Surrounded by Water . . . A Very Special Place





House in Islesboro, ME
10 guests · 5 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
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
About this house rental
***2023 July/August availability will be released mid-Oct 2022***
Many people have told us that our home is one of the most charming on Islesboro. The house retains the character of the original summer house built in 1908, and it sits in a very special place - a narrow peninsula of land giving the house oceanfront at its front and back. A long porch at the front of the house is just 7 feet up and 12 feet back from high tide. And the shore is actually a sandy beach, something very rare along this stretch of the Maine coast. If you are a boater, there are moorings available just off shore.
The front of the house faces Sabbathday Harbor & Ryder's Cove, around which cottages such as this one were built around 1900 by families coming down for the summer from Bangor on the steamboats that in those days made regular stops at Ryder's Cove. Further out on the narrow peninsula there is a rocky promontory from which still other ocean views can be had. The whole area has a magic that words cannot describe.
The house sleeps 6-10 persons (best fit for ~4 adults/4 children or 6 adults). There are 3 bedrooms, 1 additional room, and 1 full bath on the second floor (queen-size bed in one bdrm, two single beds in another, queen size bed in another, and two twin beds in the other room). There is also an office on the first floor with a full size sleep sofa. And there is a half bath on the first floor. The first floor has a large open area for living and dining, an enclosed sun porch, and a kitchen. There are many window on the first floor, particularly on the glassed-in sun porch, which has an especially light and airy feel to it. The furnishings are in keeping with the age of the home.
The house was built in 1907/1908. One hundred years later, over the winters of 2007/2008 and 2008/2009, major restoration/repair of the house was completed including installation of foundation piers, restoration of south side porch, interior structural improvements (e.g., stiffening of second floor), removal of modern sheet rock in one bedroom, changes to second floor windows to make them impervious to weather, new hardwood floors, new roof and some new siding shingles, restoration of inoperable doors and windows, removal of thick/peeling old paint on trim and repainting. More recently, in 2011, additional restoration and improvements were made, including installation of foundation piers and new floor for the sun porch; lengthening of kitchen counter with new dishwasher; and construction of a new shed for garden tools All of the work was done with a careful eye to maintaining or restoring the original character of the house.
Available for Rental: Memorial Day - Columbus Day; Weekly rentals (7 night minimum); Sunday - Sunday.
Many people have told us that our home is one of the most charming on Islesboro. The house retains the character of the original summer house built in 1908, and it sits in a very special place - a narrow peninsula of land giving the house oceanfront at its front and back. A long porch at the front of the house is just 7 feet up and 12 feet back from high tide. And the shore is actually a sandy beach, something very rare along this stretch of the Maine coast. If you are a boater, there are moorings available just off shore.
The front of the house faces Sabbathday Harbor & Ryder's Cove, around which cottages such as this one were built around 1900 by families coming down for the summer from Bangor on the steamboats that in those days made regular stops at Ryder's Cove. Further out on the narrow peninsula there is a rocky promontory from which still other ocean views can be had. The whole area has a magic that words cannot describe.
The house sleeps 6-10 persons (best fit for ~4 adults/4 children or 6 adults). There are 3 bedrooms, 1 additional room, and 1 full bath on the second floor (queen-size bed in one bdrm, two single beds in another, queen size bed in another, and two twin beds in the other room). There is also an office on the first floor with a full size sleep sofa. And there is a half bath on the first floor. The first floor has a large open area for living and dining, an enclosed sun porch, and a kitchen. There are many window on the first floor, particularly on the glassed-in sun porch, which has an especially light and airy feel to it. The furnishings are in keeping with the age of the home.
The house was built in 1907/1908. One hundred years later, over the winters of 2007/2008 and 2008/2009, major restoration/repair of the house was completed including installation of foundation piers, restoration of south side porch, interior structural improvements (e.g., stiffening of second floor), removal of modern sheet rock in one bedroom, changes to second floor windows to make them impervious to weather, new hardwood floors, new roof and some new siding shingles, restoration of inoperable doors and windows, removal of thick/peeling old paint on trim and repainting. More recently, in 2011, additional restoration and improvements were made, including installation of foundation piers and new floor for the sun porch; lengthening of kitchen counter with new dishwasher; and construction of a new shed for garden tools All of the work was done with a careful eye to maintaining or restoring the original character of the house.
Available for Rental: Memorial Day - Columbus Day; Weekly rentals (7 night minimum); Sunday - Sunday.
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Islesboro, ME
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviews
Guests loved the beautiful rustic cabin with amazing views, perfect for a relaxing and magical stay. The property has a charming cottage character, ideal for families, offering everything needed for a peaceful vacation.
10.0 / 10.0
The place where time stands still. You literally walk into a time capsule of days gone by. When life was slow and simple. The cottage is cozy with rustic décor from the turn of the century. Ocean waves lapping all around you. The views off the back porch are amazing. If you are looking for a place to unwind and unplug, you have found it. Absolutely charming and relaxing. Can't wait to come back.
10.0 / 10.0
This was the perfect destination for the two of us. The cottage is exquisite and the setting was just what we were looking for — off the beaten track, quiet, reflective. We spotted seal, otter, deer, osprey, even a bald eagle….many thanks to our hosts who let us share in their special retreat.
10.0 / 10.0
The property is a beautiful rustic cabin surrounded by amazing views. It was incredibly relaxing and lovely.
8.0 / 10.0
Just feet from the bay, magnificent view. House is rustic charm, much more like a cabin experience, exposed pipes from the bathroom leaked clean water into the kitchen, electrical and plumbing need updating badly. Still…the most perfect island with a great deck view.
10.0 / 10.0
We loved everything about this home -- absolutely perfect!
10.0 / 10.0
My wife and I had a great week walking on the two beaches that flank the cottage and soaking up all that the island has to offer. What a wonderful, relaxing, magical spot.
10.0 / 10.0
We enjoyed the cottage character of this house, it is very casual and unique. It is a relaxing place that is very suitable for families with children and adults. We found that it has everything anyone needs for a relaxing stay. The porch has a beautiful view of the ocean, which is just steps away. Swimming and kayaking was a lot of fun, as was exploring the island. Food needs are met by two markets close by. We had no need to leave the island. What a great place to be at !
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful Spot
This is a charming cottage that will make you feel like you stepped back in time. Lots of comfy chairs, couches, deck to watch sunrise. Very peaceful place.
10.0 / 10.0
Perfect Coastal Maine Cottage Experience
My wife and I (and a couple of friends) needed a break from work, and Carrie's place on Fire Island was just perfect. Scenic, quiet, and calming-- it checked all the boxes for us. Carrie is a great communicator, and is very helpful with tips and recommendations. An added bonus was how friendly the Islanders are. We had a great time participating in a local horseshoe tournament, meeting lobster folk, and locals working in the markets and stores. I'm not sure whether it is post-Covid mania, or just naturally a happy place, but everyone we came across in Islesboro just seemed to be feeling a Joie de vivre. Can't recommend this vacation-location enough!
10.0 / 10.0
A beautiful summer cottage in a magical location
We loved the ambiance of this true summer cottage with all its unique features. It was well appointed and clean, and offered all the distractions for a great vacation - beautiful beaches, hiking trails nearby, kayaks, games, puzzles and wonderful books.
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful Location
Wonderful setting with responsive management.
10.0 / 10.0
Incredible spot!
It is hard to capture how wonderful this sweet cottage is. It is nestled between two bays so there are water views from everywhere and it is on the end of a private dirt road so you feel so secluded and far away from everything (in a good way). The cottage is rustic but very charming and was the perfect spot for our family of 5, including three young kids.
Isleboro is amazing - beautiful and quiet but with all the amenities you need for a peaceful visit - a well stocked market, ice cream, and nice hikes. We hope to return many times again.
Carrie, the owner, was also wonderful to deal with and very responsive and helpful.
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing stay at an amazing place.
Hands down the best family vacation in many years! Maybe even the best! The location was such a unique spot. The weather was perfect. And Carrie (the host) was absolutely great, always there if we had any questions or issues. We loved the house, the beach, the neighbors, everything! We plan to return next year, or maybe even in early fall. What a great place!
10.0 / 10.0
Searching for our ancestors on Islesboro!
We were very pleased to spend our week in Carrie Lee's charming cottage which we believe to be the "Uncle Billy's" old residence! (BillyShore road). Everyone on the Island was gracious and helpful! We loved to be waved at as we drove from one end of this beautiful paradise to the other! Special thanks to Nancy Alexander and The Historical Society for her tireless attention to our research! We'll be back, God willing!
10.0 / 10.0
Relaxing Stay on Sabbathday Bay
As good as it gets. We spent a sunny Summer week at this wonderful cottage on Sabbathday Bay. Lots of walks and the occasional dip to punctuate a week of relaxing on that great porch. The view is something you never tire of, and a sweet breeze always seemed to come along at just the right time. The rustic charm of this century old cottage might not be everyone's cup of tea but we five loved it.
10.0 / 10.0
A wonderful vacation spot...
We've just returned from our second year of spending two weeks in this lovely house. It's our favorite two weeks of the year! The spot is perfect, with water, truly, everywhere you look. We've always been lucky with weather, so we spend most of our time outside on the lawn, on the porch, on or in the water, or hiking the many gorgeous trails on the island. On the few rainy days we've encountered, however, it's been nice to hunker down in the house, which is sweet, and comfortable, and more than accommodates our family of four plus occasional visitors. The island is wonderful, with plenty for kids to do (riding at The Pripet Riding Program or sailing at Big Tree Boating), and, unlike some of the other islands off the Maine coast, groceries are readily available on Islesboro, which makes packing for vacation so much easier! This is really the most beautiful place in the world, and we are quickly growing to think of it as our home away from home.
10.0 / 10.0
Gorgeous location and a charming cottage!
This was our second stay at the Lee cottage and it was again a wonderful vacation. The cottage is a treasure with a location that can't be beaten. Our grandchildren visited and loved the rock climbing, beach combing and musseling. An ideal spot for those who enjoy the beauty of an iisland vacation.
Joan Hill. Ivoryton, CT
10.0 / 10.0
PARADISE FOUND! Best location on the island
Amazing cottage. Amazing week. Every window has an incredible water view. Our goal was to escape our busy lives and unplug for a week. Great hiking, walks on the two beaches, plucked mussels and cooked them. Completely restful and restorative. Daily trips to the island market for some local flair. We had a senior citizen with us and the house worked well for her. Cottage was very clean and provides everything one would need. I loved that we didn't pay extra for cleaning and were able to clean it ourselves. The owners were attentive and made sure our stay was smooth.
10.0 / 10.0
spectacular setting, laid back vibe
our family enjoyed our stay - terrific water views from both sides of the house, great little beach outside our door from which we picked mussels, swam, and sailed The pictures of the home are accurate, but do not do justice to the spectacular scenery that surrounds the place.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Islesboro?
The average price for a rental in Islesboro is $227 per night. This rental is $258 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Surrounded by Water . . . A Very Special Place. 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 Surrounded by Water . . . A Very Special Place 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 Surrounded by Water . . . A Very Special Place?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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