The Frederick Law Olmsted Summer Home, also known as Felsted, is a historic house located on the west side of Deer Isle, Maine. It was designed by well-known architect William Ralph Emerson and built in 1896. It was originally the summer home of the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (designer of Central Park in NY). The house is a high-quality example of Shingle style architecture and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Among its many incredible features is that Mr. Emerson placed the house so that you can see the sunset over the ocean and distant islands every day of the year. It is a unique and beautiful property, with stunning views to North Haven, the Camden Hills, and the Eagle Island lighthouse. There are over 600 feet of shoreline along East Penobscot Bay, with Pink granite ledges, and a private beach. The covered porch sits high over the ocean and is the ideal spot to sit peacefully with morning coffee, and to watch the sunset in the evenings.

Felsted has been a long-time family home, and is available for rental for the first time. Your hosts live nearby, and have many years of experience in hospitality and property management. They will do everything they can to make sure you have a wonderful stay. Please read this entire description before requesting a reservation. Thank you!

Felsted was a hotel between about 1925 and 1940, and it has been the setting for two movies: Mel Gibson’s 1993 movie “Man Without a Face”, and the 2003 movie “Finding Home”. Felsted has also been featured in numerous books on architecture, including on the cover of Bret Morgan’s recent book: “Summer Houses by the Sea”. It is a wonderful spot for extended family gatherings, and a great place to explore!

In total, there are 8 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. There are 6 bedrooms on the second floor - two kings, one queen, one bunk bed (double below, twin above), and two twins. One of the 2nd floor twin bedrooms has a trundle bed. There are also two full bathrooms (1 tub/shower combination, and 1 stall shower), and a laundry room. There are two bedrooms on the first floor – one king and one twin with trundle bed, as well as a full bath (1 tub/shower combination).

On the first floor you will find a large eat-in kitchen with gas stove, dishwasher and microwave. There is an elegant wood-paneled living room, dining room and sitting room all overlooking the ocean.

Felsted sits on over 4 acres, and has a private beach with beach chairs, hammock, propane fire pit and a picnic table. It is the perfect spot to launch your kayaks, or enjoy swimming and beach combing. There is also a 5 person hot-tub.

Felsted is only a short drive to Stonington, the lobster capital of Maine. You will find everything you need at the property to prepare lobster feasts.

Felsted is close to many wonderful activities available on Deer Isle, including Aragosta at Goose Cove, recently named “Best Waterfront Restaurant in Maine” by DownEast Magazine. The Barred Island hiking trail is within walking distance of the house, and there are many other trails on Deer Isle managed by the Island Heritage Trust. Isle au Haut is a beautiful island off the coast of Stonington. It is home to portions of Acadia National Park, and is accessible by ferry from Stonington. In addition, Deer Isle offers many shops, galleries, 44 North Coffee, a farmer’s market, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Nervous Nellie’s, and the Deer Isle Granite Museum.

Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are close enough for day trips, whale watches and more!

Please read this paragraph before you request a reservation. Felsted is available to rent from Saturday to Saturday during the summer months. During other times of year we have more flexibility in the rental schedule. Feel free to write and ask about renting in fall or spring. Felsted is a much loved and lived-in family home. It is 127 years old this year. It is a magnificent historic home, but it does have flaws. We work hard to keep up with the work, but there are some cracks in the old plaster and there are always areas that need some paint. The garage and boat house on the property are not part of the rental. There is internet, but no cable TV. There is a TV with a collection of DVDs for kids and adults. If you have any questions, please write and we are happy to answer!