Walk through the front door of Drift Inn Cottage and you are immediately greeted by open ocean views and the sand of Drift Inn Beach. The entrance to the beach is just 150 feet away from the front porch. At low tide, you can walk the length of the beach and explore the tide pools and enjoy sitting in your beach chair reading a great book. At high tide, launch a kayak or go for a swim.
The cottage has a master bedroom with a custom made King bed and LL Bean bedding. The master bathroom has a recently renovated tile shower and a few steps up to a cupola with a futon and a built-in extra long twin bed that looks out over the ocean and is a perfect napping spot.
The downstairs bedroom has two twins with LL Bean bedding and a full sized washer and dryer. Downstairs bathroom has a tub and shower.
The rental also includes a 14x20 rustic bunkhouse next to the main house. The bunkhouse has a Queen bed and great ocean views with four adirondack chairs in front.
The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens with a variety of flowers and trees. There are special spots throughout the property where you can tuck in and read a book while looking up at open ocean.
It is a 15 minute walk into Port Clyde's restaurants, galleries (less than a mile) an ice cream shop, general store and ferry for nature cruises. It’s just a 20 minute walk to Marshall Point Lighthouse, made famous in the movie Forrest Gump.
Rockland, with a wide variety of restaurants and shopping is a 20 minute drive.
Property manager
Marnie Dean
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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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
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Tenants Harbor
Located in Tenants Harbor, this cottage is near the beach. Tenants Harbor Marina and Coastal Children's Museum are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Birch Point Beach State Park and Owls Head State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Maine State Prison Store and Boothbay Railway Village. Discover the area's water adventures with sailing and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
St George, ME
What's nearby
Marshall Point Lighthouse - 5 min drive - 2.4 km
Tenants Harbor Marina - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
Rockland Harbor Park - 28 min drive - 27.1 km
Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center - 28 min drive - 27.3 km
Samoset Resort Golf Course - 32 min drive - 30.7 km
Getting around
Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional) - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Jameson Point Lobster Company - 42 min drive
The Quarry Tavern - 7 min drive
Happy Clam - 7 min drive
Village Ice Cream - 18 min walk
The Causeway Restaurant - 20 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Steps to Sandy Beach and Open Ocean Views pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Steps to Sandy Beach and Open Ocean Views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Steps to Sandy Beach and Open Ocean Views?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Steps to Sandy Beach and Open Ocean Views located?
Located by the sea, this family-friendly cottage is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Marshall Point Lighthouse and 3.9 mi (6.3 km) from Tenants Harbor Marina. Maine State Prison Store and Owls Head Transportation Museum are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had an amazing time time at the Drift Inn Cottage! The location is amazing and the property is outstanding. The owners are lovely and have really thought about everything. Based on the description we even packed less, opting to not bring beach chairs, toys or towels. They had everything we needed and more!
This was our second year staying in the area and we love it. It’s well worth a longer drive to escape the crowds of southern coastal Maine in the summer. Rockland and Camden are close by if you want to venture into a bigger town and there is a large Walmart very close with curbside pickup . The area has everything we are looking for, beach, gorgeous scenery, local shops and access to larger retailers if you need something.
We loved the location just steps from the water. The house and gardens were immaculate and everything was provided. The owners were very gracious and provided many extras for enjoying our stay.
We loved our stay at Drift Inn Cottage! The location was fantastic - right across from the beach - and the house had everything we could want: the kitchen had what we needed to cook (and more); there were bikes, kayaks, and games; and everything was clean and comfortable. We loved sitting on the back porch with our coffee in the mornings, walking across the street to the beach, or walking or taking a bike to explore the area. Our teenagers also liked the separation of being able to sleep in the separate bunkhouse. Our host, Marnie, was incredibly responsive if we had questions. It was a perfect vacation getaway.
Perfect week at Drift Inn Cottage! Our only regret is that the days passed much too quickly- and that there were not enough of them.
The thoughtful and delightful décor, very comfortable furnishings, attractive architecture, the beautiful gardens, the private location yet with easy access to a lovely beach, and the spectacular views – this property was more than a dream come true for our first stay in Maine. From our travels in Scandinavia, this property recalled a blend of Nordic and nautical elements that we greatly admire. The hosts are remarkably generous with the many amenities they’ve entrusted to temporary travelers. Previous reviews have summarized Drift Inn Cottage accurately and better than I can!
Fantastic views right from the beautiful back porch, beverage in hand, watching the sparkling, ever-changing waters, blue or moody skies, even a double rainbow our last evening. Lobster boats in the distance. Lobster buoys bobbing colorfully and brilliant in the late afternoon sun. Hypnotic sounds of the waves on shore, backyard and shore birds doing their thing, a wonderful breeze rustling through the trees. It’s all here! Incredibly relaxing and restorative. Exactly what we needed!
Loved spending time on the rocks and the clean sands of Drift Inn Beach, exploring picturesque Port Clyde Harbor, postcard-perfect Marshall Point lighthouse, enjoying Port Clyde Bakery’s strawberry-rhubarb pie, lunch at wonderful McLoon’s Lobster Shack, and maritime exploration with the Puffin and Nature Cruise out of Port Clyde.
So many more activities to experience and places to see that we just didn’t have time for. I hope we can return in the future to pick up where we left off!! To our hosts, The Deans, -Thanks for the magic!!
With great memories and deep gratitude,
Athena, Tracy, Ingrid and Paula
We could not have asked for a better place to stay during our first trip to Maine. We loved the easy access to the beach, the cozy bunkhouse, and the amazing views. The hosts' area recommendations were spot on, and we really appreciated having access to beach chairs, kayaks, beach towels, etc.-- makes packing so much easier. All in all, in a great place in a great location. We can't wait to go back!
Sitting on a comfortable porch with a fresh brewed cup of coffee overlooking the changing tides at Drift Inn Beach with Mosquito Island, the Brothers, Hay Ledge & Gunning Rocks, doesn't get much better unless you swap the coffee for wine. The Drift Inn Cottage was warm, comfortable with a whimsical landscape surrounding the cottage. We walked across the street with our kayak and headed out into along the coast. Beautiful with harbor seals playing around our kayak.
A truly memorable stay.
Chuck A.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
10/10 Excellent
Pat D.
6 Oct 2018
The best of Maine!
A charming, whistle clean, comfortable cottage with a superb view and gorgeous gardens! We loved every minute of our stay there and appreciated all the little and large details the owners have thoughtfully and generously provided for their guests. The walk to the lighthouse was perfect, and the picturesque village of Port Clyde, with all its connections to the Wyeths, was hard to beat. We've already made our reservation for next year!
Pat D.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
10/10 Excellent
Amy J.
23 Sept 2018
Even better than the photos or the description!
From the moment we walked in it felt like home. Everything said “welcome” and we were relaxed from the beginning. Not only was everything we could ever need provided, it was all of very good quality too.
Marni reached out to make sure everything was fine, which it was, and offered any help we needed. Even the weather was working with us.
So many cozy places to sit and read, chat with old friends or just enjoy some quiet moments with a cup of freshly ground coffe watching the tide come in.
This would be the house I would recommend for first time visitors to Port Clyde or to people that have been coming for years.
We would have loved to stay longer and hopefully will be able to next time.
Just perfect!
Amy J.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
10/10 Excellent
George T., Farmington, Maine
12 Sept 2018
Wonderful Property
We had a wonderful time at the cottage and are already looking forward to next year. Marnie is a great hostess and the the house, and bunkhouse!, were very comfortable, perfectly clean and well stocked. Beach across the street is the frosting on the cake.
George T.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
10/10 Excellent
Kathy S.
2 Sept 2018
A special place of heaven.
Beautiful place! Wish we could spend more time here but always leave feeling so content and relaxed.
Kathy S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
10/10 Excellent
Kerry D.
24 Aug 2018
A true gem!
We stayed at Drift Inn cottage for a week in July and loved every minute of it! It was perfect for our family of four (me, my husband and two young daughters) and two grandparents. The girls (ages 4 & 7) loved sleeping on the futon in the cupola in the master suite! The house is beautiful, clean and comfortable. The lush flowers, plants and natural art that surround the house adds much beauty and character to the home. The large deck overlooking the beach is so pretty, relaxing and peaceful. To be able to walk across a small back road and be on a beautiful beach was exceptional. The house is private, very well equipped (had everything we needed!) and the owners were very pleasant and accommodating. We spent a lot of time at the beach, played games and had campfires on the lawn, walked to Marshall Point, took short car rides to local harbors, restaurants, lighthouses & museums, took a puffin cruise right out of Port Clyde, etc. We also enjoyed the cottage’s game room with basketball and ping pong and all the board games, music and books the house provided. The love and attention to detail the owners have put into the cottage plus its perfect location make it a very special place. We highly recommend Drift Inn cottage and look forward to our next stay!
Kerry D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
10/10 Excellent
Mike B.
9 Aug 2018
Amazing spot!
This is a beautiful home right on the ocean. You can tell the owners love the place because there is such an incredible attention to detail inside and out. Lots of room to relax, the beach really is just steps away, and a great yard for playing cornhole. Of course, we picked the one week of the summer when the weather was so so, but Drift Inn Cottage was wonderful and we made the most of it. Can't wait to return when the sun is shining.
Mike B.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Christine B., Meredith, NH
6 Sept 2017
Best Equipped Rental We've Encountered
We spent a week at Drift Inn Cottage in late August and found it to have everything we needed for a relaxing time at the ocean. My daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters shared the space (granddaughters chose the bunk house), and we were all impressed with the thoughtful additions that made our stay so simple. It was a real convenience to have basics (some sugar, flour, oil, vinegar, spices, etc.) available at the cottage. All of us enjoy board games, and we brought a few with us. Such a pleasant surprise to find so many others there. The little girls had never played Pictionary and wanted to give it a try. My husband started cutting up bits of paper, brown paper bags, etc. to draw on, only to discover pads of paper clearly marked for Pictionary. The owners seemed to have thought of everything!
Beds were comfortable, the kitchen was well equipped, the hot water worked, and we enjoyed the television, sound system, availability of a computer and Wifi. Having rented a fair number of vacation homes in this country and abroad, I have to say that Drift Inn Cottage was the best equipped we've encountered. I loved the stunning gardens; looking out at the moonshine over the water and ducks swimming in formation was a real treat. While we didn't have any rain during our week on the Maine coast, some days were cool, and we used them to visit Monhegan Island, the Farnsworth Museum, climb Mt. Battie, and eat a few lobster rolls along the way. A great week in every way!
Christine B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Cindi J.
5 Sept 2017
never want to leave!
We stayed here for the third year in a row this summer. The house supplies everything anyone would need for a wonderful Maine-stay. The library, game stock, and beach equipment is ample -- you needn't leave! The house and the grounds are decorated with whimsy. I strolled through the yard daily just to look at the flowers, trees, and sculptures. The location at the public beach allows mingling with some great folks and supplies playmates for grandkids. We walked to town daily for ice cream or to have a drink and watch the sunset. The host has provided everything needed to take advantage of this wonderful location.
Cindi J.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca P.
27 Aug 2017
Everything I wanted out of my Maine vacation!
The other five star reviews all have it right! My boyfriend and I stayed for a week in late August. We had two friends with us for the first two nights and my parents with me for the last two nights when my boyfriend had to return to work. What a luxury to borrow a wonderful vacation home and share it with guests of our own!
We all enjoyed tons of time on the deck. My parents noted that the railing looks custom-designed to be slightly higher than normal so that it does not obstruct your view when sitting! Soft lighting comes on under the eaves around the deck in the evening and gives the whole deck a truly comforting, luxury feel. I honestly spent much less time at the beach than I thought I would because the deck was such a nice place to enjoy the view from!
This house is the only one situated directly across from the best beach access point. It's such a treat to be able to wander to and from the beach on a whim.
I really appreciated the gardens and sculptures in the yard. The owners have done a wonderful job of landscaping in a "Maine beach" style.
I'm not quite sure how to put this final point, but it was an important one for me and maybe you will relate! The owners have struck a perfect balance: they made the home inviting, cozy, personalized, and well-equipped while avoiding a common pitfall of rental houses -- the guests feeling like they are invading someone else's personal space. At Drift Inn Cottage, you can tell that the owners have a strong connection to the place and that they want you to have the space and clarity to create your own connections.
Rebecca P.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Mary B., Columbia
15 Sept 2016
I don't think that we've ever had a more wonderful time with our family!
We stayed in Drift-Inn Cottage mid August. Included in our party were six adults and three little cousin munchkins, all six years old. There was plenty of room for each of us to have our own space. The kids had bunking parties in the cupola, on the beanbag bed and futon--I don't know if adults would be comfortable in this sleeping space but the little ones had a ball. My husband and I stayed in the guest house and felt that it could pose some difficulty for older folks (we are!) due to the fact that there is no bathroom. Other than that, it was peaceful and comfortable.
The cottage was clean, and the premises beautiful. The kitchen was well supplied with utensils and pots and pans.In one bedroom closet there is a big washer and dryer, with plenty of towels including those for the beach. There are chairs, inner tubes and plenty of pails and shovels for the beach. There are grills and charcoal, lobster pots, and everything one would need for a complete experience.
Drift Inn Cottage was perfect for three generations. We loved the big dining room table, not only to use for eating but for plenty of game playing and putting together puzzles. The beach is glorious and it was fascinating to watch the tides move in and out. We rented a flat board and took that out quite a bit. The kids loved hunting for hermit crabs, painting rocks and playing pingpong in the outbuilding. We had great gatherings on the front porch.
Normally we would try to plan some sightseeing activities during our vacation but this time, everyone was more than content to stay put. My son, who is a world traveler, said this is the only time he never wanted to leave...it was all here! But if one is inclined, there is plenty to do. Over our past several years in Port Clyde, we've taken the puffin tour, visited all of the nearby lighthouses, climbed Mt Battie, stumbled on blueberry festivals and antique shows, enjoyed the Farnsworth museum in Rockland and the beautiful botanical garden in Booth Bay Harbor.
Our favorite places to have seafood, besides the Yardbird next door, are at Claws in Rockland and at Miller's Landing. You can get your own lobsters right off the dock in Port Clyde and this year we found fresh scallops at the Fish Co-op on the road to the lighthouse. Jesse's in Rockland is a great place to find fresh seafood at a reason price.
Thank you Deans for sharing your beautiful home--and for giving us the opportunity to make memories for our family.
Mary B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
France L.
23 Jan 2016
Paradise!
We were 2 couples and 3 children traveling together last August and enjoyed every minute of our stay in this beautiful, very comfortable, clean and well equiped Port Clyde cottage.
The size of the place was just perfect for us but I would not recommend more than 6 people if everyone is adult size. We had an 8 year old sleeping on the small futon in the cuppola but I think an adult would have been uncomfortable there. Our daughters absolutely loved the little house with the 2 single beds by the cottage, so cute!
The place was very well equipped and really had everything we needed. We had one rainy day during our week there but there was lots to keep everyone busy from board games, books, cds to ping pong tournaments and lots of space for anyone to read quietly if they wanted.
The best part of course was that spectacular and quiet beach right in front of the cottage where the kids spent their afternoons collecting and releasing Hermit crabs and flying their kites.
My favorite was kayaking to the little bay just north of us where there was a nest with 2 bald eagles...Wow! Oh, and did I mention watching the shooting stars (perséides) at night lying down on the beach? Magnificent!
And the other best thing, according to the rest of the group(I'm allergic :-( ) was the daily fresh lobster and fish from the canteen right next door. It was everybody's best ever apparently!
Visiting Camden and hiking Mount Battie was another fun thing to do for all of us. We had a good giggle after getting to the top climbing some really steep
areas especially for the kids and then realizing that some people were getting up there in their cars form the other side of the mountain. The view up there was certainly worth every effort!
The only sad or negative thing for us about the cottage was leaving our labrador behind, the beach and environment would have been paradise for her too...but we understand (because we ran into some of those...)that not all dog owners are responsible.
Finally, we could not recommend this place enough and we were all really sad to leave a place I could easily call Paradise. We hope to come back again soon.
Thank you Marnie and family for everything,
France, Xuan, Sylvie and Mathieu + kids
France L.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Jane B.
31 July 2015
The Drift Inn Cottage, a wonderful place to stay
The Drift Inn Cottage was a beautiful place to stay. The ocean view was amazing and right out the back door! We spent every morning and many afternoons sitting on the large porch watching the water while relaxing. The cottage is clean, has every amenity and the owner was so very helpful with tips on where to eat and activities to do. We took advantage of the close proximity of the cottage to the Monhegan boat line and enjoyed both the "puffin tour" and "Monhegan Island" tour. We had one of our best meals at the Yardbird Canteen- simply fabulous!
We would highly recommend the Drift Inn Cottage in Port Clyde, Maine. The grounds are gorgeous. The home is relaxing and very private, yet is close proximity to food and other activities.
Jane B.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Good
Sierra T.
26 Oct 2014
Lovely, private cottage in tranquil setting
We were very pleased with the cottage. It had a great floor plan offering communal and private space and sits on a wooded lot that is steps from the ocean. We spent a few days sea kayaking, each time launching from the beach in front of the house. The kayaking was great. In normal weather conditions, the surf was very manageable. Particularly in mid-October, this house is in a quiet area with limited restaurants/stores, etc., but that suited us just fine.
Sierra T.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
21 Aug 2014
Great place. great time.
The Drift Inn Cottage met and exceeded our expectations. Drift Inn beach is an absolute jewel with its constantly changing tides and weather and the house and grounds are beautiful. The pictures are nice, but the views and accommodations once you arrive are better than you could've imagined. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting interesting and friendly beachgoers; walking to the Marshall Pt. Lighthouse and hanging out at the Port Clyde general store and the entire waterfront area in general. I find Port Clyde to be incredibly charming and picturesque. We had hoped to travel out to Camden and Rockland etc., but everything we really wanted or needed was right at our front porch so we were more than content to enjoy the wonderful convenience of our very own beach.
This place is gorgeous, comfortable, well designed and fun. The place sells itself.
We enjoyed our stay thoroughly
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
2 Aug 2014
Perfect Vacation Cottage...
We recently enjoyed a long weekend in this charming vacation cottage and it was absolutely perfect! It is simply beautiful inside and out as well as immaculate and fully equipped with everything needed for a comfortable vacation. The beach is just a few steps away and we spent much of our time sitting on the inviting and well furnished porch enjoying the ocean view. We highly recommend this home to anyone looking for the ideal vacation spot....you will not be disappointed! Gail and Bob Ruberti
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
25 June 2014
Great Coastal Cottage
This is a wonderful unique cottage and location. From the moment you step out of the car into the beautiful gardens, you will fall in love with the location. It is a magical feeling. We enjoyed the easy access to the ocean, which was great for kayaking. The light house is a short distance from home, as is the port. The home is comfortable, clean, and charming. We highly recommend this home and look forward to returning.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
12 Mar 2014
Amazing time at the Sandy Beach-Drift Inn Cottage
August of 2013 was our second stay at this enchanting cottage.
The cottage, the grounds, the amazing views of the ocean and steps to the sandy beach made for a perfect vacation for us. The cottage is beautifully decorated, comfortable and spacious, both inside and out. Simply perfect...can't wait to go back in 2014!
Ellen and Tom McDermott
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Hal C., Washington DC area
6 Sept 2013
Great place!
Great house. Setting was beautiful, both property itself and one of the rare beaches in the area directly across small access road. Great views of sea from house and property. Furnishings in the house, including the owner/artist's works, were also a wonderful addition. Owner was very easy to work with to make arrangements. Area was exactly what we were looking for. A relatively quiet, non-touristy area that still had a few shops/restaurants nearby. Also good launching point to nearby points of interest --- Rockland (about 20-25 min), Camden (1 hour), Boothbay Harbor (a bit over an hour). Definitely would stay there again if we're lucky enough to make it back.
Hal C.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Joe S., Cochecton New York
13 Aug 2013
Authentic Maine
Beautiful cottage, expansive views, and Sandy beach! Great location if you are looking for a peaceful vacation and want to experience Maine without the crowds. Spent a wonderful week with my wife and four children and didn't want to leave! Port Clyde, Marshall Point Lighthouse, Monhegan Island....so much to see and do in this beautiful area of Maine. The photos of the house do not do it justice. I will certainly recommend to family and friends. Our only complaint is that our time went by so quickly!
Joe S.
About the host
Hosted by Marnie Dean
My husband and I live in Southern Maine with our two daughters. We love living in Maine and while our work keeps us closer to Portland our hearts are in Port Clyde.
Why they chose this property
Tom grew up vacationing on the St. George peninsula. I first found Port Clyde as a TV reporter covering fishing stories. When my career took me to other parts of the country I always knew I would end up back in Maine and I even said on air that 'there was a little piece of property in Port Clyde with my name on it!' We found that special place in Drift Inn Cottage. We've been renters for years and feel very lucky to now be owners of this lovely house.
What makes this property unique
There is something so decadent about being able to take your morning cup of coffee and walk just a few steps to a sandy beach to watch the sunrise over the ocean. So many times over the years people on the beach would watch us walk back to the house and say how lucky we were to be staying in that house. We certainly feel lucky.