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Wonderfully Appointed, Classic Maine Waterfront Cottage

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Seal Cottage
Interior detail
Spruce Head Island
Driveway Approach
Parking Court

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 492.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi
  • Ocean view

Explore the area

Map
South Thomaston, ME
  • Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Rockland Harbor Park
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Rockland Ferry Terminal
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Ocean Front Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Twin Room

2 Single Beds

Cottage Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Wonderfully Appointed, Classic Maine Waterfront Cottage

2025 Remaining Summer openings- 8/30 thru 9/6
Weekly Fall Rentals Still Available (Saturday thru Saturday)

Completed in 2019, Seal Cottage sits nestled amongst the trees with unparalleled waterfront views of Seal Harbor from every room. The cottage is located on Spruce Head Island, accessible by a causeway linking it to the mainland and nearby Port Clyde, South Thomaston, Rockland, and Camden. Spruce Head island has a rich quarry history. Until 1910, The Sprucehead Quarry mined and shipped granite for building use across the US. Seal Cottage is located right at Powder House Cove, named for its storage of the "powder" used to excavate the granite. A few granite relics left behind from the island's quarry days remain on the property.

The cottage was designed to maximize surrounding views while embodying Maine coastal charm. Due to the cottage’s location, 50’ from the cove and framed by spruce trees, one feels perched above the water as though in a tree house. Seal Cottage is quiet and private, making it a lovely retreat for late spring, summer, or fall. Entering the great room, comprised of the kitchen and living room with a cast iron gas stove, you will find all the modern comforts needed for a cozy and relaxing vacation. The large windows in this room face due south, allowing you to catch the sunlight all day and beautiful moonlit skies reflecting on the ocean and harbor in the evening. Beyond the great room lies two bedrooms with ocean views, one with a queen size bed and one with two twin beds. The cottage's bathroom (the only room without an ocean view) has a walk-in shower with pebble tiled floor. We limit guests to 4 people and do not allow pets. Should you require additional space our neighboring cottage, Spruce Spray sleeps 6. (VRBO# 913026)

Outside enjoy your morning coffee and evening drinks on the front porch. If you prefer to be closer to the water’s edge- there’s also a lovely stone patio complete with a picnic table, grill, and Adirondack chairs. Either way you’ll enjoy watching the lobster boats turn with the tides, listening to the gentle waves, and taking in the salty sea breeze. The sandy beach and protected harbor allow for great access to the water for kayaking. Whitehead Island is just 1 mile across the harbor or you can stay close and explore the coastline around Spruce Head Island. If you prefer to stay on the land, the sandy beach is a great place to search for sea shells and sea glass or to explore the rocky coastal edge along the large granite formations.

Although you may find it hard to venture out from our cozy retreat, there is much to do and see nearby! For the most picturesque lobster shack meal, McLoon’s is a must, located within walking distance from Seal Cottage. Birch Point Beach State Park, located 6 miles away, offers breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay from a sandy crescent shaped beach. The perfect location for picnicking, fishing and swimming. Nearby Owls Head State Park and Lighthouse offers a nice walk and Owls Head Transportation Museum is a must see for those who enjoy aviation and antique vehicles. Fifteen minutes away, Rockland is famed for its cultural scene, including Farnsworth Art Museum & Wyeth Center, CMCA (Center for Maine Contemporary Art), The Maine Lighthouse Museum, and The Strand Theater. Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse provides beautiful photo opportunities. There are many fantastic places to dine in Rockland, from fine dining at the award-winning Primo Restaurant, sushi at Suzuki’s Sushi Bar, or In Good Company for fantastic food & drinks, there is something for everyone. A short drive away, Camden known as the "Jewel of the Coast", is a quintessential Maine town filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and beautiful scenic views. Camden also offers abundant hiking opportunities, including Mt. Battie (also accessible by car), whose summit provides a bird's eye view of the surrounding islands.

We strive to make our guests stay as pleasant as possible and we hope that you will love Seal Cottage and the surrounding areas as much as we do!

Property manager

Barbara Hess
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Children 10 & older.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We offer weekly rentals, Saturday to Saturday.
Upon booking, completion of the signature page for the attached rental agreement must be emailed or mailed directly to owner.
The cottage is not suitable for children under the age of 10.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

South Thomaston

Located in South Thomaston, this cottage is on the waterfront. Owls Head Transportation Museum and Sail Power and Steam Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Coastal Children's Museum and Maine State Prison Store. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
South Thomaston, ME

What's nearby

  • Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center - 15 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Rockland Harbor Park - 16 min drive - 13.5 km
  • Rockland Ferry Terminal - 16 min drive - 14.2 km
  • Maine Lighthouse Museum - 16 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Samoset Resort Golf Course - 20 min drive - 17.3 km

Getting around

  • Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McLoons Lobster Shack - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Slipway - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪The Quarry Tavern - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Happy Clam - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪The Salty Owl - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Wonderfully Appointed, Classic Maine Waterfront Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Wonderfully Appointed, Classic Maine Waterfront Cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Wonderfully Appointed, Classic Maine Waterfront Cottage?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Wonderfully Appointed, Classic Maine Waterfront Cottage located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Owls Head Transportation Museum, Birch Point Beach State Park and Birch Point Beach. Breakwater Vineyards and Sail Power and Steam Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing and a lot to explore

We spent our 40th wedding anniversary at Sela Cottage as a family and it comfortably accommodated all of us.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peggy B., Cincinnati OH

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful House with Beautiful Views

We really enjoyed our stay. The house has great views and is centrally located so we were easily able to visit the surrounding towns and attractions.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

wonderful vacation cottage

My husband and I have stayed at many VRBO rentals, and we both agreed that this was the nicest one we have ever rented. Everything was picture perfect and beautifully decorated. The view was outstanding as well, and there were many great restaurants around.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara O., Where do you live?

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spruce head

We loved our stay at the cottage as it was beautifully appointed and in a lovely location. We loved waking up in the morning to the view of the harbor. Hope to stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Maine cottage

An absolute joy! Beautiful cottage sitting on the ocean. Fully equipped. The cove below filled with sea glass. Close to everything…outstanding vaca.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place and beautiful view.

We (3 of us) had a great vacation in this amazing and thoughtful Seal Cottage. Great location for just relaxing and reading a book, watching the ever changing tide come and go, and day tripping to the surrounding mid-coast communities. The cottage is very well appointed and truly felt like a home away from home. Loved our time there. Thank you Barbara for sharing your very special home.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Connie Lou L., Kennebunk, ME

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic week

The cottage far exceeded our expectations. Location perfect. Cottage charming and decorated beautifully. Best equipped kitchen we have ever experienced. We loved it, and would like to return next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

Beautiful view of water! Private; well stocked kitchen; beautifully decorated; communication was wonderful; good TV; nice shower; area information and sights to see available in binder; the owners really thought of everything!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

bill g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Seal cottage holiday

Class accommodations. Great Maine ambiance, beautiful views. Barbara thought of everything and very polite and accommodating. Great kayaking access from the property. Rented kayaks from Ducktrap kayaks. Boats and service amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lucy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing and comfortable stay

The property was picture perfect and we already miss the view. We were able to kayak everyday from the house. We rented from Ducktrap Kayaks. They were so helpful! Altogether a wonderful and relaxing time was had.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laura J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely perfect!

Everything about this cottage is perfect! The cottage is quintessentially Maine. It has beautiful water views, gorgeous gardens, and wonderful privacy. The inside of Seal Cottage has everything you could possibly need, every amenity has been thought of to make it feel like a home away from home. We can not wait to visit again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laurel D., New Jersey

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful vacation rental

Impeccably designed home. Beautiful views, especially out the master bedroom. Very quiet. Inspirational for an artist. 10-15 minute drive to great beach and restaurant and fresh seafood and butcher. Great marsh nearby for birdwatching. Perfect Maine vacation experience.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Cottage on Spruce Head Island

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Spruce Head Island at Seal Cottage. The cottage is beautifully designed and appointed with so many thoughtful touches. Barbara thought of everything and the kitchen has all you need to prepare meals with fish from the local fish market in Rockland or with local lobsters. The living room had the most comfortable chairs for reading books and the beds were perfect for many nights of good night of sleep. We could not ask for anything more. Many thanks for your lovely cottage!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Molly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just the getaway we needed!

We can’t imagine a more perfect place to spend a fall week in Maine than Seal Cottage! Beautifully decorated, clean and comfortable, and stocked with everything we could ask for. A short drive from great food, amazing art, rocky beaches, and the best that Mid-coast Maine has to offer. But if you’re like us, there will be days when you don’t want to leave the property. Better to curl up with a good book and a nice drink and take in the sights of Spruce Head Island’s fishing fleet in the working harbor. It was hard to leave. Thank you so much for creating this lovely escape! We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Vacation

The cottage was perfect with everything we needed. Quiet, peaceful surroundings. Loved watching the lobster boats in the morning and evening. Close to towns (Rockland, Camden, etc.), restaurants, shopping. Caught a sail out of Camden. McLoons and the Bookstore on the island are a must. Explored Birch Point State Park. Took a trip to Belfast. Wonderful stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Victoria E., Orono, Maine

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful!

This beautifully designed and built cottage is clean and comfortable. Multiple large windows let in the light and frame beautiful views of the harbor. The evening light reflecting off of the lobster boats is worth the price of admission! I ate one of the best lobster rolls of my life at McCloons, which is in walking distance of the cottage. I highly recommend renting this lovely vacation cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Cottage by the Sea

We came to escape a busy life and enjoy the slow peaceful life of Maine and our stay at Seal Cottage did not disappoint. Barbara was great from our first communication, she made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy not only the home, but location as well. Everything was spotless, comfortable and well appointed. The location was close enough to local attractions for shopping, restaurants or sight seeing. We enjoyed our mornings looking for see glass on the beach below and spent afternoon watching the lobster boats come in with their daily catch. It's home that was built with love and we enjoyed every minute of our stay. Thank you for an amazing vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Seal Cottage!

We loved everything about Seal Cottage. It's extremely well designed and built, and it takes maximum advantage of its location on Spruce Head Island, overlooking a small harbor with working lobster boats. The layout is wonderful, everything is clean and new, the furnishings are great. The photos in the listing can't do it justice. We really hope to return. We highly recommend Seal Cottage to anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic location in one of the most beautiful parts of the Maine coast.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Debbie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous all around

My husband, our teenage son, and I loved our week at Seal Cottage! The place is absolutely spotless, with the best rental kitchen we've ever seen. And the setting is just spectacular. We spent hours in the cozy glider chairs in the living room, looking out the huge windows at the boats coming and going, and rented kayaks for the week to take advantage of the little private beach. The location, walking distance to both McLoons and Lobster Lane (our favorite used bookshop anywhere) and a short drive from Rockland, can't be beat. We recommend this place wholeheartedly!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brian K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful 'Home Away from Home'

One of the nicest rentals that we have ever done. The cottage is a mid-coast Maine gem that we had the pleasure of staying in for two weeks (August 2021). The owners have filled the home with so many lovely touches that we were still discovering new things in our final days. The location was spectacular and we were so entranced by the window view of the working harbor of lobster boats that we forgot there was even a TV in the cottage. Owners were super responsive and lovely to communicate with. A truly inviting cottage done beautifully. We look forward to staying here again.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H., Charlottesville, VA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wish it was ours

We expected good, but it was great! Great location, lots to do and see close by, tremendous hosts who were full of very helpful information. I hesitate to build this up too much because we will be back and don't want competition, but it is pretty darn nice. Great for two to four people. Easy access to Rockland, Thomaston, Rockport, Camden, Port Clyde, but you may want to just stay put! McLoons lobster shack is walking distance. Bring a kayak and bikes. Enough said.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diane C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property, incomparable setting, quintessential Maine!

Truly a great experience. Everything you could want is here: location, views, privacy, and convenience. The amenities and cleanliness of the home made us feel as comfortable as in our own home, and that made for such a relaxing, enjoyable week. We spent our days watching the lobster boats come and go, the tide rolling in and out, the awesome sunsets, and the abundant nature, all literally on the edge of the property. We felt like we had escaped from the world, yet the wonderful towns of Rockland and Camden, with their shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums, are only minutes away. It’s the best of both worlds! Lots of local highlights; for us, the standouts were the nearby Birch Point Beach State Park, and a little farther down the road, yet still a very comfortable day trip, was Reid State Park. Both parks feature beaches that are not to be missed. Most importantly, Barbara and Chuck are exceptionally accommodating hosts who have provided every comfort you could want, with outstanding communication. If you want the quintessential Maine experience, this is the place!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Leslie P., Portland, Maine, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

lovely

We had a perfect stay! The house was super comfortable and looked just like the photos. The view was amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay at Seal Cottage!

We experienced a wonderful week at Seal Cottage in beautiful Spruce Head Island. The home is beautiful and well-equipped. We especially enjoyed watching the boats come and go each morning and evening.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

WILLIAM W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, great views, kayaking was terrific. Fantastic interior furnishings

Can't wait to come back. The best VRBO property we've stayed at (been to about 20). Not enough superlatives to describe our experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

About the host

Hosted by Barbara Hess

Host profile image
I am co-owner of a landscape architecture firm with my husband in Pennsylvania. With a background in Ornamental Horticulture, I have a deep love of nature and all that it has to offer. After several visits to Maine we fell in love with the rugged, raw beauty of the Maine Coastline and couldn't picture ourselves spending our vacation time anywhere else.

Why they chose this property

After making the decision to purchase a second home in Maine we focused on finding a place where we could relax and get away from the stresses of our lives and business. We wanted to find a quiet location, yet one where we could feel a part of the community and connect with nature. We fell in love with both properties the instant we pulled into the drive, feeling like we landed in a secluded hideaway. The location of the property was a large draw for us, providing a sense of “being away from it all” while having many amenities, activities and places to explore nearby. After extensive planning, construction of Seal Cottage began in the fall of 2017 and was completed in January of 2019. The cottage was expertly crafted by two master carpenters, their precision and attention to detail is seen throughout the space. We could not be happier with our beautiful, cozy cottage! Our family spent as much time as possible in 2019 enjoying Seal Cottage. Wanting to make certain Seal Cottage was fully equipped and ready to share with guests, we opened our cottage to guest stays in 2020.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests