. . . an oasis in the heart of Camden.

Licensed by Town of Camden: #STR-00137
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DISCLAIMER:
While our gardens are very pretty and our general area does have scenic views, our own in-town property does not overlook the harbor nor does it have a view of mountains. (Still, as we are at the highest point on Pearl St. and there is nothing blocking the view, sunsets to the west as seen from the Cottage are often beautiful)

"The best of both worlds: town & country."

Unusually good for two couples. Two bedrooms, each with a queen bed, and two full baths. Extra is a day-bed that has a regular twin size mattress, located in a multi-purpose room. (Note: The day bed may not be suitable for all adults.)

"As cozy as a cottage and as spacious as a house." Some call it a "house," others a "cottage," others a "cabin." Whatever it is, it's comfortable, informal, and relaxing. Built in 2000, our place offers the convenience of 1 level living and an open floor plan. It is really is a contemporary house with the look and feel of a traditional shingled cottage.

The cottage also provides the comfort and peace of mind only modern utilities can provide: a 2024 mini-split air conditioner that cools the living area and a 2025 quiet window-installed air conditioner in the master suite for bed- and bathrooms; a 2024 whole-home, permanently installed propane-fired automatic emergency generator that is always "on call" and ready to go; a 2024 new oil-fired furnace that provides central heat when needed, with two separate zones (one for living and one for the bedrooms); and a 2025 heat pump heater that provides plenty of domestic hot water.

We recently completed our 16th year as hosts. We lost count at 100 happy vacation groups of 2 to 5 guests from the majority of US States and several foreign countries. Many guests return. A few have considered our place their "summer home" in Maine and have stayed for long periods repeatedly.

This is a great place for a small family, or two friendly couples traveling together. Consider the savings of two budgets splitting the already modest cost. The layout works well for sharing. The total living space, all on one floor, is 1,350 sq. ft.

Although by no means fully handicapped equipped, the cottage has many features that make it senior friendly. There is easy access from the driveway to the front door via a ramp; good outdoor nighttime lighting is automatic; doorways inside and out are wide; there are grab doors in the bathrooms and bathtub/shower surrounds; and all living is on one floor.

THE SETTING
"Home Away from Home." *Peaceful* country setting bordered by an extensive woodland, open space, while being close to the center of town. Many call it an "oasis." Others have called it "a sanctuary."

Although located in its own quiet enclave, this cottage is just a pleasant 15 to 20 walk to downtown and the picturesque inner harbor. The Cottage is in a long established quiet residential neighborhood of quintessential late-19th-century Maine homes. (Our home and carriage house, next door, were built in the 1890s.)

"Leafy" Pearl St. is well known and appreciated locally as an interesting, diverse neighborhood of single family homes in the “traditional village” zone.

A brand new street surface and ADA-compliant paved sidewalk were completed during 2024, connecting the cottage safely and conveniently—and providing a pleasant short drive or walk— to the center of town. Just 10 or 15 minutes on foot in the other direction are the town's principle supermarket, "Hannaford's," and two banks with ATMs. The Concord Bus line stop connecting Camden to Portland and Bangor with connections to Boston and New York, is across US Rt. 1 from Hannaford's at the local convenience store/gas station.

We have no close neighbors, street corners, or busy traffic closely crowding our place, although there is very occasionally a private special event, like a wedding reception, next door at the American Legion Hall (no bar in this one). This happens perhaps once a month. The Hall also hosts acoustic music jams once a week, and public pancake breakfasts and traditional New England-style bean suppers on a regular basis, both open to the public.

Inside, there is ample indoor space for both privacy and to stretch out and relax.

There is a long driveway and private off street parking, for the exclusive use of guests.

Over the years, we have created many colorful, very informal gardens that feature flowering trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals on nearly an acre of land. We love giving guests tours of our gardens and encourage them to take photos.

We live next door for easy communication, and love to give personal recommendations. We make our friendly assistance available at all times but we also respect your privacy if you wish to keep to yourselves.

Among the gardens is a large open lawn where the kids can run about. You can keep an eye on them from the balcony/deck, or just enjoy a cup of coffee there in the morning or your own refreshments in the evening.

INDOORS
Usual occupancy is 2, 3, or 4, however, a 5th can be accommodated by putting the day bed to use. Most parties use just the 2 Queen-size beds. While the day bed is also available, and has a "real" twin-size mattress, it might be best suited for a child.

We clean to a high standard between stays, and refreshers can be arranged if you wish additional cleaning during a long visits.

David likes to pick and arrange fresh flowers for you weekly, or even more often upon request.

We don't have professionally shot, wide-angled photos. We took all the picture ourselves. Some say it is roomier than it appears in photos. The entry, dining, kitchen and living areas are as you enter, and the bed- and bathrooms are located down a short hall in the back. This is good for sleeping because it is especially quiet in the back of the cottage, next to the woods.

There are traditional, substantial home-like furnishings; we value comfort more than style. We keep it casual. Our place was originally furnished as a home, not to be a motel, hotel, B&B, or newly renovated or upscale vacation rental. Nothing kitchy or retro. Some might call it a little old-fashioned.

Large, fully equipped kitchen.

EQUIPMENT
Wi-Fi

2024 flat screen smart, Roku TV with lots of free viewing. You can connect to your own subscriptions, as well.

2025 30 cu. ft. top-freezer stainless steel Frigidaire refrigerator.

Same-floor clothes washer & 2024 drier; starter supplies provided.

Air conditioning by Mother Nature. Also, ceiling fans in both main bedrooms, lots of portable oscillating fans are available, and a 2024 heat pump air conditioner can cool the entire main living area. We added a new window-mounted air conditioner to the Master Suite in 2025, which, with the Master door left open, can help cool the entire bed/bath area during any really prolonged hot spells (which are rare).

Games, puzzles, videos, lots of Maine and other books and magazines

OUTDOORS
A roomy 10 x 14' rustic camp-like wooden "Screen House" overlooks the gardens and catches the breezes. It is mostly for our personal use, but can be used occasionally by guests, by special advance arrangement, at no cost.

Well lit, barrier-free entry & deck

Outdoor table & chairs, charcoal grill upon request, morning sun on the deck, and shade for afternoons.

LOCATION
We are mid-way between Portland and the popular Boothbay Harbor region to the southwest and Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park to the northeast. Quaint Belfast is a great town to visit, just 20 minutes away, with its own allure of unique shops. galleries, restaurants, waterfront, old-time movie theater, and more.

Short drives to busy Camden, cozy Rockport, Mt. Battie State Park with ocean & mountain views--and many other parks, lakes, in addition to the ocean, for swimming and boating, farmland, wineries, lighthouses, fine museums, & 25+ art galleries.

A wide range of popular local midcoast attractions and activities is available within short driving distances. We love sharing suggestions and recommendations base on our personal knowledge. We've gotten pretty familiar with the area after 35 years in this one place, which we love.