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Spruce Island, a private island, perfect for gatherings large and small.

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Spruce Island
Main House and rain water cistern
View from the crow's nest at Main House
Stone house compound
The Spruce Island amphibian transports guests 'door to door'.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking available
  • Laundry room
  • Kitchen
£891
avg per night

Explore the area

View in a map
Stonington, ME
  • Place, Acadia National Park
  • Place, Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
  • Place, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co
  • Airport, Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional)

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 18)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 6

4 Single Beds

Bedroom 7

4 Single Beds

7 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Full 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 5

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 6

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Full 7

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Half 1

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
The current price is £891
avg per night

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About the area

Stonington

Located in Stonington, this lodge is in a rural area and on the beach. Stonington Opera House and Deer Isle Bridge are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Barred Island Preserve and Edgar M. Tennis Preserve. Jet skiing and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails nearby.
View more Lodges in StoningtonOpens in a new window

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cry Babies
  • 44 North Stonington
  • Nervous Nellie's Jams & Jellies
  • Stonecutters Kitchen
  • 27 Fathoms Waterfront Grille

About this property

Spruce Island, a private island, perfect for gatherings large and small.

Spruce Island is a small, 80 acre private island off Deer Isle/Stonington, Maine. An aerial video of Spruce Island and a video of a traditional lobster bake on Spruce Island can be found on this page.

The Stone House is the only house on Spruce Island. It can be rented by the week during the summer season which runs from Memorial Day through Early October. It can be rented into the fall by smaller groups. More than 18 people can be accommodated with prior arrangement. Pricing is based on number of guests.

There are many places to explore and things to do on and around Spruce Island. Kayaks and row boats are provided. Outboard motor boats can be rented. Dress up as pirates and entertain your children (pirate dress provided); enjoy campfires on the shore; drive golf balls into the ocean and collect them at low tide; swim in a fresh water quarry on near-by Green Island owned by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Play horseshoes, capture the flag, badminton, and pingpong. Charter our amphibious Sealegs to take you island hopping. Gaze into the heavens and see a universe of stars you can't see elsewhere because of light pollution. See bald eagles, ospreys, and many other seabirds. Experience the wonder that Robert McCloskey wrote about in the children's book, 'Time of Wonder'.

The house is comprised of two separate buildings. The Main House is a large open room with cathedral ceilings, a huge fireplace, and large well equipped kitchen. There is one bedroom in the Maine House. A swing hangs from the timbers in the Main House, and a “crows nest” on the roof affords spectacular views of the surrounding islands. On rainy days and at night, you can watch movies on the big screen and listen to surround sound music in the Main House.

The Guest House contains six bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Electricity is supplied by wind and solar, supported by backup generators. Water is supplied from wells and a large rain water cistern.

This property is completely 'off the grid', but WiFi is available through HughesNet satellite connection and cell phone service also allows access to the internet.

Kayaks and other small boats are included. A small 10hp, 13’ inflatable outboard motor boat and a larger 18' outboard motorboat can be rented.

Spruce Island falls within the town of Stonington, Maine, famous for fresh Maine lobster and for the pink Maine granite that has been cut from its quarries for more than a hundred years. Spruce was quarried in the late 1800's and in harmony with this history, the owners decided to build these houses entirely of large granite blocks.

Tranportation to the Island: Transportation to and from the island is provided free on the first and last days, up to three round trips each of those days in an amphibious Sealegs, or two round trips in a Munson landing craft. For mid week transportation, there are a number of options. A small outboard motor boat suitable for getting back and forth to Stonington can be rented. Steve Johnson runs a charter service called Bert & I Charters. The Isle au Haut Ferry also does private ferry service to and from Stonington to islands in the area. Another option is to hire our amphibious Sealegs boat or the Munson landing craft with a captain. The advantage of the Sealegs is that, as an amphibious craft, it can drive out of the water and set down on the ground like a camel for easy and safe loading and unloading. This is especially nice for exploring the many uninhabited islands around the area.

Island Life: There are many fun things to do on and around Spruce Island. Some examples include: Intra-island or even inter-island capture-the-flag; Camp fires on the beach; Exploring the many other small islands in the area; Sleeping in a tent near the shore is a wonderful experience for children and adults. You can sit by a camp fire and gaze into the heavens wondering how it all came to be, even catching glimpses of satellites moving across the sky, before rolling into a cozy tent and letting the gentle sounds of waves and wind lull you to sleep.

Dogs are allowed with permission. Please inquire. There is a fee. Dogs must be treated for fleas and ticks to prevent them from carrying fleas and ticks to the island.

We offer a full-service island vacation option for those families that would like a worry-free, island vacation where everything is prearranged for them, including all meals, unlimited boat transportation with captain/guide to explore the area, including trips to surrounding islands and to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. This full service option will allow guests to avoid the stresses of planning for their vacation, to fully enjoy themselves while on vacation, and not to worry about cleaning up at the end of their stay. While not inexpensive, this option will allow guests to most enjoy themselves during their vacation. Cost depends on what services are desired, but as a rule of thumb, full service, including unlimited transportation in the Sealegs and landing craft, and full chef services, at least doubles the base rental rate. Please inquire if you are interested in learning more about this option.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

House Rules

Minimum age to rent: 30
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Renter must discuss with Owner prior to booking.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 6 total)
Dogs only. $200 fee. Some dogs not allowed.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed.
Owner reserves right to review and cancel booking and issue full refund within 7 days after Traveler initiates booking.
Traveler must read and accept the terms of the Rental Agreement.

Important information

You need to know

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 18
Note from host: Renter must discuss with Owner prior to booking.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock

Frequently asked questions

Is Spruce Island, a private island, perfect for gatherings large and small. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 6 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Spruce Island, a private island, perfect for gatherings large and small.?

As of 12 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Spruce Island, a private island, perfect for gatherings large and small. on 29 May 2026 start from £891, 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 Spruce Island, a private island, perfect for gatherings large and small.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

Where is Spruce Island, a private island, perfect for gatherings large and small. located?

Nestled on the beach, this Stonington lodge is within 3 mi (5 km) of Blue Heron Gallery, Stonington Opera House and Stonington Sea Products. Art By Katy Gallery is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.

Spruce Island, a private island, perfect for gatherings large and small. Reviews

Reviews

10

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. 47 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nichole L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Colie was amazing. What a great property owner. It was our second time because we love it so much!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kalev F.

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

Spruce island getaway

Paradise!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jen o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
After 13 years, our family was able to make the trip back to Spruce Island (with more generations in tow). It was as magical as the first time. Everything was fantastic…our host Colie was incredible and so very accommodating to our needs.Spruce Island is such a special space and the kids are already begging for a return to their “private island”.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

tom l.

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

Perfect - almost!

After our first day, the twelve of us decided to list anything we thought might be improved. By the time of our leaving we had identified four small brackets on the swing as candidates "for improvement". Absolutely everything else, including Colie, could not have been changed for the better.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David D.

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

Idyllic Getaway

Spruce Island is an idyllic place and our host, Colie, a wizard. The magic began when Colie picked us up In the SeaLegs and transported us to the granite Main house. We opted for the full package, including having Colie as our Captain for the week. Days were spent exploring Spruce and nearby Buckle Island; wading through tidal pools; going fishing for mackerel; hiking the trails and discovering the quarries at nearby Green and Russ Islands; biking at Isle au Haut; and boating to Bar Harbor in incredible weather. In addition, Colie gave us lessons in using the boats. He taught 4 of us to sail. Colie was a wonderful teacher: patient, kind, and did not hover over us as we were learning. He stayed a respectable distance behind, allowing us to figure things out as we went, but close enough that he could lend a helping hand when needed. The kids had a wonderful time playing on the beaches, dressing in pirate regalia, and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. The murmur of waves lapping against crushed shells amidst the giggles of children will not soon be forgotten. It was the kind of vacation we hope our grandchildren will tell their grandchildren about someday.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dina O.

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

Southern Californians first family reunion in Maine! Fabulous!

We were a family of 18 (including 8 kids ages 6 months to 11 years), and we decided to pick this unique and incredible island in Maine for our first real family reunion. We could not have picked a more fabulous location. We have all traveled extensively so we know a good find. I'm writing this review for other people located on the west coast and think it might be too far. It isn't. But it does take some planning. We all flew into Boston (Bangor is probably the closest airport to the island where you could rent a car). Some of us stayed in Boston for a bit and some of us drove immediately north and stayed in NH. Our small group stopped in Danvers to shop: furthest North Costco that exists. Drive time Boston to Stonington is about 6 hours, but we needed most of the day with kids. Colie was fabulous in working with us for pick up. He has a parking lot where you park your car, he loads you into the amphibious vehicle with all your stuff and groceries and deposits you at the house on the island. It's very seamless. There is an amazing amount to do besides the beautiful beaches, which we used daily and are equipped with chairs, BBQs and picnic tables (we could've used a beach umbrella or two): you can hike fully around the island, badminton, ping pong, tons of balls, games, puzzles, corn hole, huge jenga and the highlight for our kids: an enormous swinging chair inside. The separation of the houses is a great. We ate lobster until we were sick of it. The kids learned about composting, water conservation, walking everywhere (there is a golf cart we used with the little ones), and everyone just got off screens and hung out. We loved the views from the island, watching the lobster boats and the fog and even a thunderstorm. We highly recommend you rent the dinghy as we needed to go back and forth a bit for various reasons. And we explored different islands with it. There are great places nearby to discover. Colie bravely took the group with kids on a morning island hopping trip where we saw bald eagles, porpoises, and seals. One of our crew even arranged a trip on a lobster boat for work purposes. On the tail end we spend a day and a half driving back to Boston and visited Camden and Salem (Witch House is worth the visit). We highly recommend this trip. The house had everything you needed. Just bring clothes and food and your kindle. Thank you Colie!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie S.

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

Island Paradise

From the moment we stepped off the Sealeg (which in itself was a cool experience to go from land to water to land) we knew that we were in a special place. The ride from Stonington to Spruce Island is about 20 minutes and you get a chance to see some pretty scenery along the way. At the island we got a short ride from the landing to the house where 14 of us congregated in celebration of a 60th birthday. 14 adults is not a small crowd and yet the houses and the island make it really easy to have group time or quiet time. The rooms in the guest house are spacious (with private bathrooms) and most have views of the water. The bedroom in the main house is a bit smaller than the rest. We took advantage of campfires on the beach, we swam, we played games, we kayaked, we ate well, and we explored the island. The geography of the area is a bit different than other parts of Maine. Spruce Island is a beautiful island with large smooth granite surfaces and large boulders. You can walk around the island in just a couple of hours and when the tide is low you can walk across the flat to Buckle Island, an adjacent island. If you choose not to walk around the island you can simply chill on the deck or in the living room of the main house. We never turned on the projector to watch a movie, but there is a large screen that is available to those who want to hang out and enjoy a movie on a rainy day. Honestly, this place is fantastic. You have the entire island to yourself. Food available on the island is what you bring. Just make sure you don't forget the beer on your first day!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chad B.

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

Milton was wrong...

Paradise has not been lost, we found it right here! An incredible experience marred only by the fact that we had to leave after a week. Colie is an incredible host, kind and anticipatory of the needs of his guests with a deep love and understanding of the island that shows in the care he takes of it. Not only do I intend to return for another vacation one day, I intend to tell everyone I know that they should be considering Spruce Island for their vacations as well.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Taylor B.

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

Amazing Experience

Truly an amazing experience. Colie, the owner, has thought of everything, and, over the years, has created (and perfected) a unique vacation experience for groups of all sizes. During our week-long island get-away, we could not have asked for a more thoughtful host. For those wanting to experience Maine like never before, we highly recommend this property. Five stars!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

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

Magical

If anything, the pictures don't even convey how beautiful Spruce Island is. Walking up the wide path from the beach, through the mossy woods fringed with blackberries and raspberries, to the huge stone house is always such a delight. This was our third year and as usual we spent part of our time just wondering how Colie gets so much comfort and elegance on this off the grid island in the sea. Spruce Island is not like any other holiday we have had. We kayaked, swam around the smaller island, hiked, and had delicious dinners (great kitchen), and sing-a-longs around the campfire. We go as a group of about sixteen-- three sets of parents and a bunch of young adult cousins and the occasional significant other. All the bedrooms are equally lovely and comfortable. The owner is incredibly helpful and responsive, goes way above and beyond.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ron W.

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

Off The Grid but still close to Luxury

We visited this property 3 years ago and the only thing missing was we did not bring enough people to enjoy this amazing venue! We fixed that this year and it was as good or better than 3 years ago and we are looking forward to visiting again in a few years. My personal favorite was taking a boat into Stonington daily to get ice cream with the kids and sitting around the campfire at night and the morning. Ron W
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary C.

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

Family Trip to Spruce Island

Fantastic trip, beautiful location. Great host.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

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

Amazing Experience!

Spruce Island is beautiful. This vacation/reunion exceeded our expectations. It was just what my small Family and I were looking for. We loved the peace and quiet, as well as the granite houses and their views of Spruce Island and beyond from every angle. Colie communicated with us every step of the way and ensured that any question we had was promptly answered. Will be back. Highly recommended. Thank you Colie! Mike
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen H.

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

Third stay just as great!

Best VRBO we've ever stayed in! Everything is well thought out and Colie and Jeff could not be more helpful. Our family visited in 2014 and 2015 and were so excited to come back in 2020 on a whim as there were some cancellations due to Covid. It's just as great as we remembered. The kids were a little older now and we really enjoyed taking the kayaks out almost every day. Especially enjoyed kayaking amongst the seals over on Gunner's Rock. Most mornings we spent down towards Buckle for the little ones to play in the water. It's a little slice of heaven!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat M.

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

Wow! Great host and Great property!!

Spruce Island is a special place and perfect for a family vacation! I would compare the beauty to Alaska. The granite houses are amazing and a perfect fit on the top of the mountain. We loved picking fresh rasberries every day and the tons of hiking available on the island. We grilled out along the shore and enjoyed the many indoor and outdoor games we played. It was also a blast to take the boat back into Stonington for ice cream a few times. Spruce Island is only about 1.5 hours from Acadia National Park and worth the trip!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura R.

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

Our 2nd trip to Island- still amazing 8 years later

We had 21 family amd friends join us for our 2nd trip. We stayed there June 2012 and this trip July 2020. Colie and Jeff are great amd considerate to plan a trip. Colie has always put the highest quality of materials, decor, and conveniences on this island. His detail guest book details make it straight forward. We walked around the entire island and at low tide over to buckle Island to explore another island. We had 2 adults, cot for our granddaughter 4 years old and grandson 10 months old in the main house. It was tight but worked excellent for them asnit was convenience to hear baby monitor at night amd still visit with family at bon fire outside main house. Early morning were convenient for them. LOVE the coffee makers for large group. We watched movies in the 1 day it rained. The camping platform was excellent for camping and camping in beach was even better! Colie has cleared paths and well marked trails. Loved barbeque grills to find our own clan and then we cooked them on the island grill. Definable rent then18ft inflatable boat. Awesome for fishing. He has plenty of stuff to do there kakyas, row boat, footballs, soccer ball, badminton, ping pong table, 4 fishing poles. Bring your kites. I love photography so plenty to take pictures: eagles, osprey, hawks, voles, mackerel fish, dolphins amd seals rare sighting and we saw once! outdoor lobster shake to cook and excellent composite food system. Tons of cooking pots, pans. and utensils. Bring your napkins amd paper plates for easy clean up. He has plenty of plates, silverware and bowls. Stove is awesome! I loved the bunk house bedrooms each with their own very nice bathrooms. The shower pressure Inwas impressed by consider its am island. Colie thought of everything! He always asks what se is needed. WIFI was best by the swings between bunkhouse and main house. We were not there for wifi but it works. Swing inside main house is so much fun. Bring the strongest deet you can find for mosquitoes. I normally don't do deet. On this trip you needed to at night or make sure you cover up - jeans not legging! The large picnic tables in side are great for large groups. We brought large coolers with lots of ice and put them next to main house outside. Use ice packs you can refreeze vs bags of ice. This was after 3 days you can re freeze. Each family had a night to make dinner for all 21 people. We all brought our own snacks, drinks, breakfast, lunch and alchol. YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg P.

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

World Class setting

Do yourself a lifetime favor and treat yourself to a stay at Spruce Island if you get the chance. It is simply a spectactular private island, the likes of which one would rarely get the chance to rent in Maine or anywhere else for that matter. I’ll start with the panoramic views from the main house which is perched on top of a hill overlooking the Merchant Row archipelago to the south. The fresh smell of spruce pervades the salt air. The two beaches are stunning, as if you saw them on a postcard of Maine. With gently sloping granite ledges combined with Caribbean like coves of sand , and with mini peninsulas with their own cove beaches that expose themselves at low tide, it is a beach lovers paradise. I very much enjoyed jumping in and out of the water even in June.... think of it as cryotherapy.. it energizes you for the rest of the day. Trust me , the owner’s pictures of the beaches are typical of the man...understated, and don’t do them full justice. But as a friend once told me , always leave room for positive surprises ..and you’ll get them here with the beaches. My dog Alpha loved Spruce as much as I did ...he lives in New York City cooped up in an apartment most of the time so he was in heaven. I can’t sign off without commenting on the island’s owner Colie Odonnell , a true gentleman whose energy, perseverance, and good taste in creating this wonderland makes it all possible. His attention to quality and detail is obvious inside the main house with its impressive granite fireplace, open chef’s kitchen, and cathedral ceilings. But also pay attention ,as you’re exploring the island, to all of Colie’s handiwork with trails, lighted paths, fire pits , granite stairs, composting shed, rain cisterns, solar panels, etc that made this island living possible. Colie goes above and beyond to make sure that his guests are maximizing their experience , with all kinds of activities (kayaking, BBQs/ picnic tables on both beaches, badminton, ping-pong and all sorts of rainy day games and adult toys like a choice of a large or a small motorized boat to use to explore the nearby islands, which we did on several days. The nearby Coombs islands are easy to get to and have Instagram worthy coves in the inlet between the two of them and are a must see, as is McGlathery Island, the one you are looking at from the house directly to the south. Bottom line.. a masterpiece ...and one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Thanks, Colie!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

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

Paradise for a group

Imagine instead of buying a house you camped out on the site for two decades, understanding it, meditating on its best uses, figuring out how to enjoy it to the fullest. That's what Colie has done with Spruce Island. The main house and the "dorm" are beautifully constructed granite buildings with every detail thoughtfully considered and perfectly in keeping with how they are placed in their setting. Inside the houses have beautiful details-- I especially liked the ribbon tiebacks on the bedroom curtains and the wooden swing in the main house. We were a family group of three adult siblings and our partners and young-adult children. We didn't know how it would be for kids aged 17 to 27 to live on an island for a week. The answer was it was heavenly. The kids automatically reverted back to playing rather than screening-- at any given time there was a group on the badminton lawn, a pair at the ping pong table, a foursome at the boardgame spot, or some people doing watercolor paintings. We also did a lot of fun things in the ocean-- swimming around the island (in our wetsuits), kayaking, jumping off rocks, taking an ecotour with Old Quarry, boating into town for lobster rolls and ice cream, or over to Isle au Haut for a hike. Every evening we all sat around the campfire near the house and sang songs or talked or just looked up at the sky. We did not have perfect weather, and that really did not detract from our enjoyment. It's not the kind of beach house that is just there for shelter; it is a pleasure to be in it. We cooked a lot in the very well equipped kitchen, as well as grilling outside in the "summer kitchen". And all of this was done with a very small carbon footprint-- the island is solar-powered and uses cisterns of rainwater. Who knew that off-the-grid could be so comfortable. Thank you Colie for sharing your island with us!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph L.

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

Perfect Retreat

We were a group of friends. Some see each other frequently, some only every few years, some had never met. Most of us loved the isolation, a couple missed the shopping/nightlife. But we reinforced bonds that will last a lifetime. The first evening there was a group outside talking, shouting, laughing 'til I cried, Then there would be a lull and laughter would erupt from the inside. The entire week was that way. We ate like kings. Fresh grilled Mackerel caught at the landing, roost beef, prime rib, steaks, chops, fresh veggies from the island gardens. The outdoor kitchen was great for steaming lobsters. The really nice grill cooked everything else. The inside kitchen was every well equipped, right down to the KichenAid mixer. We wanted for nothing. Hiking trails, fishing rods and tackle box, kayaks, chairs and picnic areas at the beach with grills, and some things I never got around to using. This is a well equipped property, had everything we needed. Six couples each with their own bedroom and bath. I will be back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adam and Alyssa F.

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

Ideal family retreat

Take a step back to a simpler time when families would retreat to a cabin in the woods to beat the summer heat and recharge their internal batteries. Except that Spruce Island is no rustic camp. It has all the modern conveniences to house and feed a crowd in comfort. And after ten seasons of listening and responding to guest feedback, the host has got the property dialed in. Walking trails through the woods lead to the granite ledger shoreline. Hammocks strategically placed to catch the breeze dot the shoreline. There are two private beaches with chairs, picnic tables, and grills to take advantage of wind and sun. The support staff, who are all long term associates, are responsive, knowledgeable, and nice. Our visits to spruce island have become the highlight of our year.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle J.

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

The perfect getaway!

This was our first time at Spruce Island and I hope to come back again. We had a group of 12 people and dogs. The adults loved the R&R and the kids loved the beach, especially at low tide where you can explore the tidal pools. We saw lots of little snails and hermit crabs! At low tide some of the rocks were a bit slippery so make sure you pack good water shoes! For the more adventurous adults we would walk around the entire island (hiking shoes/sneakers are a must!). There were well marked trails around the island to help you navigate. The dogs also LOVED exploring the island. At the end of each day they were so tired from all the running around :D (if your dog has sensitive paws I would recommend bringing some booties). There were also plenty of kayaks to adventure out on. You can take the kayaks out and explore other islands in Merchant Row. We would pack lunch and have picnics and also take short hikes on the other islands as well. The house is very well maintained and you could feel the thoughtfulness and care Colie put into building the stone houses. Everything in the house was well labeled so you could easily find what you were looking for. Also, the views from the crows nests were absolutely gorgeous! The movie projector was a big hit for the kids (all ages) whether it was cartoons in the morning (during adult coffee time), rainy days or before bed time. There were also plenty of kid games (board games, ping pong, etc). The check-in and check-out process is very easy and well organized. Especially if you are bringing a lot of coolers and groceries. A few items to note for future renters - there are plenty of fresh herbs and lettuce on the island so no need to bring your own lettuce! Also, the house is supplied with a washer/dryer so really no need to pack a ton of clothes. All in all, the house is well equipped so just bring yourself, food, wine and a good book. I highly recommend this!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott C.

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

Wonderful family vacation

This was our third year experiencing Spruce Island and each year was better than the last! Being familiar with the island and were able to explore even more of all of the area. Our group include three generations and everyone loved kayaking, hiking, hitting golf balls, badminton, cooking on the campfire and boating to Stonington. It was a wonderful chance to reconnect with nature and with each other. We highly recommend Colie's island.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mike b.

There are not a sufficient number of stars available to properly rate this place.

My wife and I were alone on Spruce Island for four days. It casts a spell on you. A happy spell. In many years of travel, this is one of our most unique and pleasant destinations. The accommodations are beautiful, clean and cozy. Sunsets from the rooftop deck are like Maxfield Parrish illustrations. Colie is a great host, and this is an enchanting place.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John F.

Spruce Island is AMAZING!! Wonderful family memories were made on this beautiful island

All I can say is, WOW! No expense was spared to make this your most memorable vacation! Collie and Jeff make sure that you have every accomodation necessary to relax and enjoy every minute you are on the island. We brought our own boats and expected to spend more time out exploring the water, but to be honest, we ended up spending most of our time exploring the island!! Hikes around the island, lobster dinners, card games, campfires, and so much more!! The kithen exceeded our expectations, the bedrooms all have their own bathrooms and are very comfortable! So many fun games from ping pong, to cornhole, to costumes, to scavenger hunts, and the list goes on and on! Our family would like to thank Collie and his family for sharing their amazing island with us!! We are planning to make it an annual tradition and cant wait to go back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly G.

Most amazing vacation ever!

My family is from Wyoming and had never been to Maine before. We had a large family group, sixteen in total, five generations ranging in age from 97 to 2! Colie is an excellent host. The island is beautiful and you can tell he is very passionate about the care and management of the island. Lots of exploring in the woods and beaches. We were able to search tide pools and the kids found lots of amazing shells. We picked blueberries for fresh blueberry pancakes. This is definitely a destination to put on your list!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018