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Authentic maine cottage with direct water frontage

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Washburn Cottage
Relaxing on the back porch
One of the 3 upstairs bedrooms
Easy water access for kayaks
Washburn Cottage

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Deck or patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Onsite parking available

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Authentic maine cottage with direct water frontage

This turn of the century cottage has been lovingly preserved and updated tastefully by our family for 4 generations. Located on Merriconeag Sound, it has easy access from the back yard to the pebbly beach where you can launch your kayak or explore the tidal pools. The wrap around porch is perfect for lounging while watching the spectacular sunsets and listening to the gulls and waves. This is a special place full of old world charm for the whole family to take a break and relax together.
Special note for fall travelers: There is a $500.00 fuel charge that you will see in your payment details. However, whatever fuel you do not use , the amount will be refunded to you within 30 days after your stay.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 30

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Stairs are steep and house is not baby proofed

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Please do not smoke on the property at all

No more than 2 vehicles No tents or RV's No smoking anywhere on the property

Important information

You need to know

Property # 164879
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Bailey Island

Located in Bailey Island, this cottage is on the waterfront. Gulf of Maine and Brunswick Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Brunswick Town Commons and Casco Bay. Paddleworks and Land's End Gift Shop are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with sailing, fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.
View more Cottages in Bailey IslandOpens in a new window
Map
Bailey Island, ME

What's nearby

  • Cobwork Bridge - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • beach near Garrison Cove Road - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • beach near Harpswell Islands Road - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Bailey Island Bridge - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • beach near Water Cove - 19 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • Brunswick Station - 30 min drive
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cook's Lobster & Ale House - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bailey Island General Store - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Morse’s - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Dolphin Marina & Restaurant - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Holbrooks Lobster Wharf - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Authentic maine cottage with direct water frontage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Authentic maine cottage with direct water frontage ?

As of 1 Jun 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Authentic maine cottage with direct water frontage on 28 Aug 2026 start from £295, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Authentic maine cottage with direct water frontage ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Authentic maine cottage with direct water frontage ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Authentic maine cottage with direct water frontage ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Authentic maine cottage with direct water frontage located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is steps away from Casco Bay and Cobwork Bridge. Bailey Island Bridge and Mackerel Cove are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

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. 8 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne H.

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

We were blessed with remarkable weather! One night of rain in two weeks.

a classic cottage with three bedrooms and a very well equipped kitchen. The wrap-around porch was an ideal spot morning, noon and night!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary T.

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

A peaceful Maine coast retreat

This rustic family cottage right on the ocean is the perfect spot for a simple old-fashioned Maine summer vacation (but with fast Internet). It’s in the best location on Bailey Island: walk to famous Cooks and other seafood restaurants, kayak rental outfitter, general store, post office, small beaches off the beaten track. But it’s also quiet and peaceful. Launch your kayak from the back yard, or just relax in the porch’s comfortable chairs, reading and watching the lobster boats work and the tide come in. I had a few Zoom meetings while watching the water from the porch! I found lots of good books to read in the cottage instead of books I’d brought with me. Lois is wonderful to work with. Neighbors are great. Cottage was meticulously clean and neat when I arrived for a month (my son’s family live nearby in Harpswell with a new baby). Kitchen has everything you’d need for cooking or baking. I miss hearing the waves as I go to sleep. My grown daughter loved spending one night in the twin bedroom and said it was like summer camp. I didn’t want to leave. Thank you Lois.
Stayed 28 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

Kathleen W.

Love Bailey Island! ⛵🌞

Washburn cottage is the best location on the island! So relaxing to sit on the porch and look over the water. The cottage is cozy and comfortable.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2018
Archival

4/10 Poor

Kathy P.

The property is nice. A bit noisy with the traffic going to / from the restaurant

The property is nice. A few things my husband and I noticed: 1. The refrigerator was not clean. Vegetable bins could have been washed or wiped clean. 2. The microwave had what looked like butter splattered all over. Did not notice it until my husband went to use it on Thursday. 3. The shower is a bit small. 4. Need to post on bulletin where to find mousetrap. Noticed droppings on kitchen counter early morning and had to email owner to check if any mousetrap anywhere in the cabin later in the evening when we notice a mouse run behind the gas stove in the living/ dining room. These are minor things that most people probably overlook, but when I am spending quite a bit, expect at least the refrigerator/microwave to be clean.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Archival

8/10 Good

Eileen C.

Great place

Spent a week at Washburn cottage - so nice to go to sleep and wake up with the ocean waves. Lois was wonderful to work with!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca D.

Relaxing, quiet... Perfect!

As others have mentioned, Washburn Cottage was wonderful! We had great communication with Lois, the neighbors were great. The cottage was warm and cozy, we felt so welcomed and relaxed here. We had 3 small children with us and they loved it, there is something there for everyone. We played catch/Frisbee on the lawn, scoured the shore for cool treasures during low tide, swam during high tide and fished. My 6yrold was psyched to catch his first striper! The weather was fantastic, cool evenings and mornings, the only time it got really hot was when the sun was setting and the wind dies down. The cottage while hot during the day could off nicely for great sleeping (and that ocean air... Aaaahhhh) The kids thought it was great that the 'pirate' ship sailed by (schooner) and looked huge sailing by the dinning room windows. There is so much to do in the area, we loved checking out the local farmers market, but our favorite was reading, playing games and just relaxing at the cottage... Thanks so much Lois for sharing this very special place with us, we will be back next year!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jill F.

The best place to stay on Bailey!

I just returned from our week at Washburn Cottage. The weather was a little chilly, quite a bit of fog for the first few days and we had a wicked good thunderstorm. Some of our highlights were: The majestic Portland Head Light (1 hour) Freeport (40 minutes) Exploring Bailey Island (shops and Giant Stairs) Boothbay Harbor (1 hour) We ate in most of the time, but two notable restaurants were: David's (on Memorial Way in Portland) Sea Dog (in Topsham, 30 minutes) The best highlight was the cottage. Most of our time was spent on the porch reading. We found a lot of seaglass as well. The cottage is fully equipped with everything (but bring a towel for drying dishes). It was my friend's birthday so I made a cake and frosting from scratch. I had everything I needed - baking pan, mixing bowl, spoons, measuring cups/spoons even a hand-held mixer. There are plenty of plates, glasses, mugs and silverware. Go to the cottage before buying spices and things you "might" need. There is sugar, salt, pepper, oregano and other good things there. Remember how I said it was rainy and foggy? No big deal. There is a cd player, a tv and some movies to watch and plenty of different books and magazines to read. While you need to bring your own sheets, there are plenty of blankets to help stay warm. Even if it's warm during the day, the cottage cools off at night. We bundled up on the porch to read our books until we couldn't see anymore. Washburn Cottage has the best shore on the west side of Bailey Island. You can watch the tide go in and out and discover little friends the tide left behind. In the evening we were visited by a family of ducks and Harry (the Heron). Grab the binoculars and watch him hunt, the seagulls and other birds dive for their food and the ducks swim along. Though it's not wildlife, the seaglass on the shore is amazing. You can have your own treasure hunt. The pictures do not do the cottage justice, it is cozy and quiet. If you are looking for a sprawling mansion on the water, this is not for you. If you are looking for a place that's in the middle of it all with lots to do, it's not for you. It is a cozy cottage, wooden inside which a huge, covered wrap-around porch. It was clean when we arrived and we tried to leave it just as clean when we left. Lois is very easy to communicate with. I have recommended it to friends but I need to be careful because I want it to be available for me next year!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kelly C.

A quintessential Maine cottage

We have been staying at the Washburn Cottage for many years now. We look forward to our stay all year long, as it is the highlight of every summer for our family. Some of the best parts of our stay have been sunsets seen from the back porch, the access to the shoreline where we can walk along the water, the rustic, cottage feel of the Washburn and the central location to everything the island has to offer. We really enjoy visiting the restaurants in the immediate area, such as The Cribstone restaurant, BIGS and the Saltwater Cafe, along with many other restaurants in the surrounding Harpswell area. We have found many hiking and walking trails in the area, one of our favorites being Mitchell Field on Harpswell. But most of all, we just love being able to sit on the back porch at the cottage and relax without feeling like we have to go anywhere. In conclusion, we absolutely LOVE the Washburn Cottage and look forward to returning for many summers to come.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jill F.

Relaxing, Refreshing and Better Than Advertised!

The cottage is better than imagined. It's cozy with it's wooden beams and "fireplace". We loved the wraparound porch in case of rain. The bedrooms which are upstairs get warm during the day but cool off at night with the frequent breeze that streams through the cottage. It's a quiet neighborhood with friendly neighbors. We even found a banana hammock that the kids (18 and 16) enjoyed. I preferred the Adirondack chairs and wicker furniture on the porch. Didn't bring books? No need, there are plenty from many genres. The cottage was clean and the lawn was well-maintained. We had the best shore with easy access to the water for swimming and to launch the kayak. We found many treasures on the shores - seaglass, stones, shells... There are binoculars available but bring your own shampoo/soaps. The kitchen had every appliance/pot/pan/utensil we needed, but please bring your dish towel for drying. Small clothesline and clothespins for drying swimsuits and towels. Lois was very easy to work with and she was accessible via text/phone if we needed anything (which we didn't). We traveled to: Boothbay Harbor (shopping, lunch at Kahler's and boat excursions) Freeport (shopping, lobster grilled cheese and L.L.Bean). Favorite stores - Mangy Moose, Sherman's Bookstore, Cool as a Moose, Abacus, When Pigs Fly (homemade bread) and Wicked Whoopies (many flavors). Did I say L.L. Bean?! Reid State Park - sandy beach as well as a rocky beach. $7.50/person for non-Maine residents, slightly less if you are lucky enough to reside in Maine. Portland - shopping, Portland Lobster Company and Portland Head Light Across the cribstone bridge at Orr's Island - Island Candy Company (ice cream and homemade candy), Salt Cod Café (the best blueberry scones ever) and watershoes at H2Outfitters On the island - Morse's Cribstone Grill (drink bottled beverages, their water is not good), Land's End Gifts and my personal favorite, Seaside Creations for unique handmade gifts by local Maine artists. Buy and send postcards early. The post office has limited hours. The best activity was being at the cottage and just "being". It was much better than the pictures! Will I recommend it? I already have and will be rebooking for next year. I wish we could stay for several weeks! Thank you, Lois, for the attention you give to this sweet cottage. It's not fancy, but it has everything we are looking for in a Maine waterfront cottage. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Shannon F.

We should've stayed for two weeks!

Our family had a fantastic time exploring Bailey Island and relaxing at the Washburn cottage. If you're looking for posh and fancy this probably isn't your style but if you want to enjoy some quiet, simple down time this is perfect. The cottage was very clean and had everything we needed and the owner was very attentive. We walked to the general store (BIGS) every morning for our coffee and swam in the sound off the back yard every day at high tide. We saw so many kayakers from our perch on the back porch that my husband and sons decided to give it a go for an afternoon and had a great time exploring the island's coast from the water. With fresh seafood available at the end of the street (Cook's Lobster House) or at any number of other spots close by and beautiful sunsets we barely wanted to leave the island. Portland was close enough that we couldn't resist catching a Sea Dogs game, which the kids always love, and Freeport was such an easy ride we did a little shopping as well. We also enjoyed a two hour ferry ride that left right from Cook's, which is an easy walk from the cottage, and took us around the many islands in the area during which we spotted an osprey and several seals (the kids were on seal watch all week and spotted several more from the back porch). It was definitely the most enjoyable week of our summer and we hope to return next year!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rustic, peaceful, refreshing!

A wonderful getaway on the coast of Maine. Nice cottage feel, refreshing sea-air, and sunsets that beat the band. Cooks Lobster House is a stone's throw away--yes that's walking distance--to satiate the seafood cravings. Owner is very accommodating and reasonable! Can you tell we enjoyed our stay?

About the host

Hosted by Lois Van Aken

Host profile image

Hi
My grandparents purchased this cottage and it has been handed down through my mother to me. I have had the pleasure of spending summers here since I was a child and still come for several weeks each year even though I now live on the west coast. Many changes have been made to the cottage over the years while still managing to retain its old world feel. When I was a kid, there wasn't running water so we fetched our water in buckets from a neighbors well!
It is a special place for our family and hope it becomes one for your family too.

Why they chose this property

Unique vintage cottage that has been upgraded to be comfortable while maintaining its old world feel.
While cozy and special, it is a rustic house without the bells and whistles of many current vacation rentals. Please call or write me if you have questions.

What makes this property unique

It is a prime location on the water for easy access for beach combing, bathing and kayaking.

Languages:

English

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