Brightholme: Beautifully Renovated Historic Village Home near The Shore Path

Bookings for this home are facilitated by The Knowles Company, a reputable agency located right on Mt. Desert Island for more than 120 years. PLEASE REVIEW the cancellation policy specific to Brightholme: Once the online Reservation Request becomes fully executed and payment has been made, should the Tenant be unable to occupy the rental property for any reason except the fault of the Lessor, the Tenant is responsible for the full rent. If the Knowles Company and/or the Lessor can sublet the premises for the same period covered by the lease agreement to another Tenant, monies received from the second rental will be paid first to the Lessor to fulfill the balance of the original lease. The remainder, if any, will be paid to the original Tenant as partial or full reimbursement, less The Knowles Company commission.


This wonderful and spacious home, once part of the Kenarden estate built by J. S. Kennedy in the late 1800s was purchased decades later in 1929 by the founder of The Jackson Laboratory. Today, summer visitors to this historic home will enjoy beautiful renovations that made it the first-ever designer showhouse for Maine Home and Design magazine. With its classic white picket fence, front covered porch, and brick pavers at the street and entryway, you'll feel the welcoming effects of this lovely home. With nice amenities and spacious interiors, Brightholme invites you to come inside and settle in for a lovely vacation with family and friends. Enjoy your morning coffee on the front covered porch or venture out early to stroll Bar Harbor's famous Shore Path with gorgeous views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. Walk the entire Path or take a shortcut through the neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor's shops, restaurants, attractions, and nearby parks and playgrounds. Acadia National Park entrances are also just minutes away. Venture a short distance to the "Village Green" in the center of town to catch the free Island Explorer shuttle or down to the Harbor where you'll find various excursions to choose from. Easy access to National Park attractions and Village amenities makes Brightholme the perfect cottage from which to enjoy all that Mt. Desert Island has to offer! *Note: Advertised rates are for 10 or fewer people. Add $175/week for each extra person up to 14 max.

FIRST FLOOR: To the right of the front entry is a Bedroom with a Queen bed and a pretty bay window. To the left of the open hallway with a formal staircase is a spacious Living Room with hardwood floors, comfy furnishings, and a door leading to a light-filled Dining Room with hardwood floors and seating for 10 to 12. Between the Dining Room and Kitchen is a Full Bath with a walk-in shower, newly added in 2022, that serves the first-floor Bedroom. The updated Kitchen features quality appliances as well as an Island with stools. Off the Kitchen are a half Bath, a rear stairway to the second floor, and a very spacious Family Room with a kitchenette and bar area. This is a wonderful space with a game table and a separate sitting area offering a large TV and comfy sofa beds for extra guests. Exit past the laundry area to a side porch and a long driveway with plenty of off-street parking.

SECOND FLOOR: Master Bedroom with King bed, dressing room, and private Bath with large, glass, walk-in shower. Three additional Bedrooms, each fitted with a Queen bed, share a Full Bath with a large, glass, walk-in shower. A hallway to the rear wing leads to two smaller Bedrooms, each with a Double bed and a shared full Bath with a combined tub and shower.

Outdoor Spaces: Lovely covered front Porch with wicker furnishings, side entry, and porch, patio area on the opposite side with furnishings, grill, and privacy fencing. Additionally, this home offers nice front and back lawn areas and a recently constructed pavilion for relaxed outdoor dining.

Extras: AC window units (not pictured) in all bedrooms and in the downstairs TV room.

Bar Harbor Rental Permit: R2R23-274