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Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy

Photo gallery for Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy

Front of cottage from Basin Cove
Kitchen view - cove is to the right with view over the stove and counter
Dining area looking out to cove as the tide is beginning to go out
This is what you see when you enter the cottage from the road side
Master bedroom

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms0+ bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View in a map
Harpswell, ME
  • Place, Ash Cove Pottery
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Mitchell Field
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, LL Bean Flagship Store
    ‪39 min drive‬
  • Airport, Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)
    ‪61 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

2 half bathrooms

half bath

Toilet · Outdoor shower

main bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy

Open sunny cottage at head of Basin Cove where the tide ebbs and flows inviting herons and egrets to scavage along the water's edge. Swimming, canoeing, and kayaking from the front dock at high tide. Peaceful to view the scene via a wall of windows while sitting by the wood stove on a rainy day, or from the surrounding deck in the afternoon sun or evening shade.

Two miles to nearby Erika's take-out or the Dolphin Marina Restaurant for homemade fish chowder and blueberry muffins. Fresh lobsters and summer corn available for Maine summer dining. For those inclined to venture out - concerts at The Bowdoin College Summer Music Festival, musicals at The Maine State Theater in Brunswick, The Walker Museum at Bowdoin, The Wyeth Center in Rockland, The Portland Museum of Art, shopping at L.L. Bean and outlet stores in Freeport (30 minutes) plus many area gift shops... or stay put and hang out in the hammock with a good book.

Guest's comments:
'Truly restorative time...a peaceful, glorious spot.' Linda W.
'I awakened happily to the simplicity of 'Spartina'.' Deborah L.
'All the birds were here at 7am for a feeding frenzy as the tide came in.' Jim R
'Amazing that swimming was a possibility and extremely refreshing. The rhythm of the
tides and the light are particularly stunning.' Deborah and James D.
'Different mood and changes in the water with the tides and weather conditions were
fascinating. We especially appreciated how clean everything was and having a house
with so many great books and a well stocked kitchen.' Ron and family
'Beautiful surroundings. So many memories to take home...a true respite from our city
life in Houston. No smog, no sirens, no air-conditioning (how nice!). we breathed
easier here.' The W family
We had a great time canoeing, swimming, playing Monopoly and Risk. The cove was a
nice backdrop to look at and we spent lots of time reading. All in all, it was a
wonderful vacation.' brothers Sam and Harry
'Without 'Spartina' our week in Maine would have passed without much of a sense of
'Maineness'.' Mike and Katherine
Nine nights and ten days - it's just not enough. There is no substitute for the Maine
coast and South Harpswell in particular. We love it here!' Gene and Marilyn

















Keywords: Charming Cottage

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

Harpswell

Located in Harpswell, this cottage is on the waterfront. Harriet Beecher Stowe House and First Parish Church are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit LL Bean Flagship Store and Maine Street. Ash Cove Pottery and Paddleworks are also worth visiting. Kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby.
View more Cottages in HarpswellOpens in a new window
Map
Harpswell, ME

What's nearby

  • Ash Cove Pottery - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Mitchell Field - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • LL Bean Flagship Store - 39 min drive - 49.5 km
  • Thompson's Point - 58 min drive - 83.4 km
  • Maine Mall - 60 min drive - 89.5 km

Getting around

  • Brunswick Station - 21 min drive
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cook's Lobster & Ale House - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Bailey Island General Store - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Morse’s - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Dolphin Marina & Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪B.I.G.S. Bailey Island General Store - ‬25 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy?

As of 7 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy on 12 Jun, 2026 start from S$363, 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 Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Tidal Cove- Informal Charming Cottage Rebuilt to Passive Cozy located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Casco Bay and Ash Cove Pottery. Mitchell Field and Eagle Island 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 49 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 49 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 49 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 49 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 49 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our stay with the views from this cottage. It was the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Maine's lighthouses, towns, and local eateries. Some of our favorites were Flight Deck Brewing, Iris Eats Maine and Pammy's Ice Cream.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a lovely home! Welcoming, comfortable & filled with natural light. We had such fun exploring the Harpswell area…so beautiful!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa Mitchell J.

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

Basin Bungalow

We very much enjoyed our stay at this VRBO!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick V.

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

Spartina Getaway in Harpswell Maine

Beautiful Property…Everything was ready and well stocked. Spectacular views of the Basin.Would highly recommend this rental to anyone that is looking to relax and enjoy what Maine has to offer.Looking forward to coming back in the future! Overall a wonderful experience!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt C.

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

Amazing Place

This place was amazing and so peaceful!! Sitting out back in the evenings looking out at the view was the highlight. Lots of hiking nearby and great food. This exceed our expectations and we will be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home is so interesting. Lots of details to check out. Beautiful water view and outdoor spaces. Kitchen is small but very efficient. We all instantly relaxed and enjoyed just "being" in a part of Maine that we have visited almost yearly.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula M.

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

Beautiful and relaxing place to stay.

This is our second stay at this home, and we love being there. Even though the weather wasn't the best this year, we still had a great time. The massive windows in each room bring in so much light, and the view is so gorgeous we never felt cooped up.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely amazing property! Gorgeous, sweeping views made it fun to stay in or head out and explore. Outdoor shower a must! Kids loved the "nest" or secret loft as mine called it. Well-stocked large kitchen. Pictures online don't do it justice. Host Susan was a great communicator and easy to work with. Highly recommend staying here!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meredith P.

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

A Glorious View

You won’t be disappointed by the view or location. The house itself is charming, comfortable, clean & well-maintained.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Susan C.

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

Relaxing!

Enjoyed the deck sipping coffee in the morning while watching the various ocean birds.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geoff A.

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

Quiet escape

The big windows everywhere overlooking the basin made for a very peaceful, relaxing spot. Easy water access at high tide by their canoe or the kayak I brought. The nice breezes off the bay made for a wonderful, cool retreat during a heat wave everywhere else - great place to unwind.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky S.

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

Excellent Vacation Rental!

This home was pure comfort and perfection! It's not often on vacation my friend and I find ourselves wanting to just stay in, but this cozy cabin made it hard to leave. The view was incredible and the cozy fireplace made it the most perfect place to stay put and relax! I would 100% recommend this location and rental property and would love to visit again some day!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diana D.

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

Relaxing stay in Maine

My husband and I finished our trip to Maine at Spartina. Quiet cottage with an amazing view of the cove. Close to hiking, Coastal Botanical Gardens, quaint little towns and the airport in Portland. There is even lobster at Erica’s or nice dinner at Dolphin Marina at the end of our road. Peaceful place to recharge.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eleonora M.

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

Retreat at Spartina

The property is lovely. The architectural and design details are special. The views of the water spectacular and notwithstanding the proximity to the road, the house is quiet and private. My husband loved the outdoor shower. We will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom J.

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

A terrific cottage, nicely located to explore coastal Maine

We spent the July 4th week there, and it was great. A very comfortable modern cottage with an extremely well-equipped kitchen. Terrific views of the cove, and the deck & dock are wonderful places to sit outside while enjoying breakfast and watching the tide rise & ebb. Camden, Boothbay Harbor and Freeport are easy day trips, or just poke around the waterfront towns. (P.S.--Penny's Ice Cream stand down the road is a terrific place at dusk!)
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann O.

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

Heaven in Maine

Spartina is a beautiful home in an idyllic setting. We spent a week there during a heat wave, but with the cool sea breezes were very comfortable. The house was supplied with everything we needed which meant there was no need to immediately shop for paper goods, etc. Susan is an excellent host, responsive and hospitable. Without a doubt, this was the nicest vacation rental we’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin H.

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

Comfortable Home with Beautiful View

Architecturally unique cottage with an outstanding view of a peaceful tidal cove. Home was stocked with just about everything we needed, except for bed linens (which we rented). Good location with Dolphin Marina Restaurant and Erica's (both excellent places to eat) nearby. Home is situated on a blind curve, which made pulling out into traffic a challenge -- but host had warned us ahead of time to be careful.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teri C.

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

Let the outside in

The owners were forward thinking when they built and respectful of the environment. A high performance house with lots of natural light and the option to open up the windows to the let the fresh air in. Their use of space is thoughtful, so the place felt roomy and comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dianna B.

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

Amazing place

I had the most amazing time at spartina! I was doing a virtual conference and I wanted a place that had beautiful views and spartina was the perfect place for this. There were amazing views from every room on the entire property. The house is very open and airy and lovely. This is the perfect location for a couple to relax and enjoy gorgeous views! I really liked how all the furniture was incredibly comfortable. with prior rentals I find they often get handmedown furniture and that is not the case at spartina, the queen bed is comfortable and the couch is very comfortable. I will definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer and Nicholas J.

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

THE ABSOLUTE BEST!

There are few words to adequately describe the beautiful and restorative Spartina. The home's location is perfect, and it has everything you need to decompress and soak up the nature right outside the patio doors. Susan has thought of everything when renovating Spartina. Such imaginative touches and art all around! The house is not large - but due to the imaginative use of space, it was a perfect size for our family of four (including two young adults. Everyone we met in Harpswell (and nearby Freeport - and a little further away - Kennebunkport) -were kind and welcoming. Susan was very responsive throughout our stay. Book this house. You will not be sorry. Thank you, Susan!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy B.

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

Great space and location!

We had a great stay and loved our time in Maine and at the cottage. The owner was very attentive and the cottage was spacious yet cozy and clean. Our only suggestion would be on the online description for the parking. It’s stated there is room for two cars to park however we drive a jeep grand Cherokee and it just fit in the space to allow to back/pull out safely. I’m not sure another car would have been able fit unless they were both small cars. We have no complaints and if we were to return to the area for another vacation we would definitely look into staying at Spartina again. Thanks for a wonderful 30th wedding anniversary get away!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We spent a wonderful week at this Harpswell rental, and it was absolutely fabulous from start to finish. The accommodations were spotless, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped with everything we needed. The location was breathtaking — peaceful, scenic, and perfectly situated to enjoy all that coastal Maine has to offer.We especially loved relaxing with the stunning views and indulging in the local seafood — fresh lobster, oysters, and clams right from nearby spots! The home provided all the comforts for a relaxing and memorable stay.Thank you to our hosts for sharing your beautiful home with us — it truly made our Maine vacation unforgettable. We can’t wait to come back
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Randal B.

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

Was comfortable and pleasant. Not a bad location to see the area

.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence S.

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

Amazing views

Beautiful Scandinavian style home with excellent views of the cove from inside and outside. Well equipped kitchen and comfortable beds. Hammock and canoe major pluses.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane T.

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

Lovely stay

Had a lovely week at the well-designed and thoughtfully appointed Spartina; beautiful views, close distance to a lobster shack, ice-cream, beaches and sunsets galore. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Susan Myer Riley

Host profile image
I was born and raised in Maine. After 15 years away, living in Germany and Seattle, I returned to enjoy the changing seasons, green forests, open ocean, downeast personalities, and of course my family.

Why they chose this property

I bought 'Spartina' in 1988 as an investment and began making improvements. Spartina is a type of dune grass and it is the title of a book my son and I read by John Casey.

In 2010 my husband and I razed the original building and designed a new passive solar cottage that has a nautical nordic look and feel. It is comfortable and cozy during all four seasons. We rent the cottage from July - Oct saving the other months for family use. We love watching the change of tides and various weather systems from inside and out.

What makes this property unique

It is astounding to read renter's comments in the cottage journal. I have been fortunate to attract people who, like us, enjoy this cozy simple spot right on Basin who appreciate unrushed time to watch birds along the changing tides, catch up on their reading, visit nearby places of interest, or simply stay home, cook a good meal and watch the sunset across the cove.

Languages:

English
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