THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate luxury cottage w massive oceanfront steam room

Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Interior
5.0
Outstanding(52 Reviews)

Cottage in Bailey Island, ME

4 guests · 2 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
Includes essentialsGarden, Pets allowed, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more

About this cottage rental

THE RED HOUSE
The 100 year old Red House at the head of Mackerel Cove was built when most of Bailey Island was wild and undeveloped - and once you've spent time here it's clear why this spot was chosen to build. You FEEL the ocean just steps away wherever you are on the property - and each night the sun sets directly in front of you across the water.

This place is magic.

A house where no matter what you are doing - cooking dinner with loved ones - reading a book on the porch - spending a lazy day in bed - the sea is always present - steps away or right outside your window.
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THE BEACH
The private pebble beach is the perfect place to launch kayaks at any tide. Exploring from the water is one of the best ways to experience Casco Bay. The tide pools in front of the house are something kids (of all ages) love.
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THE RENOVATION
Everything in The Red House has been updated during the 2017 renovation. From plumbing to heating it's all brand new. Luxury beds and bedding in the two upstairs bedrooms. All new appliances in the fully equipped kitchen.

But it all started with the bathroom.

Built to accommodate 4 - the STEAM ROOM looks directly out to the ocean with the same magnificent views as the rest of the house. The upstairs "secret" half-bath is hidden behind a custom built rotating bookcase inspired by my 9 year old niece and her fascination with all things magical and mysterious. The living and dining spaces all have views of the ocean and have been furnished with a mix of local antiques and art.
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THE VIEW
Spending time here always comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Watch the sea and sky shift with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different.
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THE BIRDS
From heron and gulls to Eider and even bald eagles, this sheltered spot is a birdwatchers dream. I watched a pair of sea ducks guide their ducklings along the shore. Herons fishing in the tide pools at low tide. A bald eagle at the end of the wharf. Whatever you see, you can be sure that it's going to be beautiful.
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THE GILLS GROUP
The Red House is part of THE GILLS GROUP - a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together for larger groups or hosting intimate events. The cottages are all a short walk from each other and are the perfect place to be "away" while still being "together".

The other GILLS GROUP cottages are Jaquish Lane (property 733483) which sleeps 12 and The Gills (VRBO 318909) which sleeps 6.
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EVENTS
The Red House (along with Jaquish Lane and The Gills) is uniquely set up to host an intimate wedding or family reunion. With open ocean views of the sunrise on the east side of the island (Jaquish Lane and The Gills) and spectacular sunsets on the west (at The Red House). Event fees vary depending on the size of the gathering and number of guests. Contact the property manager for more information.

There is not a television at The Red House - but there IS high-speed internet for streaming/watching on your own devices.
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THE OWNER
My name is Carter Smith and I am the owner of THE GILLS GROUP (The Red House, Jaquish Lane 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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LOCATION
Mackerel Cove - Bailey Island - Harpswell - Maine.
There are many other properties in the area - but there are very few that rise above the (sometimes crude) comfort that passes for acceptable in a "summer island cottage". That is not the case here. I have tried to think of everything a guest could want - from luxury mattresses topped with featherbeds to copper cookware to that oceanfront steam room. This is a rental for people who appreciate the details.


BAILEY ISLAND
20 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 55 minutes from Portland.


PETS
Pets are welcome at The Red House and will incur a fee of $60 per night per pet. This is non-negotiable. Everyone says, "My pet would never damage anything," but sadly, experience has proven that's not always the case.

BOOKING
A booking using the "ONLINE BOOKING" feature is ONLY considered confirmed once you have communicated with the property manager.

Amenities

Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Balcony or Patio
Garden
Family friendly

Map of Bailey Island, ME

Reviews

5.0
Outstanding(52 Reviews)
5.0
Jul 2024
This was our 3rd vrbo stay in Harpswell and our first on Bailey Island. We went for part of the week on our own and cousins joined us there for a couple of days. We were thrilled to bring our Boston Terrier along, too! The house is rustic yet elegant in some ways (amazing steam room, well equipped kitchen, comfortable beds & bedding). Like many other reviewers, we spent tons of time on the lovely porch relaxing and enjoying the always beautiful view of the water, birds, boats, and sunrises and sunsets. When we did venture out, we loved eating at Sundrenched on Bailey Island, buying yummy treats at the Wild Oats Bakery in Brunswick, enjoying lobster rolls from Bailey Island General Store, or walking for 5 minutes to Lands End and Bailey Island Beach. The house was pleasant and comfy and had everything we needed. We really appreciated that the owner cared about the environment (unbleached paper towels, recycling, encouraging water conservation, use of Mrs. Meyer's soap). The neighbors and property managers were nice and helpful, too. We were sad to leave but were so happy we chose somewhere so amazing to stay. Bailey Island had a lovely magic of its own, and seemed to stay cooler with a pleasant breeze most of the time than some other parts of Harpswell! Thanks for sharing this lovely home with our family!
5.0
Jun 2024
Beautiful views from a charming cottage with kind neighbors. Eclectic styled home which we enjoyed. Would stay again!!
5.0
Oct 2023
We were sold on the Dog Friendliness of this property but we will be coming back for the views. This is literally a slice of heaven. We stayed with our two labs and our 3 year old son and everyone had a blast. The house is beautifully renovated to fit the modern lifestyle with the quaint beach house theme. The dogs were able to run free on the beach front and roll in the tall grass. The lack of television was the best pet of the trip. Games, books, music and conversation fill the space and allow you spend time with the ones you love. Highly recommend this home to anyone looking to visit Maine.
5.0
Aug 2023
What a lovely home and stay! Beautiful view. Beautiful location. Home had everything we needed. One funny thing: I guess I didn’t read the home details clearly because we found the second bathroom 3 days in. :) highly recommend visiting the driftwood inn. Enjoy!
5.0
Jul 2023
We couldn’t wait to return to this home for our second trip to Bailey Island. The home is very comfortable with everything you could need, including books, games, and every necessary kitchen gadget. We spent every evening watching the sunset from the porch and had a wonderful time exploring the bay in our rented kayak. We also took advantage of the amazing steam shower. The property manager was very responsive and friendly. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to spend the week!
5.0
Jul 2023
This is a stunning place to stay. Every detail has been well thought out and you cannot beat the view. The cottage is a great balance of luxury and rustic charm and we so enjoyed our stay.
5.0
Jun 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Bailey Island! The house was perfect for our trip. We loved the unique characteristics of the home and the steam shower was an added bonus. Our son had fun looking for sea glass and exploring. We could have stayed on the back porch the whole trip. We recommend checking out Giant’s Stairs Trail, Lands End, Stover’s Beach, and Portland Lighthouse. Fishnet Cafe, The General Store, Cook’s, Salt Cod Cafe, Dolphin Marina & Restaurant, & Royal River Grillhouse all had great food. We can’t wait to come back!
5.0
Oct 2022
A perfect holiday. Stunning. The Red House must be seen to be believed. Unbeatable on the water location with views to die for.

FAQs

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

The average price for a rental in Bailey Island is $350 per night. This rental is $346 above the average.

Is parking included with this cottage?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate luxury cottage w massive oceanfront steam room. 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 THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate luxury cottage w massive oceanfront steam room 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 THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate luxury cottage w massive oceanfront steam room?

We found 7 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and balcony or patio.

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