Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock

Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
7 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib
Combined shower/tub, hair dryer, towels, soap
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
9.8 / 10.0
Outstanding(80 Ratings)

Farm Stay in Southwest Harbor, ME

16 guests · 8 bedrooms · 5 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more

About this farm stay rental

Apple Cove is a spacious, 4100 square foot, three story home built in 1883 that has been updated with all the modern amenities while maintaining the detail and beauty of the Victorian era, including remarkably high ceilings, detailed woodwork, and beautiful wood floors throughout. We are located on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, with 139 feet of private shoreline on Bass Harbor. The home features a wrap around porch with stunning views of the harbor, including a screened-in section with a large dining table for outdoor meals as well as comfortable chairs and rockers for relaxing while bird watching or enjoying the view. Walk right down from the porch to our private dock, where you can put your kayak in with ease, or hunt for treasures on the rocks at low tide; or linger in the backyard, which makes an ideal spot for lawn games. Be sure to take advantage of the backyard seating area with a fire pit perfect for evening oceanside campfires.

This house is truly a treasure; it's been featured in the New York Times magazine (August 2016), as well as Maine Boats & Harbors (March 2004), and has been used on multiple occasions in advertising for LL Bean. The Southwest Harbor Library digital archive is full of pictures of the house from the late 1800s, when it was the Osborne Milton Kittredge house and store. If you're looking for the essence of coastal Maine, full of history but updated for modern comfort, you'll find it here.

The first floor features a large kitchen centered around a rustic farmhouse table with all the amenities needed for large family meals. Granite counter tops, new stainless appliances, Keurig coffeemaker, stoneware dishes, ample cookware and utensils along with harbor views make this kitchen a delight. The kitchen features double doors that exit to the wrap around porch, as well as another exit to the screened-in dining area.

Also on the first floor is a large living room with built-ins, including a cushioned window seat with ocean views. A flat screen smart TV, large coffee table and plenty of seating make this the perfect space for watching movies, playing games or just relaxing. Open to the living room is a large formal dining room with decorative fireplace.

The main entry to the home features a grand staircase that leads to the second and third floors. This formal entryway also leads to the library, an office and a half bath. The library is equipped with chairs for reading as well as a table for work, games or puzzles. The adjoining, private office has a desk for working and a side chair for reading or taking phone calls. Both the library and office are filled with books (classics, popular book club selections, mysteries, Stephen King, novels for both elementary and young adult readers) and a selection of games and puzzles. WiFi is available throughout the home.

The second floor features a master bedroom with queen bed, en suite bath with claw foot tub, sitting area, large closet, smart TV and private balcony with gorgeous harbor views and comfortable seating. A back staircase gives this master suite additional privacy from the rest of the second floor.

A second master with ocean view, queen bed, en suite bath, sitting area, smart TV and walk in closet is also on the second floor. Two more bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with a daybed with trundle complete the second floor which also features an additional large bath with claw foot tub.

The third floor features a large bunk room with 4 twin beds, and ocean views. Sharing a Jack and Jill style bath with the bunk room is another room with a queen bed, cushioned window seat, ocean views and private staircase. Finishing off the third floor is an additional room with queen bed and sitting area.

Apple Cove is located on the quiet side of the island, just over 2 miles from downtown Southwest Harbor, and 2 miles from the Bass Harbor lighthouse. Thurston's Lobster Pound is about a mile away by car; for those who choose to, you can kayak from the backyard right over to Thurston's dock in a few minutes. Commonly visited places in Acadia National Park are also not far from home; the Seawall, as well as Wonderland and Ships Harbor trails, are about 4 miles away, and Echo Lake is about 10 minutes away. Acadia Mountain, one of the most popular (and most rewarding) hikes in the park is also within a 10 minute drive.

We purchased this home in 2017 after visiting Mount Desert Island every summer for more than 20 years, and are thrilled to be able to share it with others. We have paid attention to details in order to provide our guests with a well-stocked, welcoming, comfortable home in which to share time with family and friends and enjoy the gorgeous harbor setting and all that beautiful Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park have to offer.

Amenities

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

Map of Southwest Harbor, ME

$$$$
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Ratings and reviews

9.8 / 10.0
Outstanding(80 Ratings)
10.0 / 10.0
Sep 2024
It was a a beautiful home with a beautiful setting.. I would definitely recommend this property..
10.0 / 10.0
Aug 2024
The photos do not do this house justice, it is not only beautiful, but absolutely massive, which was perfect for 9 adults, four kids, and a toddler. We enjoyed fog that you could cut with a knife, a great breeze, stargazing at the milky way from the dock and kayaking in the harbor. Easy access through much of the island and quiet with just a little road noise now and then. The house was incredibly clean - so much so that it stood out and the caretaker was very quick to respond when we needed her. Our only nitpick was the bedroom pillows which were your standard rental house type - a minor thing. Our stay was so great that our family immediately started planning our next family reunion - and this property is what sparked that.
10.0 / 10.0
Jul 2024
Our time with children and grands from 6 to 76, was made so very special by having our base at Apple Cove. The 1883 sprawling, beautiful house and grounds, right on the ocean made for special times for morning coffee on the porch, and the firepit was a hit several nites for smores. The most peaceful, relaxing setting you could ever want. The house was equipped with all we needed for cooking. Everyone agreed it was the best family vacation ever!! Thankyou, Shapiros!
10.0 / 10.0
Jun 2024
Family finished our 2-wk New England tour at this place and it was fantastic! Away from the crowds of Bar Harbor, but close enough to drive there easily. Discovered wonderful Southwest Harbor. House was charming with lots of room and character, backyard fires and s’mores were memorable! Kitchen stocked well; only thing was the dryer broke before our arrival and a replacement couldn’t be delivered until check out day, but that’s beyond owner’s control. Also, check in kind of late at 5pm, and check out early at 9am, maybe due to size of house and time it takes to clean.
10.0 / 10.0
Jun 2024
Lovely home, wonderful views, space is perfect for a large group, (8 grownups and 6 kids) grownups and kids enjoyed playing in the back yard and the fire pit, porch was my personal favorite, and a lovely garden. Property manager was very responsive and helpful.
10.0 / 10.0
Jun 2024
Our family of 14 (all adults ranging in age from 23 to 82) really enjoyed the Apple Cove house. The house had plenty of room for people to meet together or have a social break. The porch and screened in porch were especially popular with the family. The house is at the end of Bass Harbor and has good views, especially at high tide. Waking up with the morning sun, high tide and low wind with the water like glass is a special time. The kitchen was well stocked and there were plenty of towels. The only concern for future guest is all bedrooms are on the second and third floors and some showers are in claw foot tubs.
10.0 / 10.0
Jun 2024
Having grown up in an old New England home this house made me feel like I had come home. It was beautifully decorated with a welcoming homey feel. The back yard and dock was perfect for those who wanted to explore the waters edge. The yard games kept the younger kids occupied during the little down time we had between sightseeing adventures. Though we didn’t use the fire pit it would have been wonderful to do so. The house is equipped with all the necessities for preparing and serving meals. The dining table is huge and easily accommodated our crowd. I would absolutely recommend this property to anyone seeking a great space to create family memories. It gave three generations of my southern born family a true taste of New England. Oh, and the view of the harbor was beautiful ever changing with the sea as the tides and fog rolled in and out. Definitely a view I could get used to waking up to everyday!
10.0 / 10.0
Nov 2023
The house was beautiful very clean and perfect for our reunion. The only problem is the goose poop all over the yard. That’s the only problem we had.

FAQs

How much does this farm stay cost compared to others in Southwest Harbor?

The average price for a rental in Southwest Harbor is $319 per night. This rental is $697 above the average.

Is parking included with this farm stay?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this farm stay?

Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock. Enjoy the water!

Is Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock pet friendly?

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

What amenities are available at Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock?

We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.

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