Stunning Nubble Lighthouse & Ocean Views, 3891 sq. ft. 267' of rocky coast!
- House3891 sq. ft.
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 3
- Half Baths: 1
- Min Stay: 3 - 7 nights
5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths: 1 full, w/jetted tub, 2 - 3/4's, 1 - 1/2 bath, sleeps 10
Bedrooms
Owner
Sean Mercer-Smith
- Languages:
- english
About Sean Mercer-Smith
My family went to York Beach for summers for over 50 years. I grew up in Worcester, MA. I went to college in Philadelphia, and law school in Omaha. My wife, Delinda Mercer, a psychologist, moved to from Philadelphia to Scottsbluff (where I practice law) for me. The next moving choice is her choice -- that next move will eventually be to York. Our blended family has 4 children. The oldest, Sara, went to Bates College in Lewiston, ME. Our other three children are students, who still love the beach.
Sean Mercer-Smith purchased this House in 2010
Why Sean Mercer-Smith chose Cape Neddick
My family started going to York when I was 4 years old. I spent many a summer in York, surfing, and working at the Oceanside Store. What surprised me is that my wife, Delinda, wanted us to return there, eventually to retire. I have a photo of Nubble Light and a rainbow that I took from the deck. Everytime I look at that photo, I think of Wordsworth: MY heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began, So is it now I am a man, So be it when I shall grow old 5 Or let me die! The child is father of the man: And I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety. Above you can see a rainbow that Alyssa DiRubbo took that was even better than mine! Edward Weston described his career in photography as his love affair with light. Every time I go back, Weston, also, comes to mind. Each time, I see something different, sometimes new. Even as I do my DIY homeowner things, sometimes, I will just stop to take in the wonders around me. The changing light, weather, sights, smells, and sounds make our home on the Nubble a multi-sensory delight for those who take the time to partake of them. We hope that you will feel that way, too. We bought this home as it has one of the most spectacular views that I have ever seen! We and some our guests who shared their photos have tried to capture some of that sense of wonder and place. The views are remarkable all year, not just in the summer. We enjoy the fall colors; the Christmas lights on the Nubble; the clean starkness of the snow, the rebirth that is Spring, and the ocean smells and sounds of summer when we open the windows more. Mike Blanchette took some of the shots for our website. What will you shoot?
What makes this House unique
As mentioned, every room has an ocean view, half the rooms have a lighthouse view. There are five levels to allow space together or away. For example, the living room, dining room, and kitchen are open to each other. The dining room has a panoramic ocean view, with the lighthouse on the left. The kitchen has black granite countertops, cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and it is well outfitted to suit most needs of those who cook. There is a five burner gas stove. The appliances are mostly Breville or Cuisinart. There is a separate game/living room with an Xbox One. The first floor sunroom and the deck are other away spaces. In good weather or bad, it is a place to relax and enjoy.
Amenities
Featured
- TV
- Satellite or Cable
- Children Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Internet
- Pets Welcome
- Parking
- Heater
- Fireplace
Bathrooms
- 3 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bath
House Rules
Cancellation Policy
Canceled bookings will not receive a refund
73 Reviews
Best Vacation Ever
If you want a beautiful property with views of the lighthouse and the ocean this is the place. The house has EVERYTHING you will ever need! We were pleasantly surprised when the power went out one night that it also had a complete home generator!! Perfect place for a family vacation. The house is set up that everyone has their own separate space! PERFECT!
Gorgeous house never disappoints
We've been staying here for years and it never disappoints. Beautiful views, great house for kids and adults alike. Large yard with plenty of space. Very private. Looking forward to next year already!
Beautiful York Rental!
We enjoyed our stay at this lovely York home located on the oceanfront and in view of the beautiful Nubble Lighthouse!
Fox’s Restaurant is steps away with excellent food!!
Bill & Linda
RI
Bill & Linda,
It has been a pleasure hosting your family and hearing from you during your visits to York. You are wonderful guests and I am so grateful you and yours continue to enjoy the house and York Beach!
Sean
Stunning attention to details
Yes, the views of the lighthouse and the ocean are truly stunning. But the owners' attention to details made our week especially enjoyable. I can't imagine using all the high-end kitchen equipment in a month, much less a week (we used the Weber gas grill three nights). We only had five people in the house, so we couldn't make full use of all the comfortable spaces available for talk, fun and relaxation. The "family room" has it's own TV, exercise equipment, refrigerators and coffee maker. We preferred to hang out (often playing cards) in the large living room/dining room/kitchen area that has a panoramic view of the rocky coast from Maine to New Hampshire. Outside, we enjoyed examining the life in the tide pools that form in the rocks right outside the house. I can't fit into this review everything we enjoyed about our visit (e.g. Adorondack chairs in the sun on the lawn, walks to the village, Dunn's ice cream), but when Sean called to welcome us, he asked if there was anything we needed. He meant it, but we couldn't think of a thing.
Malcolm,
Thank you for all of the kind words. We try and give many options -- in the kitchen, living spaces, beach equipment, etc. I am glad you were able to make use of a few during your stay! Enjoying the views and the sound of the waves against the rocks is never a tough decision :). Thank you for being such wonderful guests and enjoying another year in York!
Sean
A Wonderful Winter Getaway
Cross one off of my bucket list. They thought we were nuts for going to Maine in the winter. AND they were WRONG. Of course the place to spend the vacation is Nubble House with the never ending, sometimes hourly, changing scene.
Sean arranged it all. A snow storm with blowing and drifting snow, a howling rain storm with the surf pounding the rocks below. And clear almost balmy days with temperatures in the low 50s. And you get to watch it all from the near 360 degree view and comfort of the sitting room while cozying up to the fire in the gas fireplace.
We had friends from Portland. Oregon visiting us, one of whom is a professional photographer. Both were much impressed, even beyond their high expectations. I much enjoyed going to sleep with the lighthouse and it’s comforting blinking red light in the background and waking to some glorious sunrises.
This is our second trip to Nubble House, the other being late last spring. We really did not want to leave, either time. We are now making arrangements for nex winter and spring
Sean is an excellent host and will try to accommodate any reasonable request. The house, which I consider a 5 story split level, has great views from all of the bedrooms, the kitchen, the sitting room and the dining room. We prefer the top floor bedroom. It’s a few more steps but well worth it. There is a bathroom per floor, so there is no waiting.
York Beach and environs are primarily summer vacation spots. But we had no problem finding open, good quality restaurants and no crowds. And there is still lots to do, including the short walk to the lighthouse and feed the gull. A walk along the cliffs on the Marginal Way near Ogunquit is always entertaining as you watch the surfers (in January?). LLBean, Portland, Kittery, and Portsmouth are short drives away.
Nubble House is a truly great place to stay.
Dear Dale and Beverly,
Thank you for all the wonderful words! We cannot seem to choose a favorite season either - they all seem to have their special qualities. I am very glad the Maine winter lived up to expectations, and everything we could do to complement that. We always look forward to hosting your family and friends again!
Best regards,
Sean
Absolutely wonderful! Hated to see the week coming to an end.
The home was all we had anticipated and more!
Dear Karl,
Congrats on your 40th wedding anniversary! Thank you for choosing our home, enjoying it, and sharing that experience! I hope that you and yours will return for many more happy times.
Best regards,
Mike
Map
We have seen stand up paddle boarders on calm days go out toward the lighthouse. On anything but a really calm day, I wouldn't want to try it. :-)
and kayak in the ocean or up the York or Cape Neddick rivers and time your trip with the incoming or outgoing tide.
In the summer, there is some live entertainment
The food at the York Harbor Inn is very good. I recall them having some live music, too. Their website lists some additional attractions, as well as some cooking schools by Stonewall Kitchens.
More things to do: Stonewall Kitchens, which is just about opposite the I-95 exit for York, and it is a lovely place to shop for delicious goodies, have lunch, or just sample and browse until you make up your mind.
Some people fish off our rocks, or go on a boat to sightsee or to fish.
For history buffs, there is an old wharf owned by John Hancock, An Old Gaol (jail) which is also a museum, Inns and other historic things such as an old cemetery with death angels on some of the grave stones.
There are three or four golf courses relatively near by
There is a outlet complex just over the state line from the NH -- ME border in the next town of Kittery. York, has no shortage of art, craft or tourist shops. You can almost always find something to do, and when you can't, Boston is 68 miles away. :-)