We had a lovely week and a much needed reprieve on Bailey Island. Gay was very responsive and coordinated a local fisherman to deliver lobster to the house! (Best to plan and reach out to Gay 48 hours in advanced from when you'd want the lobster). The home was charming and cozy especially with the fireplace. We spent every morning on the large porch overlooking the sea with our coffee and breakfast. We went kayaking, and hiked down to the Giant Steps. For a classic beach experience, Gay suggested going to Popham Beach (50 minutes drive from the home). We also ate at Cook's several times and got ice-cream at Island Candy Company. Sunsets at Lookout Point are highly recommended (15 minute drive from the house), but we also caught some beautiful sunsets across the street from the house. Every night we star gazed and were lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. Thanks so much Gay for sharing your home!

As we wrote to Gay in the journal in the cottage before leaving, what an extraordinary three weeks our family spent at this wonderful, historic, Maine cottage. It is so comforting to know that places like this still exist on earth. The cottage is perfect, stepping back in time, and we hope it never changes. But at the same time it also includes the modern amenities, including very fast WIFI and modern front-loading washer and dryer. The history, and generations of happiness Gay’s wonderful family has enjoyed at this special place seeps through the original floorboards and walls of this special place - we cannot thank you enough for sharing it with our family (2 small children, mom and dad, and grandparents). Gay is such a wonderful, gracious, and extremely responsive host, and was so welcoming - it was truly a pleasure meeting you and having the opportunity to watch you launch your sailboat. If not enough, Gay also went to the trouble to have one of the local fisherman deliver fresh lobsters right to the doorstep of the cottage - we took advantage of this local perk several times - and Gay even gave us authentic pointers from a native on how to properly steam lobsters the Maine way. Our family's days were packed with exploring beautiful Bailey Island, from the cribstone bridge, Giant’s Stairs, Abner Point, Lands End, striper fishing with captain Emily, and a schooner trip on the Schooner Alert, Cedar Beach and on the property, croquet and bocce ball in the wonderful yard, and dinners and fires in the pit overlooking the rocky Maine coast. We also took several day trips to popular southern coastal Maine sites, all within less than an hour from Bailey Island. What a place, what an experience - we cannot wait to come back! If Covid still has us on lockdown next year, book us for three more weeks!

The property is an 1891 cottage and much of it's original charm is intact. All three bedrooms are nice sized and the full baths are a welcomed addition to the cottage. The walls are a pretty much original boards that allow you to feel like you're back in time. Kitchen is functional for two people and a well behaved dog. As it sits high on the bluff the view from upstairs is beautiful. The sounds of the waves are soothing in the early morning and while going to sleep. And don't forget to wake up for at least one sunrise....(You can always go back to sleep), it's worth getting up to see. I'm used to renting in remote areas and was nervous about neighbors but it's very quiet and the next door neighbors are very respectful of your privacy. We brought our own stadium chairs but the Adirondack chairs provided were perfect for the porch which we spent most of our time sitting, eating and drinking on.... The rocky coastline in the area precludes a traditional beach but there are plenty of other things to do besides sitting on a beach. We chose to walk all of the trails on and around the islands ( there are several) which give you a different perspective of the area and great views. For a small area I was surprised that there were a few good places within short distance to eat. Check in was easy, Gay met us here and the minimalist instructions were all that was necessary as she emails you with much of it prior to checking in.... If you choose this little gem please be gentle as she's almost 128 years old and much of the originality remains.

This place was amazing. Well appointed. Had everything possible. The fire pit and fire place inside where amazing. The rooms and bed where clean and comfortable. The owner was super nice. It is a absolute powerful place to come and relax and unwind....The waves pou d the rocks below making you fall asleep at night right outside your bedroom windows....The kitchen has everything you need to make any type of meal. The yard is beautiful for outside games or for a well behaved dog to run around. Mackerel cove is right across the street. We rented a kayak and used it for fishing and sightseeing in makeral cove all week. Absolute stunning area. Restaurants in the area where fabulous. Lobsters to buy fresh from local markets where amazing. Downtown Brunswick is 20 min away on a rainy day if you want to go bowling or something different. Picnic bench and chairs by fire pit outside is beautiful. Collect wood on beach below. For firewood if you want like me and my son did together ... what a fabulous vacation we had.. Then only bad thing about the place is we had to pack up and leave.....The owner is great to work with and is very nice. I spent 2 hours cleaning the place as I knew the owners family where coming into use it for the labor day holiday....I believe in leaving my rentals super clean for the next person before I vacate such a beautiful place...Thank you gay for the use of your lovely maine house..Its absolutely spectacular !!!!

This classic summer place was ideal for both quiet relaxation and festive occasions, both of which we experienced. We had lots of relatives and friends converge for a 50th wedding anniversary party at the nearby Library Hall at the beginning of the week, followed by some quiet days with just a few elders still around at the end. The house is a gem and a throwback to older times, while still having modern amenities. But the house still retains its origins, and has graciousness and appeal in both setting and appearance, with lots of old photos that enhance the experience.