Historic house w all kinds of period touches and the subtle beauty of nature make this a unique experience

I don’t even know how to encapsulate all the amazing details about our stay at McGee Island. We booked the island for a corporate team outting - about 20 people from the office (all adults). The island is incredibly beautiful, and feels extremely removed from the world - lots of wildlife to observe and enjoy. The house is a dream come true - it has great new fixtures in the bathrooms and the kitchen, but everything else seems to have been lovingly maintained over the course of 100+ years so it has plenty of rustic charm. It also has one of the biggest and best fireplaces I’ve ever seen. Also an amazing library of books spread through the house. We hiked, swam, kayaked, picked mussels, star gazed, relaxed in the sauna or the hammock, enjoyed the views. Even getting to the island was fun! Everyone we interacted with was great - the owners were extremely friendly and helpful while making the reservation and preparing for our stay, and the caretaker Joe was great. Aside from a few things (firewood, trips into Port Clyde, and a sink drain stopper whose lever came loose) we didn’t need Joe’s assistance for much, but he had lots of historical info about the island to share, was a reassuring presence for a bunch of folks from the city, and was just all around a cool guy. He also has a huskie/lab mix named Baloo who’s one of the chillest dogs I’ve ever met. Can’t recommend McGee Island highly enough. If you have the chance to stay there, take it. You won’t forget it!

Honestly, from my very first contact with the family/ renters - to the actual vacation - to the aftermath (did we forget anything? did we break that thing !?) - My college reunion / wedding celebration of 11 adults and 9 children under the age of 7 could not have been better. The "business/ logistical" part of our vacation was handled with superb professionalism and friendliness. The island and house (all three structures) are beautiful and meticulously cared for, curated with a strong aesthetic and point of view - - (the first thing my gang said was "This is like a Wes Anderson movie!") - everything worked the way it supposed to, all the beds and sleeping arrangements were accurately described - we had more than enough room. The caretaker Jo, was a super cool guy, both helpful flexible and thorough. I can't say enough about how much McGee is a truly special place.... Let's put it this way I was already emailing about coming back the following year - while I was there!

Our stay on McGee was one of the best vacation weeks we have spent anywhere. Your family truly has one of the most special homes on the coast of Maine. It is like a time warp of what we knew and loved as children. This property is definitely not for everyone, particularly those who expect amenities consistent with a five star resort. Television, air conditioning, spa services and fine dining are not to be found on McGee Island. Instead, watch the eagles and great blue herons vie for the same tasty morsel swimming in the ocean. Bask in the sea breeze and enjoy the salty spray on your face. Pick mussels at low tide and cook them with lobsters caught that day. Tide pools, kayaks, ping pong, trail hikes, reading on the front porch in a hickory rocker in the sun - all my idea of a five star vacation. Joe, the caretaker, will help you shoot clay pigeons, take you to Port Clyde for an outing to Monhegan Island (fantastic!), pick up lobsters for dinner or leave you alone to discover the island on your own terms. The facilities are authentic and period and amazing and harken back to a time when families were together days and weeks and months, enjoying Maine life. We spent evenings at the cookhouse around the wood stove, preparing feasts and drinking wine. After dinner we retired to the main house, lit a roaring fire, sipped rum and enjoyed being together until we could no longer stay awake. Thank you for sharing your special home with our two grateful families. We look forward to returning next year for another magical week on McGee Island.

McGee Island is a very special place and was a wonderful setting for our family to celebrate our parents' 50th anniversary. The owners are absolutely fantastic to work with when planning your get away and provide information on every detail for your trip. Unlike some rentals, everything was as described and pictured and there was absolutely nothing that we were dissappointed by upon arrival. The houses and property are stunning. The views that change through the day with the tides and lighting are amazing. We loved the Cook's house with a great kitchen for cooking for a crowd and dining room that accommodated our group of 16. Our group pushed the outdoor cooking with propane burners for lobster to an extreme, having lobster four ways during our stay! The caretaker was great at helping us with our orders for lobster throughout the week. From one year old to 78, all had fun and found plenty to do. The "pool" made for a great place for our younger group to explore and paddle around at low tide when it is almost completely enclosed. And the older crowd enjoyed paddling and hiking around the island. All enjoyed gatherings on the porch, in the big living room at night, and in the Cook's house. We can not recommend this property and the owners as renters enough. You will not be disappointed if you choose McGee for your special vacation.

McGee Island is a very special place and was a wonderful setting for our family to celebrate our parents' 50th anniversary. The owners are absolutely fantastic to work with when planning your get away and provide information on every detail for your trip. Unlike some rentals, everything was as described and pictured and there was absolutely nothing that we were dissappointed by upon arrival. The houses and property are stunning. The views that change through the day with the tides and lighting are amazing. We loved the Cook's house with a great kitchen for cooking for a crowd and dining room that accommodated our group of 16. Our group pushed the outdoor cooking with propane burners for lobster to an extreme, having lobster four ways during our stay! The caretaker was great at helping us with our orders for lobster throughout the week. From one year old to 78, all had fun and found plenty to do. The "pool" made for a great place for our younger group to explore and paddle around at low tide when it is almost completely enclosed. And the older crowd enjoyed paddling and hiking around the island. All enjoyed gatherings on the porch, in the big living room at night, and in the Cook's house. We can not recommend this property and the owners as renters enough. You will not be disappointed if you choose McGee for your special vacation.

We were a group of 19. This was a reunion of my sister's and my families: 12 adults and 7 little ones (ranging in age from almost 1 to 12) - and the first time the little ones (the 2nd cousins) had ever met one another ... also, the first time in 9 years that my sister's twin boys and my two girls had the opportunity to see one another since a wedding 9 years ago! A special occasion for all of us to say the least - what a perfect venue and situation in which to do so! A few comments from our crew: - "Exceeded far beyond my expectations! Absolutely the PERFECT family vacation/reunion!!!!!" - "McGee more than exceeded our expectations and that even though the photos on the website were beautiful, they don't do the place justice as the views truly are magical. I might add that for those that worry about getting bored on an island, we never lacked for activities and seemed to run out of time (there were so many things that I would have liked to have spent more time doing)."- "I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, it was great seeing all the kids playing and having a good time! It was such a pleasure meeting everyone and getting to know each person just a little bit better!!! What a great trip it was!”- "We appreciate how well equipped the Cook House was including candlesticks which we used for our anniversary dinner ... we really weren't lacking for anything!"We celebrated a mega-reunion, a 43rd anniversary and a proposal/acceptance while on island ... McGee was the PERFECT venue to experience and share this all!! Don't miss it - book it!I should also mention that Joe, the Caretaker, is a great and very competent guy who will ensure your needs and wants are taken care of!Enjoy McGee ... I'm just trying to figure out how and when to orchestrate a return!!

We were a group of 19. This was a reunion of my sister's and my families: 12 adults and 7 little ones (ranging in age from almost 1 to 12) - and the first time the little ones (the 2nd cousins) had ever met one another ... also, the first time in 9 years that my sister's twin boys and my two girls had the opportunity to see one another since a wedding 9 years ago! A special occasion for all of us to say the least - what a perfect venue and situation in which to do so! A few comments from our crew: - "Exceeded far beyond my expectations! Absolutely the PERFECT family vacation/reunion!!!!!" - "McGee more than exceeded our expectations and that even though the photos on the website were beautiful, they don't do the place justice as the views truly are magical. I might add that for those that worry about getting bored on an island, we never lacked for activities and seemed to run out of time (there were so many things that I would have liked to have spent more time doing)." - "I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, it was great seeing all the kids playing and having a good time! It was such a pleasure meeting everyone and getting to know each person just a little bit better!!! What a great trip it was!” - "We appreciate how well equipped the Cook House was including candlesticks which we used for our anniversary dinner ... we really weren't lacking for anything!" We celebrated a mega-reunion, a 43rd anniversary and a proposal/acceptance while on island ... McGee was the PERFECT venue to experience and share this all!! Don't miss it - book it! I should also mention that Joe, the Caretaker, is a great and very competent guy who will ensure your needs and wants are taken care of! Enjoy McGee ... I'm just trying to figure out how and when to orchestrate a return!!

Where to start. Our time on McGee was perfect. Despite arriving in a downpour, getting to the island went very smooth. We were met at the dock by the very helpful and enjoyable caretaker who helped us load the boat so our luggage wouldn't get wet. As we pulled into McGee not even the weather could disguise the beauty of the island. My husband and I were thrilled. We'd rented the island to host our wedding and upon arriving knew it'd be everything we could have wanted. The weather varied from sunny and warm to rainy and brisk but the houses were well appointed to keep us comfortable. Each bedroom is as described and perfect for guests. We spent the week enjoying the island. Activities ranged from kayaking around the island to relaxing in the wood fired sauna.There us really no need to leave, but we did enjoy an afternoon off island to pick up our marriage license. The caretaker gave us great advice on where to find a good market, flowers, and pies. He even picked up our flowers for us the next day. Both the owners (who are lovely) and the caretaker worked with us to make sure our wedding day was what we envisioned. We scheduled a boat to pick up our guests who arrived and were as enchanted with the island as we were. While there are many beautiful spots to get married on the island we chose the front porch of the main house overlooking the water and neighboring island. We enjoyed dinner under the porch, a big fire, and the most beautiful sky of stars. Everything you could need is provided. Extra blankets, flashlights, and shampoo/conditioner were most appreciated. We recommend visiting McGee to everyone and will definitely be back! Thank you to the caretaker, Don, for all his hard work and to the Ericksons for making such a wonderful place available to enjoy!

Where to start. Our time on McGee was perfect. Despite arriving in a downpour, getting to the island went very smooth. We were met at the dock by the very helpful and enjoyable caretaker who helped us load the boat so our luggage wouldn't get wet. As we pulled into McGee not even the weather could disguise the beauty of the island. My husband and I were thrilled. We'd rented the island to host our wedding and upon arriving knew it'd be everything we could have wanted. The weather varied from sunny and warm to rainy and brisk but the houses were well appointed to keep us comfortable. Each bedroom is as described and perfect for guests. We spent the week enjoying the island. Activities ranged from kayaking around the island to relaxing in the wood fired sauna. There us really no need to leave, but we did enjoy an afternoon off island to pick up our marriage license. The caretaker gave us great advice on where to find a good market, flowers, and pies. He even picked up our flowers for us the next day. Both the owners (who are lovely) and the caretaker worked with us to make sure our wedding day was what we envisioned. We scheduled a boat to pick up our guests who arrived and were as enchanted with the island as we were. While there are many beautiful spots to get married on the island we chose the front porch of the main house overlooking the water and neighboring island. We enjoyed dinner under the porch, a big fire, and the most beautiful sky of stars. Everything you could need is provided. Extra blankets, flashlights, and shampoo/conditioner were most appreciated. We recommend visiting McGee to everyone and will definitely be back! Thank you to the caretaker, Don, for all his hard work and to the Ericksons for making such a wonderful place available to enjoy!

What a very special place! Not only is the physical setting extraordinary, but each room of the house is beautiful --views, lovely fabrics, comfortable furniture and beds. We loved it. From the beginning, the owners were so helpful and accommodating while we were planning. Toward the end of our stay we had a family olympics: best time kayaking around Barter Island, walking around McGee, swimming to Barter and back, and best scores in croquet and shooting. I can't claim that everyone participated because there were those who fell in love at first sight with the front porch of the main house and only moved from there when they had to. The cook house is amazingly well done, and we are a family of cooks. We found everything we needed to cook big family feasts. Of course we had lobster several times --and steamers. Don was more than great, getting the lobsters and clams, teaching several people how to shoot, giving us tours as well as extra butter; and each day he managed to do something that made our stay a little greater. I can't capture all of the wonderful things about being here, but every member of my family appreciated how lucky we were to have this fantastic experience on this beautiful island.

What a very special place! Not only is the physical setting extraordinary, but each room of the house is beautiful --views, lovely fabrics, comfortable furniture and beds. We loved it. From the beginning, the owners were so helpful and accommodating while we were planning. Toward the end of our stay we had a family olympics: best time kayaking around Barter Island, walking around McGee, swimming to Barter and back, and best scores in croquet and shooting. I can't claim that everyone participated because there were those who fell in love at first sight with the front porch of the main house and only moved from there when they had to. The cook house is amazingly well done, and we are a family of cooks. We found everything we needed to cook big family feasts. Of course we had lobster several times --and steamers. Don was more than great, getting the lobsters and clams, teaching several people how to shoot, giving us tours as well as extra butter; and each day he managed to do something that made our stay a little greater. I can't capture all of the wonderful things about being here, but every member of my family appreciated how lucky we were to have this fantastic experience on this beautiful island.

We were looking for a place to take our family to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. When I found McGee Island on line it seemed like the perfect spot. Little did we know what a treasure we had found. The McGee Island home was built as a cottage between 1912-1915. The house reflects the era. It is filled with furnishings of the time along with updates in bedrooms, kitchen and added showers along with footed tubs so inviting for a long soak. There are several hiking trails to test your agility, kayaking, swimming,outdoor games and a wonderful porch for lounging, reading or painting the magnificent scenery, Beach combing and collecting sea creatures delighted the youngest members. At night the sky was aglow with myriad stars and even many falling stars. In the early morning the sunrise was a treat to awaken us. Our family loves to cook and found the kitchen a great place to create tempting dishes to eat inside or outside by the grill. The caretaker, Don, was so helpful and was available to answer any questions and brought us fresh lobster and fish to cook. We could have gone to the mainland but never felt the need. It was the most relaxing, invigorating vacation that each one enjoyed. We left with many beautiful memories and a wish to return.

This was one of the best vacations I have ever had - in large part due to the wonders of McGees Island. The owners were kind, accommodating, responsive, and the properties themselves were charming. Think, Moonrise Kingdom. I spent a week there with family and friends to celebrate my 40th birthday, and we are all planning to come back - it was pure joy.

Our week on the island was spectacular! Everything from the house to the island scenery to the kayaking, hiking, swimming, and kitchen facilities were great! The caretaker Don was very accommodating and well organized as we had groups of people leaving and arriving on several different days. He and his girlfriend even attended our wedding ceremony and were so thoughtful to burn a cd of photos they had taken of the event. We also appreciated the isolation and lack of television on the island, although cell phone service was available in the main house, most of us turned off our phones and spent more time visiting with each other, playing games and exploring the island and old house. Our dog also loved the island as he was able to run off leash the entire trip; he also got along well with Don's dog Scout. We hope to be able to return in the future and spending more quality time with friends and family!

Our families (six in total) come from the suburbs in Connecticut; in October, our neighborhoods bring honey crisp and jona gold apples, pumpkin carvings, and a crisp air that carries a memory of summer and a foreboding of winter. Our families, with children of different ages and various jobs that occupy our days (and sometimes weekends), are busy balancing our family lives and our professional ones. Columbus weekend, however, allowed our group to celebrate many things: the long weekend, the striking New England fall, and of course, our families. In short, we came to McGee Island to cherish that absolutely precious time with our loved ones; we left with stunning memories of watching the sun rise across the Atlantic horizon (those colors that streaked across the sky), hiking through the brush and trees along the sea breeze and mountain ash, and mostly importantly, with memories of laughing and cooking and talking late into the cool evenings. Beginning from the boat ride at the Pier until the very last sunrise we saw, McGee Island offered one surprise after another. The entire experience was layered: from picking mussels on the seaweed beds, to hiking along the windblown trees, to watching our kids try to “fish for crabs and lobsters”, to kayaking at sunset, and finally, to discovering the beauty of the home and estate. Every turn in the house offered a surprise: the old books that lined the shelves, the pictures drawn in the study from 1977, the newspapers of the First World War in the attic, the old grand piano which our kids played on in the evenings (it is the most spectacular place to listen to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata while the ocean is gentle outside, and we are quietly talking inside with our children playing with the board games on the living room floor). As for the island, we were greeted with treasures that allowed every single person to be marveled and excited, from four-year-olds playing “find the crab!” to the adults boating around the island to the teenagers playing volleyball out on the lawn. In that respect, McGee Island was timeless for us, offering something for everyone. As for McGee in October? When is New England more magical other than the fall when the leaves light and dance with the fires of yellow, orange, red and sienna? For us, this weekend was a reprise of summer, as we were lucky with 75 degree weather (I had dug up old shorts which I thought wouldn’t see daylight until April again) that allowed for some splashing

So exciting to experience a vacation that lives up to it's expectations and much more. As a member of a large family of 28 (ages 2 to 72 ) planing a vacation that can accommadate the many different needs, wants, likes and dislikes of all can be challenging but Mcgee island came in far above the mark. As a family we have done many actives in the past and what makes this the best EVER is the location, setting, and layout. Being on the island creates an adventure all its own. Far enough away from the distractions of every day life but close enough if needed (we needed for nothing). From sunrises to sunsets to star gazing to kayaking to walking the trails, the island provides it's own entertainment for all. The layout of the property creates a wonderful combination of inclusion, privacy and togetherness. Whether you like to sit on the deck of the main house and watch the going ons of the day( a favorite of ALL ages even if they wouldn't admit such) or take advantage of the tidal pool and all it has to offer during its ever changing tidal flow, you feel like you are always part of the actives. We loved the uniqueness of the three houses. The main house with it's picture perfect location and plenty of room for all provided endless hours of family fun in the fire place living room and quite the trip down memory lane with all the pictures and old relics. The cook house was ideal. A common meeting place for the early risers looking for that first cup of coffee or sleepy heads hoping for some left over breakfast. The fully equipped kitchen and extra large dinning room table made for some of the best family style dinners EVER. The boat house was so charming a toss up between a quiet get away, girls/boys night out or the cutest family suite. From lobster feast to volleyball matches, to kite flying, to high tide jumps off the dock ( yes the water's cold) there's something for everyone. If you are looking to make real memories and know what the word "fun" in "functional" means, then this is the best place for your next vacation. So worth it!

Our family re-union on McGee Island was a fabulous success easily and comfortably accommodating the 23 family members that attended. Our re-union consists of a tight group of cousins and their children that some 15 years ago embarked on set schedule of re-uniting every three years so we don't lose touch with each other. While perhaps having regular re-unions is not so unique the locations we attend are. We have been to The Hamptons, Italy, Outerbanks, Austria (Alps) and now off the coast of Maine on McGee Island. Each re-union has been memorable but what truly makes our stay on McGee stand out from the others was the Main House, Don the caretaker and the spectacular Maine scenery. What made the Main House so special for us was the instant flashback of memories it triggered from our collective youth resembling a house that three of the cousins grew up in and where the remainder of us of spent as much time as we could learning about life. Perhaps difficult to put into words others would appreciate but suffice it say, there was just something "oh so special" about the Main House. The island and the Maine scenery is spectacular and cannot be overstated on how magnificent it is. Finally, ............ there's Don. Don is quite the character and I'm not sure what we would have done without him there making sure everything was perfect for us. Each morning as we awoke we would sit on the porch waiting patiently knowing our day would truly begin with the start of Don's little tractor. Sure enough along he would come finding the right time to check in on us and the island amenities. Should you visit McGee please take the time to chat with Don about Maine, the history of McGee Island and where/how to buy those fabulous Maine lobstaah. (that was for you Don. We loved your New England accent. All this to say............. We highly recommend McGee Island. Go and you will not be disappointed.

The Recipe for the Perfect Family Vacation ? Just the right blend of convenient yet private location (15 min boat ride from Port Clyde) ? Mix in comfortable, private bedrooms and accommodations for the entire family from teenagers to grandparents ? Blend of rustic, comfortable furnishings with one-of-a-kind historical pieces from first-edition books to decades old custom-made sailboats ? Generous amount of gorgeous sunrises and sunsets from the best oceanside porch in Maine complete with the perfect-for-napping hammock ? Add a family-friendly island trail, complete with Osprey nests & lobster buoy markers ? Don’t forget the large family room in main house to host family games,contests and puzzle solving. ? Unusual twist of a separate house for teenagers to hang out away from dreaded adults and a "cook house” for cooking, serving and eating large family meals … along with the perfectly blended early morning cup-of-Joe ? Throw in a Wimbledon-like grass field that welcomes family badminton, croquet and water balloon games ? Shake things up with the personable caretaker with laugh-out loud sense of humor ? Sprinkle in activities from kayaking around the island (kayaks included), dozens of places quietly welcoming you to take a seat and read a book, the occasional boat ride to Port Clyde to resupply if needed and a smooth boat ride to see the Wyeth’s private island and the famous Maine puffins. ? Mix in the huge boathouse chock full of historical keepsakes and classic wooden Maine boats ? Pour in a cup of water from your private harbor between Barter & McGee Islands teaming with wildlife performing daily for your viewing pleasure Cook for about a week in the cool Maine temperature and you’ll pull out the vacation that the entire family will always refer to as the “that awesome vacation on McGee Island, when are we going again?” Which is actually a great question, for us next year isn’t soon enough.

Our stay on McGee was a huge success. The Main House was comfortably furnished and easily accommodated us all while providing enough space for people to be off on their own if they wanted some space. We thoroughly enjoyed the evenings in front of the fire, playing games or quietly reading. I loved exploring the house; the wonderful old things, furniture and art work. Everyone loved the outdoor shower! I would say that pictures do not quite capture the magnificence of the place. The Cook House transformation, while not complete when we were there, was very nicely done!! The new eight burner/double oven gas range got some serious use. While the dishwasher was not yet functional; it will be a tremendous asset to have. Some of our most enjoyable times were spent in the Cook House preparing our meals and dining together in the large dining room. There is something wonderful to see no matter where you are. The magnificent view from the front porch never gets old, the lupines, foxgloves, roses, peonies and the ocean beyond were a constantly changing panorama to enjoy, with bald eagles and ospreys soaring over head, the ducks and a loon in the water and an occasional deer crossing from Barter to McGee. On a walk around the island amazing things are waiting to be discovered; beautiful fields of ferns, seals basking on rocks, fantastic ocean views everywhere, ospreys and their nests. Herons walking across the lawn a few feet from the house, for serious nature lovers this was a magical place! And the stars at night are incredible!!! The owner’s where very helpful and easy to correspond with, very prompt in replying and answering the many questions I kept coming up with. They obviously put a lot of thought and effort into preparing the property for renters. They also provide a very thorough information package. I also have to mention, the caretaker; he was a major factor in the success and enjoyment of our stay on McGee. He was very helpful and skilled in working out some of the kinks in the Cook House. He went out of his way to make sure everyone in our party got to do the activities they wanted to get in during our week, kayaking and canoeing, shooting/target practice and giving us a demonstration and instruction in the fine art of fly fishing. He also shared his knowledgeable of the local area and the history of the island. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the week on McGee! It was a complete success and a definite repeat.

Arriving at the McGee Island jetty in thick mist one Saturday lunchtime towards the end of July, after some 24 hours travelling, we felt excited but tired, and somewhat disorientated. The warm but laidback welcome we received, and the immediate comfort of our lodgings created just the right first impression. The next morning, waking to blue skies and clear sunshine, the sheer natural splendour of these beautiful islands and their surroundings washed over us. We were instantly entranced and remained so, as the days flew by. The views of forest, shore and sea, punctuated by the bright splashes of painted lobster buoys, bobbing in the waves, cast up amongst the rocks or even hanging from the trees, provided a constantly refreshing backdrop to the activities of the week. From grandmother to toddler, we all seemed to find what we were hoping for. Paddling in clear rock pools, crawling with life, catching a first fish, swimming in the sheltered tidal pool, or striking out around the island, on foot or by kayak, there was always something else to do, or try! And not to forget, a never-quite-ending game of cricket played out on the sweeping lawn below the Main House. It is probably worth noting that the kids never even mentioned the absence of a TV... We watched ospreys circling above the trees, and then hiking around the far side of the island, came across these magnificent birds on their nests almost within touching distance. One very windy afternoon we watched a deer scramble, leap and swim across the rocks and pools at the northern end of the channel, crossing from McGee to Barter Island – followed shortly by two wild turkeys! Each of the buildings has its own character and sense of history. The Main House is an extraordinary structure, to me it seemed the epitome of skilled construction and craftsmanship, with an abiding sense of timeless, exacting standards of comfort and style. The Boathouse was, as suggested, a wonderful and no doubt welcome retreat for younger members of the party. The Cookhouse was a loved and homely focus for our gatherings in the evening, cooking, drinking and eating. The long table was also the scene of the culinary highlight of our stay, an 18 lobster supper where, young and old, we got to grips with the art (or science?) of dismantling and downing a well-prepared Maine lobster - another special memory amongst many from this wonderful week. I can heartily recommend McGee Island as a very special family holiday destination.

We’ve been visiting this island for over 20 years and this magical place seems almost lost in time. From the minute you hop on the boat that carries you from picturesque Port Clyde to the quiet of the island dock, you enter a world that recalls a time when people really got away from it all. The salt sea breeze, the sounds of harbor traffic and lobster fishermen, the screeches of seagulls and osprey, and the inherent beauty of the Maine landscape become the backdrop for some amazing memories. A week is hardly enough time to appreciate the property and all it has to offer.Our family rituals have evolved over the years. An exploratory hike around the island on the path and rocks at low tide is always the first thing. When our children were young that often turned into a bit of raspberry picking for the evening’s delicious desserts of cobblers or pies. Many favorite rituals seem to be centered around food: gut busting lobster nights; taking a boat ride to a local farm for fresh oyster appetizers; and picking chanterelles on the adjacent island. After dinner, everyone generally retires to the Main House for board games, chess, singalongs with family musical talents, or a good book next to the warm fire.In warmer months, children and braver adults often swim or play in the cold water along the shore of the cove, and end the bracing dip with a little sunbathing on the warm rocks by the boathouse. Treasure hunting for the perfect rock, shell, sand dollar or sea urchin is a favorite activity. The property and landscape are a treasure trove for the shutter bug. And kayaking is an exciting activity for active guests, as well as rounds of volleyball, badmitton or ultimate frisbee. Then there’s croquet and bocce ball for a slower pace. The accommodations are what I would call “rustic elegance”... not fancy, but tasteful and comfortable.This is a beautiful and historical place for people to spend time together, with no schedule, no agenda, no entertainment guide and no catered meals. It takes a certain amount of planning and cooperation but it is an extraordinary place.

Our stay on McGee Island was just wonderful. Each of us, ranging in age from 3 to 75 years, had plenty to do … hiking, canoeing, kayaking, playing games, and exploring the island. Most importantly, we were in a lovely setting without the distractions of everyday life. The slower, simpler pace gave us, both young and old, the time and space to connect and truly enjoy being together. It was the most successful family reunion we've had to date. We all highly recommend it! Phyl Harmon

My husband and I have been guests on the island a many times over the past 22 years. It is truly an unbelievable place - a step back in time with all the modern conveniences. Some of my favorite memories include: Singalongs in the living room in the evening in front of a roaring fire Being serenaded by flute, piano, violin, sax and guitar Making bread in the cook house with two of my nieces (about 6 and 8 at the time) Crabbing with my nine year old nephew Watching the kids put the lobsters to sleep (search on Youtube for how to put a lobster to sleep) before cooking (outside in a humongous lobster pot over a propane burner) Playing Dungeons and Dragons with the kids Taking canoes, kayaks, and rowboats to the far side of the island for a picnic Picking gooseberries and raspberries for pies Exploring the big boathouse Hiking around McGee Hiking around Barter Island Showering in the outdoor showers Eating lobster just bought straight from a nearby lobster boat Extreme frisbee tournaments Chics only swim and sauna after dinner Watching the dogs race around the island, learn to swim and become avid kayakers Collecting mussels for dinner Beading parties on the main house porch Awarding the winner of the FIRST ONE TO TIE A MONKEY FIST KNOT contest Giving the kids my husband's Tilley hat to tie dye it Homemade sailboat races Sleeping in unbelievably comfortable beds Watching the kids grow up OK, now that I've described some of the wonderful parts, it is time for some objective criticism. Thinking back to when I've thought --I wish...hmmm.....hmmm.....that the sailboat was always available... that there was a gas grill (oh, there is now)... that there was more than one coffee pot (oh, there is now) ... sorry, that's all I can think of - it is pretty near perfect. McGee is a unique and magical place. The outside world seems so far away (but is really only a quick 15 minute boat ride into Port Clyde if you need a mid-week food shopping trip). Now that there is wireless internet, it is easy to keep up with the outside world if you wish. And, if you really must use your cell phone, there is usually some spot on the island where you can get reception. Spending a week at McGee is an experience you will never forget. Thank you to Jim and Elizabeth for allowing us to share it with you. Bill and Ilene Roberts