This was my second stay in this absolutely ideal vacation rental, and I plan to return every year. Anyone who considers staying here should know that they are actually getting two amazing benefits -- the house AND the island. Cushings Island is one of the best kept secrets in Maine; take a twenty minute ferry from downtown Portland and you enter a quiet, magical world that feels like a step back in time. You are instantly struck by how peaceful and calm the island feels: Empty beaches, dock-jumping, raspberry picking, quiet bucolic walks in the woods, ivy-covered abandoned forts. Even on rainy or foggy days, it's still wonderful to explore the island. Then, of course, there's the house -- which is a perfect choice for families or a combined rental with friends. It has everything you could want -- the kitchen is extremely well furnished with two dishwashers and two ovens (a big benefit when the house is full) and all the pans or appliances you need. We have made some truly amazing meals in this kitchen. Something else we really appreciated, because we stayed as two families with lots of kids, is how quiet the house is -- we can be as loud as we want in the dining room at night, without bothering the kids who are tucked away in their "jail cells" sleeping. The decor is a wonderful blend of historical preservation (high-ceilings, thick oak doors, and the ridiculously charming jail-cell elements) and new updates (refinished floors, television, stereo). The owners have clearly gone to great lengths to make sure that their renters are happy. I would unreservedly recommend this house to anyone who wants to anyone who wants to have an amazing, memorable, and relaxing summer vacation.

My family recently stayed at the Jail for the last two weeks of August and had a fabulous time! The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need, so we made some fabulous meals. The kids loved sleeping in the jail cells, but proceeded to check out every other bed in the place too... We went on daily hikes, the kids loved dock jumping, exploring the forts, fishing off the pier, flying kites and searching for seaglass. I was truely sorry to come home but hope to get back some time soon...

Our family had an unbelievable experience at the Jail this summer. The property is gorgeous (the pics really don't do it justice!) and the owners have gone above and beyond to make the house welcoming and fun. The kitchen is STOCKED with every utensil/pan a cook could want and spacious enough for several people to be preparing food at once. All the bedrooms were airy and clean and so inviting. The outside has decks on every side of the building and lots of room to dine and entertain. There are books and games for the eventual rainy day (we never had one!). Cushing itself was magical with sandy beaches, lots of beautiful hiking trails circling the island, dock jumping, berries to pick, tennis courts, and an island swimming pool. We also paddled to Peaks Island with the house kayaks for ice cream and convenience store runs which was fantastic. Our 2 sons aged 7 and 10 had an absolute blast. Thank you Danas! We will be back!

The house offered my family and I one of the best vacations we've had yet. The house was big enough for the 9 of us (and the dogs) to never feel cramped. The kitchen offered plenty of room for as many as 5 to be cooking or prepping meals at the same time. My folks took the spectacular and spacious master suite upstairs which offered them a place of solitude on rainy days while the kids took over the living room downstairs. We had most of our dinners out on the deck, and spent many hours reading there as well. Daily walks, runs, tennis was had by all while we stayed on this incredible secluded island. We wanted an escape from populated places and the house and Cushings offered exactly that. If we saw 2 dozen people during our stay I'd be surprised. Those we did meet had stories and history of the island to tell. The House was incredible. The island was great (we even kayaked twice to Peaks), The experience was wonderful. My correspondence with the home owners was always pleasant and they were very informative, helpful and courteous.

We stayed in this home the last week in June and it was one of the best vacation experiences we've ever had. The house accommodated two families (9 people total) beautifully, with extra bedrooms to spare! The three boys (ages 8,10, and 10) absolutely loved sleeping in the individual jail cells, while the girls had their pick of three other bedrooms in the jail area. The adults each had their own suite with private bathrooms - the upstairs suite is like its own apartment and the front corner bedroom/bath is charming and comfortable. The kitchen is incredible! Two ovens, two dishwashers, counter space galore, and way more well-stocked with utensils and gadgets than my kitchen at home. The entire house is similarly well-accommodated with plenty of sheets, towels, blankets, hundreds of books, games, etc. Cushing's Island is such a special place. The kids especially enjoyed the freedom of exploring this magical island - no cars, no stores, just beaches and trails and old military forts. Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. If you are a jogger, the 3-mile loop around the perimeter of the island might very well be the most beautiful run you ever experience. We loved our stay at "The Jail" and hope to make it an annual tradition!

I searched for a place for my family for a couple of months and came across the Jail. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves nature and the quiet life. Although we kept ourselves busy every minute with walks around the island, climbing the rocks and cliffs, and searching for beach glass, and just relaxing on all the beaches. We hit the jack pot on beach glass. I think we brought home a half of cooler full. We had kayaks to use to go around the island and a quick trip over to Peak's Island for some groceries. If you are a tennis player, you will love the courts. They are a 2 minute walk from the Jail. We had 10 of us in all and there was room for plenty more. Every day we discovered something new on the island. There are some really cool forts and towers. The home is spectacular. It has everything you need. We spent every evening at the kitchen table playing games. The kitchen is a chef's dream. Every drawer and cupboard is stocked with everything you need to make a fancy gourmet meal, or keep it simple and grill hotdogs. If you read books, you will have a choice of 1000's to choose from. The beds were very comfortable, and no issues with having enough bathrooms. Plenty for everyone. The jails cells were a neat feature. If you have little ones, it's the perfect bedroom. The upstairs is a house of it's own. With it's own kitchen, living room, bath and bedroom. Everyone on the island was so friendly and accommodating. They made you feel very welcomed. It's the perfect place. I'm hoping to make this an anual trip. We laughed a lot, got to spend time with family that we had not seen for a long time. We will cherish the memories of Cushing Island. I can't stress enough, Love,Love,Love the Jail!!!