Entire home

Spruce Island - a Private island for large or small gatherings

Spruce Island - a Private island for large or small gatherings

Photo gallery for Spruce Island - a Private island for large or small gatherings

Spruce Island
Main House and rain water cistern
View from the crow's nest at Main House
Stone house compound
The Spruce Island amphibian transports guests 'door to door'.

Overview of Spruce Island - a Private island for large or small gatherings

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
7 bedrooms7+ bathroomsSleeps 20

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Stonington, ME
  • Popular LocationStonington Opera House4 min drive
  • Popular LocationStonington Sea Products5 min drive
  • Popular LocationHaystack Mountain School of Crafts26 min drive

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 20)

Bedroom 1

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 6

4 Twin Beds

Bedroom 7

4 Twin Beds

7 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Full 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 5

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 6

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 7

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Half 1

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Spruce Island - a Private island for large or small gatherings

Spruce Island is a small, 80 acre private island off Deer Isle/Stonington, Maine. An aerial video of Spruce Island and a video of a traditional lobster bake on Spruce Island can be found on this page.

The Stone House is the only house on Spruce Island. It can be rented by the week during the season which runs from Memorial Day through Early October. It can be rented into the fall by smaller groups. More than 18 people can be accommodated with prior arrangement. Pricing is based on number of guests.

There are many places to explore and things to do on and around Spruce Island. Kayaks and row boats are provided. Outboard motor boats can be rented. Dress up as pirates and entertain your children (pirate dress provided); enjoy campfires on the shore; drive golf balls into the ocean and collect them at low tide; swim in a fresh water quarry on near-by Green Island owned by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Play horseshoes, capture the flag, badminton, and pingpong. Charter our amphibious Sealegs to take you island hopping. Gaze into the heavens and see a universe of stars you can't see elsewhere because of light pollution. See bald eagles, ospreys, and many other seabirds. Experience the wonder that Robert McCloskey wrote about in the children's book, 'Time of Wonder'.

The house is comprised of two separate buildings. The Main House is a large open room with cathedral ceilings, a huge fireplace, and large well equipped kitchen. There is one bedroom in the Maine House. A swing hangs from the timbers in the Main House, and a “crows nest” on the roof affords spectacular views of the surrounding islands. On rainy days and at night, you can watch movies on the big screen and listen to surround sound music in the Main House.

The Guest House contains six bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Electricity is supplied by wind and solar, supported by backup generators. Water is supplied from wells and a large rain water cistern.

This property is completely 'off the grid', but WiFi is available through HughesNet satellite connection and cell phone service also allows access to the internet.

Kayaks and other small boats are included. A small 10hp, 13’ inflatable outboard motor boat can be rented for $550/week. A larger 18' outboard motorboat can be rented for $750 per week.

Spruce Island falls within the town of Stonington, Maine, famous for fresh Maine lobster and for the pink Maine granite that has been cut from its quarries for more than a hundred years. Spruce was quarried in the late 1800's and in harmony with this history, the owners decided to build these houses entirely of large granite blocks.

Tranportation to the Island: Transportation to and from the island is provided free on the first and last days, up to three round trips each of those days in an amphibious Sealegs, or two round trips in a Munson landing craft. For mid week transportation, there are a number of options. A small outboard motor boat suitable for getting back and forth to Stonington can be rented. Steve Johnson runs a charter service called Bert & I Charters. The Isle au Haut Ferry also does private ferry service to and from Stonington to islands in the area. Another option is to hire our amphibious Sealegs boat or the Munson landing craft with a captain. The cost is $125/hour. The advantage of the Sealegs is that, as an amphibious craft, it can drive out of the water and set down on the ground like a camel for easy and safe loading and unloading. This is especially nice for exploring the many uninhabited islands around the area.

Island Life: There are many fun things to do on and around Spruce Island. Some examples include: Intra-island or even inter-island capture-the-flag; Camp fires on the beach; Exploring the many other small islands in the area; Sleeping in a tent near the shore is a wonderful experience for children and adults. You can sit by a camp fire and gaze into the heavens wondering how it all came to be, even catching glimpses of satellites moving across the sky, before rolling into a cozy tent and letting the gentle sounds of waves and wind lull you to sleep.

Dogs are allowed with permission. Please inquire. There is a $150 fee. Dogs must be treated for fleas and ticks to prevent them from carrying fleas and ticks to the island.

We offer a full-service island vacation option for those families that would like a worry-free, island vacation where everything is prearranged for them, including all meals, unlimited boat transportation with captain/guide to explore the area, including trips to surrounding islands and to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. This full service option will allow guests to avoid the stresses of planning for their vacation, to fully enjoy themselves while on vacation, and not to worry about cleaning up at the end of their stay. While not inexpensive, this option will allow guests to most enjoy themselves during their vacation. Cost depends on what services are desired, but as a rule of thumb, full service, including unlimited transportation in the Sealegs and landing craft, and full chef services, at least doubles the base rental rate. Please inquire if you are interested in learning more about this option.

Property manager

Colie O'Donnell
Premier Host
Premier Host

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor Space

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 9:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

Events allowed
Renter must discuss with Owner prior to booking.

Pets

Pets allowed
Dogs only. $150 fee.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed.
Owner reserves right to review and cancel booking and issue full refund within 7 days after Traveler initiates booking.
Traveler must read and accept the terms of the Rental Agreement.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Renter must discuss with Owner prior to booking.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Stonington

Located in Stonington, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the beach. Stonington Opera House and Deer Isle Bridge are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Barred Island Preserve and Edgar M. Tennis Preserve. Jet skiing and snorkeling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking nearby.
Map
Stonington, ME

What's nearby

  • Blue Heron Gallery - 4 min drive
  • Stonington Opera House - 4 min drive
  • Stonington Sea Products - 5 min drive
  • Barred Island Preserve - 15 min drive
  • Haystack Mountain School of Crafts - 26 min drive

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • Stonecutters Kitchen
  • Harbor Cafe
  • Cockatoo Portuguese Re
  • 44 North Coffee
  • Fin And Fern

Frequently asked questions

Is Spruce Island - a Private island for large or small gatherings pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Spruce Island - a Private island for large or small gatherings?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spruce Island - a Private island for large or small gatherings?

Check-out is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Spruce Island - a Private island for large or small gatherings located?

Nestled on the beach, this Stonington vacation home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Blue Heron Gallery, Stonington Opera House, and Stonington Sea Products. Art By Katy Gallery is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 42 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

tom l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect - almost!
After our first day, the twelve of us decided to list anything we thought might be improved. By the time of our leaving we had identified four small brackets on the swing as candidates "for improvement". Absolutely everything else, including Colie, could not have been changed for the better.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Island Paradise
From the moment we stepped off the Sealeg (which in itself was a cool experience to go from land to water to land) we knew that we were in a special place. The ride from Stonington to Spruce Island is about 20 minutes and you get a chance to see some pretty scenery along the way. At the island we got a short ride from the landing to the house where 14 of us congregated in celebration of a 60th birthday. 14 adults is not a small crowd and yet the houses and the island make it really easy to have group time or quiet time. The rooms in the guest house are spacious (with private bathrooms) and most have views of the water. The bedroom in the main house is a bit smaller than the rest. We took advantage of campfires on the beach, we swam, we played games, we kayaked, we ate well, and we explored the island. The geography of the area is a bit different than other parts of Maine. Spruce Island is a beautiful island with large smooth granite surfaces and large boulders. You can walk around the island in just a couple of hours and when the tide is low you can walk across the flat to Buckle Island, an adjacent island. If you choose not to walk around the island you can simply chill on the deck or in the living room of the main house. We never turned on the projector to watch a movie, but there is a large screen that is available to those who want to hang out and enjoy a movie on a rainy day. Honestly, this place is fantastic. You have the entire island to yourself. Food available on the island is what you bring. Just make sure you don't forget the beer on your first day!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chad B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Milton was wrong...
Paradise has not been lost, we found it right here! An incredible experience marred only by the fact that we had to leave after a week. Colie is an incredible host, kind and anticipatory of the needs of his guests with a deep love and understanding of the island that shows in the care he takes of it. Not only do I intend to return for another vacation one day, I intend to tell everyone I know that they should be considering Spruce Island for their vacations as well.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Taylor B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Experience
Truly an amazing experience. Colie, the owner, has thought of everything, and, over the years, has created (and perfected) a unique vacation experience for groups of all sizes. During our week-long island get-away, we could not have asked for a more thoughtful host. For those wanting to experience Maine like never before, we highly recommend this property. Five stars!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical
If anything, the pictures don't even convey how beautiful Spruce Island is. Walking up the wide path from the beach, through the mossy woods fringed with blackberries and raspberries, to the huge stone house is always such a delight. This was our third year and as usual we spent part of our time just wondering how Colie gets so much comfort and elegance on this off the grid island in the sea. Spruce Island is not like any other holiday we have had. We kayaked, swam around the smaller island, hiked, and had delicious dinners (great kitchen), and sing-a-longs around the campfire. We go as a group of about sixteen-- three sets of parents and a bunch of young adult cousins and the occasional significant other. All the bedrooms are equally lovely and comfortable. The owner is incredibly helpful and responsive, goes way above and beyond.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Colie O'Donnell

Host profile image
We started building the stone houses in October 2006. It took five years to finish, working spring, summer, and fall and towards the end, working through the winter, though we had to pick the days to avoid really dangerous winter conditions. I was out there almost every day, in all kinds of weather, guiding the process and working with the crews. I ran the landing craft, did errands mid day, operated the crane and Lull and other equipment, and coordinated the logistical challenges moving thousands of tons of materials, across four miles of water. Somehow we persevered through the economic crash of '08 and other calamities along the way. The fact that all the stone as well as windows, doors, and wind turbines are from China is another story.

One of the most gratifying experiences of this island project has been to see how much people love gathering here for family reunions. I hope you too will enjoy it as my family and so many others have. And I hope you will return for many years to come and that this little island will become a significant place in your life, as it has in mine.

Why they chose this property

I bought Spruce Island 34 years ago. The island had nothing on it then. The first trip out, I rowed the four miles alone in an eight foot dingy. I remember it was a beautiful fall day, but quite windy and it was a slog getting back to Stonington against the headwind. There was something about that island and that archipelago that was just so stunning. I recall very well sitting for the first time on the smooth granite slide on the east shore, transfixed by the beauty. I was unemployed at the time, with a wife (also unemployed) and two young children. Having just graduated from business school, I should have known better but instead I spent all my savings on it.

What makes this property unique

To some people, the architecture of these stone houses may be rather plain and sever, but they are strong and enduring, as is the island they are a part of, and to me that is both practical and beautiful. The heavy stone structures easily withstand powerful winter storms and require virtually no maintenance that over time will offset the added cost of building on an island with stone. Set 125 feet above sea level, they offer commanding views of the surrounding ocean, but remain protected from even the most dire predictions of sea level rise. Inside, they are warm and playful. They have all the practical comforts of a mainland residence, but a simplicity and plainness that are out-of-the-ordinary and refreshing.

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