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Apartment

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 337 sq m

Popular amenities

Washer

Barbecue grill

Pet-friendly

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Explore the area

SOUTH PORTLAND, ME

State Theatre7 min drive
Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal7 min drive
Thompson's Point10 min drive
Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional)45 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

Returned to stay in a studio apt I used pre-Covid and felt right at home. The owner is wonderful and very responsive to ...

JoAnn B.

Oct 16, 2023

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai

Kitchenette

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore!

Perfect for a Maine summer vacation. This 400 sq foot studio apartment is one house away from Willard Beach, 4 blocks to Willard Square, 1 mile from downtown South Portland, and a 5 minute drive to downtown Portland, ME.

The apartment has a full bath, a kitchenette, air conditioning, free wifi, cable TV, a small porch with seating for three, and a completely fenced-in back yard with a small grill. It has hardwood floors throughout, cathedral ceilings, and plenty of natural light with lovely views of Casco Bay.

Bringing your pup? It is a very dog-friendly area and you'll be able to find lots to do with your dog; however, if you'd like to go out to dinner or do an activity where your dog is not welcome, I am happy to arrange very trustworthy dog-walking/sitting services.

No smoking or vaping allowed in the studio or on the porch. There is a private back yard and a shed for smoke/ vape breaks.

Property manager

Brenda Peluso

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Large green-space/park across the street with water access and sweeping views.

Ocean view

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)

Well-behaved, socialized dogs only.

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

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

South Portland

Located on the beach, this apartment is in Willard, a neighbourhood in South Portland. Portland Head Light and State Theatre are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Higgins Beach and Old Orchard Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Cross Insurance Arena or Merrill Auditorium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

SOUTH PORTLAND, ME

What's nearby

State Theatre - 7 min drive
Cross Insurance Arena - 7 min drive
Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal - 7 min drive
Merrill Auditorium - 8 min drive
Thompson's Point - 10 min drive

Getting around

Portland Transportation Center - 14 min drive
Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

‪DiMillo's On the Water - ‬7 min drive
‪Luke's Lobster Portland Pier - ‬7 min drive
‪The Porthole - ‬7 min drive
‪Ri Ra Irish Pub & Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
‪Evelyn's Tavern - ‬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Willard apartment building is just steps away from Casco Bay and Willard Beach. Southern Maine Community College and Fort Preble are also within 15 minutes.

Exceptional

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

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

laura a.

21 June 2024

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

Bliss at the Beach

We had a fabulous stay at Brenda’s! Quite literally steps from the beach, the location cannot be beat. Willard beach is a dog paradise every morning (7-9am) and a great people beach during the day. Brenda was a great host! Very responsive, and friendly via message and in-person. Thanks for having us, and hope to come again soon :) Laura and Katie

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

JoAnn B.

16 Oct 2023

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

Great stay in Willard Beach Studio apt

Returned to stay in a studio apt I used pre-Covid and felt right at home. The owner is wonderful and very responsive to questions. The neighborhood is great for walking the dog, especially the off-leash policy this time of year during most hours. Convenient location to downtown Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor and Freeport, amongst other places.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann K.

30 Sept 2023

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

Excellent, cozy studio by the sea

We will stay in this lovely studio apartment. It's not large but it has everything you need for a relaxed time at Willard Beach. Great walks, bakery and restaurants in the neighborhood.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kurt A H.

10 Sept 2023

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

Quiet

Very comfortable, not over the top, location is awesome!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

7 July 2023

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

Willard Studio

This is the 3rd time my wife and I have stayed here. Fantastic location with the beach ~100 feet away and Portland a ten minute drive. Brenda is the perfect host. Can’t wait to come back next year.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debrenee F., Barre

8 Nov 2022

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

Quaint little corner of Portland

Second stay at this charming studio in So Portland. Location is fabulous for adventure is and around Portland. Great location for biking. Easy access to highway. 5 minutes from downtown or 295 to go south. Apartment literally has everything. Comfortable bed, couch, TV for streaming, large enough couch for a couple to cozy up. Working kitchen with stove, toaster oven (where I actually made cookies from dough I got from Whole Foods). Great shower, towels, dresser and full sized closet. The list goes on. Very close to Willard Beach and a walking/biking path. Lovely host, location, accommodations, and experience.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

19 Sept 2022

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

Excellent South Portland accommodation

Convenient location, beautiful views, easy access to Willard Beach, host owner accessible and helpful.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Monika J., Melrose, MA

9 Aug 2022

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

Wonderful stay

We really enjoyed our stay! The studio is right next to dog friendly Willard Beach, which was awesome. The host Brenda was wonderful and we had everything we needed. Highly recommended!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

23 July 2022

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

Great hidden gem

Great beach getaway. 50 feet from the beach and only 10 minutes from downtown Portland. Brenda is an amazing host. She communicates effectively and is readily available for help, but she doesn’t interfere in your vacation. This was our second stay here and we already booked a week for next July. This was the most relaxing vacation we have had in years. I give the accommodations 5/5 stars. I highly recommend that you stay here.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debrenee F., Barre

16 Oct 2021

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

Location, hospitality, comfort, what more could there be?

What a wonderful place! Host has really thought of everything which made my week the best that it could be. Location: easy access to Portland, 295 and Rte 1. Grocery options close by, including a Whole Foods within 10 minutes. Neighborhood was quiet. Close to beach and walking path. Property: perfectly designed with comfortable bed, Wi-Fi, kitchenette with clean and modern toaster oven and microwave, couch large enough for a nap, TV with a couple streaming services, ceiling fan, and the list goes on. Lots of things to love about how the space is used. One that I especially appreciated was a real closet and dresser! Host: Brenda was available if needed but not intrusive. She provided lots of helpful information about things to do, eateries, local options, house rules, etc. I really appreciated that the information was current. I highly recommend this location for a couple or single person and hope to come back next year!

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peter K.

20 Sept 2021

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

Nice place just steps from a dog friendly beach

Nice place just steps from dog friendly Willard Beach. Brenda is a gracious host. Only a 10 minute drive from downtown Portland.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amabelle C.

11 Sept 2021

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

Perfect beach getaway

Brenda's apartment was the perfect beach getaway. The location is a 30 second walk to the beach. We had our dogs and until Oct 1 they had dog hours, but there is a lovely trail along the beach just on the next street which is direct shot to the lighthouse. The apartment is a small studio but it was just the two of us and our dogs. It had everything we needed from bedding, towels and kitchen utensils and gear. It was very clean! We also loved that we were able to compost and recycle. She also provided beach chairs and towels for convenience. The room had a small refrigerator with a freezer. It fit all our drinks and food for 5 days. I have stayed in a lot of rentals and this place has the best bed! It's medium/firm. There is also a separate air conditioning unit that helped during warm nights when we couldn't open the window. We had a wonderful time and appreciated everything including all the recommendations and suggestions in the binder and basket in the room.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

17 July 2021

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

Great time

Fantastic location steps from the beach. Great food nearby and a few minutes from downtown Portland. We plan on coming back.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Deborah B.

24 June 2021

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

Highly Recommend!

We loved everything about this property. Brenda was a lovely host and quickly responded to any questions. The apartment was spotless, comfortable, and well equipped. Steps from beautiful Willard Beach, we spent many hours there. We look forward to a return visit!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

23 Oct 2020

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

Lovely seaside get away

We just enjoyed a 4 night stay at this perfectly located studio, 150 feet from Willard Beach. We walked and hiked all around the area. Great place, friendly hostess.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C.

18 Oct 2020

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

Great location in South Portland

Everything was fantastic, Brenda was easy to reach and we loved our stay. Her place is only one house away from Willard Beach and a quick drive into Portland and things to do. We would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kim B.

1 Sept 2020

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

Great property!

We had a great stay at this property! It was clean and just steps away from Willard Beach. Brenda was very accommodating and available if needed. We will be back for sure!

10/10 Excellent

eleonor g.

14 Aug 2020

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

Great for people and dogs!

Fantastic place amazing view and for a dog owner perfect as a dog beach is just down the street - loved the place and sleeping under a giant peace sign on the roof

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Carol E., Pa

2 Aug 2020

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

Perfect location and easy access to beach

Perfect in every way if your not a dog person this beach is not for you house was dog friendly we didn’t bring ours but would have if she wasn’t afraid of other dogs . This place is great for 2 people three would be a little crowded but doable . Yard very nice to Enjoy a bbq . Bring everything you need to cook condiment wise but need nothing to cook with . Ac was perfect as it was hotter than heck this week . We would go again . Bed was heaven and to me of a bed was so cozy :) slept like a baby

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

james p.

23 July 2020

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

Perfect Maine Holiday

Great neighborhood, beach and views. Excellent walking and biking area too.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kathy K.

18 July 2020

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

Extremely clean and super location

Very clean and great location. Just minutes from great restaurants and shopping in Portland along the water. We traveled with our dog and were just steps away from the dog friendly beach. It is a must if you enjoy dogs. It was the highlight of my trip. The host was very nice and had everything you would need. Highly recommend this place.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

JoAnn B.

25 Oct 2019

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

Perfect stay!

Perfect location! 2 houses from Willard beach where I was able to walk my dog off-leash. Close to good restaurants, Scratch Bakery, Portland Headlight, other off-leash beaches and walks, 20 minutes from Portland... cute, equipped studio that perfect for 1-2 people. Fenced yard also helped with late night or early morning dog outings. We loved it here!

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jo-Ellen S.

19 Oct 2019

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

Willard beach gem

Tastefully decorated studio steps from the beach. Morning sun urges you to get out and walk the very dog friendly beach. Perfect for a couple. Comfy bed and furnished kitchen. Our October stay was a great base for leaf peeping and exploring Portland. We weathered a nor'easter w 60 mph winds. Lost power when a nearby telephone pole tipped over. Owner proactively reached out to let us know how to drive out of neigh borhood after the storm.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Keith M.

1 Oct 2019

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

What a Find!

We spent five days in Brenda's studio apt and it was perfect. The location can't be beat and we had awesome weather for late September. We were able to spend time on the beach picking up seashells and just enjoying the Maine coast. This is exactly how a visit to Maine should be for everyone! Brenda was a great host and responded immediately to any questions we had. Can't wait to go back!!!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

John J., Monroe

16 Sept 2019

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

This was our 2nd stay this summer!

This is our 2nd stay at this property this summer. We really like the space and Brenda is friendly and a super reliable communicator. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it and will likely book here again.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

About the host

Hosted by Brenda Peluso

This is the house I grew up in. My parents bought the house in 1967 when living on Willard Beach wasn't a particularly desirable thing to do!

In 1999, we built an in-law apartment for my father and moved back into the main house which is attached to the apartment by a shared breezeway. My father passed away in 2014 and we renovated his space and are happy to offer it to people (with or without their canine family members) on a weekly or monthly basis.

I love Maine and South Portland and am happy to share my love of and history with this fabulous place with vacationers. Of course, I am also happy to leave you completely in peace!

Why they chose this property

I was so thrilled to move back to the beach house I grew up in and give my children the same opportunities I had as a child. This area is just so great. Good schools, close to downtown Portland and all that Portland has to offer. All this and in a neighborhood that is totally walkable, with access to the beach, the Greenbelt, and Willard Square.

You couldn't ask for a better neighborhood to raise a family, live and grow old in!

What makes this property unique

Vacationers will see why I fell in love with this place. The views coming down the street, out the unit's windows, and strolling along the beach are amazing. Enjoying your morning coffee in the sky chair on the back porch with the birds chirping, the surf rolling in and the boats cruising by is hard to beat.

The convenience of being so close to Willard Square, Mill Creek, and downtown Portland are another reason this place is so great. As realtors always say, "location, location, location."