn.
- Video LibraryFound in the Media Room...first floor.
Outside
- Lawn / GardenSee all the lovely lawns on our website...boldcolorlife.com.
- Kayak / CanoeSix adults and three children's kayaks plus life jackets are available to our guests, complimentary. There are also local rental places for sea kayaks.
- BicyclesRent bicycles in downtown Boothbay Harbor.
- BoatSix adults and three children's kayaks plus life jackets are available to our guests, complimentary. There are also local rental places for sea kayaks.
- Porch / VerandaThe Farmhouse has a SE facing front deck & porch, with 3 rocking chairs and 2 patio tables w/chairs; and a NW facing back porch & new deck, with 2 large tables & a smaller table w/ chairs.
- Deck / PatioA brand new deck has been added for spectacular river and sunset views...as well as card games, tea chats and dinner for 18.
- Water Sports GearSee above.
- TennisPlay tennis at the local YMCA.
- GolfGolf at the nearby world-class Boothbay Country Club.
Suitability
- wheelchair accessibleSee our information on ADA access, on the Malachite bedroom web page.
- Long-term Renters Welcome
Notes
- The pond is full of tadpoles in the spring and frogs in the summer, with Maine painted turtles and wildflowers. The Back River is a wonderful place to splash, swim or paddle a kayak. On site and nearby are great places to walk and hike--hiking poles are loaned to guests. We have rainy-day puzzles, artist kits, books and movies. Catering is available from local providers. Refreshed, visit the whole Boothbay region. The Coastal Maine Botanical Garden is only 4 miles away! Try hiking at any of the 13 preserves within 10 miles of this home. At the end of the day, imagine coming ‘home’ to a snack and drink on the wrap-around porch of your antique Cape...a good book by the fire...a sunset through the windows...and a long, delicious sleep in one of your five lovely bedrooms with private bath, colorful bedding, paddle fans, cable TV, WiFli. Air conditioners are available for ‘rent’. Since they are not ‘green’, there is a $50.00 fee for the week or the visit.
House Rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Parties/events allowed
No smoking
No pets
Children allowed
Children are welcome, under parental supervision.
Minimum age of primary renter:25
Max guests:11
Cancellation Policy
Canceled bookings will not receive a refund
61 Reviews
Wonderful time in Boothbay
Family of 10 looking to spend a week together before 2 of the grandkids head off to college and this was a perfect home for it.
We were looking for an affordable home that had plenty of bedrooms/bathrooms, a large dining area where we could all sit together, and was located along the coast of Maine. This home checked all the boxes.
The home sits on a large piece of property with plenty of walking trails and outdoor activities. Unfortunately for us it was black fly/mosquito season. After a very wet spring it was nearly impossible to enjoy a walk in the woods without the bugs swarming around.
Highlights for us were spending time in the family room reading a book from the home’s extensive library, playing board games or enjoying a family meal at the large dining table, sitting around the campfire, or just hanging out on the porch sharing stories.
Family Celebration
We arrived and the property and home was just like the pictures. There was 10 of us and everyone had their own space. The owner was there and very informative about the area. We had a wonderful 80th birthday celebration. Now have 3 80 year olds in our family.
Dear Margie,
Thanks so much for choosing the Bold Colorful Life Estate for your 80th birthday party, and nice long getaway. It was a pleasure to have you here...every interaction was friendly and warm. Do come back for other events.
Warm smiles, Melissa
Gorgeous property! Gorgeous house!
We had a wonderful time renting this house. We had two families - 4 adults, 5 kids ranging in age from 3-8. The views from the house were stunning and the loft was a special favorite of the kids. We had plenty of space especially in the kitchen. Better organized and better amenities that nearly any rental kitchen I have been in. And Melissa was always available to help if we needed anything.
Though we didn’t explore the grounds to the fullest as we had a particularly humid (buggy!) week, we did find the views lovely. We also had easy drives to every location we wanted to visit during our stay.
Great house and great hosting!
Large place needed for large party
We had to find a place for 7 adults and 3 children for a family reunion for the memorial for my mother. Places that can accommodate parties that large can be difficult to find. From the moment I began to communicate with Melissa (and mind you this was a very emotional time), I felt her kindness and her enthusiasm for our reunion at her farmhouse. I was BLOWN AWAY upon arrival to the property and even more so when she gave us the tour of the grounds and the home. We never felt crowded and the kitchen was SPECTACULAR! Lots of tears, lots of laughter and LOTS of great meals filled 802 Back River Road during our week. The place is absolutely MAGICAL both inside and out. The price may sound high at first but when split it up it was quite reasonable. You will not regret it! Thank you, Melissa, for everything!
Dear Susie,
It was a complete honor to be the site you chose for your week of family reunion...and your gathering in memory of your mother. I'm so glad that you felt the place was magical...and healing. That's just what we hope for our guests! Our plan is that you leave life's tensions and struggles behind, immerse yourself in the colorful beauty of mid coast Maine...and when you're ready, go home to have a more bold and colorful life. Grins.
Every interaction with you and your family was a delight...your upbeat energy, even in the midst of grieving, was remarkable. I do hope you return SOON!
I will look forward to hearing about your return to your lovely ranch...and hope to see you all again.
Warm smiles, Melissa
Fantastic Family Vacation Retreat
This is a fantastic spot! The Farmhouse and the grounds give you a lot of space to relax and also enjoy Boothbay Harbor. We had a group of 10, which include 5 adults and 5 grown grandkids. The kids had plenty of choices inside to do their thing We especially loved the large kitchen and dining room. It easily handled the 10 of us when making meals and fixing snacks & cocktails . The Library/Study on the main floor is an especially cool space. The five COLORFUL bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, was just perfect for our family. The teenagers loved having their own space.
The outside and backyard were really great. Lots to explore. The kids loved the various activities and made good use of both the kayaks and the outside games and firepit for some mores.
There was a nice view of the tidal river from both inside the house and from the back deck. Just the right amount of water view to help you appreciate the area.
It was just 15 minutes to downtown Boothbay Harbor and the all the restaurants and shopping. You don't have to over-plan the day in order to get into town. This kids really loved Chowders Restaurant and we all enjoyed fresh Maine lobster at Robinsons Wharf. So Good!!!!!
We really enjoyed our stay and Melissa was more than accommodating and helpful. She was always available if we needed her. She truly places her guests as her first priority. We highly recommend Melissa and her home for
your next family celebration! Thank you, M, for sharing your beautiful piece of Maine with our family.
I've been hosting guest groups at both houses on the Bold Colorful Life estate for ten years...and this is one of my all-time FAVORITE families!
What makes a fabulous guest group?
First, they do research online to find a place that the whole group will enjoy. Then they read the Policies and Information manual, so they'll have a sense of where things are and how things work...as well as what fun things there are to do on the site and in the area.
They are engaged in the house and grounds tour and the map orientation, and their questions are tuned-in and helpful. Their comments are enthusiastic; their energy is friendly; their interactions show obvious caring for each other. Donna and Jim head up a whole family that fits this description. They took great care of the place and every interaction was a delight. I truly hope they make this site an annual pilgrimage.
Coming back— Soon!!!
We couldn't have picked a better spot to recapture and share with family & friends our memories of Down East Maine. First the all important tour— nice touch because there was so much there. It was Father's Day, so for the fist day we decided to make a Lobster feast (Pinkhams for Lobster) at the Farm. Everything was accurate down to the last detail. There really was so much to do right there, with all the trails, and gardens (the girls adored the fairy-gardening, kayaking, etc... but as far as outside activities, the Cabbage Island tour was the all-around favorite, with Botanical Gardens coming in a close second—oh, and the Royal River Grillhouse in Freeport on our way back to Portland was Fabulous. Still, for me, another week at home at Bold Colorful Life Farm, listening to the night frogs, smelling the peonies, and cooking up more lobster would have been just fine. Thanks for making everything so perfect, Melissa.
One of the most delightful aspects of running a vacation rental is getting to interact with people from all over the world. Sarah and I began 'chatting' when she booked the Farmhouse in June of 2017 and kept up communication throughout the year, before she arrived with her whole family, in June of 2018. By then, we felt we knew each other...and how fun to actually make the personal connection! Gathering the whole family to help Dad celebrate Father's Day is such a great idea. Thanks for choosing the Bold Colorful Life for your gathering and I hope to see you again soon!
Map
Come away from it all....catch your breath. Wander 15 acres of estate gardens and woodland trails....borrow an inflatable boat to paddle with local seals....meet our friendly bald eagles and other critters....listen to the loons on a River View bench...play croquet or badminton on the many lawns....watch the Maine painted turtles or listen to frogs on the freshwater pond....wander the park-like grounds....take a cool dip or sail on the river...enjoy a book in a hammock. Refreshed, venture out into the Boothbay region. Close proximity to ocean, restaurants, golf, mini-golf, boating, world-class golfing, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and every kind of shopping and gallery. There are 13 hiking preserves within 10 miles, freshwater swimming and ice fishing at Knickerbocker Lake, 3 miles down the road. There are small Maine beaches within 10 miles and large ones within an hour's scenic drive. Other Activities: Shopping, Kayaking, Boating, Snowboarding, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Health/Beauty Spa, Horseshoes, Mini Golf, Antique museum and Railway Village, State Aquarium, tours to see islands, puffins, whales and lobster boats. There's a year-round Opera house; playhouse, movie theatre and Historical Society. And did we mention the local restaurants and shops???
The Bold Colorful Life Gallery offers colorful elegant jewelry, stunning natural photographs, and dramatic works of art in oil and pastel to our rental guests....when it is open.
The Bold Colorful Life Estate is also a Retreat Center, so plan to join us for a Retreat for personal growth, renewal and spiritual centering...