A rare find — hit the water on a paddleboard right here.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms0+ bathroomsSleeps 10
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Laundry room
Air-conditioning
Barbecue grill
Deck or patio
Explore the area
Barrington, NH
Swains Lake
Place, Swains Lake
1 min walk
Stonehouse Forest
Place, Stonehouse Forest
3 min drive
Hampton Beach
Place, Hampton Beach
42 min drive
Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
Airport, Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
35 min drive
Where you'll sleep
3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Kids cabin
2 Single Beds and 2 Double Beds
Main cabin
3 Double Beds
Mid cabin
1 Queen Bed
2 half bathrooms
Bathroom main cabin
Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo
Outhouse
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
About this property
Your own private Island Retreat
Your very own private island with 3 separate buildings. The main cabin sits on the southeastern side of the 2 acre lot and features an open concept 600 square feet of living space including 4 full size beds, a full kitchen with island, a living room, screened in porch, and 1/2 bathroom and all with 360 degree water views. For those of you that enjoy the comforts of home don't worry. The main building is fully protected from the elements. The walls are insulated and the building has heat and air-condition. And of course if you need to work or stream a movie we also have the internet. The main building also has an enclosed outdoor shower. Heading west out from the main cabin about 150' feet away and across the boardwalk you will 1st run into comfy cove cabin. You will find an open concept 175 square foot cabin with a queen size bed , a mini fridge, plenty of storage for your clothes and items along with some comfy chairs to drink your morning coffee while looking out into the lake along with its own picnic table. Continue to the rear of the property over the next boardwalk and passing a brand new outhouse with a composting toilet you will come along kids cabin at the top of the hill you will find Another open concept 175 square foot space also with 365 degree water views and an amazing front porch. This space has two sets of bunk beds with fulls on bottom and twins on top and water views from every bed. Along with hammock swings, front deck with chairs, a fire pit, and swings. There are two 8' wood picnic tables that can seat up to 10 people each. Swains lake is approximately 250 acres and has a public boat launch if you want to bring your own boat. While staying you will have access to a 14' Jon boat which will get you back and forth to the mainland were their is parking for up to 4 vehicles, several kids kayaks, and a few adult kayaks and paddle boards are on-site for your enjoyment. The kitchen is stocked with most everything you need to cook along with a full size propane grill outside. The screened in front porch with its views is most likely the spot you will speed most of your time when your not outside or sleeping. An outdoor shower is available at the main cabin with a surround Note that this property is on an island. It is not accessible via road or by foot. It does require traveling on a boat to get to and from the property. This requires getting in and out of a boat and being on the water and on and off a dock. The land has well cleared paths but keep in mind this is a wooded lot with roots, rocks, and some hills and terrain. There is no portable water on the island but there is filtered lake water that can be used to wash hands, do dishes, and take a shower. If you want drinking water please bring that along with you. There is a clothes line to dry your swimsuits and towels and also a small electric dryer if need be. Linens are not included so please pack your own sheets. Blankets and pillows are provided.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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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 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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Barrington
Located in Barrington, this cottage is near a water park and on the waterfront. Bedrock Gardens and Woodman Institute are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Durham Farmers' Market and Cozy Corners Plaza. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Lee USA Speedway or Lundholm Gymnasium. Jet skiing, kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking nearby.
University of New Hampshire - 17 min drive - 19.0 km
Hampton Beach - 42 min drive - 58.4 km
Long Sands Beach - 50 min drive - 52.9 km
Getting around
Durham Station - 23 min drive
Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.) - 31 min drive
Restaurants
Dunkin' - 13 min drive
Starbucks - 11 min drive
Dunkin' - 11 min drive
The Jefferson - 17 min drive
Wendy's - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Your own private Island Retreat pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Your own private Island Retreat?
As of 19 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Your own private Island Retreat on 1 Oct 2026 start from £1,099, 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 Your own private Island Retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Your own private Island Retreat?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Your own private Island Retreat?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Your own private Island Retreat located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Swains Lake and Stonehouse Forest. Mendums Pond and Nippo Pond are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The property and buildings are exceptional. All the beds are full size mattresses. The views are stunning. Great new gas engine on Jon boat. Daryn was very helpful and responded quickly to inquiries. Would definitely rent again
We had such a wonderful stay on this private island on Swains Lake! I didn't want to leave this slice of heaven. It was our first time staying here, and the peaceful setting was the perfect way to spend time together before moving my son into UNH. With three separate cabins, we had plenty of room to spread out while still enjoying quality family time. Having the entire island to ourselves made the experience feel incredibly special.We made wonderful memories and loved it so much that we hope to return next year when my son heads back to UNH for his senior year!
Such a fun place to stay! We really enjoyed our time on the island. The host has thought of many of the necessities. We would definitely go back again. Pictures in the listing are somewhat deceiving since there is no jet ski or pontoon boat available for use. The pics should really show what is available to renters, not the owner. But we knew this going in so it didn’t affect our stay there.
Beautiful views, comfortable accommodations, and the perfect getaway from screens, routines and responsibilities. From fishing to kayaking to swinging and eating blueberries, this island has it all! We had the best time with our crew ranging from age 4 to 51yo. The AC was much appreciated during the heat wave, the hot shower was a perk, and the cabin full of board games and books helped us enjoy the rainy days. The hosts were communicative and we had everything we could have needed. While the weekdays were peaceful on the lake, this was a very active lake on the weekends- be prepared to hear lots of neighborly noises including loud music until 10pm.
This island was an absolute dream for our family. The views were beautiful. The water was clean and refreshing. We fished almost daily, weather permitting, and caught a ton of fish! The island was so much fun for the kids to explore. Although the kids slept with us in the main cabin, the kid cabins would be perfect for them. The location was great too. We loved using the kayaks and exploring the lake. We stayed on the island and shopped around there but a few days we traveled to some beaches on the coast which was only about a 45minute drive. Everything was well stocked in the kitchen. And life jackets were there too. Our daughters planned a paddle boat ride for us for our anniversary, it was hard to steer but it was fun. If you're not used to compost toilets, it's a little getting used to. But glad they were there and not just an out house. There was a few days of bad weather so we didn't travel off the island, but we stocked up at the local stores. There are sooo many good things I could say about this place. It was peaceful and a great soul reset. We will definitely be back.
We’d definitely stay again. This island had everything we needed and plenty of comfortable space for our family of 11. We played, ate well, slept well and contained us all to an island.
It was a great properity for a large family (2 adults, 6 kids). It was really fun getting out on the water and there was plenty of space for everyone to do their thing. It was a good set up for meals (did lots of grilling).
me and my husband decided to do a week vacation on this island. It was absolutely beautiful. They had absolutely everything and more that we needed. We most certainly be back again. I strongly recommend staying here if you’re looking into it don’t think twice the place is absolutely beautiful and my kids loved it.
We loved staying on the island! Felt private and secluded yet only a minute boat ride from shore and town necessities nearby. The place had everything we could need from cleaning supplies to cooking essentials and plenty to do outdoors -- kid kayaks, adult kayaks, SUP, swim raft, bon fire pits, etc! Beds were comfy and wifi came in handy when needed. The host was very responsive to any questions or issues we had.
We had a delightful stay on Harper island. This is an ideal option for anyone looking for time with family & friends in a serene & private island setting.Daryn was responsive & helpful, the cabins are cutely designed, beds are very comfortable & the kitchen well stocked.Early mornings were peaceful waking up to the mist on the water til the sun came up. Ample number of hiking trails within 2 hours to choose any level of challenge.Winding down, enjoying a nightly fire pit once the sun set while hearing the loons on the lake was perfect A perfect balance of Rejuvenation & relaxation ;) we would love to make another visit out in the future!
Amazing time with the kids. Definitely not for you if you aren’t used to glamping, boat use or “roughing it”, but, if you are, this is an absolute gem! The kids were busy consistently, lots of boats and floats to use on the lake. We played manhunt after dark, seriously, the kids had an amazingly good time. Only one tv on the island, WiFi in main cabin but the service was fine without the WiFi. Next year, it’s definitely going to see us again :)
We had a relaxing and chill stay, and would highly recommend.
Upon check-in we encountered a couple of minor issues with the water pressure and a sunroom light malfunction. Daryn is super nice - he was very responsive and took care of them right away. It took us a minute to get acclimated to the toilet, but that is part of the experience.
Helpful tips: bring k-cups with you, as there is no kettle. Make sure to load up on drinking water. We didn't use the other 2 cabins, but did notice there are no AC's.
We loved our stay at Daryn's place on Harper Island and will definitely be coming back again. It was exactly as described, and it a wonderful location for those who are up for an adventure. The outdoor shower was hot, the beds comfortable, the kitchen well appointed, and we couldn't have asked for better sunrises and sunsets. There are two composting toilets, and I brought along our 2 gallon empty water jug for drinking water and sturdy, reusable grocery bags to fill before we headed to the island. I would recommend bringing both, along with rain jackets and headlamps, which will make transporting groceries in the rain and in the dark much more manageable. Aside from that, Daryn was super responsive and helpful at every turn. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you!
My husband 4 kids + my older parents all stayed for a week here and had a blast! Not much to do in the area if your looking for that. My younger kids 4 & 6 loved the built in bunk beds in the main cabin it has a great fire pit for roasting marshmallows in front. The views are beautiful in the morning from the main cabins enclosed porch, spent a few night playing cards and listening to the loons! Main cabin is the only one with AC and WiFi which was a little difficult because we happen to go during a heat wave! My parents who stayed in the cozy cabin with the queen size bed were pretty hot and sweaty during the day. Daryn did have fans at night it did cool off a little but the humidity was brutal and of course Daryn can’t control that! I don’t know if it was the heat but my only complaint would be the ants and spiders! You are in NH so you shouldn’t be surprised but there is definitely a lot of spiders. My parents reported ants in their cabin but the main and kids cabin had very few if any ants. Kids cabin is directly behind the main cabin on the other side of the island which gave my two teenage boys privacy. They brought they’re own tv and hooked it up and used a hot spot to play video games and watch movies but the bunk beds were awesome in there as well.Daryn had plenty of lake floats and kayaks but definitely wish we had our own boat to go tubing! The terrain is very uneven and it was a little difficult for my parents, Daryn had most stuff stocked and it was very clean!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Sue A.
4 Aug 2026
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
About the host
Hosted by Daryn
be ready to relax and have fun with friends and family
Why they chose this property
This place is awesome
What makes this property unique
This property is on its very own private island not shared with anyone else but the friends and family that you bring. Pretty cool place
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests