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Families have choices on multiple levels to relax and play games

Enjoy morning coffee on the trex deck with mahogany drink rail for sunsets

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6154 sq m

Popular amenities

Washer

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Dryer

Outdoor space

Free WiFi

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

10:00 AM

Explore the area

Shapleigh, ME

Square Pond1 min walk
Acton Fairgrounds9 min drive
Mousam Lake11 min drive
Laconia, NH (LCI-Laconia Municipal)73 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

What a lovely, extremely comfortable, well-appointed home! The kitchen is filled with everything you might need for cook...

Lisa G.

Jan 30, 2024

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Downstairs bonus sleeping/relax

1 Double Futon and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Guest Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Living Room 2

1 Double Sofa Bed

Primary bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Experience “the view” on Square, make memories! June, August available

You won’t want to leave!

OK, you plan to get away to Maine with your family, kids and friends—we are open all 4 seasons. You want to escape the pace of everyday life. No airports, no congestion, no crowds. You just want to relax. Coffee in the morning on the deck and campfires in the evening. We promote Dark Skies practices to enjoy the stars. Clean water, summer kayaks and games. Ready, set—-we got you covered!

Book early. Pack your bags. Near the end of a mile long single lane dirt road(well maintained year round), you will find a secluded waterfront home situated in a quiet cove on coveted Square Pond (nearly 900 acres —5 miles of water)with expansive deck above a cascading, terraced lawn down to the waterfront. Crystal clear water for boating, swimming and fishing awaits. Sleeps 6 with two baths. Quiet and relaxing. Docks(2)and kayaks (4)and paddle boards available in the summer season. Modern home with WiFi and televisions. Forty steps from the water. Westerly view with afternoon sun. Sunsets!!

First Question—Will you enjoy the evening sounds of loons?

Second question—Will you see the majestic flight of the residing Bald Eagle?

Come —-find your answers.

Property manager

Allan Krans

Premier Host

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Lake view

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Barbecue grill

Microwave

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 30

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

If launching a boat at the public launch—size matters due to the small size of the culvert— thoroughly clean off vegetation.

Respect neighbors, especially after dark. Noise travels over water. No large parties, gatherings or events. Maximum 21 day rental.

No use of Owner’s boat.

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Shapleigh

Located in Shapleigh, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Province Lake Golf Course and Woodland Valley Disc Golf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Square Pond and Mousam Lake. Acton Fairgrounds and Bowl A Rama are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking, waterskiing and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.

Shapleigh, ME

What's nearby

Square Pond - 1 min walk
Acton Fairgrounds - 9 min drive
Mousam Lake - 11 min drive
Great East Lake - 13 min drive
Blueberry Hill - 19 min drive

Getting around

Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

‪Iron Tails Saloon - ‬9 min drive
‪Willy's Ale House - ‬7 min drive
‪Thurston and Peters Sugarhouse - ‬11 min drive
‪Shapleigh Corner Store - ‬5 min drive
‪Ted's Fried Clams - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Experience “the view” on Square, make memories! June, August available pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Experience “the view” on Square, make memories! June, August available?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Experience “the view” on Square, make memories! June, August available?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Experience “the view” on Square, make memories! June, August available located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Square Pond and within 6 miles (10 km) of Acton Fairgrounds and Mousam Lake. Great East Lake and Balch Pond are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Sue F.

27 June 2024

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

Wonderful time in Shapleigh

We just needed a place to stay for a weekend to attend a wedding. We ended up booking this place because it had room to have our granddaughter over as well, but it had plenty of room for others if you had a bigger family. It was so well stocked with anything you would need, it was just like being home. Super comfortable and cozy. Grateful for the ac since it was in the high 90’s for a few days. Water was lovely, kayaks and paddleboards were nice to be able to use. Owner Allan was delightful! Thank you so much for sharing your house!!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

MARCO C.

1 May 2024

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

The Best Inland place to stay in Maine! and it is right on a lake!

This place has everything you would ever need, and the host Is wonderful! It is a multilevel house right on the water with an upgraded kitchen, baths and the bed are the most comfortable I have ever slept in. From the parking area you enter the midlevel with the kitchen, dining and living area all with large windows or sliding glass looking out onto lake. From there you can go down using the spiral staircase to another living room area with a bath and comfortable futon for sitting or sleeping in and again with large windows to view the lake. The upstairs has two bedrooms, one with 2 twin beds and the other with a queen bed. Many towels, including beach towels, are furnish along with coffee specialty teas and the kitchen has everything you can think of. Outside are newer decks at the mid and lower level. They also have a firepit just out from the lower deck and a supply of wood for use. down by the water edge you will find Kayaks, SUP boards for your use. If you want the true Maine vacation experience this is the place!

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann L.

14 Apr 2024

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

Just what we needed

As soon as we drove up to and then walked into the house we knew we had made the right choice. We were in town for a sad family occasion, and the loveliness of this location, the comfort of the house, and the abundant and generous supplies available were such a comfort to us. The weather was rainy and gray, but the view of the lake was still so peaceful and beautiful. Every few hours or so, one of us would say : “we should come back in the summer.”

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa G.

30 Jan 2024

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

Perfection

What a lovely, extremely comfortable, well-appointed home! The kitchen is filled with everything you might need for cooking, including counter space, The master bed is very comfortable, with an adjustable heated mattress pad! All around, there are thoughtful supplies and stylish surprised to enjoy. And the view is beyond breathtaking! Allan, our host was extremely helpful - beforehand in making sure we'd be prepared for a Maine winter, and during, when I had some questions. We will absolutely be back.

Stayed 20 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deana Z.

4 Sept 2023

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

Lake Life in Maine

We usually stay on the coast but decided to try a lake adventure this summer. This house was beautiful and clean, with everything we needed. What we enjoyed the most: kayaking, swimming off the dock, peaceful coffee with the view in the mornings, and starry skies with the campfire at night. The lake community was not very welcoming, but the house definitely was! We were close enough to the shore to get to the beach (about an hour). Ice cream, mini golf, and amazing antique stores are not too far away either. Allan was so helpful and kind, and if you get to meet Peter, consider yourself lucky! Thank you for the wonderful week!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy P.

3 Sept 2023

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

We had an excellent stay!

The hosts are helpful, friendly, and responsive. Their home is clean and comfortable complete with nice bonuses like: A/C, a well-stocked kitchen and a dishwasher. The best part is obviously outside. Swimming in the clean water is so refreshing. One cannot beat the view off the deck in the late-afternoon. I hope to be back in the future. Thanks for a wonderful and relaxing week away.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate M.

21 Aug 2023

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

Wonderful get-away

Our family stayed at the Krans' cottage for a week, and had a wonderful time. The house is well stocked with what you might need, and the landscaped lawn is absolutely gorgeous and relaxing. Our kids (7-13 years) enjoyed the paddle boards and the outdoor games, and on the days that it rained, the house was comfortable and plenty of games and activities to keep everyone occupied. Thank you so much for the lovely week.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

30 July 2023

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

Just not enough time

Perfect location on Square Pond for an enjoyable stay with family and friends - clean, comfortable, and with all the amenities that you will need. There is something for everyone - whether you just want to float, hangout in the dock area, take out one of the kayaks for a tour of the lake, or just hang out on the deck, or in the AC cooled house. Allan was very helpful and communicative through the entire experience, from booking to checking out. Highly recommended!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

23 July 2023

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

Relaxing getaway

This was a wonderful property and the owner was easy to contact if needed. The house was beautiful and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. It’s on a peaceful side of the lake with a great little dock. Our kids loved swimming and we enjoyed kayaking. There are some great hikes nearby (Abbott Mt & Knox Mt). Groceries and restaurants are all a bit of a (beautify) drive but that is part of why we loved this location. Allen & Mary have created an amazing getaway with comfortable rooms and entertainment (games, TV) if it happens to rain. We hope we can return one day.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lia M., Duxbury, MA

24 June 2023

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

Awesome spot

We had a great stay at Allan and Mary’s house. Location is beautiful and they provide so many fun outdoor games to play. The weather wasn’t great for the first few day, but we still had a blast because of all the fun games they have. The kayaks and paddle boards were so fun for all of us. The house was clean and comfortable and very well stocked for all our cooking needs. Host was very responsive and easy to communicate with. Our 8 year old got a hole in one for disc golf and Allan dropped off a medal for him. So fun! Highly recommend!!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim S.

3 June 2023

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

Great Time on the Lake

Property has everything you need for a great getaway ….. all you need to do is show up !!!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Francis L.

17 Apr 2023

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

Anxiety gone

The house was perfect instantly walk in and see the deck and lake from the kitchen with an amazing view was perfect! House was super clean had everything you could ask for!!! Allen was a great host had some lock troubles he came and took a look and even left us with some nice gifts to enjoy!!! I WOULDNT HESITATE TO TELL ANYONE TO STAY HERE AND GET AWAY AND UNWIND!!! this is really the perfect place for that!!!

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher P.

21 Jan 2023

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

Serene and Relaxing

What a great find for a relaxing and enjoyable visit. We had rented this house in the summer and enjoyed it. It was a very pleasant find to see it was a year round rental. The lake in the summer is bustling and brimming with energy. The winter experience was very serene and contemplating. We enjoyed using the house as a base to go shopping and snowshoeing both locally and within a half hour drive. There is plenty to do in the area and we made a few afternoon trips to Sanford, North Conway, Cornish and Bridgeton. We also enjoyed sitting in the living room and watching turkeys walk along the shore, enjoyed the gas stove, comfortable seating and general relaxed vibe the house has.

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa D.

11 Oct 2022

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

Perfect combination of fun, comfort and convenience

Allan and Mary's house is one of the best we have rented. Everything you need is there - well stocked kitchen, gas-powered wood stove, indoor and outdoor games, comfortable beds and a killer view. We enjoyed exploring local hikes during the day, family meals and corn hole games by the fire pit in the evenings. Can't recommend enough for a family/friends get away.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie S.

20 Sept 2022

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

Wonderful Lakehouse

Allan & Mary have certainly created a wonderful oasis for guests on Square Pond. The amenities they provide go above and beyond, between games for kids and kayaks/paddleboards - this place has everything a family would need to have a great time. We felt very welcome in their house. Allan stayed in touch throughout our stay and expressed that we could contact them at any point about anything. We didn't have any problems during our stay and would recommend the house to friends and family.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelly C.

20 Aug 2022

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

Fantastic week on Square Pond

We just ended a fantastic week at Allan & Mary’s lake house! The house itself was perfect for us - comfy, clean, bright, great decor, a well stocked kitchen and the ability to stay cool in warmer temperatures! The property is beautiful and well maintained with lots of options for outdoor seating. Their location on Square Pond is awesome, just inside a calm cove that was perfect for my daughter when using the paddle board. After our relaxing days on the water, we enjoyed fires over looking the great view of the lake and listening to the loons. The perfect setting for making memories!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lucy G., Durham, NH

15 Aug 2022

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

A Perfect Lake Home Experience

Allan and Mary's beautiful home is definitely a 5-star rental. They have thought of every amenity to make your stay comfortable, convenient and fun! My husband and I, with our two adult children and their partners, had plenty of space to be together or apart. We enjoyed the long deck and the beautiful, landscaped yard for playing games and relaxing. It was especially nice to have the 5/4 kayaks and paddle boards to get out on the water to explore the lake. We'd gather around the fire pit in the evenings to watch the sunset and play some cornhole. To top off our relaxing stay, we watched a bald eagle snatch a fish from the lake in front of us and eat it in the treetops above us, a couple of times! It was a magical place, and we'd love to return. We all agreed the week was perfect! Thank you, Allan and Mary!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rick R.

6 Aug 2022

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

Square Pond Beauty

My wife and I just experienced a wonderful week at the lake. Great property on a fantastic pond. This place has all you need for that perfect getaway summer vacay. Water toys from kayaks, paddle boards, docks and beach lounging. Lots of shade and/or sun. The camp has all you need for indoor comforts from air conditioning, clean bedrooms and baths and a well stocked kithen. Hoping to do this again and maybe often. Thank you Krans family. R&LR

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jamie T.

3 Aug 2022

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

Beautiful setting

Beautiful, clean, well stocked….we had such a fun time and can’t wait to go back!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna W., Scottsdale, AZ

16 July 2022

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

Best Stay Ever!

This property was the best place I’ve stayed on a VRBO property. The house was beautiful, beds were comfortable, grounds were lush and immaculate! The owner was very responsive, kind and helpful. I give this property a 10 out of 10 and will certainly return

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charles S.

22 June 2022

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

Relaxing stay.

The house is located in a beautiful setting and is well furnished and very clean. The landscaping is outstanding. The home was very comfortable and we had a very relaxing stay. We highly recommend staying here. Thank you for making your home available to us.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ray H.

11 June 2022

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

vary nice property and house!!

would rent again!!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Martha K., Bloomington, IL

29 Sept 2021

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

PERFECT TIME TO VISIT!

What a find! This week at Square Pond Lake was simply delightful. The house is charming… very clean, well-stocked with towels and linens; the kitchen very well appointed… In fact, it gave me some new ideas for my kitchen! Comfortable beds – skylights add to the woodsy ambience. Stunning views of the lake from the back deck with 1st cup of coffee to spectacular sunsets… The lake itself crystal clear and still warm enough for swimming and kayaking. The location perfect for exploring nearby towns, the ocean and hiking. The owners, Mary and Alan, provided valuable insight for day trips, shopping and dining out. Will I be back? You bet!!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gae C.

22 Sept 2021

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

The perfect vacation home.

This lakefront home was very warm and inviting, a wonderful mix of comfortable charm and the latest upgrades. The kitchen had everything you needed from high-end cookware, dinnerware and knives to basics such as spices, oil, flour, etc. The beds and furniture were very comfortable. There was everything from cozy little places to relax and read to a large family game room downstairs with plenty of seating for family and friends. Speaking of games, there are numerous inside and outside games to keep everyone entertained. As wonderful as the inside was it was very difficult to convince ourselves to go inside. The location on the quiet cove of this very large pond was perfect for watching the sunset, swimming, kayaking, etc. The cascading grounds are beautifully landscaped with plenty of comfortable seating on every level from the large decks down to the waterfront area. It is the kind of place that you can do as much or as little as you want and still have an amazing vacation. Our days began and ended on the deck where we enjoyed our morning coffee, watched the sunsets in the evening and listened to the loons. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or a fun filled family getaway you’re sure to find it here!

Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christopher P.

4 Sept 2021

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

An Oasis in Maine

Mary and Allan have really figured out how to strike the balance between comforts of home and amenities of vacation. The spot they have has great views and nice seclusion. The lake is crystal clear and the water was so inviting. It is really nice of them to provide kayaks and canoes as well so you can swim or take a nice boat Trip around the cove or the lake. The house itself has exactly what you need with a great kitchen, really comfortable furniture and mattresses that help you sleep the night away. If you find that you need a break from nature, it's an easy trip to town with shopping and restaurants and other activities you can spend time doing. We really enjoyed our time here and found that we were looking at dates in 2022 on our second day because we want to make sure we can come back. Probably the best thing we can say is that nothing feels forced. Everything feels natural and feels exactly like you would want it to: relaxing, thoughtful and premium.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Allan Krans

We are a large multi- generation family in New England with family ties to Minnesota. We are direct descendants of Nicholas Doe who emigrated from England to Dover NH in 1662. Later in the mid 19th century, descendants moved to Maine to work in the timber trade—migration to Stillwater Minnesota to continue in timber work followed. In 1978, we returned to Dover NH and in 2019, we returned to Maine.

We gather often to celebrate, relax, create memories, and enjoy life. Choose our lake home for your next vacation.

Why they chose this property

We are committed to assisting you. We hope you enjoy your stay. A recent guest wrote in our Journal as follows: “I have tears in my eyes as I write because it is our last full day and we don’t want to leave. “All the comforts of home with the serenity of the lake at our fingertips.”

What makes this property unique

Not all water bodies are the same. Choose carefully. Square Pond is one of the cleanest water bodies in the region. Big enough for boating; calm enough for kayaks. Enjoy either of our two docks for charcuterie, laughter and sunsets. Make family memories.