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Cabin

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.8

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Fireplace

Free WiFi

Ocean view

Explore the area

Southwest Harbor, ME

Acadia National Park3 min drive
Echo Lake Beach6 min drive
Asticou Azalea Garden20 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

An amazing, peaceful location to spend a week with our two year old daughter. Walking distance to some lovely walks/trai...

Faye Kaucher B.

Sep 3, 2023

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Office

Dining Area

About this property

Unique Cove Side Cabin on Somes Sound Next to Babbling Brook

Lovely, romantic, rustic cabin on cove side cliff with spectacular view of Somes Sound. Sit in rocking chairs on edge of cliff to sip coffee and watch sailboats gliding by on Sound, pileated woodpeckers in the woods, ducks in cove, an occasional seal, and hummingbirds, nuthatches, and goldfinches at feeders. Cabin is surrounded by tall pines on three sides with opening to water views on the fourth side. Living/dining area includes a large stone fireplace and a wood stove. Dining table seats eight. Buffet counter next to kitchen provides serving space. Living space seating includes futon couch, L.L. Bean rocker, and two seat rocker. Love seat faces fireplace. Large windows open onto cove views. Kitchen has an electric stove. Full bathroom. Master bedroom has a double bed and bay window seat overlooking cove. Side window overlooks brook, a series of small pools and cascades that step down to the cove between moss covered banks. Second bedroom includes two oak twin beds and views of brook. Sounds of babbling brook will lull you to sleep. Electric heat in all rooms. Shed includes space for bikes and firewood.

Two miles to fine restaurants and shopping in Southwest Harbor -- and a very good laundromat. Under three miles to swimming in Echo Lake and park hiking trails. The cabin is less than a hundred yards from the Valley Cove Acadia hiking trails to Valley Cove and up Flying Mountain.

Keywords: log cabin, cove side, Somes Sound, Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park, Mt. Desert

Property manager

Robert and Sue Hipkens

Premier Host

Languages

English, German

Amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Ocean view

Fireplace

Ocean view

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 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

All rentals in 2021 are from SATURDAY to SATURDAY

Turn off heat when not in use. Before checking out, strip beds, broom-sweep floors.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Southwest Harbor

Located in Southwest Harbor, this cabin is near theme parks and by the ocean. Bar Harbor Whale Watching is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Southwest Harbor, ME

What's nearby

Acadia National Park - 3 min drive
Echo Lake Beach - 6 min drive
Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 18 min drive
Asticou Azalea Garden - 20 min drive
Cadillac Mountain - 33 min drive

Getting around

Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

‪Jordan Pond House Restaurant - ‬30 min drive
‪Shell - ‬11 min drive
‪Tan Turtle Tavern - ‬22 min drive
‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬6 min drive
‪Thurston's Lobster Pound - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Unique Cove Side Cabin on Somes Sound Next to Babbling Brook pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Unique Cove Side Cabin on Somes Sound Next to Babbling Brook?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Unique Cove Side Cabin on Somes Sound Next to Babbling Brook?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Unique Cove Side Cabin on Somes Sound Next to Babbling Brook located?

Situated by the ocean, this cabin is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Flying Mountain Trailhead and 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Acadia National Park. Somes Sound and Wendell Gilley Museum are also within 2 miles (3 km).

9.8

Exceptional

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

Learn more

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Faye Kaucher B.

3 Sept 2023

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

Fabulous, scenic spot for our small family of three

An amazing, peaceful location to spend a week with our two year old daughter. Walking distance to some lovely walks/trails. Views of the cove and tides from the living room and main bedroom. (Not to mention harbor seals and bald eagles!) Convenient, short drives to Echo Lake, Acadia, Southwest Harbor etc etc. The list goes on. We feel SO lucky we found this spot for the last week in August. Made us fall a little more in love with Mt Desert.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Jennifer S.

16 Aug 2023

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

Idyllic Location

The location was absolutely perfect, so beautiful and peaceful! Perfect if you or someone in your group is more interested in just kicking back and relaxing. It gives the feeling of being in the middle nowhere, without the inconvenience of actually being in the middle of nowhere. There really is a babbling brook that runs past the cabin, cascading down the hill into the cove! It was so relaxing sitting outside and watching all the birds, the tide going in and out, and the sailboats going by. I saw blue jays, nuthatches, osprey, herons, cormorants, gulls, and ducks, plus crabs and fish in the water, and deer in the neighborhood. If you get there and just see a big muddy mess, don't worry, it's just low tide. Just wait, and in a few hours it will be completely different. It borders part of Acadia National Park, with the Flying Mountain trailhead just around the corner, which makes for a relatively easy hike with great views, and connects with other trails for longer, more challenging hikes. There's a grocery store just a minute away on the main road to the right, and downtown Southwest Harbor to the left, with shops, restaurants, & a library. The cabin is super cute, but it is an 80 year-old rustic log cabin, so If you want fancy or luxurious, this isn't it. But it has everything you need, including internet service, though it would be nice if there was more comfortable seating in the living area (I have to agree with a previous reviewer about that). I would stay here again.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pat C.

23 July 2023

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

Absolutely over the top

Amazing location for hiking, super-charming, peaceful, beyond well-stocked, a canoe and could have paddled to Europe. Not inexpensive, but it was worth it.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie L.

1 July 2023

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

Fairytale cottage stay

This cabin and the surrounding property surpassed our expectations! It took us a while to actually make it down from the driveway because we stopped every few feet to admire the beautiful location. The cabin was the perfect rustic and charming get away we were looking for! We were happily surprised by just how secluded it was and we enjoyed the peace and quiet. We were sad to leave the babbling brook that had us sleeping like babies every night. We loved the location as it was situated close to all the places we wanted to visit without being right in town. Even after 7 nights, we weren’t ready to leave!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gail A.

7 Aug 2022

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

Beautiful cabin on the quiet side

The cabin was just as advertised and the views were even better. It had everything we needed for the week, and was just perfect. The cabin is rustic and cosy and the location is great. We could easily drive to Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain and all the tourist sites, plus it's just five minutes walk to the Flying Mountain Trailhead. All in all a great cabin, a great view a great location and a great holiday.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Jeanne L.

3 Aug 2022

Liked: Communication, location

Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy

This rental is full of surprises

The first surprise you get is when you arrive: There is no driveway. You must park on top at the road and haul your baggage down a hundred-foot path to the cabin below. Lugging your luggage is expedited by a primitive handcart. The bedrooms are tiny and are in a modern addition to the rustic cabin. There is not much room for clothes. And rustic is just the word. A galley kitchen (no dishwasher or disposal. Water heater shares space with the older refrigerator) is the main entrance. No air conditioning, but most nights are cool. No washer, no dryer. You are requested not to use the fireplace. We were greeted by an array of spiders, flies, and mosquitos and were surprised and shocked at the two slugs we found underfoot in the bathroom. They appear every time it rains, and sometimes when it doesn’t. The living room has no couch, just a malodorous lumpy futon, a wicker loveseat and two rockers. The shower tub is ancient and primitive. It is not all bad. The view out the living room window is lovely, facing an inlet that is scenic at high tide but turns to swamp at low tide. The cabin is well provided. TV has cable, there is internet, and a DVD player that is attached to nothing. The plumbing is aging but everything works. Kitchen is well supplied with utensils and cooking tools. It is about a 30-minute drive to the main part of Mt Desert Island, and about 40 minutes to full grocery stores in Ellsworth. The cabin is close to the small town of Southwest Harbor. There is a rather good grocery store just up the road, and the swimming at Echo Lake, 3 miles away, is fine. Our advice, if you choose to rent here, is to bring your own armoire and lots of bug spray.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pamela L.

20 July 2022

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

Heaven on Earth

We enjoyed a spectacular week in the Coveside Cabin. This is my second visit and as of day one this time my kids were asking to come back next year. If you require fancy on a vacation or a house full of big kid games this might not be the place for you. That being said, if you are looking for somewhere to fully check out and unwind, this property delivers. Being on the quiet side of the island it offers one the opportunity to not be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of summertime Bar Harbor, but everything is still very accessible. I shed a tear or two when I left as I just did not want to leave. I felt so relaxed at the cabin and was able to really focus on my family and make lifelong memories. My youngest made a post on instagram and called it "the best vacation ever" and indeed it was.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carrie L.

3 Sept 2021

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

Enchanting cabin

Others have used the word “rustic” to describe this cabin, and I think that is apt. My husband and I had an incredible week staying in this location. I didn’t know anything about the area or Acadia when I booked, I just knew I wanted to be on the water. It got to 87* one day on our trip, but it was still fairly cool outside of the cabin due to its shade and the creek. I spent many hours on the back deck reading. It is about a 20 minute drive to the park on the NE Harbor side, and my husband and I enjoyed getting there early or in the evening to avoid the crowds which made the cabin’s location a delightful place to spend the warmer hours. There is a wonderful laundromat down the street that will do your laundry for you which was a wonderful addition to the week. We used the fire place in the evenings when it was cooler, and it was wonderful. It’s a beautiful location and an incredible spot. if you don’t like crowds(Bar Harbor was a zoo!:), want to be on the water, have a small party, and don’t mind driving to the park, this is a great spot.

Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jia C.

22 Aug 2021

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

a perfect cabin by the cove

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this lovely cabin. It offers everything you can ask for - convenience, quietness, serenity... We will definitely return in the future!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

4 Aug 2021

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

Enchanting cabin

We cannot say enough about how special this cabin and surrounding property are. The cabin is cozy, well equipped, rustic yet so charming. The pictures do not do it justice. The master bedroom view is heaven to wake up to and the children’s bedroom is whimsical with its decor and stream right outside the big window right next to the bed. The magical stream cascades and pools down to the salty tidal cove. Little waterfalls and even a cool fort & bridge which our 6 year old loved. Coffee on the rockers outside was a highlight of each day. Saw a bald eagle. Flying Mountain trailhead is a short walk up the road- a perfect morning hike ending at Valley Cove, just lovely. Acadia sights all close by. We loved take-out lunch at Peekytoes in Bar Harbor and eating it in the park overlooking the harbor. IGA right near cabin isn’t great. We stocked up at Hannnahfords in BH. Common Good (SW Harbor) for popovers is a must! It was a truly wonderful family vacation and we hope to be back one day.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dariusz K.

1 Aug 2021

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

It is a log cabin on the cove, walking distance to Acadia Mountain trials, next to Echo Lake

If you do not need hotel amenities and crowds this may be a place for you. Log cabin with two separate bedrooms beautifully located at the edge of the cove on a quite forested lot. Walking distance to ocean beach (rocky beach on one of the back bays) and Acadia Mountain trials. Close to Echo Lake beach. 30 mins drive to Bar Harbor and main part of Acadia NP, 10 mins drive to Bass Harbor and its famed Head Lighthouse. Cabin has WiFi and internet TV, no washer/drier or dishwasher. Fully functional kitchen and single bath. Beautiful places to sit and eat outdoor. In summary, it is not hotel but we had great time.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

23 Aug 2020

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

As beautiful as always

It’s such a pleasure to stay in this beautiful cabin. Truly a special place.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Bob H.

29 Sept 2019

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

This place is wonderful (dont tell anybody)

The owners of this property have taken special care with it. You open the door and you are home. Everything you need (bring food and bev) is there. We have never been so completely supplied in a home rental. And then there is the property itself. Surrounded by pines on 3 sides, and a tidal bay on the forth. The 2 room cabin sits well off the road, down a pine needle cushioned walk. This property is on the quiet side of MDI. If you want to experience the most quiet of the quiet side, this cabin is for you. We loved every minute of our stay.

Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Brandon d.

2 July 2019

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

A real treasure of a quietside cabin on an inlet on the sound

Our third time here, a real gem and a treasure.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

28 June 2019

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

Lovely place!

We enjoyed our stay in this cute cottage. It was perfect for the three of us. Our 6 year old enjoyed exploring the property, we played in the brook, and saw some wildlife. The weather wasn't great, so we built a few fires. We really enjoyed the location - far from maddening crowds and accessible to local hikes (we hiked daily). Would love to return next year!

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl M.

12 Jan 2019

Cozy rustic cabin

Our family vacationed at this cabin in July 2018. The cabin is rustic but with all the conveniences needed for our vacation. The view out of the back of the house is breathtaking. Our daughter really enjoyed the large bay window. The cabin was located in a quiet area and Acadia National park was easily accessible. ~The Monroe Family from Virginia

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

12 Aug 2018

Beautiful

Really lovely cottage. Cozy on foggy days and close to everything else when the sun came out. Amenities exceeded our expectations. Would love to come back.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Dawn W., Warrenville (suburb of Chicago)

10 Aug 2018

A wonderful private gem on the "quiet side"!

We thoroughly enjoyed our week in this charming cabin in the woods. The cabin was nicely appointed, and we were truly able to relax and enjoy the beautiful setting. Although we felt very secluded, we could easily get to town and had easy access to roads, etc... A real gem-- thanks!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

John P., Cleveland, Ohio

26 July 2018

Awesome

A wonderful place! Great location, beautiful views, rustic log cabin with all the conveniences. We will be back!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Andrea R.

27 June 2018

rustic cabin, location to die for

This is a real, old, log cabin with a newer sleeping addition and plumbing, electric and heat. It is in the woods, on the water, on a cove in Somes Sound, very, very quiet, very private. Really beautiful! If signs of mice or musty smells freak you out, this isn't your place; it's a log cabin and is somewhat permeable to the outdoors. The toilet, shower, heat, fridge, stove all work. There's a huge stone fireplace. Beds OK. If you are used to camping, you will think this is the Ritz. If you are used to the Ritz, you will think you are camping. We had a wonderful time!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sally A.

24 July 2015

Sally

My adult daughters and I thoroughly enjoyed staying in your charming log cabin the week of July 4-11. The very private woodsy setting with the endearing stream flowing magically beside the cabin captured our hearts. The quietude of our cabin was daily salve for releasing worldly concerns of busy lives beyond. Furnishings were warm and welcoming, with a notebook provided to give a newcomer helpful suggestions on both activities and culinary choices around Mt. Desert Island. Although we chose to enjoy leisurely eating out, adequate tools and provisions were handy cooking at the cabin. We loved staying on the "Quiet side" of Mt. Desert Island with easy access to Acadia National Park, Northeast Harbor and Bar Harbor during the day and returning to our peaceful haven at night. It was just a short jaunt into Southwest Harbor, which has some great restaurant choices. Our Babbling Brook Cove Cabin was our cozy home away from home as we hiked, immersed ourselves in photography, toured and ate our way through Southwest Harbor and other recommended locations. We can't wait to come back.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Caroline M.

24 July 2015

A truly wonderful home away from home!

This cozy cabin is convenient to both Acadia National Park and Southwest Harbor. The cabin oozes with charm and features a beautiful wooded location on a secluded cove. The owners are non-intrusive but very friendly and helpful. We were 100% satisfied. A great find!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Margaret D.

12 Sept 2014

Best kept secret on Mt. Desert

This cabin was amazing and perfect for our family of 3. The view, the shoreline, the babbling brook, the seclusion, the creek, the "rustic cabin..where do I begin?We absolutely loved it! We felt like we were back at summer camp only in a nice log cabin with running water, hot water, electricity, comfortable beds. The bedrooms are on the creekside of the house attached to the log cabin side by a breezeway. That made it nice for those that want to sleep in to not be disturbed by the early riser. I hope we can come back again.

About the host

Hosted by Robert and Sue Hipkens

We are retired New York private school teachers. I am a librarian. My husband taught high school biology and environmental science teacher and is a musician. We spent several summers sailing to Maine before buying a home in Seal Harbor in 1979.

Why they chose this property

We bought our waterfront cabin in Southwest Harbor as an investment property where we also hoped to spend time because of its beautiful location.

What makes this property unique

We like to wake up in the morning, after a night of listening to the brook, and look out at the sun dappled water in the cove. We like to have breakfast seated in the rocking chairs overlooking the cove watching the ducks, birds at the feeder and sailboats. A short walk takes us on a walk to Valley Cove or up Flying Mountain.