A Comfortable and Well Furnished Cottage Away from Home
We call it our cottage but it's really a second home. It is a weekly rental with arrival and departure on Saturday. Enjoy fabulous sunsets from this idyllic coastal cottage situated in one of Maine's most picturesque harbors. A large screened porch faces west and graces the front of the cottage providing additional space with views of the inner harbor directly out to Blue Hill Bay. Inside you will find a master bedroom with bath and walk-in closet (the bed is queen size with a firm mattress), a living room with harbor views (large TV with cable and DVD player, radio, and wireless internet access), a gourmet eat-in kitchen, a second bedroom with two single beds that can be converted to a king size bed. Let the rental agent know if you would like the king size bed made up prior to your arrival. There is another room with futon that will comfortably sleep one or two youngsters. There are fans but a cottage on the ocean usually receives cool breezes so are rarely needed. There is a well equipped kitchen and gas grill in the shed. If you like eating out, there are several nice places nearby. There is a lobster dealer within walking distance that sells live lobster and fresh crab meat. Pots for boiling lobster and steaming clams are in the basement and a propane boiler is in the outside shed. Precooked takeout of clams and lobster can be purchased on the other side of the harbor - short drive. The cottage is elevated from the road in front and with landscaping it offers privacy. The front lawn is level. Bass Harbor Lighthouse is an easy mile walk (one-way). Aa short drive (5 minutes)will take you to either the Ship Harbor or the Wonderland trails and a leisurely hike along the ocean shore. Use our hiking guides to find the many other trails in Acadia National Park or maps for bike loops. Bike rentals are available four miles away in Southwest Harbor. Kayak rentals are also available nearby. Guided kayak trips can be arranged in Southwest Harbor. The Island Explorer shuttle stop is a two minute walk and will take you and your bicycle almost anywhere you would like to go on Mt Desert Island. Parking can be an issue in Acadia National Park so the bus can be a good way to travel.
Keywords:
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Lock
Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo
If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Bass Harbor
Located in Bass Harbor, this cottage is by the ocean. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain. Naturalist's Notebook and Wild Gardens of Acadia are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
Wonderland Trail Trailhead - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
Cadillac Mountain - 38 min drive - 35.8 km
Getting around
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
Vacationland Coffee Roasters - 6 min drive
Archie’s Lobster - 3 min drive
Milagro's - 7 min drive
Peter Trout’s Restaurant & Inn - 7 min drive
Thurston's Lobster Pound - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is A Comfortable and Well Furnished Cottage Away from Home pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
What time is check-in at A Comfortable and Well Furnished Cottage Away from Home?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A Comfortable and Well Furnished Cottage Away from Home?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is A Comfortable and Well Furnished Cottage Away from Home located?
Situated by the ocean, this cottage is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Wonderland Trail Trailhead and within 6 miles (10 km) of Acadia National Park and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead and Wendell Gilley Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
15 Sept 2011
Such a wonderful locatrion and cottage
We had a marvelous week at the Cottage at Bass Harbor. Close enough to everything you need but far enough away from the hub bub of Bar Harbor to make it a relaxing get away. We were pleasantly surprised by how nice and fresh and new it seemed unlike other rental properties that show their wear.
Highlights: sunset across Bass Harbor with four large schooners moored in the harbor, walking to buy fresh seafood down the street, walking on the shore looking for sea glass, sitting on the screen porch listening to the fog horns and reading, and hiking to the light house and the trail beyond. The whole week was special. We plan to come back someday!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
24 Aug 2012
Enjoy the Charm of the Quietside
Imagine the best in cottage chic decor lovingly maintained in what I would call a beautiful home rather than simply a rental cottage. A meticulously cared for property that has every amenity you can think of. We loved it and have already reserved again for next year! A view of Bass Harbor's fishing harbor and the sunset at night make for outstanding atmosphere. Two restaurants (including our favorite Seafood Ketch) and a wholesale lobster pier within walking distance. Near two of my favorite hiking trails for photography: Ship's Harbor Nature Trail and Wonderland - the latter is especially awesome during a minus tide. Island Cruises out of Bass Harbor has one of the best wildlife viewing cruises on Mount Desert Island, also within walking distance and great for young children. Another plus: the free Island Explorer shuttle bus. I can take the car and head over to Ocean Drive or something early in the morning to take photos, tell my husband to take the bus and meet me in Bar Harbor for breakfast. Could be good for teenagers due to free bus transport to Echo Lake or other locations. One downside is that there is a bit of traffic due to location across the street from the Bass Harbor Ferry Terminal. Cars and trucks line up in front of the cottage during the day to head over to Swan's Island. This occurs between 7:30 am and 5:30 p.m. But if you're a people watcher and keep your eyes and ears open while sitting on the porch, you might catch some interesting gossip about island life and some great Maine accents.
We've rented multiple houses across the country. Some take dogs, some don't. This particular house accepts dogs. What a nice surprise to enter a home that was incredibly clean, nice furnishings, well stocked kitchen, nice linensand Stonewall Kitchen bath projects in master! Most homes that take dogs have their share of wear and tear, but not this place! Not only was it well appointed, we didn't have to run straight out to the store and stock up on paper goods. Bar soap was provided, if needed, hairdryers, fans and lawn chairs. The screened in porch was perfect for morning coffee and watching lobster boats head out...... and then watching them return while enjoying a glass of wine later that afternoon. It was a nice getaway and pleasant surprise.
We loved this property! It was such a relaxing place to return to after busy days of hiking trails with many tourists. The screened- in front porch was delightful and the gas fireplace a bonus for chilly nights. This property is well taken care of by its owners.
Gretchen N.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
10/10 Excellent
Nick W., Ballwin, Missouri, USA
4 Oct 2018
Exceeded all expectations
We absolutely loved our stay at Cottage at Bass Harbor! Everything about it exceeded our expectations. It is in a great location on the quiet side of the island, yet close to restaurants and all that Acadia has to offer. The cottage is updated, very clean, with comfortable beds, spacious kitchen and cozy living room. We especially enjoyed sitting in the screened in porch looking out at the harbor.
Nick W.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
10/10 Excellent
Laurie K.
24 Sept 2018
Immaculately clean, beautifully maintained and well-provisioned house!
This house was the cleanest rental I've ever stayed in, and was well stocked with all we needed in terms of toiletries and kitchen supplies. The house is so nicely furnished. I especially appreciated excellent condition of the upholstered furniture in the living room -- in other houses I've rented, the furniture is often musty and old. The back of the house has a very pretty garden, and the front has a large lawn. The house is not in a secluded area (the Swans Ferry is across the street) but it was very quiet and very cozy. We really enjoyed our stay.
Laurie K.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
10/10 Excellent
Al S.
5 Sept 2018
Perfect Cottage
This is a wonderful cottage for a vacation. All the details are well thought through and executed. The kitchen is thoroughly equipped. The bedrooms and bathrooms have excellent sheets and towels. The screened in porch was really outstanding. Bass Harbor is away form the fray of the rest of the island but nothing is too far away. Bass Harbor is a working harbor and the lobster boats as well as the Swan Island ferry start early. This harbor feels very different from others on the island. We were very pleased.
Al S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
10/10 Excellent
Michael H.
27 Jul 2018
Felt like home
First time using VRBO, was a great experience. The house set the standard high for other house in the future. House was well equipped and plenty of room. The ferry traffic was not a problem, road was quiet after last ferry at 5:45. Nice to sit on the front porch and watch the lobster boats come and go.
Can walk to two different restaurants and to Bass Harbor light house. We did not use the free island shuttle but it ran on schedule all week.
The property owner was great to work with got back to me on questions right away.
Thank you for the stay
Michael H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
4 Oct 2017
The Very Best of the Best in Maine!
The Cottage at Bass Harbor was the best of the best! The cottage had absolutely everything we needed or wanted for a comfortable stay. It is welcoming, immaculate, well stocked, obviously well-loved, and best of all, located in the quiet Bass Harbor area with a front porch that offered amazing sunsets and views of the lobster fishing activity. We loved hearing the ferry fog horn, the puttering of the lobster boats and they left and returned each day. We loved hiking and exploring all day to return to quiet evenings watching the sunset shine across the harbor and through the trees, and walking to Seafood Ketch for dinner on the bay. Easy access to Hansen's Outpost for some quick things we needed, and also near enough to the IGA beyond SW Harbor for groceries. The owners and caretakers were helpful and responsive throughout the process. We tried to experience the entire area of Mount Desert while we were there. One of our favorite trips was to Schoodic sitting on the granite watching and listening to amazing waves, much larger than Thunderhole, crash against the coast. We filled our week to the fullest, and have a list of things we were not able to fit in for when we return next year. Can't wait to come back to this Cottage at Bass Harbor.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Dorothy G., Mason ohio
30 Sept 2017
Great location
Wonderful home. It was clean and spotless and very neat. It had all the amenities you could ask for. The kitchen was well stocked with plenty of dishes silverware pots and pans etc. The house was on the quiet side of the island away from the crowds. The ferry service across the street was no problem at all. Fantastic sunsets from the front porch! We would definitely stay here again when we come to Acadia.
Dorothy G.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Cheng-Shuo W.
14 Aug 2017
Great Vacation Home for Family
We had a wonderful time staying in the house and only wish we could stay longer. The house has everything we needed and more. All bed rooms and both bathrooms are clean well maintained. We will definitely book the house again when we visit Mount Desert Island next time.
Cheng-Shuo W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
1 Aug 2017
The "Quiet Side" at its best
The house is immaculate with every attribute to make one's stay there memorable. The view of the fishing harbor as the tides change and lobster boats and the Swans Island Ferry quietly come and go is truly special...much to enhance the Down East experience we were after. We absolutely hope we can repeat next year.
Bob and Jan Weekes
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Kathy W.
1 Aug 2017
Outstanding cottage and location !
This place is great -- great location , great cottage . Would return in a heartbeat .
Kathy W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Gary S.
1 Aug 2017
Cottage surpassed expectations!
The cottage was well appointed with everything in the kitchen we needed, comfortable beds, and even our 6 year old grandson loved it! We always enjoy Thurston's in nearby Bernard! Short drive to Acadia. Would definitely stay there again.
Gary S.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Jaime H.
20 Jul 2017
Perfect!!
Very nice home....didn't want to leave! Owner was very nice, as well as rental agent. Can't wait to come back!!
Jaime H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
24 Oct 2015
Perfect house on the quiet side
Thank you for reminding me that I didn't write a review for your lovely house. Everything was perfect from the location to the great kitchen and the comfortable bedrooms and the easy access to everything we wanted to do in the area. I would stay here again, anytime.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
JoANn e.
13 Aug 2014
Lovely Home Away from Home
Absolutely beautiful cottage. Clean, clean clean. First class in every way. The harbor was peaceful and fascinating to watch. Screened porch was relaxing and delightful. Contrary to a couple negative comments, we really enjoyed watching the ferry across the street, the line up of cars was quiet and completely unobtrusive. Nice locale to access the trails in Acadia Nat. Park and easy 25 minutes to Bar Harbor. Buying fresh lobsters down on the dock was a bonus. We loved it!!!
JoANn e.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Karl S.
27 Sept 2013
Lovely place, relaxing vacation
The owners have gone out of their way to make this cottage exceptional. It's in beautiful condition with wonderful decorating, modern appliances, and nice linens. You don't have to hunt for soap, detergent, or coffee filters--it's all here. Place is clean, clean, clean. Bright and refreshing. The screened-in porch is delightful. Some may find the cars waiting out front for the Swans Island Ferry bothersome--we did not. It's part of the life in this little harbor town. Be aware that some cars park overnight on the road, and there are generally cars lined up all day. In September when we rented, it was usually about 6 cars and a few trucks. This cottage is on the "quiet side" of Mt. Desert so if you're looking for the hub-bub of Bar Harbor you won't find it here. It takes about 20 minutes or so to reach Bar Harbor. At night, it is peaceful and quiet and the view of the harbor is lovely. After renting several homes on Mt. Desert, we think this is the best yet. One thing to be aware of is the driveways are quite steep. If you have a bike rack on the trailer hitch of your vehicle, you may not be able to get in the driveway without first removing your bikes and rack. This was a minor inconvenience but worth noting.
Karl S.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
30 Aug 2012
Perfectly appointed cottage on quaint harbor
We thoroughly enjoyed our week in this lovely cottage during our first visit to Mount Desert Island. We thought the pictures and description were too good to be true, and it was even better than that. The property was spotless, and every detail was attended to. We loved the screened-in front porch, especially, and walking down to the seafood distributor to pick out our own lobsters.
We ate more meals at the cottage than we expected, mainly because the kitchen was so well-appointed, and it was fun to hunt and gather at the local markets and specialty stores on the island. There are a couple of good seafood restaurants within walking distance as well.
This property is definitely on the Quiet Side of the island, which was fine with us. But if you're looking for the action of Bar Harbor on a regular basis, this is probably too far out of the way for you.
If you're looking to get a real sense of how the locals live and be steeped in the natural beauty of the area, this is the place for you. The ferry to the islands is also right across the street.
A couple of considerations: There is a fair amount of traffic on the road in front of the cottage, because of its proximity to the ferry. Also, this is not an area that lends itself to walking, biking, or boating right out the door (especially if you have little ones). So you do need to be prepared to pile in the car to get to a carriage trail or a good hike. That was fine with us and more than worth the trade off for all that this spot has to offer.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
21 Sept 2011
Visitor
Our stay at this pristine "cottage" was perfect in every respect. The house is beautifully laid out, spotless and wonderfully situated overlooking one of Maine's beautiful working harbors. From its comfortable porch we watched lobster boats going to and from their fishing grounds, beautiful sailboats gliding to their moorings, the comings and goings of the Swan Island Ferry and sunsets whose colors were truly unbelievable. A short walk took us to the pier where we bought fresh lobsters to take home and also to a wonderful seafood restaurant if we chose to eat out. It's on the quiet side of Acadia, a great place to relax after a day exploring all that the National Park and Bar Harbor have to offer. For us it's the perfect place to stay and experience all that Downeast Maine is famous for. We'll be back.
About the host
Hosted by Karen Perry
We are an active outdoor retired couple from Western Maine who enjoy the hiking and biking opportunities that the Mount Desert Island area offers. We have a Golden Retriever named Sage who loves to hike. She especially likes the walk to the Lighthouse from the cottage and also the leisurely walks at the Ship Harbor and Wonderland trails
Why they chose this property
Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park and Acadia is one of the most visited National Parks in the country. While visitors do flock to the area, Bass Harbor is located on the 'quiet side' of Mt Desert Island. While it's less visited, we are still only 25 minutes from most any location on the island. We are close to Echo Lake which is a fresh water lake with a wonderful beach. The cottage is close to hiking trails and biking loops. The village of Southwest Harbor is 4 miles away and offers shopping and nice places to eat.
What makes this property unique
The smell of the salt air is a special early morning treat and the sights and sounds of the lobster boats leaving and returning the harbor is unique. The ferry to Swan's Island (inhabited year round) leaves several times a day from the terminal across the road. We like to use the 'Ferry Window' to watch the ferry dock, load, and depart. Taking our own trip on the ferry to Swan's Island with bikes makes for a nice day, too, but some days we just like to stay home and read. It wouldn't be a visit to Bass Harbor without a few lobsters for supper. Live lobsters can be purchased across the harbor at Thurstons. Kettles are in the basement and the gas cooker is in the shed. Our favorite time of the day is the evening. Watching the sun go down over Bass Harbor with all the boats safely moored for the night is really pretty.