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Quiet, authentic Maine village overlooking historic harbor in Mid-Coast Maine

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Deck
A two-story building with a sign reading 'OSIER'S WHARF' and a list of services including groceries, deli, fishing tackle, seafood, and lobster.
Property grounds
Marina
Kitchen

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Washer

Explore the area

View in a map
South Bristol, ME
  • Place, La Verna Preserve
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional)
    ‪65 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

2 bedrooms (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Quiet, authentic Maine village overlooking historic harbor in Mid-Coast Maine

Restored Cottage overlooking historic harbor with natural beauty and authenticity.

Walk to buy fresh lobsters or to restaurants overlooking the ocean. Watch lobster boats head out to John's Bay or Damariscotta River, and classic boats crossing through the drawbridge.

Internet, Television Streaming, DVD library and cable services.

Nice deck and backyard for reading and taking in views. Boat tours out of nearby towns. Property does not have direct access to the water. One public dock is down the street and a public landing is two streets away.

Local markets available for necessities, seafood, coffee, and newspapers. Easy drive to art, botanical gardens, and museums in Bath, Camden, Rockland, New Harbor and Brunswick. Music concerts in Damariscotta Region. Pemaquid Lighthouse a popular site and boat cruises to nearby islands.

Christmas Cove restaurant and Rutherford Library are popular with guests.

Deck overlooks harbor, flowers, and birdlife. View extends to Pemaquid River.

Off-street parking.

Enjoy a true Maine village without commercialism, but all of the amenities that one needs.

Perfect for one person or couple.

Spectrum Cable, DVD, gas grill, limited heat, and A/C if necessary.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Small family cottage, fine for children.
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Events

No events allowed
Not appropriate for parties or events.
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Pets

No pets allowed, service animals permitted
Trained dog allowed with permission from Owner.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed inside or out.
No Smoking Allowed on Premises, including outside.
Pets are not allowed on furniture or beds.
We care for our cottage, and we ask that our guests treat it like their own.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 572191
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Not appropriate for parties or events.
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 and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

South Bristol

Located in South Bristol, this cottage is by the sea. Boothbay Region Land Trust and Boothbay Harbor Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore La Verna Preserve and Fort Point. Pemaquid Craft Co-op and Opera House at Boothbay Harbor are also worth visiting. Kayaking and motor boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and rock climbing nearby.
View more Cottages in South BristolOpens in a new window
Map
South Bristol, ME

What's nearby

  • Pemaquid Craft Co-op - 20 min drive - 20.4 km
  • La Verna Preserve - 23 min drive - 19.7 km
  • Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve - 23 min drive - 23.2 km
  • Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park - 27 min drive - 25.7 km
  • Boothbay Harbor Marina - 52 min drive - 61.7 km

Getting around

  • Wiscasset, ME (ISS) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬48 min drive
  • ‪South Bristol Fisherman's Coop - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Boothbay Lobster Wharf - ‬50 min drive
  • ‪Tugboat Inn - ‬50 min drive
  • ‪Shaw's Fish & Lobster Wharf - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Quiet, authentic Maine village overlooking historic harbor in Mid-Coast Maine pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Quiet, authentic Maine village overlooking historic harbor in Mid-Coast Maine ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Quiet, authentic Maine village overlooking historic harbor in Mid-Coast Maine ?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Quiet, authentic Maine village overlooking historic harbor in Mid-Coast Maine located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Fort Point and within 12 mi (20 km) of La Verna Preserve and Pemaquid Craft Co-op. Biscay Pond and Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute house in great area

Postcard cottage and great to access scenic beauty and sites
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay at the Mills cottage. The host was in communication before and during our stay and made sure we were not in need of anything. The cottage is quaint and a bit quirky but was very suitable for the two of us. Thoroughly enjoyed the deck overlooking the cove/harbor. There were plentiful birds, hummingbirds, butterflies and flowers in bloom.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

Great place. Very quaint. Lovely views.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 23, 2024
Thank you, Marlyse. Happy to hear that you enjoyed South Bristol. Thank you for visiting.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay in South Bristol

Always special. Everything was perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

cozy cottage for two

This was our second time staying here. We love the view from backyard of the harbor. Owner is very helpful, if you need directions. If you want a place away , without commercial busyness, this is it!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 19, 2023
Dear John and Jackie, Thank you for your nice remarks. We are pleased that you wanted to return to South Bristol. It is a special place. We hope that you have a milder winter this year in New York. All the best. Christina Mills
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer

Another wonderful stay at the Mill’s cottage. Very convenient and quaint.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 8, 2024
Jane, It is nice to have guests with friends and family in the area. We are pleased that it worked out for you to come again this year.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing cottage

This was perfect for our honeymoon. It is Very quiet and quaint. The location is great for exploring the area. The property manager was great. We would luv to go back. We really enjoyed the view and our coffee on the deck, in the mornings. We would definitely recommend this cottage.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 24, 2023
Dear Brenda, Thank you for your kind remarks. We are pleased that you appreciate our cottage as much as we do. It is a special place and a lovely harbor. All the best to you!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely waterside cottage

We had a lovely time here. The house was very comfortable and the neighborhood was enjoyable. Small store, well stocked convenience store just a block away. I am just sad that the bakery was already closed for the season when we were there.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 1, 2023
Cynthia, You had an interesting program when you were here. You did well to attend all of your classes and still take in the sights of South Bristol and beyond. Maybe you can come back a little earlier and experience more of the pleasures of the mid-coast of Maine. It has many hidden treasures. Thank you for your visit!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Quaint cottage

Mills cottage is a quaint little cottage in a small fishing village. There are some very good hiking trails near the property and the town of Damariscotta is about a half hour away. There are kayak rentals and other activities there. South Bristol is good for relaxing and unplugging.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family cottage

The cottage was comfortable and in a beautiful location, overlooking a harbor. We’d like to have had cable tv for national news. It’s a long drive to most museums, towns and interesting sites, but the drive is along beautiful roads, which we enjoyed.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 10, 2022
Our Spectrum Cable includes Wi-Fi, ABC, CBS, NBC, Maine Fox, and BBC and World News on PBS. Also, CSPAN. Roku provides access to Netflix and Amazon. Mainly Maine News and Weather on most stations, along with Local Access for Maine Events. Newscasters include Lester Holt, Norah O'Donnell, David Muir, Judy Woodruff and others.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Million dollar view

Pictures don't do it justice, view is amazing. Morning coffee watching the lobster fishermen get around is all the entertainment we needed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming harborside cottage

The cottage was charming and the view of “the gut” and the working harbor was wonderful. I loved having to cross the drawbridge to get home. Christina’s flower gardens added another special touch. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here on Rutherford Island! Recommend the clam chowder at Coveside and the Pemaquid Seafood restaurant just 10 min away. Thanks for a great time in a special place!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
We are pleased to hear that our guests enjoy our cottage and view as much as we do. South Bristol is an authentic Maine harbor town, and it is refreshing to be in a sweet village with the many amenities of the Mid-coast area. Thank you for visiting!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay!

My husband and I spent a week in South Bristol and thoroughly enjoyed it. The bed was comfortable. And the sofa was a great seating area. I really enjoyed sitting in the rocking chair looking at the water as it rained several days and we were not able to use the deck as much as I would have like. Walking is fine along the road but you must be on the look out for cars going by. We walked to Osier's several times to eat. Many sites to visit in the area. Excellent experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

South Bristol vacation

Charming little cottage, perfect for the two of us. View from deck, is awesome!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

South Bristol

Our stay couldn’t have been nicer. Quaint setting and homey atmosphere. Comfortable and clean. We loved everything about the cottage!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage in beautiful location

This is the perfect cottage for 2-4 people. It’s lovely to have a view from the bedrooms and wake up to see the sun glistening on the water. The kitchen is well stocked with pots, dishes and glassware if you like to cook and eat in.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good times

Very well equipped. There were a lot of things we brought that we didn't need, as other years we needed sheets, blankets, etc. Heat worked well. Only problem was raccoons getting into garbage every night. We need a bungie cord to secure lid on can. Thank you for a happy week. Any chance for next June?
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic communication with owner

Enjoyed our stay. Beautiful location on the harbor. Cottage has everything you need. Good location for day trips. Our first day the television would not work. We contacted the owners. They immediately arranged to purchase a new one which we picked up. Have never experienced such quick response to an issue. Truly amazing. Would come back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Breath of Old Time Maine

A working harbor of lobster boats, skiffs, & pleasure craft viewed over a riot of color- hydrangea, snowballs, pinks & purples & Black- eyed Susans leaning back in Adirondack chairs. Coffee on deck, in morning mist, hum of early traffic & drawbridge lifting for boats to pass. Small cottage tucked between two classic ME homes but private with trees, rocks, plantings. Lush green backyard delightful for reading, (good collection of books!) sketching, playing my banjo. Great hot shower, cool nights with comfy bed & crisp linens. Busy hummingbirds & a bold red squirrel kept us smiling. Easy location for daily trips to explore the area & sample food & views! Ice Pond Museum & pond a favorite.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 19, 2021
Happy to hear that you enjoyed the water view, the flowers and the birds that they draw. We are grateful for the authentic and beautiful South Bristol harbor that we all enjoy. It is a special place. Thank you for sharing your positive thoughts.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing getaway

The cottage is in a great location overlooking a fishing harbor and a drawbridge with the caution light at the foot of the driveway. The cottage is quaint with an old time feel having a cute little deck with adirondack chairs and a lobster cage table. In the morning you can hear the boats leaving for the day from the bedroom window. We enjoyed getting lunch at Oisers Market and chatting with the fisherman. We had a great lobster dinner at the Fisherman's Co-Op with the freshest steamers ever! The cottage was convenient for us to take rides to the Botanical Gardens, Camden, Pemaquid Lighthouse, New Harbor and Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. We recommend the cottage for a quaint rustic feel getaway.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 16, 2021
Dear Ann, You found all of the best places to visit in the Mid-coast area. We appreciated having you as guests. Thank you for sharing with others the enjoyable attributes of the South Bristol area. Christina Mills
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property

Great communication to setup the rental, fast and easy when arriving.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Lovely spot, upgrades needed asap.

We absolutely loved the location of the Mills Cottage on Rutherford Island just past the drawbridge with views of the Marina from the deck. That was stellar. We found the accommodations to be less so. The beds were not at all comfortable and there is not an inviting or comfortable chair to be found inside or outside the cottage. The Adirondack chairs on the deck are very old, very low to the ground and very splintered, making it difficult to enjoy this marvelous spot. We took a trip to Dick's and bought ourselves a couple of patio chairs to take advantage of the spot without risk of injury. The bed was not at all comfortable or 'giving' in any way and the couch sank to such a degree when one sat in it that the arm rests were at shoulder height and it took the cooperation of a willing partner to arise from a seated position. All of this and more was shared with the owners who acknowledged that they are "working on it". In spite of the accommodations, we enjoyed out time in South Bristol and nearby areas and do intend to return although not to the Mills Cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 13, 2021
We regret that our preference for Wooden Adirondack Chairs, Firm Mattresses, Cotton Sheets, and Classic Furniture was not the taste of these guests. We are pleased that our new box springs, firm mattresses and authentic chairs please most of our guests looking for a visit in a uniquely quaint environment. We are pleased that our reviews have been positive in the past. Our care, upkeep and cleanliness of the property is of upmost importance to us.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

During our week stay, we enjoyed the deck view. The location and town were wonderful. Osiers and the Co-op met our lobster cravings! Communication was great with owners, lots of information about the Area. The cottage is as described. Our small children loved the walk to the drawbridge. Biggest drawback was the seating outside and inside the cottage weren't comfortable for us to wind down at the end of a long day of exploring and dining table wasn't family of 4 (2 small guys), friendly.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

Another great visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage!

My husband and I have rented 6 different homes in Midcoast Maine, and we're in agreement that this is our favorite! The house is a quick walk to Osier's Seafood and the South Bristol Fishermen's Co-op. There's a great selection of well-marked town maintained trails, great for dog walking or short hikes, a short drive away. It was well stocked with kitchen essentials for vacation cooking and pamphlets for local businesses and trails. We would definitely recommend it for the single person, couple or small family who is looking to experience quiet, fishing village/Midcoast Maine, but still needs reliable internet access.
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 28, 2020
Thank you for your kind review. Our cottage seems to attract guests who are looking for a quiet, authentic Maine village. South Bristol is special. We love it, and we appreciate others who have the same interest and love of our village and harbor. All the best. Lad and Christina Mills

About the host

Hosted by Lad and Christina Mills

Host profile image
We appreciate the quaint village and cottage, and hope our guests will, also. The town dock is a great place to tie up a dingy or canoe, or sit at the table so nicely situated. We enjoy the village atmosphere, the beautiful views, and close proximity to fresh lobster.

Wifi was added this year, to accommodate our friends and guests.

Please book by the week, from Saturday to Saturday, to accommodate cleaning service, unless coming for a special event, or with agreement from the hosts.

Why they chose this property

Very authentic part of Maine, with lovely views and walkability. Great art museums within an hour.
Lobster and good food available on Rutherford Island, Round Pond, and Damariscotta.

What makes this property unique

Cozy cottage with deck and wonderful views from all rooms. Walk to village stores for coffee, newspapers, and necessities.

Languages:

English, French
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