Southwest Harbor Gateway to Acadia National Park: Tranquil & Spacious

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Entire home

Pastoral view from back deck off kitchen

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 10232.3 sq m

Popular amenities

Dryer
Fireplace
Washer
Barbecue grill
Kitchen
Parking available

Explore the area

Southwest Harbor, ME

Acadia National Park
‪4 min drive‬
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
‪8 min drive‬
Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
‪19 min drive‬
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Apartment

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

Den second floor maine house

1 Double Futon

Guest

1 Queen Bed

Guest

2 Single Beds

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

Sitting first floor main house

1 Double Futon

4 bathrooms

Apartment

Toilet · Shower only

Guest first floor

Toilet · Shower only

Guest second floor

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Garden

Dining area

About this property

A newly remodeled multi-level family retreat with all the comforts of home located on the outskirts of downtown Southwest Harbor (less than 1 mile) with close proximity to the Seawall entrance to Acadia National Park. The harbor is a block away at the end of the street, and the Town Dock is just around the corner. Spacious living room, deck and back yard with wooded and pasture views. The deck is fully equipped (new Weber gas grill, dining table and umbrella, Adirondack chairs), and the back yard has a custom stone fire pit and picnic table to host your family campfire circles, storytelling and feasts of s’mores.

Explore quiet side trails on foot and bike and visit Echo Lake and Long Pond on warm days to swim or kayak. Hop on a national park shuttle within walking distance of our home that will take you to other spots within Acadia National Park (Cadillac Mountain, the famous carriage roads, the Jordan Pond House and more), as well as Bar Harbor and across the island. A great range of eateries are nearby from family style to bistro, a few within walking distance of our home and others in quaint downtown Southwest Harbor.

Our home includes a master bedroom with custom bath; two second floor guest bedrooms with one queen, and two twins; and a second floor den with new queen futon that folds out easily. A first floor sitting room is just off the kitchen includes a brand new fold out queen sofa for extra guests, doubling as a comfortable guest room. Spacious fully equipped kitchen (and beautifully remodeled in spring 2015!) and a dining room table that can expand to seat 10 comfortably with counter space for 2-3 more. Large family and living room connected to dining area with flat screen TV and new leather couches make this comfy for a large group.

The main house has two full bathrooms upstairs all recently remodeled and a first floor bathroom with spacious walk in stone shower.

An additional highlight of our home is a separate one bedroom apartment accessible by an indoor breezeway that provides a private retreat from the main house. It includes one queen bed in the bedroom and a fold out couch in the living room, plus a dining nook, separate apartment-sized kitchen and bathroom with shower.

A screen porch and new deck were added in 2018!

The house includes Wi-Fi and cable, laundry, a ping pong table and three bicycles for guest use as well as lobster pots and all the right tools to enjoy this Maine delicacy.

Responsive, friendly, superb local caretaker nearby!

Property manager

Barbara Rice

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

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

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Southwest Harbor

Located in Southwest Harbor, this holiday home is in the mountains. 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. Travelling with kids? Consider Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History. 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 - 4 min drive - 3.6 km
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse - 8 min drive - 6.9 km
Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 19 min drive - 19.4 km
Asticou Azalea Garden - 21 min drive - 21.3 km
Cadillac Mountain - 34 min drive - 29.4 km

Getting around

Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

‪Jordan Pond House Restaurant - ‬31 min drive
‪Hansen's Outpost - ‬4 min drive
‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬4 min drive
‪Gott's Store - ‬3 min drive
‪Tan Turtle Tavern - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Southwest Harbor Gateway to Acadia National Park: Tranquil & Spacious pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Southwest Harbor Gateway to Acadia National Park: Tranquil & Spacious ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Southwest Harbor Gateway to Acadia National Park: Tranquil & Spacious ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Southwest Harbor Gateway to Acadia National Park: Tranquil & Spacious located?

This family-friendly Southwest Harbor holiday home is located in the mountains, within 3 mi (5 km) of Wendell Gilley Museum and Acadia National Park. Echo Lake Beach and Flying Mountain Trailhead are also within 6 miles (10 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

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth R.

26 Aug 2023

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

Wonderful place

We had a terrific time in this house. Our trip was made more perfect by excellent weather. The ping pong was perfect for active boys, the bedrooms were lovely and comfortable, and the kitchen was well stocked, large, and with high end appliances. Southwest Harbor is our favorite town on Mount Desert Island and did not disappoint again this year. Everything was great. Thank you!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pamela O.

6 Aug 2022

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

Maine

The house was lovely. Plenty of room and well equipped. Loved all the special touches that made it so homey. Screened in porch was great, house was spacious and convenient location for traveling in and out of Acadia. Cute shops in town. Nice walk down the street to view the harbor. Would definitely recommend!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy N.

23 Aug 2021

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

Tranquil Thoughtfully Appointed Maine Cottage !

From my first communication with Barbara to our lovely stay, this experience was wonderful. The house exceeded our expectations (as glorious as it looks in photos.....it is better in person if you can imagine!). The house and property are tucked away in the best location...just a few minutes walk from the harbor and Peter Trout's restaurant. The backyard looks out onto a fabulous pasture and one can choose the open deck or screened porch to enjoy the Maine air and the view. The house was also so well laid out.....the upstairs is a respite to read a book and the downstairs has an open floor plan to allow several people to have their own nooks while enjoying each other's company. The "apartment" above the garage was perfect for our college age son who wanted his privacy and space but also to join in when he felt like it. It also has the heavenly scent of pine up there like to make it even more special! The "Maine" touches in the house are just perfect from the LLBean items to the art scattered around the house. Lovely lovely lovely! Thank you Barbara for an amazing week and memories! We will be back!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn P.

17 Sept 2020

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

Perfect for families

Our girls, 6 and 8, loved this home. It has a downstairs basement with a ping pong table, a fire pit that we roasted s’mores on, and a separate “apartment” that gave them independence while being close to us. Although the location unfortunately is just off the main road and lacks the harbor view but gets the street noise, less than a quarter mile down the road is beautiful Southwest Harbor Shore Road.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sarah G.

4 Sept 2018

Perfect spot for a multi-generation vacation!

We had a wonderful stay in our recent family vacation. Our family rented this beautiful house for a week long celebration of my parents' birthdays. It was just right for 6 adults, a toddler, and two infants. We had plenty of room so that all the adults could have their own rooms with place for pack and plays for the little ones. The house itself was spacious and in excellent condition. We loved having the fully equipped kitchen and grill to cook most of our meals. We spent a ton of time on the newly screened in porch! It was perfect since the mosquitoes were loving the kids that week. We were able to use the outdoor fire pit as well. Barbara - We had a excellent time in your beautiful home. I would highly recommend this rental to other families with young children.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

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

8/10 Good

Michele W.

22 Sept 2017

Great property

Dear Barb and Dave, We all loved our stay at your home! It is a very comfortable and well decorated place. A well stocked kitchen and great stove made cooking that much easier.The area was perfect to stay in and the back deck and yard made the visit much more pleasurable. Your caretaker is very kind and helpful. We had a bit of trouble with locking the back door and he came right over to show us what needed to be done. Little Notch Bakery was our go to place in Souhwest Harbor. Great pizza and baked goods, My sister and her husband took advantage of the free transportation that dropped them off right at the corner. Very conveniently located to Acadia Park and Bar Harbor. I would definitely recommend this listing to others vacationing in Maine. My family was very pleased with my pick. My sister-in-law said the only thing missing is a hammock in the back yard. The only regret I have is that we didn't stay longer. Thanks for the use of you wonderful home !! Michele & Tim Williams - Niagara Falls,NY

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

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

10/10 Excellent

James D.

11 Aug 2017

Great place to stay, perfect for our family

Location was perfect for our extended family. Twenty minutes to Bar Harbor, easy access to the Park and a quite private location in Southwest Harbor. Home was in perfect order and exceeded expectations.

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

10/10 Excellent

Marcia H.

17 July 2017

Perfect for our large family

This home was ideally located, beautifully equipped, and wonderfully comfortable for our entire family. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely and we were so happy there that we have already decided to stay here again the next time we come to Maine. It truly did have something for everyone, from the outdoor fire pit, to the snuggly comfortable couches, to the well-stocked kitchen, to the easy and quick walk to the ocean. My whole family loved it.

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

10/10 Excellent

Heidi P.

20 Sept 2016

The house is charming spacious and comfortable. Perfect for our group of 6 adults and 4 teens.

We loved 6 Alder Lane and hope to return. We enjoyed the quiet side of ANP, alternating days between biking carriage roads, and hiking and boating (some in SW harbor some closet to Bar harbor). Having use of the bicycles was wonderfully convenient. We thoroughly enjoyed nightly campfires, starry skies, and charlottes lobster pound among many other delights in town and in the Park. Thank you for a great stay!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016

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

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle C.

17 Sept 2016

Lovely stay, great vacation

We stayed in this house the last week of July and the first week of August, and we have only good things to report. The process from enquiring about the property until after our stay was smooth and easy. Being a family of 6 (4 adults and 2 teenagers) the house provided more than enough room for us all. The property is beautiful, not to mention modern, spacious, comfortable and well maintained. The kitchen is equipped with every appliance and utensil you could ever need (including a weber grill on the deck) which makes cooking food bought at the Beech Hill farm and local shops a real delight. The fire pit was a hit and hosted this Swiss family’s first “s’mores” experience, and the bikes came in handy for excursions on the carriage roads and rides into town. We did a fair bit of hiking during our stay for which the property’s proximity to Acadia was a huge plus. Southwest Harbor is a quaint, quiet town with many a great lobster pounds and one blueberry pie vendor all close by. We had delicious lobster meals at Beals and Thurston's. On this side of the island you also have a few possibilities to swim in lakes (usually forbidden as lakes on MDI are mostly water reservoirs), welcome after a hike to one of the summits. We also played some entertaining games of croquet on the front lawn, not so much ping pong since we had two weeks of gorgeous weather. Sea kayaking in the evening was a hit with the sight of a royal eagle. Thank you Barbara for a lovely stay and a major contribution to our fantastic vacation on MDI!

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016

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

10/10 Excellent

Melanie B.

15 Sept 2016

Just wonderful

What a fantastic house. There were nine of us, three generations under one roof, but not once did we feel crowded. Everything we could need was at hand. The house is beautifully decorated, comfortable, and spacious. The location is perfect for exploring the rest of the island, and during an extremely busy National Park centennial season, it was nice to be able to leave the crowds behind and come "home" to a peaceful retreat.Thank you Barbara for being a lovely host.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016

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

10/10 Excellent

Marie C., Monroe, NJ

31 Aug 2016

A vacation house that feels like your home.

As a multi-generational family of 10, this house met the needs of every age. Having sleeping arrangements that made everyone happy and 4 full upgraded baths was great. The kitchen was superior with new tiles, counter tops and center island that had refrigerator drawers, and a stove with 5 burners and large oven. This made meal times so much easier. Everytime we needed something in the kitchen, they had it The ping pong table in the basement entertained the children for hours. Gathering around the fire pit for s'mores and camp songs will be fond memories. It was a short walk to Southwest Harbor for sunset pictures. A trip to the Cranberry Islands, a fishing trip from Beals where we left with fish and lobsters for everyone. Beals cooked the lobsters for $3 ea. and we ate them for lunch. Brunch at Jordan Pond, carriage ride through Acadia and Oly's Trolly to Cadillac Mountain were great as was the walk on the sandbar to Bar Island in Frenchman's Bay. We all want to go back again. Thanks for sharing your home with us. The Cacioppo's

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016

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

10/10 Excellent

Mary F.

8 Sept 2015

Wife, Mom, and Grandmother

I have been boasting about this house to all my friends in Wyoming, ever since I returned home and would love to vacation in it every summer for the rest of my life. This was a family vacation my husband and I had given to our daughter & husband, and our son & wife and their 3 children, ages 6,4, and 2. It is a beautiful home, spacious, expansive back and front yard, and deck in the back that opens out from the eating area. Every time I looked for something I needed, it was there-- down to the croquet set that everyone loved--I haven't played since I was a child. We had one rainy day and were able to have a ping pong tournament in the basement. When we left Portland to drive to Southwest Harbor I was so disappointed because my daughter and her husband were unable to bring their bikes along--my dream had been for all of us to ride the Parks' carriage roads together. Then we arrive at the house and find 4 amazing bikes with helmets, lock, and bike rack in the garage--it was like the owner had read my mind and zapped those lovely bikes there for us. I honestly can't say enough about this home--just stay there and I promise you a perfect vacation. So close to Acadia and lovely small downtown area which was an easy bike ride and had a beautiful view of the ocean.

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

10/10 Excellent

Erin B.

19 Aug 2015

Terrific home away from home

We stayed here for a week with three families - all with small kids. There was plenty of space and the kids had a ball in the completely fenced in backyard. The apartment was great for those who did not get up and 6am and wanted some space from early risers. the Acadia bus stop is very close and very easy. It is also a short walk to a pier where you can catch a ride to the Cranberry Islands. The owner and caretaker were lovely and very easy to work with. Overall a terrific experience.

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

10/10 Excellent

Sang K.

12 Aug 2015

Excellent place for ten of us

Clean, new kitchen/utensils, well kept, spacious,

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

10/10 Excellent

George C.

8 Sept 2014

Could Not Have Been Better

The description of this vacation home is very accurate and complete. We had a full house,two grandparents, five parents and five grandchildren. The house easily accommodated all of us, well equipped and attractively furnished. It is a great location, quiet, yet within a short walk to the town pier for good fishing (pollack and mackerel). a sail on a Friendship the next pier over and the availability of the Cranberry Island ferry on the same pier. Good shopping in town and at the IGA just outside town. A far cry from the hustle and crowds of Bar Harbor, but drive there if you wish. We did not use the free bus as we had several cars. They seem fairly frequent, but if you come without a car, rent one. Time flies when you're having fun.

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

10/10 Excellent

Graham M.

25 July 2014

What a Great Place

This was my family’s fourth trip to Acadia and the location, the condition, and the warm feeling this house had were great. The house is close to Beal’s Lobster Pound and the upper deck for some great dinners. We enjoyed the quite side of the island and the hiking trails near Bass Harbor and north of town as well. The home has everything you need to enjoy your week and enough space not to feel cramped on a rainy day. The neighborhood is very quiet and the caretaker and owners were very easy to work with. Everyone in my family wants to stay here every summer, thanks for some great memories.

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

10/10 Excellent

Deborah M., Waterbury, CT

2 July 2014

Great for Extended Family Vacation

This property is true to its description and photos. The apartment provided an ideal space for the older children who were with us. The house is very comfortable and clean, spacious and well appointed; the bedding very nice to sleep on. The street is quiet and the yard perfect for the kids. Owner answered all questions and caretaker was very helpful as well. We would definitely rent this house again.

About the host

Hosted by Barbara Rice

My husband and I met at the University of Maine having grown up on the east coast. Now in California where we have lived for 27 years we return to Maine and Acadia National Park frequently to hike, kayak, rekindle and build new friendships, and enjoy the special small town life.

Why they chose this property

On the quiet side of Mount Desert Island you can escape from the hustle and bustle, while having the shore, harbor, downtown, trails, and lakes close at hand for your adventures all within a few miles of our home (Harbor and ferry to Cranberry Islands, restaurants , coastline and picnicking at Seawall, lobster pounds, Echo Lake and more).

What makes this property unique

Tranquil and spacious; newly remodeled and furnished!Spacious for a family get together or other large group! Large front and backyards with lawn, campfire circle and picnic table. Wooded pasture views from back deck! Responsive, friendly, superb local caretaker!

Languages:

English

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Southwest Harbor Gateway to Acadia National Park: Tranquil & Spacious

Photo gallery for Southwest Harbor Gateway to Acadia National Park: Tranquil & Spacious

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Apartment

Den second floor maine house

Guest

Guest

Master Bedroom

Sitting first floor main house

4 bathrooms

Apartment

Guest first floor

Guest second floor

Master

Spaces

About this property

Southwest Harbor Gateway to Acadia National Park: Tranquil & Spacious

Property manager

Languages

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Have a question?

Similar properties

15 kinflolk ln in town Southwest Harbor on private road and lot with ocean views

15 kinflolk ln in town Southwest Harbor on private road and lot with ocean views

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

We should mention

About the area

Southwest Harbor

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth R.

Wonderful place

Elizabeth R.

10/10 Excellent

Pamela O.

Maine

Pamela O.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy N.

Tranquil Thoughtfully Appointed Maine Cottage !

Nancy N.

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn P.

Perfect for families

Carolyn P.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah G.

Perfect spot for a multi-generation vacation!

Sarah G.

8/10 Good

Michele W.

Great property

Michele W.

10/10 Excellent

James D.

Great place to stay, perfect for our family

James D.

10/10 Excellent