Walk to Town! Beautiful Waterfront Cottage w/ Panoramic Views from Deck and Dock

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Entire home

Upstairs living and dining room with deck overlooking harbor.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10126.8 sq m

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Kitchen
Barbecue grill
Parking available
Outdoor space

Explore the area

Southwest Harbor, ME

Acadia National Park
‪4 min drive‬
Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
‪19 min drive‬
Asticou Azalea Garden
‪21 min drive‬
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Downstairs

1 Queen Bed

Downstairs 2

2 Single Beds

Upstairs

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Master

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Balcony

Dining area

About this property

Starboard II Cottage is an exceptional rental experience.

This waterfront cottage has two stories with an interior connecting staircase to the upper level. It offers a total of four bedrooms. The first floor includes: Master Queen bedroom with a connecting door to a full bath, a bedroom with two twin beds, kitchen, and living room with sliding glass doors to a private patio with harbor views. The upper level has a King bedroom with a connecting door to a full bathroom with tile shower, a queen bedroom, full kitchen, dining/livingroom with fantastic views of the harbor, and a 14' x 11' deck.

Included are complimentary kayaks for use in the harbor, beach and dock access.

The recreational, cultural, and dining offerings in this area are incredible with the fantastic Acadia National Park at your fingertips and Bar Harbor just minutes away by car or the FREE bus transportation system available just steps from the cottage door!

Starboard II is nestled with three other cottages in a quaint residential neighborhood on the shore of Southwest Harbor and in the midst of an interesting variety of boating activities. From the second floor deck check out the ferry which goes to some of the outer islands passes several times a day to the Upper Town Dock (within view); lobster fishermen moor their boats right off our dock who 'work off' the lobster wholesaler's docks (within view) just to the left of our property on the shore. Across the harbor is Great Bay Marina hosting commercial fishing boats and several world class pleasure yachts during the summer.

Acadia National Park, with its nearly 32,000 acres of land offers unequaled beauty and ocean front access. Over 55 miles of carriage trails were created and gifted to the people by John D. Rockefeller provide easy hiking and biking to the summits of nearby mountains with vista of unrivaled beauty.

In spite of all the physical beauty and charm of the 'Island' we hear most from our newer guests that they were most impressed with the friendliness of the community and the people of Southwest Harbor. Most are anxious to make a visit to Southwest Harbor an annual affair!

Keywords: Shorefront Cottage, Great View, Deck, Kayaks, beachfront, beach, Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park, dock, canoe, patio, boating, ocean, waterfront, Mount Desert Island

Property manager

Jon Dawson

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Water view

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Ocean view
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

About the area

Southwest Harbor

Located in Southwest Harbor, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Bar Harbor Whale Watching is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Southwest Harbor, ME

What's nearby

Acadia National Park - 4 min drive - 3.3 km
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse - 9 min drive - 7.9 km
Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 19 min drive - 18.3 km
Asticou Azalea Garden - 21 min drive - 20.3 km
Cadillac Mountain - 33 min drive - 28.3 km

Getting around

Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

‪Jordan Pond House Restaurant - ‬31 min drive
‪Hansen's Outpost - ‬5 min drive
‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬7 min walk
‪Gott's Store - ‬4 min drive
‪Tan Turtle Tavern - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Walk to Town! Beautiful Waterfront Cottage w/ Panoramic Views from Deck and Dock pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Walk to Town! Beautiful Waterfront Cottage w/ Panoramic Views from Deck and Dock?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Walk to Town! Beautiful Waterfront Cottage w/ Panoramic Views from Deck and Dock?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Walk to Town! Beautiful Waterfront Cottage w/ Panoramic Views from Deck and Dock located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Wendell Gilley Museum and 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Acadia National Park. Flying Mountain Trailhead and Somes Sound are also within 3 miles (5 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Meredith F.

16 September 2019

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

Great location and comfortable Home

Great location in SW Harbor with great deck view of harbor. Access to water along pier. Short walk into town for good food and cute shops. Comfortable beds in apartment, and great for amily with a few teenagers, since each can have their own room.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Craig K.

22 August 2019

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

Great deal in a nice spot

Enjoyed our stay; nice to be on the quiet side and right near town. Appreciate flexibility with regard to number of people. Could use a little cosmetic touching up.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

nancy m.

19 August 2019

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

4th of July stay 2019

Wonderful location towards the quiet side of the island. Walking distance to good restaurants and the small town of Southwest Harbor. When we return to Maine we hope to stay there again. Perfect location on the harbor. We know the owners, wonderful people. Maury and Nancy

8/10 Good

Margaret L.

28 September 2018

Best location in Southwest Harbor!

Beautiful!

10/10 Excellent

gay c.

27 August 2018

Harborside cottages are delightful!

Owner/ landlords are the best and the cottages are great. Charming town and lots to do in the area. This was our 8th year to stay here and we are always happy to return.

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jaclyn W.

25 July 2018

Ideal getaway with beautiful views and excellent accommodations.

We love Southwest Harbor and this property was absolutely perfect. It has views of the harbor and kayaks available for use. The property is well maintained with lovely gardens and has a private dock which was ideal for viewing the fireworks on July 4th. The Starboard 2 where we stayed had both an upper deck with the harbor views and a private downstairs patio. It has two equipped kitchens upper and lower with two bedrooms and a bath on each floor this made traveling with family much more comfortable. It is walking distance to town which we enjoyed taking morning trips to Sips Cafe for coffee. It is close enough to walk in for dinner, ice cream or shopping at the market. There is a bike rental in town and several great hikes one our favorites is flying mountain. The owners were very hospitable. The quiet side of the island is amazing and this property is a great way to expierence it. We hope to be back soon!

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

J C.

7 May 2018

Great space in a beautiful setting with lovely harbor view

The spot was terrific, and the space was clean, comfortable, bright, cheerful, and had everything you would need for a comfortable stay--from extra blankets in the closet to a fully equipped kitchen. The owners were available to answer questions and very responsive. This was a perfect getaway on the quiet side of the island, and near a number of great hikes with gorgeous views. Nearby markets and made it easy to find anything one would need. Highly recommend!

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

jennifer h.

19 September 2017

Great location in SW Harbor; gorgeous view!

There are three(possibly four) condo units available in this small, neat complex that is close to "downtown" SW Harbor. We stayed in Starboard II, with four bedrooms and two kitchens. Our living room was on the upper floor and the entire south wall was windows and sliding doors overlooking SW Harbor. Location: Our condo was a six minute walk into SW Harbor, with its shops and restaurants. There are some very nice restaurants there, a bakery, small grocery/liquor store, hardware store and a seriously decadent ice cream parlor. You can easily get everything from a quick sandwich to a full course dinner. Going the other way, you are a five minute walk to Beal's Lobster Pound, which is right on the docks and snuggled up against the Coast Guard Station. If anyone in your group likes lobster and seafood, be sure to to go there at least once during your stay. Accomodations: Our unit had a King sized bed, two queens and one bedroom with two twins. Our King sized bed (upstairs) was very comfortable and firm. The living room was comfortable and the view splendid. I am an amateur photographer and as the light changed over the course of the day, I was constantly stepping out onto the deck and taking more pictures. (The harbor is full of sailboats and lobster boats, plus small ferries to the outer islands chugging back and forth.) The late afternoon sun on the water and boats was perfect. We were also lucky enough to have a nearly full moon, and the moonlight on the water and boats was spectacular. The upstairs kitchen was fine and we prepared there or four dinners there without any problem. Plus, there is a washer/dryer unit on the bottom floor, which was very handy. I must mention the dock. The dock is immediately off the back of the property. There are kayaks and canoes you can take out if you like. My wife and I went out on the dock most afternoons with a drink and snacks and just sat and watched the world go by. Also, each morning my wife would take a cup of coffee and sat on the dock and just look. Very soothing. Location within the Acadia area. SW Harbor is a short ride from the entrance to Acadia National Park, from Northeast Harbor and from Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor tends to be touristy and crowded, but it is fun and there is a ton of shops and stores of all varieties. We highly recommend this condo unit. Nancy and Jon Dawson were great to work with and very pleasant.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Bess L.

17 September 2015

Beautiful cottage in great location

We have been visiting SWH for 15 years and this cottage is our favorite yet. Wonderful views of the harbor, well stocked kitchen and great location for walking to town restaurants and shops. Southwest Harbor is the perfect location for people who want to explore all that Mt. Desert and Acadia have to offer. It is much less crowded on the "quiet side" of Mt Desert and provides close access to Acadia's hiking trails, carriage roads and the island's good restaurants. We will be back!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carla M., Mendham, NJ

5 August 2015

Unforgettable Stay in this Gem of a Rental in Enchanting Southwest Harbor

We had the pleasure of staying in Starboard II on our first visit to Mount Desert Island. Having rented with VRBO over 10 times, we count on these reviews in our decision-making. This is a candid and unbiased review. My family (two adults and three children ages 10 - 16) and our friends with children the same age (10 in total) rented in July on our first trip to Maine. We chose the Southwest Harbor to have a more authentic "Maine" experience, away from the crowds in Bar Harbor. It was a great decision. This lovely home is right on the water. In addition to being bright, spotless and surprising roomy (I feared from the photos that it would be too tight for our clans), the outdoor space (patio, deck, yard and dock) were delightful. Everything exceed our expectations. We had coffee on the deck every morning before a stunning view, including the boats in the quiet harbor. When the teens woke, we would use the owners kayaks around the harbor and then walk to one of several excellent breakfast spots. Starboard II is a short 20 min drive to Acadia, Bar Harbor and Northeast harbor. The house is FULLY stocked with everything we needed. It was so convenient to have a large washer/dryer and two kitchenettes. Within walking distance of this lovely home are fantastic restaurants (including one of the best lobster spots on the island), bakeries, an ice cream parlor, bike rental shops, fantastic bars and boat/ferry docks and rental shops. Instead of renting bikes in busy Bar Harbor, we rented them in town and drove all around Southwest Harbor, including a scenic trip along the water to a charming lighthouse. Perhaps the highlight of our trip was a private, sunset lobster boat charter from a dock that we WALKED TO from Starboard II. We found the brochure amount a large basket in the sunny Starboard living room. Our kids delighted in the captain's stories and we even pulled up his lobster traps to find several good catches inside. The owners (who live in an attached, but separate part of the residence) were in no way intrusive, but only helpful -- especially when helping us locate a packages of belongings left behind on our trip that were shipped to their residence. When you rent a home, there is almost always something you discover that disappoints. That was not the case at Starboard II. Everything from the water pressure in the showers to the comfort of the mattresses/sheets, surplus of towels, etc. exceeded expectations. We will always remember our stay here.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

5 June 2015

50th birthday and long awaited visit to Acadia NP

My wife and I have been talking about going to Acadia NP and Maine for about 20-years. We couldn't have chosen a better place owned by better people! Jon and Nancy are wonderful people and very welcoming. We shared some California wines together. We planned our trip to try and miss the season rush and it was perfect. Our daily hikes were virtually by ourselves and the Lobster Pounds opened a few days before we left our, so no shortage of the good stuff! This property and it's location is absolutely fabulous! It's close to everything you would want and the view from the deck is amazing. This trip was everything (and more) than we could have hoped for. Thanks Jon and Nancy for being such great hosts!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cathy G.

23 September 2014

A Great Second Honeymoon!

The house is even lovelier than the pictures. It's clean, beautifully decorated with lots of windows for the beautiful views in every direction. The garden is also tastefully designed and well tended. Grocery and specialty shops are within 5 minutes. We stayed an extra day and still never ran out of things to do. Bar Harbor and main Acadia is just 30 minutes away and a pleasant drive. There are Acadia attractions right in Southwest Harbor about 10 minutes away. The Island Explorer bus service has a stop a block away. Great restaurants (Beals) are within walking distance. It was interesting to watch the fishing boats come in and out of the harbor. The sunsets are viewable from the patio or the dock. Would rate this rental 6 stars if possible.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

18 July 2014

A Great Time At The Great Harbor Compound

If you are considering a trip to Maine and Acadia National Park put this property on your list of places to stay! Located on the "quiet side" of the Island, this property is a short distance away from downtown Southwest Harbor. You can walk into town for shopping, pie, or ice cream, or take a stroll to the end of the street to go deep sea fishing or sit down to a Lobster feast. You can ride your bike around town, play tennis nearby, walk to hiking trails, or kayak from the dock. It's all here! Additionally, if you want to check out Acadia National Park you are only a short drive (or bus ride) away from fantastic hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming options. The property itself is an interesting collection of buildings that are well furnished and contain everything you will need for a great vacation. Our family rented out the entire Compound for the week and found it to be the perfect place from which to stage our adventures or to just hang out at the house(s) and enjoy the beautiful view of Southwest Harbor. The owners, Jon and Nancy, were exceptionally helpful in suggesting fun activities for our entire family to enjoy. We were particularly grateful to have access to multiple kayaks and a canoe to enable everyone in our group to enjoy time exploring on the water. Additionally, Jon and Nancy were very helpful in answering questions about the property and in attending to an issue that came up with one of the TVs in the house. If you are looking for a great place to stay near Acadia National Park we would highly recommend this property.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Logged O.

21 June 2014

As advertised and then some!

This is the perfect choice for two couples or extended families. We went with close friends who are earlier risers. This property boasts two separate units, each complete with it's own kitchen and living area. They had a deck overlooking the harbor and we had a private patio. They were able to rise early as usual and enjoy their breakfast without disturbing us at all. We loved having the inside staircase to connect the units. The owners were on site part of the time in their own unit and were available via phone or text. They shared recommendations for restaurants and places not to miss. We are SO glad we took their advice to try Demuros' Top of the Hill restaurant right there in Southwest Harbor just beyond the grocery store. Excellent food and service. This location is convenient to both Acadia National Park and to the bustling town of Bar Harbor, yet we were able to enjoy the quiet and privacy of Southwest Harbor. When the free Island Explorer shuttles are running (June 23rd through Columbus Day), access is just a couple of doors down. The local ferry over to Cranberry Island was only three doors down and around the bend in the other direction was Beal's Lobster Pier. We walked there and got food to go which we enjoyed back on our deck with a nice bottle of wine. You can pick out your own lobsters and they steam them while you wait. You can also order and eat there inside or out at picnic tables. We are so glad our friend found this rental property for the four of us. If we ever are able to return to this area, there is no where else I will stay.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peggy W.

11 June 2014

Best ever rental!

This cottage was perfect for two couples. Each level has a kitchen which was perfect for two couples with different body clocks. Jon and Nancy were so helpful by suggesting restaurants and places to visit. Nancy took us on a tour of their other cottages, Topsail and Port, and even took us inside their personal residence. Each cottage has a beautiful view of the harbor. This was our first trip to Maine and it could not have been better. There were some things that were not open in May, but that did not hinder us from having a great vacation. Maine is beautiful and all the people we met were so friendly. If we ever return to Maine, we will stay at this cottage again.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marguerite Z., San Francisco, California

18 October 2012

Nicest vacation rental ever!

My husband and I (in our 60's) have rented vacation properties in various parts of the US, Rome, Croatia, London and Istanbul and this was by far our favorite. It's modern, clean and very nicely decorated. You can walk up to the town of Southwest Harbor or down the street to the Coast Guard station and wharf. At the Captain's Galley, lobsters caught today are steamed in salt water while you wait, or you can buy them fresh off the boat and cook 'em yourself in the nice kitchen. (We took the lazy way out!) Getting back to the cottage, we were two couples so it worked out great. It's like two master suites, with the 2BR 1 Bath unit downstairs and a 1 BR 1 Bath upstairs. We barbecued one evening out on the brick patio, and I spent lots of time on the upstairs deck watching the boats swing at anchor in the harbor. They call it the quiet side of Mt Desert Island but you're a short drive to just about anything. We hiked several parts of Acadia, went into Bar Harbor, and were glad to return to our home-away-from-home each afternoon. The weather in mid-late September was lovely-- sunny and 65-70' with only one day (out of 10) where a storm blew through. The hosts (Nancy and John) were pleasant and accommodating and all-in-all, we had a wonderful visit.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

4 October 2012

Fantastic Place To Stay!

We just got back from a week long vacation in Southwest Harbor and couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. The owners were great about communicating through-out the planning process. The place was beautiful. The decor was light and airy with plenty of comfortable seating to look out onto the beautiful view of the harbor. We had two adult children with us and this was the perfect arrangement for seperate living space. They had the downstairs with their own living room, kitchen and bedrooms and a cute porch with a decent view of the harbor. We had the upstairs with a bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room with the wonderful view from the deck. The location of the cottage is great! Within walking distance of pretty much anything you'd want in Southwest Harbor, and a short drive to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We orginally considered staying in Bar Harbor, but with what we know now, we were SO happy we chose this cottage. Bar Harbor was FAR too touristy for us. This location was the perfect, true "Maine" experience. We would love to come back and stay again! Thanks!!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

7 August 2011

Fantastic Family Vacation

This was a week that the entire family enjoyed immensely. There were 11 of us (parents (80s), 4 sons and wives and one teen) who had a wonderful time in this beautiful house. There was plenty of room for all of us in the dining room, to hang out in the living room, play pool downstairs or just sit on the deck enjoying a cocktail and taking in the breathtaking views. The rooms were well appointed and the decor was light and airy; just the right touches for a seaside cottage. The kitchen had everything we needed and having access to the kayaks was a bonus. I look forward to coming back! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful place.

About the host

Hosted by Jon Dawson

The Dawson Family, owners since 1980, loves to share the beauty of Mount Desert Island with their guests. Ask owners Nancy and Jon for recommendations on restaurants, shopping, hiking trails, and secret swimming spots. We 'winter' in nearby Bangor Maine, about 45 miles Northwest of Mount Desert Island. Nancy is a Bangor native and we have an extended family there. But the beauty of the 'Island' draws us year 'round.

We spend weekends in Southwest Harbor through out the four season!

Things get very quiet in January and February but there are still great restaurants and winter activities that keep us busy.

Why they chose this property

Clark Point neighborhood is unique, rich in a variety of offerings and activities within minutes by foot, boat, bike or auto!

Being on the Harbor provides and ever changing visual experience. Heavily populated in the summer with an incredible array and variety of watercraft, from the fleet of vintage Friendship Sloops to luxury Hinckley sale and power boats, to the commercial fishing fleet of lobster boats and scallop draggers.

This property is 'south facing' which makes it a warm and welcoming place for us during the 'off season'... Our 'winter' home is Bangor where we work in real estate and insurance, 46 miles away, but spend nearly every weekend during the fall, winter and spring seasons!

Our property and location is great because there is a mix of summer residents and year 'round residents... there is an active community here in the 'off season'

During the summer the bus stops at our doorstep providing free transportation around Mt Desert Island. But when its not we are within a short distance to the Causway Club, which has nine hole golf course, clay tennis courts and a salt water heated pool.

On the other side of the Club is the Park with superb hiking. One fantastic hike is Flying Mountain which is only about 250' in elevation and takes only 20 minutes to climb. The reward is a fabulous view East overlooking Somes Sound, Northeast Harbor and the ocean and islands off shore. The trail continues down to Valley Cove on the Sound and there's a fire road returning you to the point of beginning.

The proximity to the vibrant village 'down town' adds to the location. The village offers a great library, Harbor House a community neighborhood organization offering 'YMCA' type of programs for folks of all ages, a great bakery, specialty wine store, a gourmet food market, bike shop, pharmacy, and an array of fine restaurants.
Personally, the property provides access to the harbors and islands around Mt Desert Island.

What makes this property unique

Mount Desert Island offers the most spectacular vistas on the East Coast of the US.

A visit to 'the island' and this part of the Maine Coast would not be complete without a visit to one of the 'outer islands'... Islesford, the village on Little Cranberry Isle is minutes away from Southwest Harbor by ferry where the pace of life is of another generation. It's where a small year 'round population of hardy folk who look to the sea for their sustenance, swells with the 'summer folk who come from 'away' to occupy their waterfront homes and cottages. So check the Ferry schedule at the Upper Town Dock and treat your self to a visit to Islesford.

And if you want a great 'shore luncheon' visit the Dock Restaurant (www.isleforddock.info) Dining at the 'dock' is even better in the evening especially if you're lucky enough to see the sun set... its a site to behold!

Languages:

English

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Walk to Town! Beautiful Waterfront Cottage w/ Panoramic Views from Deck and Dock

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Downstairs

Downstairs 2

Upstairs

Upstairs Master

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

About this property