Entire home

. . . an oasis in the heart of Camden.

Photo gallery for . . . an oasis in the heart of Camden.

Shadows on a late afternoon in summer. Cottage to the right; garage on left.
Front of the cottage overlooks a lawn and gardens. Window is “Garden View” room.
The cottage enclave with spacious lawn is enclosed by gardens & woods.
Green trees & bushes and colorful blossoms all summer. Deck for morning coffee.
Sunny dining area window. Backup generator provides peace of mind “just in case”

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5125.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Dryer
    Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Camden, ME
  • Merryspring Park
    13 min walk
  • Camden Opera House
    17 min walk
  • Megunticook Lake
    18 min walk
  • Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional)
    21 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Garden View — multipurpose

1 Single Sofa Bed

Westwood — 2nd Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Woodland — master en suite

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining
Living area
Exterior

About this property

. . . an oasis in the heart of Camden.

"As cozy as a cottage and as spacious as a house." Some call it a "whole house," others a "cottage," others a "cabin." Whatever it is, it's comfortable, informal, and relaxing.

We also offer peace of mind -- a whole-home, permanently installed propane fired emergency generator constantly is always on call and ready to go. A brand new oil-fired furnace provided central heat when needed.

Our 13th year. 100++ happy vacation groups of 2 to 5 guests from the majority of US States and 2 foreign countries. (We stopped counting after 100.) Many guests return. A few have considered our place their "summer home" in Maine and have stayed for long periods repeatedly.

Great for small families or two couples traveling together.

*** THE SETTING ***

"Home Away from Home." *Peaceful* country setting bordered by an extensive woodland and close to the center of town. Many call it an "oasis.". Others have called it "a sanctuary."

In a quiet enclave, but this cottage is just a 15 -- 20 walk to downtown and the inner harbor.The Garden Cottage is in an established residential neighborhood of quintessential late-19th-century Maine homes. (Our home, next door, is an 1890 farmhouse.)

Pearl St is a much adored neighborhood of single family homes in the “traditional village” zone. A brand new street surface and ADA-compliant paved sidewalk was completed Spring 2024, connecting the cottage safely and conveniently—and providing a pleasant short drive or walk— to the center of town.

Open space all around. (NO close neighbors, street corners, or busy traffic closely crowd this cottage, although there is * very occasionally* an event next door. This happens perhaps once a month.)

Restful residential neighborhood. Ample indoor space for privacy and to stretch out and relax.

Private, off-street driveway and parking for exclusive use of guests.

Many colorful informal gardens feature 50+ different flowering trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals on an acre of land, with woods adjacent.

Owners live next door for easy communication, and love to give personal recommendations. Friendly assistance available at all times.

We have a safe, large 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.

Comfortable indoor open floor plan living and dining space.

2 bedrooms, each w/ a queen and each with its own full bathroom -- all on one floor. Privacy for two couples is assured.

Washer and drier is on the living floor, not in the basement.

Second and 3rd bedrooms are great for traveling companions or your visiting guests.

Usual occupancy is 2, 3, or 4. A 5th guest can be accommodated for a $100 additional linens fee.

House is 24 years old. Immaculate. We clean extensively between stays, and refreshers can be arranged more often for longer visits.

Fresh flowers placed on your window sill weekly, or even more often upon request.

We are centrally located. It is about 1 mile to both Camden's and Rockport's scenic harbors, walks, schooners, shops, restaurants, libraries, post offices, churches.

*** INDOORS ***

1,350 sq. ft. - Roomier than it appears in photos. Open floor plan (entry, dining, kitchen and living areas). Bed- and bathrooms are privately located in the back, especially quiet, half of the cottage.

Substantial home-like furnishings; comfortable upholstered seating; ample storage.

Casual, roomy. Furnished like a home, not like a motel, hotel, B&B, or upscale vacation rental. You can put your feet up.

2 bedrooms and 2 full baths

Large, fully equipped kitchen.

Dining room seating for 6.

Getaway room -- use as an office or for naps. Has a laundry, desk/secretary and daybed, and view of the gardens.

*** EQUIPMENT ***

Wi-Fi

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

Same-floor clothes washer & drier; supplies provided

Air conditioning by Mother Nature. Also, ceiling fans in 2 bedrooms, lots of portable oscillating fans, and a heat pump / air conditioner or the main living area.

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.
👀 Note: The screen house, also used occasionally by owners, is freely shared and readily available to guests. 👀

Well lit entry & deck

Private driveway & secure off-street parking

Outdoor table & chairs, charcoal grill upon request, morning sun on the deck, and a shady hemlock reading nook for afternoons.

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.

Our location is mid-way from Portland and the popular Boothbay Harbor region to the southwest and Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park to the northeast. Historic 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.

A wide range of popular local midcoast attractions and activities is available within short driving distances. Pearl St. is a much adored, eminently walkable neighborhood of single family homes in the “traditional village” zone. A brand new street surface and ADA- compliant paved sidewalk was completed Spring 2024, connecting the cottage safely and conveniently—and providing a pleasant short drive or walk— to the center of town.

Property manager

David and Paula Blanchard
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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
Events or activities that include people in addition to guests renting require prior approval.
We do not make exceptions to our FIRM cancellation policy. We recommend guests purchase trip insurance from one of VRBO partners or other provider.

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Camden

Located in Camden, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a river. Camden Opera House and Camden Public Library are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Camden Hills State Park and Beech Hill Preserve. Travelling with kids? Consider Golfer's Crossing Mini Golf and Oakland Park Bowling Lanes. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and ice skating.
Map
Camden, ME

What's nearby

  • Camden Opera House - 17 min walk
  • Megunticook Lake - 18 min walk
  • Camden Public Library - 19 min walk
  • Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre - 2 min drive
  • Mount Battie - 3 min drive

Getting around

  • Belfast Station - 28 min drive
  • Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Jack - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Zoot Coffee - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Camden Farmers Market - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Camden Deli - ‬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is . . . an oasis in the heart of Camden. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at . . . an oasis in the heart of Camden.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at . . . an oasis in the heart of Camden.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is . . . an oasis in the heart of Camden. located?

This family-friendly Camden holiday home is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Merryspring Park, Golfer's Crossing Mini Golf and Laite Memorial Beach. Megunticook Lake and Mount Battie are also within 1 mile (2 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. 58 out of 63 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 63 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 63 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 63 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 63 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Louise P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful cottage
We had a wonderful two weeks here. The cottage is comfy and had absolutely everything we needed, and David and Paula were friendly and helpful. The garden is lovely. We have already booked our next visit.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phil S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Five stars are not enough
This is a very, very comfortable modern cottage-like real house in the middle of a fantastic perennial botanical garden. Quiet, isolated and yet in the middle of whatever you want to do. The hosts are concierge level or invisible, your choice. Too bad that are not 10 star ratings for this get-away-and-relax nest.
Stayed 49 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
Love the home and gardens! The owners Dave and Paula were great. They were very helpful and friendly. You will fall in love with all the flowers. I feel like we were in a hallmark movie. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 31 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alyson M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a wonderful place to stay while vacationing in Maine
The cottage is spacious, comfortable, homey, and well appointed. Plenty of creature comforts that made our stay enjoyable. Lovely neighborhood that was quiet but welcoming, close to downtown shops and wonderful restaurants. Plenty of privacy even though help and assistance was only a door knock away. Most of all, we truly appreciated the genuine hospitality of Dave and Paula, who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure we were safe and sound during the landfall of hurricane Lee. We look forward to visiting the Garden Cottage again, and whole heartedly recommend it to anyone who ventures this way.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barry W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable
Nicely Private
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Neal D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Camden
lovely cabin with great grounds. Amenities are very ni. David and Paula ate good no see em hosts. David provided lots of local information on sightseeing and restaurants. Paula was very gracious.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

james p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Convenient location
Neighborhood setting just a short walk/drive to town. Well stocked and clean.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little cottage in a central Camden location
Comfy, non-fussy & quiet cottage on owner’s property. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and within striking distance of so much in this part of Maine and less than 5 minutes to historic Camden. We so enjoyed our visit and David’s helpfulness with things to do and see. The cottage was perfect (and thoroughly equipped) for we two couples traveling together. Loved coming ‘home’ and just relaxing after long days of ‘touring and doing’. Our 7-day stay was just too short!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeffery D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Arboretum
Lovely cottage with everything one needs, situated on beautiful grounds with outstanding gardens. V. nice, accommodating hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Camden getaway
Perfect location just 1 mile from downtown, perfect for the mid-coast. Dave was a great host available as needed. Comfortable well appointed to suite your needs. Beautiful gardens if that's your thing, which Dave would be happy to show you. Would not hesitate to return. Tom and Cate
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

roger f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Camden
Our hosts could not be better rhe cottage was better than advertised 66 stars for our 2 weeks
Stayed 15 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Maine At Your Fingertips
As indicated with 5 stars in all categories above our stay was certainly better that we had expected. David's outdoor property was well kept that emphasized his gardening skills with flowers and bushes that that gave the property a wonderful woodsy effect. What was unexpected in our journey to Maine was a mechanical problem with the tailgate hatch on our car. After I purchased the parts required, David not only lent me the tools, but actually helped with replacement. David is a congenial and well-rounded conversationalist along with tips and info on the local lore of the area and Maine itself. Not to disregard the house which was immaculate and every possible household item was initially provided.
Stayed 30 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sharon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Stay and Fantastic Hosts!
Wow! Everything was great! David and Paula are amazing hosts, very kind, knowledgeable and super helpful if needed . We were very comfortable, plenty of room for the four of us, super clean, and beautiful gardens to enjoy! If I could I would have given 10 stars! Thank you for a fantastic stay, we look forward to returning in the future. Sharon, Rob, Gail and Andy
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Texans cooling off
The Blanchards are great hosts. The property is comfortable, conveniently located, and beautiful. We’ll be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charles F., Seabrook Island, South Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful garden cottage in Camden
From the moment we arrived, we enjoyed everything about our one month stay at David and Paula’s cottage in Camden. The location in a residential area less than a mile walk to town was perfect-quiet and peaceful away from tourist areas but with easy access to everything. The cottage itself was just right for two couples: spacious and well equipped with everything we needed for our stay. And our hosts were always available for any questions or advice that we needed. Also, the gardens provided much peaceful enjoyment as we relaxed on the porch. David kept our vase full of fresh flowers from their wonderful garden. Highly recommend for a great stay in Camden!
Stayed 28 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Neil C., New York, New York

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Couldn’t be better
The Garden Cottage is a wonderful place to stay when visiting the mid coast. Well located, just a short walk from downtown, tucked next to the Merryspring Nature Center, the cottage is a tranquil oasis in a spectacular garden. The cottage itself is well appointed and has everything you’ll need for a comfortable And relaxing stay. Morning coffee on the deck overlooking the beach roses is a particular treat. David and Paula are gracious hosts who are quick to help in any way they can. We would highly recommend a stay at the cottage.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Joanne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Restful get away!
David and Paula, They're is not enough I can say to express how wonderful our stay in the cottage was for us. The place is perfect and offers everything needed when you are away from home. In fact it felt like home. Your property is beautiful. Every direction is an exquisite view. We love the care that you have poured into your landscape. Thank you for the personal care you showed us and the thoughtful offer of art supplies to Jo. Your recommendations for food and places to go were spot on though we spent most of or time at the cottage. We do have some perishable items to leave that we hate to throw away. Any suggestions? Thank you for everything! Bill and Joanne
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Caoilin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage in Camden
The photos do not do justice to his beautiful cottage in Camden. Spacious and sunny, it’s located on a quiet street moments from downtown Camden. David is an artist and master gardener. The grounds are like a mini botanical garden and there are fresh flowers on the windowsill. The cottage is well maintained and spotlessly clean. It’s also well equipped, with everything you need in the kitchen, bath and laundry. We thoroughly enjoyed our two week stay and could not have been more comfortable. A return trip is already being planned.
Stayed 16 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Eric T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice size, comfort, surroundings and location
Friendly owners met us on arrival and toured us through the house and answered all our questions. We had a great stay using this cottage as our base to tour the coast.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful cottage!
What a lovely cottage, hosts, and location! David could not be more helpful and welcoming. The garden is glorious. Lovely location for walking to Camden (15 min walk, if that), and for exploring mid-coastal Maine. We had a wonderful stay, and hope to return! The house is completely equipped, and comfy.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jim W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely week stay at the cottage
We went for the Lobster Festival and visiting Arcadia park and many lobster pounds The cottage was in Camden next and was well situated for day trips north and south. We were greeted upon arrival by David who gave us the cottage and grounds tour Clean comfortable and had everything we needed Grocery store very close and the hosts couldn’t have been more helpful but only if you ask. Quiet neighborhood and the landscaping was impeccable Very pleased with our cottage stay!!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

FrankenMax K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Garden Setting
This property is a haven of beauty and stillness. The kitchen is wonderfully stocked, we loved the Master bedroom with it's own bath, and Dave and Paula could not have been more gracious. Dave's garden is such a pleasure to see. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

nancy m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome
Beautiful gardens. comfortable. extensive amenities owner hospitality. Overall impeccable standard of excellence.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
This is a First rate rental, the cottage had everything we could possibly need. It has an awesome garden, lovely hosts and great access to everything in the Mid-Coast, Down-East, area. Don’t hesitate to rent this little gem!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lynne S., USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable cottage in Camden
We enjoyed staying at the Garden Cottage. For us the location was perfect, within walking distance of Camden harbor and shops and also within easy driving access to Rt 1 toward Rockport and Rockland. Check-in is the old- fashioned way, in person. David was waiting for us to give us the keys and a tour of the cottage (really a house) . The next day David showed us around their extensive gardens, which are as beautiful as the pictures. It's a lovely setting. The cottage itself is well-supplied with just about everything we needed for our stay including a washer and dryer (detergent provided), a super size drying rack (which I prefer to a dryer most of the time), an abundance of hangers, drawer space for clothes, internet, pots for steaming clams (we had Graffam Bros and Hannaford steam lobsters for us), a nice supply of serving dishes, pots and pans, utensils, dishes and glasses, and some comfortable chairs in the living room. We bought excellent local coffee to brew when we didn't go out for breakfast, although there was some starter coffee (and there were lots of filters on hand). There are some basic spices; we didn't do any serious cooking so salt and pepper was sufficient for us. We travel with our own shampoo and soap for the shower although a bar of soap was supplied. There is an extensive collection of books about Maine as well as a helpful list of recommendations from David and Paula. All in all, a homey and comfortable place and we would stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

About the host

Hosted by David and Paula Blanchard

Host profile image
When we moved to this beautiful spot 34 years ago we began developing its gardens and landscape for beauty and enjoyment. The gardens are now reaching maturity and we delight in them every day. We live right next door to the house/cottage (but conveniently out of sight), and this is our only vacation rental. We think of all visitors as our special guests.

Why they chose this property

Our neighborhood, while in town, is a quiet residential street. The cottage property is uniquely bordered by a (seldom used) community meeting hall, our lawn and gardens, and a large woodland. Because it is set well back from the street at the end of its own driveway, the cottage affords visitors the chance to enjoy more than an acre of quiet gardens and solitude while still being close to everything. The cottage is nestled in a naturalistic landscape of woods, lawn, trees, shrubs, and abundant flowers.

What makes this property unique

Perfect for two couples to share. Also, a great place for elders or physically impaired, for recuperation, recovery, just plain rest, or convenient mobility. One-floor living, two full bathrooms, extra wide doorways, strategically placed grab rails, entrance ramp, close-in parking all make this uniquely suited for people with special needs.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas

People also search for