Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock
Farm Stay in Southwest Harbor, ME
16 guests · 8 bedrooms · 5 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more
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About this farm stay rental
Apple Cove is a spacious, 4100 square foot, three story home built in 1883 that has been updated with all the modern amenities while maintaining the detail and beauty of the Victorian era, including remarkably high ceilings, detailed woodwork, and beautiful wood floors throughout. We are located on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, with 139 feet of private shoreline on Bass Harbor. The home features a wrap around porch with stunning views of the harbor, including a screened-in section with a large dining table for outdoor meals as well as comfortable chairs and rockers for relaxing while bird watching or enjoying the view. Walk right down from the porch to our private dock, where you can put your kayak in with ease, or hunt for treasures on the rocks at low tide; or linger in the backyard, which makes an ideal spot for lawn games. Be sure to take advantage of the backyard seating area with a fire pit perfect for evening oceanside campfires.
This house is truly a treasure; it's been featured in the New York Times magazine (August 2016), as well as Maine Boats & Harbors (March 2004), and has been used on multiple occasions in advertising for LL Bean. The Southwest Harbor Library digital archive is full of pictures of the house from the late 1800s, when it was the Osborne Milton Kittredge house and store. If you're looking for the essence of coastal Maine, full of history but updated for modern comfort, you'll find it here.
The first floor features a large kitchen centered around a rustic farmhouse table with all the amenities needed for large family meals. Granite counter tops, new stainless appliances, Keurig coffeemaker, stoneware dishes, ample cookware and utensils along with harbor views make this kitchen a delight. The kitchen features double doors that exit to the wrap around porch, as well as another exit to the screened-in dining area.
Also on the first floor is a large living room with built-ins, including a cushioned window seat with ocean views. A flat screen smart TV, large coffee table and plenty of seating make this the perfect space for watching movies, playing games or just relaxing. Open to the living room is a large formal dining room with decorative fireplace.
The main entry to the home features a grand staircase that leads to the second and third floors. This formal entryway also leads to the library, an office and a half bath. The library is equipped with chairs for reading as well as a table for work, games or puzzles. The adjoining, private office has a desk for working and a side chair for reading or taking phone calls. Both the library and office are filled with books (classics, popular book club selections, mysteries, Stephen King, novels for both elementary and young adult readers) and a selection of games and puzzles. WiFi is available throughout the home.
The second floor features a master bedroom with queen bed, en suite bath with claw foot tub, sitting area, large closet, smart TV and private balcony with gorgeous harbor views and comfortable seating. A back staircase gives this master suite additional privacy from the rest of the second floor.
A second master with ocean view, queen bed, en suite bath, sitting area, smart TV and walk in closet is also on the second floor. Two more bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with a daybed with trundle complete the second floor which also features an additional large bath with claw foot tub.
The third floor features a large bunk room with 4 twin beds, and ocean views. Sharing a Jack and Jill style bath with the bunk room is another room with a queen bed, cushioned window seat, ocean views and private staircase. Finishing off the third floor is an additional room with queen bed and sitting area.
Apple Cove is located on the quiet side of the island, just over 2 miles from downtown Southwest Harbor, and 2 miles from the Bass Harbor lighthouse. Thurston's Lobster Pound is about a mile away by car; for those who choose to, you can kayak from the backyard right over to Thurston's dock in a few minutes. Commonly visited places in Acadia National Park are also not far from home; the Seawall, as well as Wonderland and Ships Harbor trails, are about 4 miles away, and Echo Lake is about 10 minutes away. Acadia Mountain, one of the most popular (and most rewarding) hikes in the park is also within a 10 minute drive.
We purchased this home in 2017 after visiting Mount Desert Island every summer for more than 20 years, and are thrilled to be able to share it with others. We have paid attention to details in order to provide our guests with a well-stocked, welcoming, comfortable home in which to share time with family and friends and enjoy the gorgeous harbor setting and all that beautiful Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park have to offer.
This house is truly a treasure; it's been featured in the New York Times magazine (August 2016), as well as Maine Boats & Harbors (March 2004), and has been used on multiple occasions in advertising for LL Bean. The Southwest Harbor Library digital archive is full of pictures of the house from the late 1800s, when it was the Osborne Milton Kittredge house and store. If you're looking for the essence of coastal Maine, full of history but updated for modern comfort, you'll find it here.
The first floor features a large kitchen centered around a rustic farmhouse table with all the amenities needed for large family meals. Granite counter tops, new stainless appliances, Keurig coffeemaker, stoneware dishes, ample cookware and utensils along with harbor views make this kitchen a delight. The kitchen features double doors that exit to the wrap around porch, as well as another exit to the screened-in dining area.
Also on the first floor is a large living room with built-ins, including a cushioned window seat with ocean views. A flat screen smart TV, large coffee table and plenty of seating make this the perfect space for watching movies, playing games or just relaxing. Open to the living room is a large formal dining room with decorative fireplace.
The main entry to the home features a grand staircase that leads to the second and third floors. This formal entryway also leads to the library, an office and a half bath. The library is equipped with chairs for reading as well as a table for work, games or puzzles. The adjoining, private office has a desk for working and a side chair for reading or taking phone calls. Both the library and office are filled with books (classics, popular book club selections, mysteries, Stephen King, novels for both elementary and young adult readers) and a selection of games and puzzles. WiFi is available throughout the home.
The second floor features a master bedroom with queen bed, en suite bath with claw foot tub, sitting area, large closet, smart TV and private balcony with gorgeous harbor views and comfortable seating. A back staircase gives this master suite additional privacy from the rest of the second floor.
A second master with ocean view, queen bed, en suite bath, sitting area, smart TV and walk in closet is also on the second floor. Two more bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with a daybed with trundle complete the second floor which also features an additional large bath with claw foot tub.
The third floor features a large bunk room with 4 twin beds, and ocean views. Sharing a Jack and Jill style bath with the bunk room is another room with a queen bed, cushioned window seat, ocean views and private staircase. Finishing off the third floor is an additional room with queen bed and sitting area.
Apple Cove is located on the quiet side of the island, just over 2 miles from downtown Southwest Harbor, and 2 miles from the Bass Harbor lighthouse. Thurston's Lobster Pound is about a mile away by car; for those who choose to, you can kayak from the backyard right over to Thurston's dock in a few minutes. Commonly visited places in Acadia National Park are also not far from home; the Seawall, as well as Wonderland and Ships Harbor trails, are about 4 miles away, and Echo Lake is about 10 minutes away. Acadia Mountain, one of the most popular (and most rewarding) hikes in the park is also within a 10 minute drive.
We purchased this home in 2017 after visiting Mount Desert Island every summer for more than 20 years, and are thrilled to be able to share it with others. We have paid attention to details in order to provide our guests with a well-stocked, welcoming, comfortable home in which to share time with family and friends and enjoy the gorgeous harbor setting and all that beautiful Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park have to offer.
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Southwest Harbor, ME
Ratings and reviews
9.8 / 10.0
Outstanding(80 Reviews)10.0 / 10.0
The photos do not do this house justice, it is not only beautiful, but absolutely massive, which was perfect for 9 adults, four kids, and a toddler. We enjoyed fog that you could cut with a knife, a great breeze, stargazing at the milky way from the dock and kayaking in the harbor. Easy access through much of the island and quiet with just a little road noise now and then. The house was incredibly clean - so much so that it stood out and the caretaker was very quick to respond when we needed her. Our only nitpick was the bedroom pillows which were your standard rental house type - a minor thing. Our stay was so great that our family immediately started planning our next family reunion - and this property is what sparked that.
10.0 / 10.0
Our time with children and grands from 6 to 76, was made so very special by having our base at Apple Cove. The 1883 sprawling, beautiful house and grounds, right on the ocean made for special times for morning coffee on the porch, and the firepit was a hit several nites for smores. The most peaceful, relaxing setting you could ever want. The house was equipped with all we needed for cooking. Everyone agreed it was the best family vacation ever!! Thankyou, Shapiros!
10.0 / 10.0
Family finished our 2-wk New England tour at this place and it was fantastic! Away from the crowds of Bar Harbor, but close enough to drive there easily. Discovered wonderful Southwest Harbor. House was charming with lots of room and character, backyard fires and s’mores were memorable!
Kitchen stocked well; only thing was the dryer broke before our arrival and a replacement couldn’t be delivered until check out day, but that’s beyond owner’s control. Also, check in kind of late at 5pm, and check out early at 9am, maybe due to size of house and time it takes to clean.
10.0 / 10.0
Lovely home, wonderful views, space is perfect for a large group, (8 grownups and 6 kids) grownups and kids enjoyed playing in the back yard and the fire pit, porch was my personal favorite, and a lovely garden. Property manager was very responsive and helpful.
10.0 / 10.0
Our family of 14 (all adults ranging in age from 23 to 82) really enjoyed the Apple Cove house. The house had plenty of room for people to meet together or have a social break. The porch and screened in porch were especially popular with the family. The house is at the end of Bass Harbor and has good views, especially at high tide. Waking up with the morning sun, high tide and low wind with the water like glass is a special time. The kitchen was well stocked and there were plenty of towels. The only concern for future guest is all bedrooms are on the second and third floors and some showers are in claw foot tubs.
10.0 / 10.0
Having grown up in an old New England home this house made me feel like I had come home. It was beautifully decorated with a welcoming homey feel. The back yard and dock was perfect for those who wanted to explore the waters edge. The yard games kept the younger kids occupied during the little down time we had between sightseeing adventures. Though we didn’t use the fire pit it would have been wonderful to do so. The house is equipped with all the necessities for preparing and serving meals. The dining table is huge and easily accommodated our crowd. I would absolutely recommend this property to anyone seeking a great space to create family memories. It gave three generations of my southern born family a true taste of New England. Oh, and the view of the harbor was beautiful ever changing with the sea as the tides and fog rolled in and out. Definitely a view I could get used to waking up to everyday!
10.0 / 10.0
The house was beautiful very clean and perfect for our reunion. The only problem is the goose poop all over the yard. That’s the only problem we had.
10.0 / 10.0
Great location with beautiful views! Clean and comfortable with plenty of space for our group of 11 adults!
10.0 / 10.0
Enjoyed our stay very much
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful stately home with plenty of room for extended family! We were traveling to Acadia for our son's wedding and brought the extended family to stay! Fall in Maine is beautiful but the weather is very unpredictable.
We were able to enjoy the porches in the nice weather and Colleen was prepared for the power outage with flashlights and lanterns when the power went out (tropical storm knocked out power to the island). The games and books in library and music room were a hit! The home was large but had many cozy spots.
The downfall was the slanted ceiling in thecstairwell up to the 3rd floor. It made it challenging for adults to climb up (there is always the back staircase to use, as well). We stayed for an extended weekend but would love to stay for an entire week! So much to do and enjoy without ever leaving the house! Thanks for the great memories Colleen!
10.0 / 10.0
In 10 years of taking a large girls family trip, our week at this home was by far our favorite. The house is amazing –spacious, very well stocked, and well kept. The grounds and views are gorgeous. Ideal location on the quiet side of MDI. No one wanted to leave!
10.0 / 10.0
5 couples for 5 wonderful days catching up on 50 years. Wonderful venue for sitting around the table and going for walks in nearby park areas. Plenty of room for privacy and for communal time.
10.0 / 10.0
I hosted a small group of students for a retreat. The house provided comfort and privacy for everyone. It feels like you are the only ones overlooking the harbor from the back yard and porch, yet 10min from Northwest Harbor village and amazing hiking! 30min from Acadia and Bar Harbor! We all had an amazing time and even enjoyed staying in the house all day during a tropical storm. I will be back!
10.0 / 10.0
Our family of 11 had a great week in this beautiful home. We loved watching the tides roll in and out and our family meals on the screened in porch.
10.0 / 10.0
We had a great time at Apple Cove! The house was perfect for the 11 of us with plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Loved the location right on the water and the fire pit was great at night. The third floor was warm some evenings but cooled down with the help of the fans provided. The house is filled with pretty much everything you could need! We really enjoyed our stay and made great family memories at Apple Cove!
8.0 / 10.0
We really enjoyed the stay at your house. There were 11 people in our group and the house was definitely big enough for everyone to have space. The kids (and adults) really enjoyed the gardens and the backyards as they were beautiful. With such a big group, it was nice to be on the quiet side of the island yet close enough to trails, the water and small town amenities. I’d stay at the house again.
I will say that while we respect the fact that you are trying to preserve the history of the home, which is very lovely and charming, the bathrooms and some details could benefit from an upgrade and deep clean.
10.0 / 10.0
We couldn't have been happier with our stay at Apple Cove. The home is simply beautiful and the setting on the cove is fantastic. The grands enjoyed fishing while the adults were able to kick back on the back porch. I would certainly recommend this home without any hesitation.
10.0 / 10.0
Nice large home to accommodate our family and their children. Number of bathrooms was helpful when it was time to “get ready”. A couple people did have cold showers. Just needed to spread out the showers. Beautiful view from back of house. Nice quiet neighborhood.
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful refurbished farmhouse sitting right on the water. Lots of space - bedrooms/bathrooms to accommodate big groups. Great areas to congregate, lots of puzzles/books/magazines to entertain and beautiful outdoor porch/sunroom/fire pit to enjoy the views! On the quieter side of the island but still only 15-20 minutes to Bar Harbor.
10.0 / 10.0
We had an amazing week! The house was spectacular and spacious! We had enough room for everyone. As a family scattered around the country, we meet every year somewhere to vacation. The house is furnished with everything you could possibly want. The property is maintained at an exceptional level. We spent several nights out by the fire pit and absolutely enjoyed the time spent there. The views of the water from the back porch were like a painting! Sitting there drinking coffee was a great way to relax. We rented a kayak and canoe and the convenience of launching from the private dock was very nice. The location was perfect for access to Acadia for hiking and Bar Harbor for shopping. We cannot thank the hosts enough for sharing this amazing gem of a property. We highly recommend this home to anyone looking for an amazing stay near Acadia National Park.
10.0 / 10.0
The home is beautiful. Decorated perfectly. Has a super supply of dishes, glasses, pots and pans. The refrigerator is very modern and large. All of the appliance were very nice. Some added touches that surprised were the library and the music room.
This home was built in 1883 and the owners have maintained the antique doors and windows and overall ambiance of a home that has stood for over 100 years. Quite an experience to occupy this space.
Any and everything we could have forgotten to bring with us, was supplied by the thoughtful host. The bay and nearby harbor was spectacular. The kids rented kayaks and enjoyed paddling in the shallow bay. We all took advantage of the fire pit and chairs at night.
Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your fabulous home.
10.0 / 10.0
I spoke with Colleen before booking to confirm I could use her venue for a small 16 person wedding and she approved. My spouse and I had our family stay for an entire week enjoying Maine as part of the destination wedding. The property is much larger and beautiful than the pictures do justice. The house is spread out enough too that people aren’t on top of each other. The view was beautiful and the drive into Bar Harbor and Acadia was easy. I’d stay there again if I ever had a big group. Colleen also was very attentive- the coffee machine did not work the first day and she had a replacement machine in the house by 11 AM. Wonderful host!
10.0 / 10.0
The house and property looked amazing online while was even better in person. It is a beautiful view, as well as a great space inside for our whole group. The house was fully stocked with what we needed to grill, have a fire in the fire pit and play yard games. It was an easy drive to Acadia for hiking with some great food spots around, including a lobster roll place you could walk to. The only part that was not ideal was the landscapers/gardeners showed up at 8am the morning of check out, which woke people up as they needed cars moved and prevented us from enjoying the final morning in the yard. It’s an early check out as is so was disappointing we could not sit in the yard with our coffee for the last morning and they likely should not have come until we checked out. Otherwise it was amazing and we would already love to go back!
10.0 / 10.0
The home is beautiful and very clean, and includes everything you need and more. The location and view are exceptional. The rooms are comfortable and spacious and there is plenty of space to gather together as a family. The view from the back porch is truly breathtaking. We highly recommend this home and look forward to returning again. Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us.
10.0 / 10.0
We rented the property for our daughter Angela and fiance Steves wedding. 16 family and friends stayed in the home. 9 stayed in the area.
This is an exceptional property for small gatherings. The sunrise over the water, beautiful views and tidal changes along with the room this home offers are exceptional.
Two master suites, one with a balcony, and lots of room to spread out we can't compliment the homeowners enough for thier cooperation in putting the wedding together on the property.
Built in the 1800s its a unique property that's comfortable and charming.
Thanks to Maine Rentals of Bangor, the caretaker. grounds keepers. Vrbo but most of all the owners .
The Harron & Boyes familes.
10.0 / 10.0
This property is beautiful and very comfortable.
Well stocked kitchen to cook meals there. So close to all the Acadia National Park sites. Fall colors were beautiful.
Only thing that was not cool was - check out was 10 am. I texted the property manager at 940 am that we were a little slow and would be out as soon as we could. He showed up at 1010am. Came into the home while we were still there and started stripping bedding. Very uncomfortable and rude in my point of view. We were out at 1020. He also parked so we could not get out. Very uncomfortable!!! He could have answered my text. Giving us 20-30 min more would not hurt. We have properties and know that getting in to clean is important but we never go in while people are still there.
8.0 / 10.0
The house was amazing. We had 8 adults and could have accommodated more! The property is gorgeous. We went in off season, so finding dinner was challenging. Two of the 4 bathrooms had claw-foot tubs that were very deep and a bit difficult for shorter adults (5’4) to get in and especially out of.
10.0 / 10.0
Our stay at Apple Cove was wonderful! Colleen was easy to communicate with and answered all our questions promptly. The house is in a gorgeous setting right on water. It is very spacious and comfortable. 14 family and friends stayed together and it was perfect. It’s a bit of a drive from Bar Harbor and Acadia, but well worth it!
10.0 / 10.0
Stunning, perfect.
10.0 / 10.0
Nice place. Plenty of room for a large group or family
10.0 / 10.0
We had an awesome stay at Apple Cove. The host was great and very responsive. The house is beautiful (do note there is no AC so the third floor rooms were hot a few nights) there was plenty of room for our party of 9 adults and 5 children. Being on the water is amazing (also note it is a tidal location and the dock is in the mud for most of the day, if your planning water activities it needs to be morning or later afternoon). The location was wonderful, we enjoyed being close to Southwest Harbor (cute town) and close enough for a trip or two to Bar Harbor. But it was nice to be away from town and to feel a bit more secluded. Definitely a great place to stay, we loved it. Mosquitos are bad in the summer! would recommend owners having the yard sprayed as a perk for the renters. bug spray and candles are a must if you hope to sit outside in the am or pm, and that may not even work.
Recommendations:
Archie's Lobster, right next door. Great food & games.
Thurston's, down the road is worth a visit, great views.
Salt Shop, Southwest Harbor, sandwiches and drinks & ice cream, simple and yummy.
Havana, Bar Harbor, had an amazing dinner there, really cool place if your looking for a nice night out in Bar Harbor.
10.0 / 10.0
We visited this property for our annual family vacation. We were very pleased with the home, the location and the local attractions. Something for everyone. The home is charming and offered separate spaces for a large group, spread out over three floors. The porches were a family favorite, including a large screened porch that allowed our extended family to enjoy meals together, play games and work on puzzles. The yard is absolutely beautiful with professional landscaping, breathtaking views and even an herb garden! The description and photos are accurate. We would love to return to Apple Cove!
10.0 / 10.0
One of the best places we have ever stayed!
This property is even better than the listing shows. The house is perfect for large groups and playing "hide and go seek"! A very accommodating owner, large fully stocked family kitchen, wonderful yard with a fire pit and lots of games and puzzles supplied. it is set in a charming location away from the crowds but close enough to drive to lots of tourist attractions. We all highly recommend this home! Can't say enough good about it. Be sure to rent kayaks to take out into the cove and beyond.
10.0 / 10.0
FABULOUS house, grounds, and location!!
I am not sure I have enough words to say how wonderful this property is! The house itself is beautiful and huge - fit all 12 of our extended family with room to spare. There was every convenience available in the house, even a stocked library (with high approval from our family of the book selections!). The grounds were stunning - landscaping and flowers were just gorgeous. The boat dock was great for launching the kayaks we rented. The kids explored the low tides and had a blast picking up crabs. The peacefulness of that private harbor is just amazing. The screened-in dining area was enjoyed on the nights we ate in. I have never seen teenagers comment on a house, but they gave great kudos on this one! The outside porch provided much sitting and drinking our beverages and smiles all around. We loved the fire pit and the kids enjoyed the s'mores around it. Colleen was absolutely the best to work with...she answered all my questions very quickly and was so helpful. We had hoped to do this in 2020, but alas, had to delay like the rest of the world. It was worth the wait. We had a great house to live in comfortably as we explored all that Acadia had to offer. I HIGHLY recommend this house to anyone wanting the best vacation ever!
10.0 / 10.0
Fabulous Property
Beautiful house for large family vacation. Pictures are accurate. Host responded quickly to questions. You could not ask for anything better. Would definitely recommend and stay again when in Maine.
10.0 / 10.0
Gorgeous!
This home lives up to its description. It’s beautiful with gorgeous landscaping and an awesome view from the back porch. The rooms are large, and there are plenty of extra spaces for some quiet time. Owners thought of all the little touches to make it comfortable and functional. It’s on the quiet side of the island, without being too far from Acadia and Bar Harbor. Highly recommend!
10.0 / 10.0
Great location for a large group
My friends had an incredible time here. There were 12 of us plus two babies and there was plenty of room and then some. The lawn overlooking the water was a great place to hang out and we were close to lots of hikes and adventures on the quieter side of the island. Highly recommend!
10.0 / 10.0
Great place for big families - lots of space!! And lots to do close by!! We loved it!!
Great - would highly recommend to everyone!!
10.0 / 10.0
Lovely place!
We enjoyed our stay. Perfect for a mini family reunion.
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful Waterfront Vacation Home
Our family of 3 generations (10 adults and 2 children) loved everything about this home- the history, hidden staircases, decor and of course, view and lakefront property. The owners have done an amazing work with furnishing this home so it feels truly like a family personalized beach getaway. Every detail and amenity needed was included. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us and I sure hope we make it back soon.
FAQs
How much does this farm stay cost compared to others in Southwest Harbor?
The average price for a rental in Southwest Harbor is £254 per night. This rental is £541 above the average.
Is parking included with this farm stay?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this farm stay?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock. Enjoy the water!
Is Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this farm stay is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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