3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard

Outdoor dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
Terrace/patio
Exterior detail
9.6 / 10.0
Outstanding(42 Ratings)

House in Acadia National Park, ME

12 guests · 7 bedrooms · 3 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area

About this house rental

Built in 1887 as the original Bar Harbor High School (Emerson School), the Emerson House occupies the ground floor of the two-story school house (note: there is another unit on the second floor. With advance notice, and if available, the entire building can be rented for larger parties). Located in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, it is conveniently located within walking distance of everything! No worries about finding an elusive parking space - just park and walk. Frenchman's Bay is just two blocks away in two directions. In between are many restaurants, shops, grocery stores, two movie theaters, several parks, and access to a free shuttle that covers Acadia National Park and the rest of the Island.

The street Emerson House is situated on is one of the nicest residential streets in the village. It is sometimes referred to as "Mistress Row," primarily because JP Morgan is rumored to have built one of the houses for his mistress so he could visit her when he moored his yacht in the Harbor. Tree-lined and full of well-maintained turn-of-the-century homes built during Bar Harbor's famed Gilded Era, the one-way street is surprisingly quiet for its central location. Porch sitting is a summer past-time for the neighborhood - always a delight during the mild and near bug-free afternoons and evenings.

Until 1914, the building saw a generation of students pass through its doors until a larger school was built. It was then purchased by the Masons, who used the upstairs (now "Mason House") for their gatherings, and they rented out the first floor for groups to hold events, classes, etc. It remained in the hands of the Masons until late 2016, when the neighbors across the street purchased it - a couple of architects with a penchant for acquiring and restoring/repurposing historic properties. They had the vision to maintain the best of the features, spaces, and details and bring everything up to modern standards of comfort and design.

The design of the Emerson House is inspired by elements that were an essential part of the original building, such as the wood beadboard wainscot and cabinets and the high ceiling with beams and heavy trim work. The decor is inspired by a large set of vintage "Blue Willow" china that was left behind, reflected in the kitchen's color scheme, modern fabrics that harken to the same feeling, and an array of china as wall decoration. Furnishings include a mix of antiques and new furniture. Once stripped of all of the lateral windows, new windows have been installed, including a 16-foot long four-panel door in the living room, leading to a covered deck and a good-sized fenced yard. Once possessing a catering kitchen, it still has a 10-burner, two commercial oven ranges, plus a plethora of new appliances. A large dining area, with a wide sideboard and a bar, includes a 12-foot-long table (an original to the building). All wiring and lighting have been updated, and the main space is air-conditioned.

Four bedrooms contain a king-sized bed, and one has two twins; all have a ceiling fan and dresser/armoire. There is also a ladder-accessible loft with a twin bed (an absolute kid favorite!). There are three bathrooms: two designed to accommodate multiple users, with separate rooms for the WC, shower, and vanity, plus a full bathroom with shower and tub. The 28 x 26 living room includes two sofas, oversized chairs, a game table, a fireplace, and a large-screen TV. There is also a SECOND living area with a queen sleeper sofa, and a dining table for 6, which can also be used as an office, and a kitchenette. The fifth bedroom, sleeping loft and second living room offer an added layer of privacy, like an in-law suite with a connecting door ( and that is all included in this rental).

All check-ins are self-check-ins with a digital lock. The home is spacious, and the yard is completely private, with several private entrances. The location is quiet, and it is easy to get to the Park and other areas of interest.

This property is licensed and has been inspected by the Town of Bar Harbor. The license number is VR2R22-349


Amenities

Pool
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly

Map of Acadia National Park, ME

$$$$
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Ratings and reviews

9.6 / 10.0
Outstanding(42 Ratings)
10.0 / 10.0
Aug 2024
Family’s first visit to Acadia - Bar Harbor. Home was perfectly / centrally located within walking distance to everything in the town. The interior was wonderfully decorated and interesting throughout. There was off street parking available but we opted to forgo the car rental and use the free bus system - home is a short five min walk to the village where most buses depart from. Street was quiet and the patio / yard space was very well maintained. The host (Kay) was fantastic and responded quickly when communicating before and during our stay. Could not have asked for a better home and location. We’ll definitely be back!
10.0 / 10.0
Jul 2024
If you are hosting a family gathering in Bar Har, the Emerson-Mason House will turn it into a magical experience.
10.0 / 10.0
Jul 2024
property is amazing, we also had relatives that rented the Mason House so everyone had a great time! location is perfect!
10.0 / 10.0
Jun 2024
Can’t say enough of how much we enjoyed Emerson Mason house while visiting Bar Harbor. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION is the best gift this place has given us. Yes, it’s a gorgeous environment and yes, it had everything we needed, but being able to walk 5 minutes to the grocery and 10 minutes to downtown/water’s edge is amazing. We parked our car and never moved it! What a quaint little street it is situated upon with everyone’s flower boxes bursting with color. Literally felt like we were in a Hallmark movie. Everyone had their own space, and gathering in the great room/porch area was another highlight in my forever memory. EM house may now be our annual tradition when summer arrives.
10.0 / 10.0
Jun 2024
11 of us stayed a week for our family reunion. There was more than enough room. The kitchen was especially amazing and made cooking and serving the group very easy. The unit is in a great location. We walked everywhere and rarely used the car. Highly recommend.
10.0 / 10.0
May 2024
Wonderful place, terrific experience with hosts! Spacious and comfortable home with fun school house history! So convenient, only Two blocks from Everything in town. The porch and yard and bonfire were enjoyable for our group of 9.
8.0 / 10.0
Oct 2023
Location can’t be beat, plenty of parking! Lots of space! Loved the outside seating too! Kitchen was well stocked! If traveling w large group or jsut want lots of space, this place can’t be beat!!!
10.0 / 10.0
Sep 2023
Great stay. Great location. Exceptionally clean. Couldn’t ask for anything more

FAQs

How much does this house cost compared to others in Acadia National Park?

The average price for a rental in Acadia National Park is $322 per night. This rental is $448 above the average.

Is parking included with this house?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at 3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at 3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard. Enjoy the water!

Is 3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard pet friendly?

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

What amenities are available at 3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard?

We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.

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