Steamboat Landing - Southport Island, Maine. Nestled between Sheepscot Bay and Boothbay, Southport Island is connected to Boothbay Harbor by a scenic swing bridge. A hidden gem, this quiet island oasis offers the best of Maine—breathtaking coastal views, welcoming locals, and fresh seafood—without the crowds of busier tourist spots.
🔑 Key Features: • Water views (no direct water access) • Wraparound deck with outdoor seating • 4 bedrooms (all located on the second floor) • 2 full bathrooms (1 upstairs, 1 downstairs) • Fully equipped kitchen • Air conditioning • Washer/Dryer • 3 minute drive to the beach • Just 10 minutes from Boothbay Harbor
🏠 Home Layout: Primary Bedroom - King Bed & expansive views Second Bedroom - Queen Bed and private balcony Third Bedroom - Double Bed Fourth Bedroom - Two twin beds
Main floor bathroom - full bathroom shower/tub combination and laundry Second floor bathroom - full bathroom with a shower/tub combination
Please Note: This is a fairly remote location, a vehicle is needed to access the home and surrounding area; Uber does not operate in the area. No dogs are allowed at this location.
♿ Accessibility: There are over 10 stairs leading to the property and additional uneven terrain leading to the deck. Rocks can become slippery when wet. All bedrooms are on the second floor, accessible via very steep stairs (10+). This property may not be suitable for guests with mobility challenges.
🚗 Parking: Strict maximum of 2 vehicles. The driveway is shared with neighbors, and additional cars cannot be accommodated.
Neighborhood Note: The cottage is situated in a neighborhood setting, built on a ledge that offers some privacy, though neighboring cottages are nearby. While the area is typically quiet, you may hear children, dogs, and cars, and see neighbors outdoors. There is no direct water access.
📍 Location & Local Charm: Steamboat Landing is the perfect family-friendly coastal escape. With 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, the cottage sleeps 8 and is tucked at the end of a quiet dead-end road—ideal for children to safely play and ride bikes. The town beach is only a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute drive away.
Pack a picnic or grab lunch from the nearby General Store, then spend your afternoon at the beach soaking up the sun, swimming, collecting sea shells, and hunting for crabs. Nearby, the local school has a public playground (when school isn't in session), and the island library offers a cozy children's area perfect for reading and relaxing.
Wrap up your day at Robinson's Wharf, just a 7-minute drive away. It’s a working wharf and restaurant where you can enjoy seafood caught that same morning by local fishermen.
Island History & Notable Residents: Southport Island has a fascinating past. Originally inhabited by the Abenaki people, it was called Capanewagen, believed to mean “place where there is a swift current.” European settlers later referred to it as Cape Newagen, now the name of the island’s southernmost point. The first European settlement was established in 1623, and the town was incorporated in 1842.
Margaret Hamilton, best known for playing the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, who summered on nearby Cape Island.
Rachel Carson, renowned marine biologist and conservationist, whose love for the Maine coast deeply inspired her work.
Why "Steamboat Landing"? The property is named after the steamboats that once transported summer visitors to the large rock at the end of what is now known as Dogfish Head (a more recent name, inspired by the brewery). These steamships were vital to regional transportation, sailing the Sheepscot and Kennebec Rivers until the 1920s. The site of the cottage is believed to have once been home to the original ticket office.
🌊 Things to Do Nearby Boothbay Harbor is just a 12-minute drive and offers a charming downtown filled with boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Walk the footbridge to admire boats and yachts up close, ride the trolley for a laid-back tour, or head out on a whale-watching adventure.
Other nearby attractions include: • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens • Maine State Aquarium • Railway & Village Museum • Boothbay Harbor Country Club
A detailed guidebook will be provided with recommendations for these and other local highlights.
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Guests are required to sign rental agreement; only those on the original reservation may stay overnight
A security deposit of up to $1000 will be held 2 days before arrival and released (if no issues are found) 7 days after departure
Primary guest must be at least 25 years of age. No parties or events; no smoking
Important information
You need to know
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 and a first aid kit
About the area
Southport
Located in Southport, this cottage is near the beach. Hendrick's Head Lighthouse and Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Boothbay Farmers' Market and Montsweag Flea Market. Maine State Aquarium and Opera House at Boothbay Harbor are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - 18 min drive - 12.6 km
Getting around
Brunswick Station - 55 min drive
Wiscasset, ME (ISS) - 38 min drive
Restaurants
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - 17 min drive
Kitchen Garden Cafe - 17 min drive
Five Islands Lobster Co - 69 min drive
Harborside 1901 Bar & Grill - 11 min drive
Tugboat Inn - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Steamboat Landing Cottage: Water Views pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Steamboat Landing Cottage: Water Views?
As of 5 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Steamboat Landing Cottage: Water Views on 20 Jun, 2026 start from S$686, 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 Steamboat Landing Cottage: Water Views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Steamboat Landing Cottage: Water Views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Steamboat Landing Cottage: Water Views?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Steamboat Landing Cottage: Water Views located?
Situated by the sea, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Hendricks Head Beach, Hendrick's Head Lighthouse and Hendricks Hill Museum. Southport Memorial Library and Juniper Point are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great house and beautiful location. One of the few places I’ve stayed that was as good if not better than advertised. The owner was very helpful. Our group of 4 were very comfortable. Highly recommended.
Property beautifully decorated and equipped with everything we needed. A bit of trouble checking in as we were given the wrong key code. Lots of steps to hike up with heavy luggage. Beautiful views all around.
This property has beautiful views of the water! We loved sitting in the living room watching boats passing. The house is spacious and well stocked with everything you'd need! Thank you!
The property was just as described in the listing, and the views were amazing! My family and I had a great time staying in Southport export, exploring the island and Boothbay Harbor. The house was very clean and comfortable. Everything we needed was provided including bath towels, bed linens, beach towels, beach chairs. The host even provided shampoo and conditioner!
Our stay at the Steamboat Cottage was wonderful! While we were close enough to bustle of Boothbay and all of its offerings. Our afternoons and evenings in Southport, allowed us to retreat to picturesque sunsets on the deck overlooking the Sheepscot. The general store down the road offers great breakfast and lunch choices, and the host book provides you with the ins and outs of the best places to eat and visit nearby. We were two families with kids. The beach was close enough to ride to, and the school nearby had an amazing playground we frequented. The location was excellent, and our stay was comfortable. On top of that the communication with the owner was clear and friendly. A truly fantastic vacation.
This was the perfect home for my family and me for a much needed vacation. The home was super cute and well decorated with beautiful costal themes. Let me just say my favorite part of this beautiful home was the amazing views on both floors! The location was also great for walks and the owner shared with us the location if Hendricks beach, which was only a mile walk from the house. There was so much to do from shopping, enjoying great food, walking through a botanical garden and ending the week with a boat tour. Lastly, the owners were amazing with checking in with us via messaging to ensure we had everything we needed. This was a great vacation that did nit disappoint!
Our family recently stayed at the Steamboat Landing cottage on Southport and loved our stay.
It was a very quiet neighborhood and the water views from both levels were so amazing (particularly the master bedroom). The cottage was well stocked and the bedrooms were all good sizes. It was nice having laundry in the unit. We felt the listing was accurate re: amenities and accessibility.
We appreciated being close enough to Boothbay Harbor and all it had to offer, but not so close that we had to deal with the traffic and parking. On Southport Island, we loved the General Store for some morning coffees, Hendricks Head beach & lighthouse and the Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm. We made day trips to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and the Coastal Maine Bontanical Garden - both are must sees when in the area.
Gillian, the host, was great about checking in on us periodically to help with whatever was needed. Overall, it was a good value. We would stay here again if in the Boothbay area!
The cottage was very well equipped with everything we needed for our stay. Key items were linens, functional appliances and extra toiletries (Q tips, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc). There were helpful signs in the kitchen to be able to put things back where they belong.
The cottage is very spacious with a first floor open concept that worked well for our family.
There was a guidebook and instructions on parking, trash, and check out that was very clear and neatly organized. It was very family friendly with some toys (including beach toys) and books for kids.
We loved the huge deck with beautiful views - perfect for hanging out or enjoying a meal.
It's in a great location! Very quiet, peaceful family neighborhood. Within a long walk or a short drive to the Southport General Store and Hendrick’s Head beach.
Our communications with the host were friendly. Any items of concern were quickly resolved.
Deb D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
Jo-anne S.
4 Oct, 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication
Steamboat Landing ‘s Safety Issues
Stairs from parking area to house are incomplete and unsafe. Were forced to walk uphill over slippery rocks as stairs were missing.
Stairs in the house were steep and steps too short. Stairs would not pass safety code. Railing was too close to the wall for hands to hold securely.
Bath tubs were very difficult to get in and get out of, and there no grab bars, dangerous.
Jo-anne S.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct, 2024
Thank you for your review. We strive to be accurate in our listing, which is why we have a section (‘Stairs’) describing the uneven ground leading to the cottage & the amount of stairs both inside & outside. Cottages in Maine can be quirky & are certainly not for everyone. The addition of grab bars is an excellent suggestion, we will install those in both bathrooms.
About the host
Hosted by Gillian Roy
We purchased Steamboat Landing in 2021 and truly feel as though we stumbled upon something magical. Southport—and Dogfish Head in particular—offers a rich history, quintessential Maine scenery, and a slower pace of life that nourishes the soul. As multigenerational Mainers, we’re proud to own a small piece of this extraordinary island.
We hope our home becomes a place of love, laughter, and cherished moments for years to come.
Some of our favorite memories here include sipping morning coffee on the deck while watching seals and porpoises play in the water, taking unhurried walks to the local beach to bask in the sun beneath the watchful gaze of the historic Hendricks Head Lighthouse, picking up homemade treats and a bottle of wine from the nearby General Store, and enjoying fresh seafood at Robinson’s Wharf—a visit that always ends with a trip to their gift shop (our nine-year-old twins wouldn’t have it any other way!)
We’re honored to share our home with your family and hope it brings you as many beautiful memories as it has brought us.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests