Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Located along the water, this 2-bedroom cottage accommodates 6 guests and features 1 bathroom. Enjoy beach views from the patio, deck, and porch while engaging in nearby activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. The property is pet-friendly and offers access to golf, along with games for family fun. Nearby attractions include Land's End Gift Shop and Cobwork Bridge.
Highlights
On the beach
A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the beach and sea.
Unmatched views, unforgettable moments
Guests like the location for the scenic views.
Discover nearby landmarks
Close to Casco Bay
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
On beach
Dog-friendly
Porch or lanai
Onsite parking available
Barbecue grill
Air-conditioning
Explore the area
Harpswell, ME
Casco Bay
Place, Casco Bay
1 min walk
Mackerel Cove
Place, Mackerel Cove
1 min walk
Land's End Gift Shop
Place, Land's End Gift Shop
5 min walk
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Ocean Side Room
1 Queen Bed
Road Side Room
1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Futon
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
First Floor Bathroom
Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only
Upstairs Bathroom
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
About this property
THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate cottage with oceanfront views and AC!
THE RED HOUSE The 116 year old Red House at the head of Mackerel Cove was built when most of Bailey Island was wild and undeveloped - and once you've spent time here it's clear why this spot was chosen to build. You FEEL the ocean just steps away wherever you are on the property - and each night the sun sets directly in front of you across the water.
This place is magic.
A house where no matter what you are doing - cooking dinner with loved ones - reading a book on the porch - spending a lazy day in bed - the sea is always present - steps away or right outside your window. *……..and yes there is a half bath upstairs, you may need to look a little to find it though, just like the Hardy Boys did on their adventures……. * * THE BEACH The private pebble beach is the perfect place to launch kayaks at any tide. Exploring from the water is one of the best ways to experience Casco Bay. The tide pools in front of the house are something kids (of all ages) love. * * * THE VIEW Spending time here always comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Watch the sea and sky shift with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different. * * THE BIRDS From heron and gulls to Eider and even bald eagles, this sheltered spot is a birdwatchers dream. I watched a pair of sea ducks guide their ducklings along the shore. Herons fishing in the tide pools at low tide. A bald eagle at the end of the wharf. Whatever you see, you can be sure that it's going to be beautiful. * * * NEW OWNERSHIP The Red House is now owned by Little Harbor Properties and managed by Safe Harbour Property Management - Safe Harbour is the same management team that you had when The Gills Group owned The Red House so please expect the same great service. This also means THE GILLS GROUP still has a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together with The Red House if available for larger groups or hosting intimate events. The cottages are all a short walk from each other and are the perfect place to be "away" while still being "together".
THE GILLS GROUP cottages are Jaquish Lane (VRBO 733483) which sleeps 12 and The Gills (VRBO 318909) which sleeps 6. * * * EVENTS The Red House with spectacular sunsets on the west can be booked with THE GILLS GROUP cottages, JAQUISH and THE GILLS offer the ability to host events such as weddings etc. and can be booked with THE RED HOUSE when available as an lodging accommodation for wedding guests etc. Event fees vary depending on the size of the gathering and number of guests at JAQUISH and THE GILLS. Contact the property manager for more information. * *
* * * LOCATION Mackerel Cove - Bailey Island - Harpswell - Maine. There are many other properties in the area - but there are very few that rise above the (sometimes crude) comfort that passes for acceptable in a "summer island cottage".
BAILEY ISLAND 20 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 55 minutes from Portland.
PETS Pets are welcome at The Red House and will incur a fee of $60 per night per pet. This is non-negotiable. Everyone says, "My pet would never damage anything," but sadly, experience has proven that's not always the case.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
$60 /night
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
500$ fee if cleaner thinks indoor smoking occurred
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rentals exceeding 2 weeks require a mid-stay clean. Guests can forgo the extra cleaning but still will be charged.
For multi-week rentals, a property fee of $139 will be charged for each additional week (partial or full) of your stay.
No EV vehicle charging on premisses. This also includes no running extension cords to exterior or interior outlets at the rental to charge your EV.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1063510vb
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Bailey Island
Located in Bailey Island, this cottage is on the beach. Freeport Historical Society and Clay Play are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit LL Bean Flagship Store and Maine Street. Land's End Gift Shop and Ash Cove Pottery are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and ecotours.
beach near Mackerel Cove Lot - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
beach near Bailey Island - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
Getting around
Brunswick Station - 34 min drive
Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 62 min drive
Restaurants
Dolphin Marina & Restaurant - 35 min drive
Cook's Lobster & Ale House - 5 min drive
Erica's Seafood & Lobster Shop - 35 min drive
Sundrenched - 3 min drive
Salt Cod Cafe - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate cottage with oceanfront views and AC! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate cottage with oceanfront views and AC!?
As of 6 Oct, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate cottage with oceanfront views and AC! on 14 Oct, 2026 start from S$2,851, 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 THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate cottage with oceanfront views and AC!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate cottage with oceanfront views and AC!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate cottage with oceanfront views and AC!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate cottage with oceanfront views and AC! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Bailey Island cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Casco Bay, Mackerel Cove and Land's End Gift Shop. Bailey Island Bridge and Cobwork Bridge 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.
Incredible Bailey Island location! Easy walk to The Giant Stairs and Lands End. Charming, comfortable house with the most amazing views and sounds of the water. The sunsets are breathtaking! Easy check in and great communication with the host. We had a wonderful stay!
The property is on the ocean. Cute inside. Bathroom downstairs is a bit dark but amazing! Great owners, wonderful stay. Find the half bath was fun.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2026
Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoyed your stay and that you got to see the beautiful sunset view The Red House has to offer! We hope you choose to come back and stay again.
This is a stunning place to stay. Every detail has been well thought out and you cannot beat the view. The cottage is a great balance of luxury and rustic charm and we so enjoyed our stay.
No complaints. As advertised. Rustic, immaculate, beautiful home, with a view to die for. Locals are friendly and wildlife is abundant. Will be returning!
absolutely loved our dreamy week at this magical property, with a view that can't be beat. every detail in the house was so thoughtful and we felt right at home. we hope to come back very soon.
My partner and I desperately needed a full reset getaway and this couldn't have fit the bill more. We also had our dog with us. This was (as described and intended) isolated and quiet and tranquil. The house is also incredibly designed on the interior. At first blush, you could look past it, but every inch of this home is designed with intention and mindfulness to the vibe: oceanside, secluded, rustic, authentic. It's awesome. Highly recommend.
What a lovely home and stay! Beautiful view. Beautiful location. Home had everything we needed. One funny thing: I guess I didn’t read the home details clearly because we found the second bathroom 3 days in. :)
highly recommend visiting the driftwood inn.
Enjoy!
We couldn’t wait to return to this home for our second trip to Bailey Island. The home is very comfortable with everything you could need, including books, games, and every necessary kitchen gadget. We spent every evening watching the sunset from the porch and had a wonderful time exploring the bay in our rented kayak. We also took advantage of the amazing steam shower. The property manager was very responsive and friendly. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to spend the week!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Bailey Island! The house was perfect for our trip. We loved the unique characteristics of the home and the steam shower was an added bonus. Our son had fun looking for sea glass and exploring. We could have stayed on the back porch the whole trip.
We recommend checking out Giant’s Stairs Trail, Lands End, Stover’s Beach, and Portland Lighthouse. Fishnet Cafe, The General Store, Cook’s, Salt Cod Cafe, Dolphin Marina & Restaurant, & Royal River Grillhouse all had great food. We can’t wait to come back!
The perfect relaxing getaway… the house is exquisitely decorated and ready for a very comfortable stay. The waterfront view and evening sunsets were perfect and made the whole trip worth while. The steam shower was as added bonus!! Great location for several restaurants, not far from shopping and sightseeing. We rented a kayak for the week and had an amazing time exploring the harbor and neighboring islands. Will definitely be back! Minor details- Kitchen could definitely use some wine glasses, Tupperware, and a can opener!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jul, 2022
So glad you enjoyed your stay at RED! As soon as I read your review I ordered some glass storage containers, a new can opener and wine glasses. Things tend to "disappear" and it's only if someone mentions it that I find out (especially in the middle of the season) so thanks for letting me know. I hope to have you back on the island soon!
We were sold on the Dog Friendliness of this property but we will be coming back for the views. This is literally a slice of heaven. We stayed with our two labs and our 3 year old son and everyone had a blast. The house is beautifully renovated to fit the modern lifestyle with the quaint beach house theme. The dogs were able to run free on the beach front and roll in the tall grass. The lack of television was the best pet of the trip. Games, books, music and conversation fill the space and allow you spend time with the ones you love. Highly recommend this home to anyone looking to visit Maine.
What a delightful home! From the perfectly distressed exterior to the thoughtful and creative interior. It totally encapsulates the feeling of being in coastal Maine. Handpicked antiques and fabrics abound in the living area and the bedrooms. The house is small but feels spacious due to well planned lighting and open areas. The addition of the steam shower room with a window overlooking the cove is inspired. What better way to view those gorgeous sunsets! The dock at the house is the perfect spot for morning coffee watching the lobster boats come and go from Mackerel Cove. Brunswick is not too far away for grocery shopping and the occasional visit to the laundromat. All questions, problems, discussions about the house, Maine, New England sports or Chocolate Labradors can be directed to and answered by the wonderful property manager Dave Johnson, who is an invaluable resource. We have loved it here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul, 2020
I'm so happy you enjoyed your stay at The Red House. It's truly a magical spot. I hope to have you back on the island again someday soon!
Carter
This was our 3rd vrbo stay in Harpswell and our first on Bailey Island. We went for part of the week on our own and cousins joined us there for a couple of days. We were thrilled to bring our Boston Terrier along, too! The house is rustic yet elegant in some ways (amazing steam room, well equipped kitchen, comfortable beds & bedding). Like many other reviewers, we spent tons of time on the lovely porch relaxing and enjoying the always beautiful view of the water, birds, boats, and sunrises and sunsets. When we did venture out, we loved eating at Sundrenched on Bailey Island, buying yummy treats at the Wild Oats Bakery in Brunswick, enjoying lobster rolls from Bailey Island General Store, or walking for 5 minutes to Lands End and Bailey Island Beach. The house was pleasant and comfy and had everything we needed. We really appreciated that the owner cared about the environment (unbleached paper towels, recycling, encouraging water conservation, use of Mrs. Meyer's soap). The neighbors and property managers were nice and helpful, too. We were sad to leave but were so happy we chose somewhere so amazing to stay. Bailey Island had a lovely magic of its own, and seemed to stay cooler with a pleasant breeze most of the time than some other parts of Harpswell! Thanks for sharing this lovely home with our family!
If you’re here for the view, this is the place! We spent most of our time, when we weren’t at Land's End, Giant’s Stairs, and the Cliff Trail, out on the porch, overlooking the ever changing water views, the skies, the boats, and the stars. Days started with coffee in a rocking chair by the bay and ended with a glass of red and a matching sunset in the same chair. We were sometimes accompanied by a spider, often passed by monarch butterflies, and twice entertained by cormorant fish catches that appeared too big to swallow (but did make it down in the end). Similarly, we packed a bunch of big memories, including our walks, wonderful meals out, a shooting star and 2 evening rainbows, into an all too brief visit. If you’re here to cook and eat in, this may not be the place, but with so much going for it, you may be able to overlook that. We were. Hope to be back again for a longer stay next time. Bailey Island and Harpswell are a great find, and the hosts proactive and attentive. Recommend!
A perfect location, funky, fun interior design, and lovely owners that were quick to respond to any questions. We especially loved the private, rocky beach and beautiful sunsets. We loved our stay and will definitely be returning!
We liked the location and the house very well. The sunset view is excellent, and the ducks were a treat to watch from the porch. The two restaurants just down the road were friendly, and we had memorable breakfasts and dinners there. This is a relaxing place that I hope to return to someday.
Our family had a wonderful stay at this picturesque cottage. We will greatly miss the beautiful view from the porch. Our girls loved collecting sea glass out front and watching the wildlife. Very relaxing week in Maine with great location and accommodations.
The property was lovely with well maintained amenities. This was not an issue just a note: the keys were not in the lock box when we arrived. The door was unlocked and keys were on the counter. When we tried to leave, it appears the box may have been broken but we put them in there anyway as that is what was requested. Views were amazing. We left behind a map of the island for the next guest with a bunch of things we did. We hope to come again.
My husband and I spent a glorious week at The Red Cottage. The restoration of the cottage has clearly been a labor of love. Our experience felt authentic, yet we were not lacking for conveniences and amenities during our stay. The cottage provides the perfect setting to watch Mackerel Cove, an active harbor. We enjoyed watching the boat traffic. The porch is a cool, breezy place to reach, and to watch the ocean and skies shift shape throughout the day. In fact, I think we spent more time on the porch than we did anywhere else in the house! Do not miss sunset on the dock. Dave was the consummate host, attentive to every detail during our stay. We cannot recommend The Red Cottage highly enough. We look forward to returning.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
About the host
Hosted by Safe Harbour Property Management
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests