Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove
Cottage in Castine, ME
12 guests · 6 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area
About this cottage rental
NEW IN 2014: KITCHEN COMPLETELY REMODELED AND ENTIRE HOUSE UPDATED. This secluded two-story cottage is a perfect base camp for contemplative retreats, nature hikes, biking and kayaking. Piper's Nest sits high over the water in Smith Cove on Cape Rosier. It has its own access road and abuts Holbrook Island Sanctuary. Sweeping views from most of the windows look out over the cove where sail boats can be seen dropping anchor. A steep path takes you down to a pebble beach for tying up a kayak. A polite pet is welcome.
The Piper's Nest was built by our mother to bring her 5 children and their families together. When we are not using it we rent it out for others to enjoy. It is a cozy, adaptable place for large or small groups. A fully modern kitchen opens to dining and lounging areas. Children will love the bunkroom and will find plenty of books and toys for a rainy day. One of the bedrooms is located on the main floor near a handy full bath-laundry room. Futons on the porch and living room can unfold for additional sleeping places. The other 3 bedrooms, plus the bunkroom, are upstairs with a full bathroom. In addition to the fireplace we recently added a furnace to provide heat for chilly mornings and evenings. The large kitchen is stocked with a few basic non-perishables and is equipped to cook for a crowd with its Microwave, Bosch gas range, and grill on the wrap around porch. There is a sink that can handle a lobster pot and a second sink on the central island where wild blueberry pancakes can be cooked family style.
The cottage opens out onto a large screened porch for enjoying morning coffee, afternoon naps, playing games or eating meals at the large picnic table. On rainy days our cozy reading nooks, games and books will keep everybody busy. A flat screen plays DVDs from our small but growing collection.
Smith Cove is great for kayaking because it is protected from wind and ocean swells. A short paddle at low tide takes you by the rocks where harbor seals bask in the sun. A hammock swings in front of the house where you can also enjoy a flat grassy area perfect for frisbee or badminton. Bike routes around Cape Rosier and Holbrook Island Sanctuary trailheads can be found near the end of our drive. Drive 30 minutes into Blue Hill or Stonington for some sightseeing and shopping. Acadia and Bar Harbor are an hour's drive away and make for a great day trip.
Keywords: Cottage, Ocean View & Frontage, Pet Friendly
The Piper's Nest was built by our mother to bring her 5 children and their families together. When we are not using it we rent it out for others to enjoy. It is a cozy, adaptable place for large or small groups. A fully modern kitchen opens to dining and lounging areas. Children will love the bunkroom and will find plenty of books and toys for a rainy day. One of the bedrooms is located on the main floor near a handy full bath-laundry room. Futons on the porch and living room can unfold for additional sleeping places. The other 3 bedrooms, plus the bunkroom, are upstairs with a full bathroom. In addition to the fireplace we recently added a furnace to provide heat for chilly mornings and evenings. The large kitchen is stocked with a few basic non-perishables and is equipped to cook for a crowd with its Microwave, Bosch gas range, and grill on the wrap around porch. There is a sink that can handle a lobster pot and a second sink on the central island where wild blueberry pancakes can be cooked family style.
The cottage opens out onto a large screened porch for enjoying morning coffee, afternoon naps, playing games or eating meals at the large picnic table. On rainy days our cozy reading nooks, games and books will keep everybody busy. A flat screen plays DVDs from our small but growing collection.
Smith Cove is great for kayaking because it is protected from wind and ocean swells. A short paddle at low tide takes you by the rocks where harbor seals bask in the sun. A hammock swings in front of the house where you can also enjoy a flat grassy area perfect for frisbee or badminton. Bike routes around Cape Rosier and Holbrook Island Sanctuary trailheads can be found near the end of our drive. Drive 30 minutes into Blue Hill or Stonington for some sightseeing and shopping. Acadia and Bar Harbor are an hour's drive away and make for a great day trip.
Keywords: Cottage, Ocean View & Frontage, Pet Friendly
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Castine, ME
$$$$
Reviews
10.0
We absolutely loved this place. The location was beautiful and the house was well stocked and comfortable. You can tell it is a beloved family home and we were grateful to share it for two weeks.
10.0
The house was delightful and so well provisioned. Everything we needed was easy to find. We were able to enjoy our lobster boil with everything we needed in the kitchen. We are a family of 12 and everyone had plenty of room. The screened-in porch was a wonderful respite from bugs while allowing us to enjoy the breeze. Every detail was thought through including local flowers in every room. We even walked into a bowl of local blueberries.
10.0
Spacious and clean! Canoed all around Smith Cove. Great house for kiddos and cooking.
10.0
The property was described well with ample space for all 7 of us to spread out. The screened in porch was great for eating and lounging to read a book on a rainy day. There is also a great dining room table where we played games at night. The kitchen is fully stocked with so many options for cooking, including popover pans!!
It’s about an hour from Acadia, but the local area offers great beauty. The owner’s binder gave us so many options, including a recommendation for lobster, we bought right off a local fisherman and his boat!
The walkway to gravel beach is steep but the rope helps with getting back up. We dropped kayaks at the neighbors and anchored at bottom of pathway, beach. We saw a Black bear wander through front yard one morning. Highlight!!
I would say that the cleaning of the first floor bathroom needed some work. Also, the bedding is a bit older so if you’re picky about blankets and quilts you may want to bring your own. The beds were comfortable but also on the older side.
The owner provided multiple stand fans which were great even with temps only in 60s. Not sure what they would do if temps were in 80s.
The gas grill was great for cooking and of course so we’re the lobster pots.
Overall a really great place to experience the beauty and tranquility of Maine! Thank you for letting us stay.
10.0
We absolutely loved the house, the proximity to a beautiful nature preserve and abundant trails, and the peace and quiet of the surrounding woods. We pretty much lived on the amazing screen porch, and the house in general is very roomy and comfortable. Views of the cove are stunning. We hosted a large dinner for friends and family one evening and the kitchen is well stocked and big enough to have several cooks and prep happening all at once. We rented kayaks which were delivered to the neighbor’s beach which you can access in a short walk through the woods. The cove is beautiful, calm and perfect for paddling! Would definitely come back.
10.0
The house was well equipped with instructions for all in the house and tips for things to do to enjoy the area. Great view.
10.0
Our family spent a week here in late July. The house was even more lovely in person than in the pictures.
The kitchen was large and well stocked with dishes and some pantry items. There was a small extra fridge on the screened in porch where we put drinks which was super convenient.
The bedrooms were clean and comfy, and there was more than enough room for the whole family to spread out.
We did a number of day trips in the area, the house is quite remote so we did end up driving a lot for those trips but we expected it so it was fine.
Some of our party had mobility challenges so we didn’t spent much time down at the beach but the time we did spend there was very nice. We found a lot of hermit crabs, snails, and other sea creatures which was a big hit with the kids.
We spent a lot of time swimming at a beach about 10 minutes away which was super convenient and absolutely lovely.
It was a wonderful quiet stay, we played lots of games and puzzles, and enjoyed chatting into the evening on the screened in porch. I appreciated that there were some toys and books at the house which kept our younger family members entertained.
The only negative was the mosquitos…they were both plentiful and vicious. Bring good bug repellent!
10.0
Perfect wooded remote setting overlooking the ocean. Peaceful and quiet. Great place to decompress. Large well stocked kitchen. Loved all the kitchen utensils and appliances. It was so nice to have coffee in the mornings sitting on the deck or in family room facing the large windows watching nature. Thank you so much for sharing😎
10.0
The property was secluded and quiet with great views of the water. The house was well described and all the amenities were accurate and every basic need was thought of. The layout of the house was great and truly set up for a group to use, even though are additional guests did not make it up. Loved the kitchen and setup. The lack of WI-FI was not an issue for us and helped us to disconnect from the outside world which is exactly what we were looking for.
The house would benefit from some kind central or whole house fan to mitigate the temperature better than the free standing fans, although by 8pm the place cooled off pretty well. The one thing we did not anticipate at such a high level was the number of mosquitos. We excepted them just not at the numbers we encountered. Regardless, it was a really great place to stay and we would come back again especially if we needed a bunch of different bedrooms for a large group.
8.0
The most amazing thing about this house is the cove. We stayed for a week in July and rented kayaks from The Activity Shop. We are all novice kayakers. The morning I was out, there were seals and a dolphin we paddled past. A bald eagle nested in the tree outside the picture window for a couple of days. And a porcupine resided in a tree at the lawn’s edge.
The Holbrook Island Sanctuary is next door and within walking distance to the trails. We checked out two of the three old cemeteries in the Sanctuary while we were there.
The mosquitoes were quite active in July. Make sure to take strong bug repellant.
Inside, the house is laid out well for groups. The table seats 8 and is adjacent to the kitchen but not in the traffic pattern. There is a picnic table in the screened porch which we used for putting together puzzles. The kitchen is fully stocked with plenty of dishes, pans, and tools. Almost any spice you might want is there. In addition to the full size fridge in the kitchen, there is a ½ fridge on the screened porch which we used for soda and beer. There are many puzzles, games, books, and DVDs for use. There is plenty of seating in the living room and on the window benches under the windows. The house has large picture windows on both floors looking out onto the water. It’s a beautiful view from two of the bedrooms upstairs, and the main floor dining room and living room. Bring your binoculars along. The bedrooms were quite spacious except for the bunkroom which was still comfortable. The mattresses were so-so.
Phone reception was mixed depending on the carrier. Most of us were okay, but some did not have any signal. Verizon, and Tracfone were fine. TMobile was decent. AT&T was awful. US Cellular was hit and miss.
Getting access to the cabin was easy and quick, as was checking out.
The nearest grocery stores are 25-40 minutes away depending on which direction you head. Bar Harbor, about ½ hour away, is the about the only place for restaurants and souvenirs. It was very crowded the day we were there and difficult to find parking. Acadia National Park is there also. Part of our group went hiking there. They said the trails weren’t marked well, and some are very strenuous.
Overall the house was clean. The only exceptions were the places/things that usually are cleaned once or twice a year. Those areas have been neglected for a while. That is why it is 4 stars instead of 5.
10.0
Nestled within Holbrook Sanctuary, this house was the perfect place to hike the state park and enjoy spectacular views of Smith’s Cove. Two thirds of our week we didn’t see another human on the private drive to the house. This is a super comfy house that has been in a family that obviously adores the house and surrounding area. The family’s library alone was a delight. This house is well-furnished with everything you’ll need for a perfect vacation in beautiful rural Brookesville, Maine.
8.0
Enjoyed our visit and appreciated the managers response to our request. Unfortunately the maintenance was slow to fix some of the issues we had with the shower that only had cold water Over all it was a nice experience and would recommend it to anyone that wants to”just get away from the hustle and bustle
10.0
This was a very cosy and homey place which was perfect for our family. The kitchen was very well equipped. It was wonderfully peaceful and we loved exploring the area (Castine was a favorite) and driving over to Acadia twice. We saw ospreys and seals in our cove.
10.0
If you love Maine, you will love this house. It's a wooded property with enough outside space for kids, a hammock, and a (steep!) walk down to your private cove frontage. House is comfortable and clearly lived-in, with spices and cookware well-stocked. Which is good, because it's a long drive to the closest supermarket in Blue Hill. We took a shorter drive to Stonington for excellent lobster rolls and fishing-village vibe. You can hike right from the house or take an easy day-trip to Acadia.
We rented kayaks and a paddleboard, which were quickly delivered to the launch area at the neighboring property. Don't go out unless winds are calm and be aware of the dramatic tides in the area. Water is swimmable but cold!
10.0
Piper's Nest is a real treat, a fully-stocked house perched above beautiful rocky beaches. We spent the last weeks of October exploring the surrounding coast and warming up by the fire. Deer and turkey visited us, a seal said hello in the bay - but the best part of the holiday was spent in and around the house. It feels like a house that has been loved and lived in, with top-quality cookware, a large fireplace to keep warm, and comfortable rooms. Lots of interesting books to put your nose in and a great set of toys for young children. Stunning location next to the Holbrook Island Sanctuary, which is itself beautiful - we had a great final day on the south of the Cape at Redman Beach collecting wild apples and rosehips. We enjoyed lobster (bisque and benedict) and had the best fish and chips cooked at home from local haddock. The kitchen is ready for anything and we made the most of it. Buck's Harbor Market 10 minutes down the road has most of the essentials and quality beer and wine. Still so much to see and do nearby - we are already making plans to visit next year.
10.0
And great lovation, we had a lot of fun doing hikes nearby. Thanks again!
10.0
Wonderful, beautiful, restful, quiet and filled with any kind of activity options incl hiking, biking, kayaking all near by. Unbeatable.
10.0
We found the home perfect for our needs. It was well appointed with tons of space. The home is situated privately amongst the woods on the edge of Holbrook Sanctuary. The windows allow for great views of Smith Cove. Our children enjoyed exploring the cove and rocky beach at the base of the property. The kitchen was great, as it included all we needed for cooking family meals. Would happily book again.
2.0
The view of the cove was great, but the cottage was run down and needed cleaning and repairs. Beds had old, uncomfortable, stained mattresses. The first floor bedroom had no shade on the window. Called property manager, but nothing was done. Had to put a towel in the window for a shade. Second floor bathroom shower curtain had bad mildew on it, and we purchased a new shower curtain. Cobwebs in the bedrooms and mildew in downstairs bathroom. Front door difficult to lock. Hole in the screen of the door on the back porch. This property did not meet our expectations, and we would not recommend this property. For $2,700.00 for one week, we were very disappointed. We have stayed in much nicer properties in Maine that are clean, maintained, and comfortable!!
10.0
House was very comfortable and well equipped. The cove was the perfect place to search the tidal pools, relax and read or kayak. We saw seals, porpoise, bald eagles and osprey while kayaking. Rainy days spent inside with a roaring fire. Very comfortable eating in with a large family. Both the porch picnic table and inside dining were wonderful. Only downside was the mosquitoes. Wettest Summer in a long time so they were brutal, Bring lots of bug spray.
5.0
We loved our stay at Piper's nest! This was our second time, and we plan to come again. It's become our home away from home when visiting family in Maine. It's always well stocked and the location is ideal. The porch is amazing and where we spend most of our time. Highly recommend staying here if you get the chance.
5.0
First time to the Maine coast. Beautiful property and wonderfully equipped and supplied with everything you we needed for a pleasant and restful stay. I highly recommend this property. Hope to return someday.
5.0
Beautiful view from almost every room and a gorgeous private beach to relax on down the hill. House had everything we needed for a nice vacation.
5.0
Four generations of our family stayed for a long weekend. The owners seemed to anticipate our every need. The property was very clean. I would reccomend this property for families that want to get away and relax.
5.0
This house was perfect for our family gathering. There was lots of space, a great kitchen with everything we needed and more, comfortable bedrooms, and a superb location. We loved everything about it and would highly recommend it.
5.0
Loved our stay at the Piper's Nest! Would have liked to have stayed one more night it was so great! Plenty of room for families small and large. As a family of 4 there was plenty of room to spread out! The view was priceless, and the location to the sanctuary was pure solitude. If you are looking for a place to get away that's away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy locations, this is it! It was clean and had a well stocked kitchen with everything you could need to make lobsters to popcorn. Fantastic stay! Highly recommend!
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Castine?
The average price for a rental in Castine is $313 per night. This rental is $21 above the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove. 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 Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove pet friendly?
Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, fireplace, parking, and laundry.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Castine
Explore all rentals in CastineCastine travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Adventure and Fun Await
Local Culture
Exploring Miami’s Wynwood District: Street Art, Food, and More
Guides
Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Local Culture
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Dining in Orlando, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu
Guides
Top Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Miami: From Beaches to Culture
Guides
The Best Things to Do in Orlando: Attractions, Food, and Family Fun
Keep exploring
- Kauai Villas
- Orlando Villas
- Kiawah Island Villas
- Miami Beach Villas
- Kissimmee Villas
- North Naples Villas
- Florida Keys Villas
- Phoenix Villas
- Los Angeles Villas
- St Petersburg Villas
- Palm Desert Villas
- Miami Villas
- Las Vegas Villas
- Venice Villas
- Key West Villas
- Palm Springs Villas
- Lake Tahoe Villas
- Hollywood Hills Villas
- Seabrook Island Villas
- South Lake Tahoe Villas
- Pocono Mountains Villas
- Scottsdale Villas
- Myrtle Beach Villas
- Hilton Head Island Villas
- Marco Island Villas
- North Miami Villas
- Sanibel Island Villas
- West Palm Beach Villas
- Fort Myers Beach Villas
- Haines City Villas
- North Las Vegas Villas
- Destin Villas
- Lake Tahoe Cabins
- Ruidoso Cabins
- Blue Ridge Cabins
- Estes Park Cabins
- Lake George Cabins
- Eureka Springs Cabins
- Branson Cabins
- Lake of the Ozarks Cabins
- Lake Arrowhead Cabins
- Lake Texoma Cabins
- Canyon Lake Cabins
- Sevierville Cabins
- Flagstaff Cabins
- Colorado Springs Cabins
- Hot Springs Cabins
- Bass Lake Cabins
- Buffalo River Cabins
- Possum Kingdom Lake Cabins
- Chattanooga Cabins
- Nashville Cabins
- Wears Valley Cabins
- Cloudcroft Cabins
- Deep Creek Lake Cabins
- Mammoth Lakes Cabins
- Anna Maria Islands Rentals
- Outer Banks Vacation Rentals
- Rosemary Beach Rentals
- Holden Beach Rentals
- Hilton Head Vacation Rentals
- Topsail Beach Rentals
- Kiawah Island Rentals
- Panama City Beach Rentals
- Ocean Isle Beach Rentals
- Folly Beach Rentals
- Dauphin Island Rentals
- Rehoboth Beach Rentals
- Bethany Beach Rentals
- Cape Cod Rentals
- 30A Rentals
- Seaside Florida Rentals
- Edisto Beach Rentals
- Fort Myers Beach Rentals
- Miramar Beach Rentals
- Port Aransas Rentals
- Emerald Isle Rentals
- Orange Beach Rentals
- Surfside Beach Rentals
- Hampton Beach Rentals
- Assateague Island Rentals
- Jacksonville Beach Vacation Rentals
- North Shore Vacation Rentals
- Ogunquit Vacation Rentals
- North Redington Beach Rentals
- Lido Key Vacation Rentals
- Sea Colony Rentals
- Pass A Grille Vacation Rentals
- Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals
- Vail Lodging
- Jackson Hole Lodging
- Winter Park Lodging
- Telluride Lodging
- Big Sky Rentals
- Aspen Lodging
- Park City Rentals
- Steamboat Springs Lodging
- Breckenridge Rentals
- Lake Tahoe Rentals
- Copper Mountain Lodging
- Mammoth Mountain Lodging
- Beech Mountain Rentals
- Crested Butte Rentals
- Sun Valley Lodging
- Keystone Lodging
- Taos Lodging
- Sugar Mountain Cabins
- Beaver Creek Lodging
- Deep Creek Lake Rentals
- Smith Mountain Lake Rentals
- Ocean Lakes Rentals
- Lake Anna Rentals
- Torch Lake Rentals
- Lake Winnipesaukee Rentals
- Norris Lake Rentals
- Lake Gaston Rentals
- Canyon Lake Rentals
- Lake Oconee Rentals
- Lake Wallenpaupack Rentals
- Lake Martin Rentals
- Lake Havasu Rentals
- Lake of the Ozarks Rentals
- Lake Michigan Vacation Rentals
- Lake Chelan Rentals
- Finger Lakes Rentals
- Lake Keowee Vacation Rentals
- Lake Conroe Rentals
- Lake Erie Vacation Rentals
- Lake Austin Vacation Rentals
- Sebago Lake Rentals
- Lake Tillery Rentals
- Keuka Lake Rentals