A group of five women —including three artists— spent a stellar vacation at the "Spruces” on Bailey Island. This summer cottage provided the perfect setting for us to explore, relax, eat, and paint. We didn't seek frills; simply “Down East” comfort and charm; the Spruces surpassed our expectations in all regards. The views from the house were spectacular: looking East, the sweeping Atlantic; looking West, the quaint harbor and inlet (Mackerel Cove).
We gravitated to the enormous porch, equipped with a new gas grill, long dining table and chairs, and curl-up-with-a-book chairs with comfy cushions. We found that we never wanted to leave the ambiance of the porch to eat out, so we sipped wine, cooked in the kitchen, enjoyed our meals on the porch, followed by spectacular nightly sunsets. The fully equipped kitchen provided all we needed to prepare delicious meals. Some of us had brought groceries; others stopped at grocery stores in nearby Brunswick.
After our full days of exploring the island and enjoying drinks, dinner, and sunset on the porch at the Spruces, we headed inside to the cozy living room, added logs (provided!) to the woodstove on chillier evenings, and chatted, read, or played board games—including the Bailey Island version of Monopoly. We then adjourned to our bedrooms, each with very comfortable beds and lovely views. The two full baths were spacious and up-to-date. We definitely plan to return to the Spruces next year, hopefully for a longer stay!