Entire home

Sweet retreat in the heart of MDI

Photo gallery for Sweet retreat in the heart of MDI

Living area
Exterior
Living area
Dining
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Bar Harbor, ME
  • Acadia National Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Cadillac Mountain
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Common area 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Sweet retreat in the heart of MDI

Here in the woods at the center of Mount Desert Island you can hear the peepers in a nearby frog pond and the hermit thrush singing in the trees. This property provides a comfortable, private, and convenient launching pad for exploring Acadia and eastern Maine. Close to Acadia's trail heads, lakes, and carriage roads, the house is less than 20 minutes from Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Ellsworth. Relax in the big hammock, walk to the nearby Kitteridge Brook Forest trails, or play bocce and enjoy the fire pit. At night, take in the truly dark skies and be dazzled by the Milky Way!

The first floor of the house is open, with a living area, dining area that seats up to eight, and fully equipped kitchen. The large sofa is cozy for watching TV or movies and opens up to a comfortable queen bed. Upstairs are two bedrooms, one with a queen and one with a full-size bed, bathroom, and bonus room under the eaves with a daybed for reading or napping. This is a solid, fully insulated house, with heat for chilly days or evenings. Air conditioning in the larger bedroom and excellent air circulation throughout the house means you'll be comfortable on the few Maine summer days when you need cooling.

Property manager

Ann Halkett
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
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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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Bar Harbor

Located in Bar Harbor, this holiday home is in a rural area. 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 College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and rock climbing.
Map
Bar Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • Acadia National Park - 7 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 12 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watching - 17 min drive - 15.9 km
  • Village Green - 19 min drive - 16.4 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 26 min drive - 20.4 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jordan Pond House Restaurant - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Shell - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Side Street Cafe - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Jordan's Restaurant - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Atlantic Brewing Company - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sweet retreat in the heart of MDI pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Sweet retreat in the heart of MDI?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sweet retreat in the heart of MDI?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Sweet retreat in the heart of MDI located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Atlantic Brewing Company and 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Acadia National Park. Acadia Repertory Theater and Mount Desert Island Historical Society are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

CHRISTINA C.

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

Wonderful

This property was everything I hoped for. Location, comfort, privacy, proximity to Acadia and so much nature! We hated to leave and hope to come back for a longer stay next year.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Careen W.

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

Acadia National Park Trip

The location is perfect. It seems as if you are staying right in the park in the woods. Everyday we walked to the end of the road and back. I have stayed at a half dozen or more vacation rentals and this kitchen was by far the best stocked with pots, pans, etc. I highly recommend this house.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie S., Malvern pa

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

Quiet getaway

The house was very quaint and in a perfect location. It was very quiet and private. Great location to everything MDI has to offer. We would stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

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

Beautiful Location 10/10

Ann’s house is in a beautiful, secluded location that is close to Acadia National Park. The house has everything you need, is well kept, and comfortable. Kirk, the property manager, communicated very well and responded to our questions promptly. I would highly recommend this property for a stay in the Bar Harbor area.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janice I., Candler NC USA

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

Bar Harbor

Very nice and well kept property. Nice deck with a grill and outdoor seating. Inside the downstairs is very spacious and comfortable. Upstairs the beds are comfortable and the bathroom is nice. There is so much to do in the park and there are plenty of nice restaurants to choose from. We would stay here again if we were in the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shaka M.

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

An oasis!

A real gem. Private, well appointed, and cozy. A fantastic find. It was a great homebase for a week of Mount Desert Island fun.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C.

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

Amazing

Lovely
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim B.

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

Cute house, great location

The house was very pleasant to stay in. Well equipped, clean and nice layout. Beds were comfortable. Best feature of house was the location. Quiet and in the woods. We ate outside most nights. MUCH better than staying in the chaos of Bar Harbor during peak season. Kirk (property manager) was very helpful when we had a few questions prior to arrival. We would definitely stay there again if we re-visit Bar Harbor. Thank you Ann and Kirk!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin L.

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

Great home base for Acadia

We really enjoyed the secluded but central location of this property. We spent our days out hiking, kayaking, and sailing Acadia, and our evenings relaxing comfortably here. We would highly recommend this property to anyone planning a trip to Acadia. Not that we had much time to enjoy them, but we also found the book selection in the “library” to be outstanding! It was easy to tell that Ann is an English major. (There were three English majors in our group.)
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ciray

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This home had everything you needed - kitchen appliances, a great map of the area, toys for kids, great suggestions on local hiking, dining and shopping. Everything was well thought out.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nikole B.

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

A Most Enjoyable Stay!

Anne’s home in Bar Harbor is even more beautiful in person and was the perfect place for me and my family to get away to for a relaxing vacation! Kurt, the property manager, had everything incredibly clean and comfortable for our stay. The welcome basket was a very nice touch! Anne’s book collection is also wonderful :) The location of the property is perfect to explore Acadia NP and Bar Harbor. I very highly recommend Anne’s property and would certainly stay here again if we get back to the area. Thank you for a wonderful vacation!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rudolf K.

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

Inclement weather

We enjoyed hiking when it wasn’t raining and local restaurants for great seafood . Unfortunately we had to leave a day earlier due to hurricane Lee. The house was conveniently centrally located on MDI with short drive from hiking trails, restaurants and town of Bar Harbor.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Megan S.

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

Cozy with charm to spare!

Both Ann and Kirk were friendly, helpful, and prompt communicators. We found the house clean and comfortable with absolutely everything we might need as far as kitchen supplies, bedding, towels. Ann’s House felt like a home, like we were at a friend’s house for the week. Beautiful house plants, tons of books, games and Legos for kids. My family was comfortable and well cared for. This was a great home-base for our week in Acadia and Bar Harbor. The location is about 20 minutes from everything, and it is quiet and private-perfect for relaxing after busy days. Thank you, Ann and Kirk, for a lovely stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debby M.

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

Lovely cottage in the woods

This home is nestled next to a forest preserve conveniently located near Acadia park entrance and Southwest Harbor. Our group included 6 adults. We greatly enjoyed how convenient and peaceful this home was. We immediately felt connected to the owner’s aesthetic. After beautiful hikes,we cooked several meals in the kitchen and enjoyed each other’s company. Can’t say enough about how communicative and helpful the property manager was, too. He recommended a couple of great restaurants that we also enjoyed. I Will think of this trip and home often.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

sara d.

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

Happy Trails

This property was located in a perfect area. Nothing was more than a 20 minute drive and that is mostly due to busy summer traffic. The house can be found a mile down a quiet woodsy gravel road. It is relatively secluded which was so nice. The house is cute, quaint, and functional for a family. We often ate breakfast there and ordered takeout one night. Laundry is right in the kitchen area with the three bedrooms upstairs. We often left for a hike and lunch, returned for a bit, and headed out again. It was a wonderful home away from home. Ann, the owner, possesses a skill when it comes to home design and decorating. Her home is absolutely lovely and I recommend this home for anyone who desires happy trails.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne C.

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

Nice and quiet

We had a wonderful time in this welcoming place! 🙂🙏
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl P.

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

Tranquil Spot on Mount Desert Island

We really enjoyed our stay! I hadnt been to the area in 38 years. Far enough to be private and quiet yet close enough to get to Acadia and Bar Harbor easily. The House was bright, clean, and comfortable. Both the Owner and Property Manager were very helpful. Great place to read on a rainy day with an eclectic book selection too. Beautiful starry skies at night!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Connie F.

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

Comfortable house close to Acadia

We enjoyed our 2 day stay in this nice little house. It was close to all of the sights we wanted to see around Acadia. The property manager was very easy to communicate with, and we had no problems with checking in or out. Ann left lots of information in the Welcome packet, and we were very blessed by her home.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cezary W.

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

Just perfect

The property is perfectly located. It is equipped with everything you might need. The owner (Ann) and the property manager (Kirk) are super nice and helpful. We will definitely recommend it to our friends. Thank you for making our vacation just the way we dreamed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandi Y.

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

Wonderful Stay

Perfect location for relaxation but close to Bar Harbor and Acadia. Excellent hospitality. Would recommend this property to family and friends.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

saad a.

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

a memorable first visit to MDI

Ann's house provided a lovely home-away-from-home for a 3-night visit while exploring Acadia and Mount Desert Island with my in-laws who were visiting from Florida . The house itself offered a relaxing setting in the woods and comfortably slept myself and my wife, her parents and her sister, as well as our well-behaved dog. We were greeted by a very nice welcome basket, and communication and entry was a breeze. The house was very clean and cozy, with great natural light and views of the beautiful surrounding woods throughout. We enjoyed cooking meals in the well-equipped kitchen, reading and working on puzzles in the living room, sitting out on the deck and lounging in the hammock. It was a very peaceful setting to start the day and head back to after full days of exploring Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, both very easy, short drives. Ann offered great suggestions for things to do on the island and we absolutely recommend Thurston's Lobster Pound for a great Maine lobster experience. Many thanks to Ann for sharing her very sweet home! We look forward to returning on future visits!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Arlen M.

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

Great Spot Close to Acadia & Bar Harbor!

Ann’s house was secluded and lovely and Kirk was a wonderful and attentive property manager. We were one of the first groups to book the spot since it was added to VRBO, traveling with 4 adults and a dog. Ann’s house is very homey, you can tell it was intended to host family. Lots of games and live plants. Every appliance you could want, including a washer and dryer. Wifi worked well for our group. Of note—the larger bedroom is open to the kitchen area a floor below, so there’s not a ton of privacy, but we stayed there quite comfortably. The house is tucked away in the trees, beautiful stargazing and sunrises. Kirk gave us some great tips and was very accommodating. The property is only a ~12 min drive from downtown bar harbor and an easy drive as well to many places in Acadia National Park. We visited Cadillac Mountain, Echo Lake, Gorhum mountain, little long pond, to name a few—all were a quick drive from the house. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angelica B.

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

Welcoming and well appointed home

Our group enjoyed a full week in this lovely home. Communication was excellent throughout and checking in was easy. The downstairs is spacious and open with lots of natural light. We easily found everything we needed to cook full meals in the kitchen. The bedrooms were comfortable with plenty of closet space. The room with the daybed, though very small, is its’ own private space and functions well as a third bedroom. Sound travels easily in the house, so I’d recommend bringing a white noise machine if you’re a light sleeper. Some furnishings show their age, but everything was very clean. There were lots of thoughtful touches from a lovely welcome basket to having bug spray and umbrellas available. The location was very secluded at the end of a long dirt road. We saw several deer in the yard during our stay. I look forward to staying here again on our next trip to Acadia.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ann Halkett

Host profile image
I’ve enjoyed this home for 15 years. National parks make great neighbors! I never get tired of Acadia’s beautiful trails, and I love skiing on the trails in the winter that I bike on in the summer, and ice skating on the same lakes I swim in. I help run a wonderful nonprofit that serves the islands and isolated communities of the eastern Maine coast, and it’s bliss to come home on a dark winter evening and see all the stars above me. And then to be cozy inside the warm, comfortable house. I love sharing my home with Acadia’s visitors and I hope you will enjoy this special home as much as I do.

What makes this property unique

My neighbor Kirk Lurvey manages the property for me. Feel free to call on him with any questions or issues that come up.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests