PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Exterior
Terrace/patio
4.8
Outstanding(60 Reviews)

Cottage in Bailey Island, ME

6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this cottage rental

HISTORIC ISLAND COTTAGE
Built in 1918, The Gills is an original summer cottage perched above the sea at the very end of Bailey Island. Secluded far from the road, nestled in a grove of pine and spruce, the house is pure tranquility. Each beautifully appointed room is both comfortable and authentic.

Enjoy naps on the porch swing or walk to nearby beaches, restaurants and shops. Explore tide pools along the rocky coastline. Go sailing or kayaking. Fish for striped bass from the rocks, just steps from the porch. Enjoy fresh lobster pulled from the ocean that morning by one of the local lobstermen.

Whatever you choose to do, it all comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Sit back and watch the sea and sky change with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different.

The Gills will give you the opportunity to slow down, and remember how good it feels to do nothing at all, surrounded by friends and family.

THE GILLS sleeps 6 - with two queen beds and two twin beds.
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THE GILLS GROUP

THE GILLS GROUP is a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together for larger groups or intimate events. The cottages are adjacent, each with its own spectacular ocean views.

For larger groups - please check out the other GILLS GROUP cottages (Jaquish Lane and The Red House).

Jaquish Lane sleeps 12 (VRBO property # 733483) and The Red House sleeps 4 (VRBO property # 1063510). Renting two (or more) of THE GILLS GROUP cottages together is the perfect way for larger groups to be “together” while still having a space of your own.
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BAILEY ISLAND

25 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 50 minutes from Portland - Bailey Island is the perfect place to unplug, relax and recharge.
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THE OWNER
My name is Carter Smith and I am the owner of THE GILLS GROUP (The Red House #1063510, Jaquish Lane #733483 and The Gills). I was born on Bailey Island and after traveling the world I know that this little island is special. As both a photographer and filmmaker, I travel quite a bit and I've furnished the houses with things I've collected from around the world (and around Maine). These are not just "rental properties"to me . These are houses I've designed and furnished with love and attention to detail - places where I spend time with family and friends whenever I get the chance. Places that I love sharing.
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FROM THE GUESTBOOK

"We fell in love with the cottage as soon as we climbed the steps to the porch and saw the expansive ocean views."
Julia K.

"You have created a beautiful retreat that captures a time when life was slower and the focus was on what is truly important - those we love."
Cynthia M.

"Walking into The Gills was like taking a step back into another time. Every room feels like it has a story to tell."
Alison C.

"There are special touches in every room, and the owner has gone above and beyond with great mattresses, linens and towels"
Aja M.

"We loved starting each day on the porch with our coffee - watching the lobster boats, seabirds, and the changing colors of the ocean"
Kelly B.

"The location is breathtaking, with wonderful sunrises and sunsets."
Kim F.

"This place has stolen our family's hearts."
Michelle K.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
This cottage is perfect if you're seeking an authentic Maine experience and love historic homes - BUT - The Gills is over 100 years old and has all of the quirks of an old home. There are changes in the level of the floor at several of the thresholds between rooms. The original horsehair plaster in the upstairs bedrooms and hallway is intact - and imperfect in places. The original canvas floor runner on the stairs is still in place - and shows it's age with the wear of the many people who have enjoyed this magical cottage. As the owner - and lover of historic homes - I have chosen to keep these original details intact. If you are expecting something glossy and perfect and new - then The Gills is probably not the cottage for you. If you love the authentic charm of a truly historic home - the quirks and odd details that can't fully be shown in a photograph - then you just may fall in love. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact our property manager David Johnson - [email protected]


Keywords: Private, Oceanfront, Family, Cottage

Amenities

Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Balcony or Patio
TV
Garden
Family friendly

Map of Bailey Island, ME

RRRR
vrbo logo

Reviews

4.8
Outstanding(60 Reviews)
5.0
Aug 2024
Dating from 1918, vacationing in this cottage was a quiet visual delight. The view from the front porch, overlooking the evergreen trees and blueberry bushes, out to the ever-changing ocean will stay in my mind throughout the year. The house itself is much the way it has always been, simple, rustic and quiet; off the beaten path, a retreat with few conveniences, a great place to look and contemplate, to read and draw. For us, it was perfect.
3.0
star 4 emptystar 5 empty
Jul 2024
The location and view were wonderful! The home Itself is deteriorating. The rot on the columns holding up the porch was concerning, There was standing water outside the back porch. It needs work.
1.0
star 2 emptystar 3 emptystar 4 emptystar 5 empty
Jun 2024
Disappointment is an understatement. The location of the house was as expected but the disrepair of the structure was not ...nor was the depressing decor. We left early. I will not trust VRBO again until they certify a property to a decent standard.
5.0
Jun 2024
This is the perfect spot to just relax, forget about time and what day it is. Just sit and watch the water, fish off the rocky coast, play games and eat lobster. The house is magical, a quirky old cottage with fantastic aesthetic feel. We enjoyed every moment and will consider a return.
5.0
Jun 2024
Oh my, where to start?? This is THE Maine house to stay at when you want peaceful, hidden and right off the cliff side of the ocean. The fireplace was so enjoyable for us coming from Texas and being on the colder side during a small storm haha. Carter the owner gave us such good recommendations on everything! The beds were very comfortable, we had all of the cooking utensils we needed and the wifi was strong throughout the house. I will admit I tried to buy the house from him but he politely declined. The history of the house is neat too and you can tell the years of love it had! We will be back!!!
5.0
Sep 2023
The perfect escape; private, the sound of the ocean crashing on the rocks, my wife and our dog Gus. The 4 days we just spent here were rejuvenating. Thank you for making it so seamless Dave. We will be back!
5.0
Sep 2023
Pretty much the perfect Maine coastal cottage.
5.0
Aug 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Gills. Dave, the property manager was very responsive and gave us great tips on kayak rental and where to put in. He was incredibly quick to reply with any questions we had and was very welcoming. The properly was clean and well maintained for an old home. The location can’t be beat and I could live on the porch overlooking the ocean- so comfortable and plenty of comfortable seats for everyone. I will remember that porch swing as my happy place for a long time to come. We look forward to coming back!

FAQs

How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Bailey Island?

The average price for a rental in Bailey Island is R 6,286 per night. This rental is R 4,534 above the average.

Is parking included with this cottage?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this cottage?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this cottage is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home?

We found 8 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, parking, and balcony or patio.

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