Charming cape style beachfront home on Penobscot Bay
House in Castine, ME
7 guests · 4 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
About this house rental
Expansive views down Penobscot Bay with beach. A truly remarkable location at the north end of Penobscot bay. This is our summer house, not a cheap rental. Private setting down a quaint dirt road. Enjoy seals, sailboats, our osprey family and views of islands from our deck. The beach at sunset is stunning. Cape Jellison is a very special place, a secret spot in the heart of Penobscot bay.
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Castine, ME
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviews
Guests praised the comfortable house with various amenities, beautiful views, and great coastal access. The location was ideal for families seeking tranquility and exploration.
10.0 / 10.0
Everything was lovely and convenient. The house is well equipped and comfortable. About an hour or less drive to any day excursions, or we could just stay at the house and take a walk or go down to the beach. We loved it.
10.0 / 10.0
A lovely spot situated on the bay. A quiet place for family to gather and a great jumping off point to see all that Down East has to offer. I would return today.
10.0 / 10.0
Located centrally to several interesting sites although there was still a drive to them.
10.0 / 10.0
We had a great stay. The house is comfortable. It was nice to have a main floor bedroom for my 85 year old mother. The children really enjoyed going down to the water. The kitchen is stocked with most everything you might need. Great place to stay on the Maine coast!
10.0 / 10.0
We stayed in the Donohue’s lovely house for three summer weeks to escape the southern heat where we live. We lived on the comfortable deck whenever we weren’t out exploring the many fun towns and parks that are a short ride away. While at the house, we saw seals, fox, a family of wild turkeys and lots of beautiful birds. The house was easy to cook in and barbecue and there were tons of fun restaurants and farmer’s markets nearby to sample. The house stayed comfortably cool, and we even had to turn the heat on a couple of times.
10.0 / 10.0
The house listing was very accurate. It was easy to find and getting into the house was easy. Loved the set up and it was very clean. Owner was quick to respond to text messages. Even though it rained and most days the weather was less than ideal there was still plenty to do in the area. This was a nice relaxing vacation with friends
10.0 / 10.0
Sue was an incredibly helpful host and provided 2 kayak rental contacts. We went with Kayak Dan (Ducktrap) who provided fantastic gear & safety instructions for our 3 boys. Paddling in the bay as a family was the highlight of our stay - explored the coast down to Fort Point lighthouse and got followed by curious seals. Paddled the opposite direction and enjoyed skipping rocks on some of the beaches and watching the boats in the bay.
The Osprey Cottage was perfect for our family of five and Sue even upgraded the wifi so we had no grumpy teens at night. Loved having a washer/dryer on-site and the kitchen was stocked with papper towels, napkins and even condiments in the fridge.
Ideal location - peaceful spot with great wildlife sightings and perfect access to the bay but still close enough to grocery stores, restaurants and Acadia Natl Park.
10.0 / 10.0
We had a great time here as a family! It was our first trip to Maine and it was well worth it! The home was very cozy and everything was well stocked. Sue checked in on us to make sure we had everything we needed and even gave tips
on places to eat and things to do in the area.While here we got to experience the wonderful wildlife on the property such as seals(in the water at the beach) ospreys,and an eagle! Our family had a wonderful time while in maine and while staying at the osprey! Thank you guys for a great place to stay while on vacation!
10.0 / 10.0
It was nice to stay in a place that is clearly a family's summer dwelling, so it had lots of care and personality, was lived in and loved. It was a bit of a challenge staying here with a 10 month old, but we did it! We had to block off the stairs with chairs and remove some items on low shelves. The pack-n-play was helpful and there were lots of sweet books and some toys. He crawled around on the porch even though it was a bit rough. He loved crawling in the yard too and took his very first steps! The property is pretty isolated with just a couple neighbors, but close enough to grocery stores and other attractions. We loved walking down to the water in the mornings and watching the sun rise, had fires at night and saw lots of stars. The trip to Bar Harbor was fun. Take note that you need a reservation to drive up Cadillac Mountain, we got turned away without one. Overall, the sound of the waves, the well-equipped kitchen, cozy blankets and heat made for a delightful family October getaway!
10.0 / 10.0
My husband and I both agreed we did not want to leave at the end of our stay. The cottage was cozy, comfortable and easily became our Happy Place. Sue and Chris thought of every amenity and their suggestions made our vacation go very smoothly. We are hoping we can return to Maine soon and if we do, we will certainly want to stay at Osprey again! Great vacation! Thanks Sue and Chris!
10.0 / 10.0
Very cute, cozy house. Well stocked. I would say above and beyond the usual. The Monahons were responsive to all of our questions, obviously wanting to do anything to ensure we were happy, which we were. We all enjoyed the rocky beach and searching for driftwood. Our grandson had a blast building a fort down there. It was a fun stay for all! I would highly recommend the nearby Hitchborn for a great dining experience also.
10.0 / 10.0
nice and peaceful
10.0 / 10.0
We are so very sad that we had to leave. Booking, check-in, check-out we’re all very smooth. The house had enough space for the 5 of us to be perfectly comfortable. The beds were great! The kitchen was fully stocked with all that we needed. Whether we stayed in or went out, there was something to keep us entertained. There are plenty of books for both adults and kids to read. Cards, Monopoly and Scrabble were great to play when coming in from a long day. Meals on the deck with the lovely view of the water cannot be matched! Sue was only a text away. She reached out to ensure all was well and left a very thoughtful gift bag for us upon our arrival. I highly recommend staying at Osprey and my family and I cannot wait to come back as there’s so much more to explore in the area!
10.0 / 10.0
Nice cottage.
The location was perfect allowing great day trips. It was very we’ll equipped especially the kitchen.
10.0 / 10.0
Great House in Down East Maine
Those of us who stayed at this house really enjoyed it. We were a group of two families- one couple with one 3.5 year old and another couple with a 4 year old and a 7 year old. The yard was beautiful and the yard and deck were great for the kids to play. We had fun using the fire pit and cooked corn and smores one night. The living room and kitchen area was nice and open for everyone to hang out. I would wholeheartedly recommend this property to anyone looking to stay at a comfortable and affordable home near Acadia, Bar Harbor, Belfast, Camden, etc. A few thoughts- The kitchen is fully equipped. They have everything you could ever want! The larger family took the upstairs and the smaller family took the one bedroom downstairs. This meant sharing a bathroom and shower by through the living room and kitchen. The linens were clean and fine but could have been a little fresher. The beds are on the older side but were fine. The beach wasn't very accessible to us. We took our rainboots and knew it was a walk. But we weren't quite expecting what a walk it was and that there were so many enormous trees and logs downed right at the entrance to the beach. We climbed over it to visit on the first night but without anywhere to sit, such slippery rocks, and a buggy and then treacherous walk to get to it, we really weren't able to enjoy it. Maybe if we had older kids? But then if this house had a super close usable beach we probably wouldn't have had it in our budget to stay. Great property and we highly recommend!
10.0 / 10.0
We had a great time in Maine and at our home for the week ‘Osprey’
Osprey offered everything we needed for a lovely summer getaway. Comfortable beds, cozy living space, deck , well equipped kitchen and an amazing view all contributed to a beautiful week.
10.0 / 10.0
Great getaway spot .
Just stayed for a wedding close by, had a great time and great place . Definitely recommend
10.0 / 10.0
Peaceful place
Great setting and house was as advertised. Tranquil place to relax and good mid coast location. Coast of Maine and Penobscot Bay are wonderful.
10.0 / 10.0
Best vacation ever!
We loved the cottage is was comfortable and in an excellent location. The view of the bay was beautiful. I would love to go back and explore more of Maine. I loved the quite and relaxing feeling the minute you got out of the car.
10.0 / 10.0
Thank you
We were able to reconnect as a family and create many great new memories. Peaceful and tranquility are two words that come instantly to mind.
10.0 / 10.0
Quiet rest on the rocky coast of Maine
The fantastic location of this house, with the beach just a short walk down the hill, was very convenient for our family. It's centrally located between Camden/Rockport and Acadia allowing for any number of entertaining options for day trips. From the house, there is no traffic noise, just the sound of moving water from the streams or the waves on the bay. The deck is a great spot for dinners or morning coffee and allows you to see out to the bay or just sit and bird watch. We spent hours walking the beach behind the house looking at the rocks and reading. The surrounding area of Stockton Springs/Searsport/Belfast has plenty to see and do - museums, shopping, restaurants, a light house - so you don't have to spend all your time driving and can understand why Maine chose the state slogan "The Way Life Should Be".
10.0 / 10.0
A quiet get-away
We really enjoyed our stay. We loved sitting on the deck, looking out at the water and listening for birds. The walk down to the water was magical. The bridge over the small stream and all the greenery then it opens up onto the dramatic shoreline. The house had everything we needed and plenty of room for our family of four. Chris and Sue’s property is comfortable and inviting.
8.0 / 10.0
Quiet getaway on the coast of Maine
This cozy cabin, situated between the towns of Bucksport and Belfast, ME, was home-base for my family during our stay. We visited Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Penobscot Narrows/Fort Knox, Bangor and Portland during our visit. While the drive to Portland was a little long (~2hrs), the other locations were within an hour drive. Supplies are readily available within a 20 minute drive, but the location was hidden away that you are able to relax with little to no interruption.
The house itself is big, with 4 bedrooms to accommodate a large family, however our family only used 2 of the 4 rooms. Do check the weather prior to your visit, a couple days out of our stay the temperature reached 90F (not usual for the area) and the house does not have air conditioning. It was well-stocked to include all supplies for a lobster feast, which we were able to enjoy one of the evenings (I recommend Parson's Lobster in Bar Harbor if you are looking for fresh lobster, Young's was also recommended but we did not have the opportunity to try them out). There is a pathway down to the coastline where the family was able to explore and collect some driftwood, shells and rocks.
Sue, one of the owners, was very responsive to our questions and we typically had answers within minutes. She was always inquisitive as to what we were doing and is very familiar with the area. She was able to guide us initially until we got our bearings and became familiar with the area.
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing getaway
This house is nestled in the most serene setting. We brought our kids here to experience Maine at its finest. The changing leaves were amazing, the walks on the beach to find sésgalas gave the kids endless entertainment. The house has everything you can imagine needing. We will most definitely be back!
10.0 / 10.0
The Pictures Don’t Do It Justice!
This cute, well-appointed family property is so comfortable and easy to enjoy. We scheduled our trip last minute, looking for a break from the city after a COVID-19 summer, and the Monahan’s property fit the bill perfectly. The deck was beautiful and sunny and the quick walk down the hill (and more labored walk back up, lol) to the Bay is so magical I can’t even describe them. The house, though, I can describe: great eat-in kitchen, large family room with love seat and couch looking out onto the deck, and a terrific reading nook with comfy chair and ottoman flanked by bookcases. One big bedroom downstairs and the rest upstairs. Arriving felt like visiting a family member’s vacation home, not a rental property, and the interior of the cottage was clean, nicely decorated, and very, very well stocked. We would love to visit again someday!
8.0 / 10.0
quiet, peaceful Getaway
We enjoyed our stay. The area was remote which was nice, especially during covid. The shoreline was rocky and a little hard to walk on, but also pretty. The house had everything we needed. The kitchen was well stocked. We cooked a lot. The grill was great to have. The only thing we really missed was a dishwasher. Overall we had a really nice time. Quiet vacation during covid (except the day we went to Bar Harbor, that was crowded but nice)
4.0 / 10.0
We enjoyed our stay. The area was remote which was nice, especially during covid. The shoreline was rocky and a little hard to walk on, but also pretty. The house had everything we needed. The kitchen was well stocked. We cooked a lot. The grill was great to have. The only thing we really missed was a dishwasher. Overall we had a really nice time. Quiet vacation during covid (except the day we went to Bar Harbor, that was crowded but nice)
10.0 / 10.0
Perfect Maine Getaway
When I think Maine vacation I think fresh seafood, cool ocean water, rocky beaches to explore and mpre fresh seafood. We got everything on one package at this spot. Morning suntise over the bay while picking mussels off the private beach. Evenings staring at the dark star filled skies. There was no need for AC, fans and open windows kept us all comfortble day and night. Searsport island was a short drive and offered a great opportunity to dig for clams during low tide. Sandy point beach, fort point lighthouse and fort knox also gave us great day trips all within 20minutes of our house. Acadia national patk and Bar Harbor are a short 1hr drive as well. Cant wait to get back!
10.0 / 10.0
Wonderful property in a great location
We loved our stay here. The house was beautiful and had everything we needed. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils, appliances, etc. and there was plenty of room to relax and spread out. We loved the back porch where the dogs could run, as well as the beach where we spent a lot of time. The house is located close to Bangor, Bar Harbor and Acadia, making it a great base. We would definitely stay here again!
4.0 / 10.0
The Real "Osprey" (VRBO 109396)
Stockton Springs House “Osprey”: July, 2019
We stayed at this house July 20-27, 2019 and were extremely disappointed. First off, the lock on the sliding door to the deck was broken. A tiny cabinet-type sliding bolt closure had been added near the top of the doorframe. We had read about this security concern noted by previous renters, but felt it certainly would have been addressed by the date of our occupancy, but it hadn’t. We were constantly worried for our safety.
The driveway leading to the home was narrow and uneven with several unkept structures that appeared to be uninhabitable dwellings along the way. The house itself was surrounded by overgrown brush on the four sides and the lawn was very wet and spongy, providing a perfect home for hordes of mosquitos. The path leading to the ocean was steep and difficult to navigate, and tall tangles of ancient shrubbery surrounding the deck blocked the very limited view of the ocean.
Whereas the common areas of the home seemed clean, there was a foul stench in the back porch laundry room as well as in several of the kitchen cupboards. Dishes and kitchen utensils provided were greasy and caked with dried food, meaning we had to hand wash (no dishwasher) all items before cooking or eating.
In general, this home seemed to have spaces that hadn’t been purged in decades: The closet in the main bath contained shelves crammed with what can only be described as junk, and a large drawer in the kitchen held old, greasy hand tools. A box fan provided for use in the upstairs main bedroom had no handle and the grids and blades were caked with dirty, sticky dust. Skylight windows upstairs couldn’t be opened for fresh air. Bookshelves throughout the home were filled with books dating from the 1930’s, and a folder of area attractions held brochures from 2008. In a notebook provided for renters to comment, previous tenants indicated that they had to repair the upstairs shower prior to using it. The garage where we were directed to put garbage was full to the brim with “stuff”. We actually saw MICE in the livingroom!
We strongly feel that this home should NOT be offered as a rental by anyone until the repairs mentioned are made, the house is purged, and the property is thoroughly cleaned and inspected. In its current condition, it is certainly not a safe or appropriate place for anyone to stay.
“Osprey”, (VRBO #109396) as listed is, in our opinion, grossly misrepresented.
Karen Baker
10.0 / 10.0
Great Experience
The property was quite accurately described. It was quiet and very clean, very homelike. The herbs, spices, and accoutrements for cooking were plentiful and perfect for us.
The walk down to the beach is not far at all and leads to a lovely view out over the bay. One of the highlights of the visit was sitting on the back porch and gazing at the multitude of stars and the vivid Milkey Way.
10.0 / 10.0
August Rest
The house is well furnished and equipped, surrounded by beautiful wild flowers. There is a peaceful view to the water and the air is filled with the songs of birds.
10.0 / 10.0
Stockton Springs, ME
This property was as reported. Close to restaurants, groceries, as well as the fact that the property has a water front. Property owners were very helpful by leaving the house stocked with essentials, as well as suggestions. Very pleasing experience.
10.0 / 10.0
Peaceful
We had a great time
8.0 / 10.0
Amazingly Peaceful!
You don't realize how much noise pollution we put up with everyday until you stay at a place like Osprey. We didn't expect this as being on the water one assumes you'd be putting up with the noise of boat traffic, but even that was almost non-existent. The quiet was absolutely wonderful. The peacefulness combined with Stockton Springs being centrally located between Acadia/Bar Harbor and Camden/Rockport results in this place being a little slice of heaven...
10.0 / 10.0
Home Away from Home...with a view!
Pleasant home...fresh and clean and very comfortable. Beds were firm and all linens were very clean and newer. Bathrooms were sparkling...there was a fresh smell throughout the home. The location was very private and quiet with views of the Penobscot River. The children enjoyed walking down to the water's edge and collecting treasures. Our only suggestion would be for the home owners to consider flattening out the driveway. A small compact car may "bottom out" on the raised hump in the middle of the dirt and grass drive to the home. This is not a complaint to the homeowners...rather a friendly suggestion to improve an already excellent home stay! - wilton p. rose
8.0 / 10.0
Great house
We loved this home. Very secluded!! Great for dogs and to get away from it all! Host were gracious and very nice!!
10.0 / 10.0
Good memories
Stayed here in 2000 - still have very good memories of the house and surroundings. Picked up my sister-in-law from Bar Harbor coming over from Canada(in the mist!), entertained friends up from Washington etc - sort of felt at home, cooking etc but on different continent (from Winchester, England) but really house felt home from home.
Would recommend for an etended family reunion!
Sylvia Turner
PS Dave was great in dealng with any problems - wonder if he is still around
10.0 / 10.0
Guestbook Comment
We had a wonderful time at this cottage. Plenty of room and wonderful Maine rock beach. Loved the beach combing, sea urchins, starfish and the seclusion. Close to lots of activites. We plan on coming back. The Clifford Family
10.0 / 10.0
Guestbook Comment
We found the property exactly
as described. The house is very
comfortable and nicely supplied, the
surroundings attractive and quiet. A few
mosquitoes under the trees but no more
than one would expect in the area. We had
a very enjoyable week (July 2004).
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Castine?
The average price for a rental in Castine is $295 per night. This rental is $85 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Charming cape style beachfront home on Penobscot Bay. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Charming cape style beachfront home on Penobscot Bay pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Charming cape style beachfront home on Penobscot Bay?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
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