Welcome to the Crow's Nest, we'd love to have you join us to experience this special place.
Rates and availability are listed for the upcoming season.
We're planning some exciting renovations and updates in early 2018, to refresh the kitchen and amenities in time for the 2018 season. Current photos are of the 2017 home, keep an eye out as we update photos as they're available (in early Spring 2018).
Come rest and relax on the 'quiet side' of Mt. Desert Island with breathtaking views of Bass Harbor's lobster boats, resident bald eagles, and picture perfect coastal Maine beaches.
The Crow's Nest is a private hilltop property located directly on Bass Harbor and is the perfect vacation destination on the idyllic coast of Mt Desert Island. From the cottage you can quickly and easily access the heart of Acadia National Park by car or “Island Explorer” shuttle service right from the neighborhood. Staying close to home in Bernard and Bass Harbor offers meandering walks in Balsam Fir scented forests, rocky shorelines, and peaceful hikes on lesser traveled park trails and beaches.
If you’re feeling hungry you can wander across our the quiet street for a world famous lunch or dinner at Thurston's Lobster Pound. Thurston's is known for the freshest, same day catch lobster and is, by far, the best tasting Lobster on MDI. You can even pick out your own lobster! A short walk through the woods or along the rocky shore you will find beautiful Back Beach where you can swim, snorkel, or beach comb for sea glass. While away the days collecting sand dollars, shells, and starfish or just relax in the sun and enjoy the view.
Bring your boats or rent them locally as kayaking is a favorite activity in Bass Harbor. You can paddle among the working lobster boats to get a close up look at the day’s catch and the boat’s gear. At high tide you can Paddle 'up harbor' and ride the gentle rapid under a bridge into Bass Harbor Marsh. There you can encounter osprey, eagles, cormorants, ducks and other sea birds. You may be able to spot a kingfisher's nest in the bank further down the marsh or spot one perched on a tree limb high above the water or quickly diving into the water and catch his dinner! They are amazing birds to watch. Speaking of eagles and osprey, you will, without a doubt, see an eagle and/or an osprey every day you are here. They often land in the trees very close to Crow's Nest and will sit and preen. They are a most beautiful sight to see. Osprey were spotted in Bass Harbor in recent summers teaching their young how to catch prey. They will also hover above and dive for fish over the water by the marsh. As you watch the osprey fly away, take notice how they carry the fish they just caught. The head of the fish is almost always facing windward as it is tightly held in the osprey's talons.
Our family-owned cottage has 2 spacious bedrooms, a large living room with full wall windows overlooking the harbor, a cozy kitchen and dining room, and ample sleeping space for six. Curl up with a book in front of the gas stove or lounge on the wrap around porch to enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets over this picturesque harbor.
Front and back lawn areas are ideal for family fun and yard games, and you'll be within walking distance of the library. Visit nearby antique shops and beautiful Back Beach for a relaxing day in the sun. There is an historical society and museum across the harbor in the village of Bass Harbor. Sea life, ferry service to outlying islands & boat tours by water can be easily found leaving from Bass Harbor and Southwest Harbor.
You don't even need to leave Bernard to have a full day of fun and exploration! You can walk along the rocky beach, play Frisbee and other outdoor games on the lawn, or a game of fetch with the family dog. Plenty of room for everyone to wind down and relax.
High Speed Broadband Internet/WIFI access is available to you at the Crow's Nest as well as cable TV & a DVD player for a rainy day at home.
Several of our guests have returned to the Crow's Nest year after year, and we hope you will feel that way as well. This cottage has been in our family for over two decades and is a favorite spot for resting, relaxing and exploring, we look forward to sharing this magical destination with you.
Thank you for choosing the Crow's Nest for your family vacation!