Entire home

A Prism in the Wood

Photo gallery for A Prism in the Wood

View from the Western side. The main staircase to second floor is visible.
Spring view from northeast corner
The gas fireplace. On the left the entrance foyer, on the right a screened porch
Right: top view on the kitchen island. Dining table by Le Corbusier for Cassina
Dining table designed by Le Corbusier (for Cassina). Chairs by Arne Jacobsen
Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 4210 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor space

Check out the area

Map
Mount Desert, ME
  • Popular LocationAcadia National Park6 min drive
  • Popular LocationAcadia National Park's Visitors Center11 min drive
  • AirportBar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)14 min drive
  • Popular LocationCadillac Mountain26 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Second floor, open to the main living room

1 Queen Bed

Third floor, at the apex of the A-shaped house

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet

Bathroom 2

Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Garden

About this property

A Prism in the Wood

A Prism in the Wood is an award winning architecturally designed home nestled in the woods of Mt. Desert, through which passes the constantly changing light of the Maine seasons. The house is a frame of steel tubes completely enclosed in glass with the living spaces within floating like platforms through the grid. A light steel stair reaches up through the steel tubes to the second floor and a further spiral stair connects to the owner’s private quarters on the uppermost level. The levels are also connected by a free-standing glass elevator, the use of which is reserved to people above 21 year-old without children.

The ceilings are of unfinished fir planks and the floors of maple. All materials and finishes are hypoallergenic or chemically neutral.

The structure is anchored at one end by the concrete mass of the fireplace that serves on the outside as a giant scupper carrying off the rainwater from the long sloping roof. Standing on light steel extensions of the interior frame the house floats above the forest floor, visually and physically connected at the entrance by massive slabs of granite. Furniture is of contemporary design, mostly manufactured in Italy and Denmark. Contemporary artworks are hanged on the wall, suspended from the interior frame and free-standing on the floor.

This stunning property has been published several times in architecture magazines, books and on the NYT. It as all you will need for your island visit, the perfect place to relax at the end of and active day in the park. Centrally located in Mount Desert, it lies at about 500 meters from the top tip of Some Sound.

FIRST FLOOR: Enter into a light and modern great room. Comfortable seating by the gas fireplace with a nearby screened in porch. Dining area with a large round table and seating for six. Kitchen with gas stove and spacious pantry. Home office space with access to a large garage with two large floor-to-ceiling windows. Half bath.

SECOND FLOOR: Open, loft style bedroom with Queen bed. Full bath with tub and shower.

THIRD FLOOR: Master bedroom with Queen bed, and full bath including shower and small soaking tub.

BASEMENT with laundry machine and dryer.

EXTRAS: Elevator available for for occupants over 21 years of age. Though a very useful convenience this elevator poses a potential hazard and must be operated with the utmost of caution and at its own risk. Outdoor propane grill. Large garage. NO AIR CONDITIONING.

WARNINGS
Among the complains received are:
1. “The top floor mattress is way too firm”. It is true that it is thin and very firm. But that is the bed where the home owner sleeps, and how he likes it ….

2. No blinds on the bedroom windows. The house configuration, with two full walls of glass, doesn’t allow for it

3. In summer, before the birch trees reach full foliage, early morning sun can be annoying for people lying in bed

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 5:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Guests expressed concerns for too young children

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
There is a pet fee. Make sure you select it.

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
The main sofa has several stains
Use of elevator is at tenants’ own risks. Owners will not be held liable for malfunctioning or failures.
Elevator use is restricted to people older than 21 years.Never use the elevator while alone at home, as in case of malfunctioning nobody can help you.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Mount Desert

Located in Mount Desert, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the ocean. Bar Harbor Whale Watching is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Mount Desert, ME

What's nearby

  • Acadia National Park - 6 min drive
  • Echo Lake Beach - 10 min drive
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 11 min drive
  • Otter Cliff - 19 min drive
  • Cadillac Mountain - 26 min drive

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • Jordan Pond House Restaurant - 24 min drive
  • Shell - 5 min drive
  • Tan Turtle Tavern - 16 min drive
  • The Chart Room - 17 min drive
  • Beal's Lobster Pier - 14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A Prism in the Wood pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at A Prism in the Wood?

Check-in begins at 5:30 PM.

What time is check-out at A Prism in the Wood?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A Prism in the Wood located?

Situated by the ocean, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Acadia Repertory Theater and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Acadia National Park. Maine Granite Industry Museum and Long Pond are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rest+Recharge+Inspire = Prism
The location is well situated for tackling both sides of MDI/Acadia National Park yet feels beautifully remote. The house itself is like living within an inspired piece of modern art, both architecturally and in its interior design and furnishings. Interestingly, not withstanding the expanses of glass and metal, it was also very comfortable. The baths and kitchen are ready for a facelift, and the homeowner confirmed that those are in the works as we write this. That will only add to what is already a magical space. If you want to explore Acadia National Park and return to a home that is private, quiet, and relaxing, yet also capable of generating new energy and inspiring your own creativity, this is your destination.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay in the Woods!
We had a remarkable time at Prism in the Woods. You literally felt like you were in the middle of Acadia National Park. It was quiet, great places to walk, close to fun sites and eateries…nothing but beautiful memories!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An incredible experience for everyone
A Prism in the Woods is a destination in and of itself, but also served as an amazing home base for our Acadia adventures. We have been to MDI multiple times previously and this is truly one our favorite travel experiences. Thank you Stefano for being so helpful, accommodating and accessible!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Peter S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical window into the woods
A rare opportunity to stay in an architectural marvel
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C., New Orleans, Louisiana

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacation in an Art Installation
The place was fantastic. It was like staying inside an art installation. The cabin of glass removed the boundaries and felt like you were one with the forest. We quickly adjusted to sleeping when the sun was down and rising with the sun in the morning. The place had everything and was in walking distance to the water. We loved our stay and took full advantage of the kitchen and the heated floors. Fantastic experience.
Stayed 16 nights in Jun 2023

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