Secluded Sunset Retreat on Penobscot Bay

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Entire home

cabin in late summer at sunset - taken from the top of beach steps

mid-summer sunset view, from our yard and beach

Swim and lounge on our beach, or walk for miles in either direction!

yes, we really do swim here (but only on hot August days)!

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6116.1 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Fireplace
Washer
Kitchen
Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Castine, ME

Main Street
‪6 min drive‬
Maine Maritime Academy
‪6 min drive‬
Belfast Harbor
‪53 min drive‬
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
‪61 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Built in 1967, our authentic Maine “camp” sits right on Penobscot Bay at the end of a 1/2 mile-long private wooded lane, just 3.5 miles north of the historic village of Castine.

Situated on the southern fringe of Turners Point (directly across from Belfast), it has stunning sunsets and views of the Camden Hills.

A 75 ft. path through the bunchberries takes you down to our private beach. We own over 300 ft of a sandy/cobblestone mix, where you can swim at high tide, or lounge with a book, or take long walks on an almost uninhabited beach. Or, just soak in the long view south down Penobscot Bay.

With very few neighbors (who also have large wooded tracts and long stretches of beach) we offer you seclusion - and nature in all its glory. (Our nearest northern neighbor is 300 feet away, and southern, more than 500, all through thick woods.)

With many of the amenities of home, our cabin is a perfect retreat for the bird watcher, the writer, or someone simply wanting to get away from it all. Yet there are restaurants and markets, movies, concerts, and museums, as well as a quaint New England village steeped in Maine's seafaring history, just minutes away.

Listen to the ravens and the loons. See seals basking on rocks and eagles cruising right over head, all summer long. Catch the deer foraging for apples in what used to be an old orchard, or forage for your own raspberries along the lane. And at extremely low tide, look for mussels, sea urchins, starfish, and more. If you especially love nature accompanied by most of modern day conveniences, our place could be just right for you.

PLEASE NOTE: Our maximum capacity is 6 people total, and is not available for large gatherings such as events, weddings, reunions, graduation parties, etc.

One other note is that the two ell bedrooms are accessible only from the porch (and not from the main cabin).

If you are a new guest to our cottage, please contact us with your inquiry BEFORE requesting a booking! That way we can better help you decide if our property and the area are a good fit for you and your group. Inquiries can be made through this listing.

KEYWORDS: Writers and Nature Retreat

Property manager

Bob Boenau

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Outdoor space

Parking available

Water view

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

May not be suitable for children under 5

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking inside cabin.

Day visitors bringing dogs not disclosed on initial Rental Agreement must leave pets outside; pet hair discovered inside will incur extra cleaning fee

Extra overnight guests not disclosed on Rental Agreement will be billed and deducted from Security Deposit

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Castine

Located in Castine, this cottage is in a rural area and on the beach. Castline Golf Club and Dyce Head Foot Path are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Fort Madison State Park and Fort Knox State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider The Barnacle and North Light Books. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Castine, ME

What's nearby

Main Street - 6 min drive - 5.1 km
Maine Maritime Academy - 6 min drive - 5.1 km
Dyce Head Lighthouse - 8 min drive - 6.7 km
Fort Point State Park - 45 min drive - 40.1 km
Belfast Harbor - 53 min drive - 53.5 km

Getting around

Belfast Station - 51 min drive
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

‪Hey Sailor - ‬43 min drive
‪Anglers Maine's Family Seafood Restaurant - ‬41 min drive
‪The Hichborn - ‬37 min drive
‪Bayview MKT And Takeou - ‬14 min drive
‪Bagaduce Lunch - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded Sunset Retreat on Penobscot Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Secluded Sunset Retreat on Penobscot Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded Sunset Retreat on Penobscot Bay?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Secluded Sunset Retreat on Penobscot Bay located?

This Castine cottage is on the beach, 1.2 mi (2 km) from Penobscot River, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Castline Golf Club and Fort George Park. Great Island and Fort Madison State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

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

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B., WYNDMOOR

7 September 2021

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

“Secluded Sunset Retreat on Penobscot Bay” is a teaser to a whole lot more in this especial rental.

Our ideal rental in the Penobscot Bay Area is a secluded, family/privately owned single dwelling, waterfront/beach access, large stone fireplace, and pet friendly. We found that and much much more in Camp Boneau. We immediately sent in our desired week to rent, and luckily it was ours. The owners tirelessly answered questions and sent a packet of information. We replied ‘Everything you have sent: lists, rules, amenities, locations of light switches, instructions for usages, directions to your Camp, etc. etc. simplifies prior planning, and usage of time upon arrival can be spent as much on exploring the property as unpacking and putting away - tasks usually ending after dark. How cool is that!’ The Boneaus replied: ‘From the start…, we have been acutely aware that people’s time on vacation is extremely precious (being off the beaten track plays into it, too). We try to provide a good enough household organization to make things easy to “plug and play.” We want our guests to have the best possible time and the best memories of their visit!’ This was all before we even got to Camp Boneau! Without a doubt, the Boneaus have totally surpassed their intention. The Camp is incredible - squeaky clean, it has more than everything - we boggled at all the neatly arranged and plentiful supplies, amenities, a binder of maps and guides to the numerous preserves, hiking areas, galleries, stores, etc. The views of the Bay were beautiful, aided by binoculars thoughtfully provided. The long sandy/pebbly beach, 40 steps from the deck, extended seemingly forever. Secluded? We saw one person down on the beach. Big stone fireplace? We had fires nearly every night using an ample supply of neatly stacked wood. Sunsets: treated every night, with three nights of the most spectacular we have ever seen. The furnishings were super comfortable, and lights were plentiful. An enormous selection of games and books for rainy days, which we didn’t need. The Guest Book was fun to read - everyone equally enthusiastic about the Camp. Hopefully I’m not forgetting anything. Thank you Boneaus - for the best vacation. We want to come next year.

Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gerald J.

9 August 2021

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

Great house! The beach and fireplace were major bonuses!

All was perfect. I highly recommend considering this house for your vacation,

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Taylor B.

12 July 2021

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

One of the best!

Wonderful experience for the whole family. Beautiful and private setting, surrounded by forest and on the coast, with amazing view of Penobscot Bay. The VRBO hosts are wonderful, and property is well maintained. We hope to go back in future!

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mike B.

8 August 2020

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

Great retreat!

Perfect.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

23 August 2019

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

Castine Camp

We completely enjoyed the Boneau Camp. The great room and fireplace had just the right feel of a cottage. We especially like a cottage to have more wood than sheetrock. Stocked with interesting books, helpful tourist info and comfy chairs. Everything one could need was not only in the kitchen, but just where you would expect to find it. Beds and linens worked fine. We had a small issue with lack of water in the shower until I unscrewed the showerhead and removed some scale. Voila! all's well in the bathroom too. We love visiting the Maine coast and this cottage was a great part of our stay. It is obviously loved by the owners as well.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Angie H., null

31 July 2019

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

Loved everything

We had a terrific week. It’s a lovely location away from the tourists in a cute little town. Close to Bar Harbor and Acadia. House is well appointed and comfortable in every way.

10/10 Excellent

Sanne v., Haarlem

27 August 2018

Perfect getaway from it all

We had the best time at Bob’s and Stephanie’s camp. Owners are really friendly and responsive. The view from the house and beach are fantastic! We saw the most beautiful sunsets, had fires on the beach, watched the wildlife in the sea. The house is really well equiped and furnished as a home, not a rental house. Would definetly recommend a stay!

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Amanda D.

11 August 2018

It’s all about the sunsets and sand dollars.

We loved our stay. We arrived early and were greeted by Bob and we could tell how much the property means to him. It is a cabin. The cabin itself is as stated. But as Bob told us it’s not the main attraction. The location is AMAZING! We walked the shoreline for miles and enjoyed the sunsets. During our stay we visited Wadsworth Cove and our 5 year old loved it at low tide. The town of Castine is beautiful. Bob and Stephanie are very responsive and I would recommend anyone to stay at their cabin. Oh—- and Sand Dollars!!! We found hundreds!!!

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Kim R., Clarskton, MI

11 July 2016

The property was perfect!

We had the best time staying at this "camp". It was perfectly set Back off the highway so you felt like you were deep in secluded woods. We walked the beach for hours every day and did not see people and found tons and sea glass and other treasures. Everything you need is provided at the camp! We cooked a lot of our meals and did not have to struggle to find any Utensil or pan necessary. We were not far from all the tourist attractions like Acadia national park and historic bar harbor. We were able to spend the day away from the camp and then have a short drive back to seclusion. There is no shortage of things to do though if you decide just to stay at the camp. We kayaked and spent lots of time just sitting on the deck enjoying the view. During low tide we found so many fun things that washed ashore and tons of creatures out and about. We saw a sea lion, deer, porcupine, and lots of birds. It was a perfect place for us! Bob and Stephanie have an amazing place and you can tell they love to share it with others and it shows in all the extras they provide like the Maine jams and syrup they left for us to sample.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2016

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

10/10 Excellent

Teresa M.

18 July 2014

Great experience all around!

My family (2 adults, 2 teenagers ages 17/15) just spent a week at the Boenau camp and we had a fantastic time. Bob and Stephanie are the most gracious hosts you could ask for! A couple of the high(est) points: The information they provide - cabin amenities, things to do in the area, tide patterns, where to eat, what to expect, what to bring, etc. - is unmatched. We felt perfectly prepared heading to Maine given the information they provided. But - on top of that - they answered every single one of my very.detailed.questions (!) - AND even did internet research on their own time based on the things we mentioned we wanted to do while we were there. They went waaay above and beyond to make sure we had all the info we needed. We've dealt with owners who put a small amount of information on their site and basically that's all you get. Not the case with this house. The house is wonderfully cozy and perfectly appointed. Never have I had as much at my fingertips without having to purchase it myself. Every cooking utensil you could possibly need. Paper muffin cups? Check. Kosher salt? Check. Binoculars to watch the wildlife? Check. Portable cooler for your outing? Check. Books, magazines and boardgames for entertainment? Check. The set up of the house is unusual - they spell it all out on their site - but basically the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are included in an add-on to the house that is not accessible from inside the main house. In order to get to those bedrooms, you have to walk out onto the front porch. Kind of like a motel with exterior doors. For us, having 2 teenagers, it was perfect. They each had a room and all the privacy they needed. My husband and I could get up every morning, chat and have coffee without disturbing them while they slept. Our idea of a perfect vacation is to find a cool town, spend a few days there doing fun stuff, then retreat to a secluded house and have several days of down time. We've followed this model for the last 5 years and have used a VRBO cabin for each of our trips. This was one of the best experiences we've had. You can't ask for a better house for down time. It is wonderfully secluded with no other houses in sight and it is absolutely quiet. You walk out onto the back deck and have a perfect sunset view all to yourself and you feel like you are the only people on the earth. Bob and Stephanie are excellent hosts and just all around nice people. I highly recommend this cabin.

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

10/10 Excellent

Betsey A.

15 September 2013

Peace and serenity off the beaten path: The best of Maine

My husband and I have been renting a camp every year for about the past 12 years. We agree this is one of - if not THE- best rental experience we've ever enjoyed. The listing accurately reflects the camp's amenities and appearance. From our first contact with the owners, Bob & Stephanie, we found them to be very helpful. The directions they sent to locate their camp were easy to read and accurate. Appreciated the suggestions to stop at the Penobscot bridge, & on a more practical note, to stop at Hannaford in Bucksport to food shop. On arrival we found the camp neat and well maintained. I've never had the pleasure of staying at a camp with a dishwasher before! They supplied us with 6 gallons of drinking water. Usually renters bring their own, nice to not have to lug it in. They even left us a little blueberry treat: great on pancakes. The "ell" shape might notwork for a family with little kids, but fine for 2 adults and a dog. My cousins' camp in western Maine has the same configuration; I believe at one point that's how everyone built them. Our favorite activities are dayhiking, swimming, exploring new places, and canoeing. We never ran out of things to do. I should have thought to ask where Mainers go swimming in the area, as the ocean is cold. Highly recommend this property if your thing is to get off the beaten path and explore unspoiled Maine. Holbrook Island Sanctuary was gorgeous, many opportunities for viewing birds and wildlife. We actually saw an eagle swoop down and grab a fish out of the water! Stunning!

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

10/10 Excellent

K.

16 August 2013

Peaceful Retreat

The cottage is simple, but so comfortable. Bob and Stephanie have thought of just about everything you could need to enjoy your stay. The sunset view is beautiful. We took many strolls on the beach and even just sat on rocks reading. We didn't venture too far, some trips to Blue Hill and one to Ellsworth. We enjoyed the free concerts around the area, Flash in the Pans was fun! The kitchen is very well equipped - even lots of baking supplies. We felt at home here and are very happy to have been able to enjoy our vacation in this cozy camp.

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

10/10 Excellent

6 March 2013

Magical Maine

Have been meaning to write this review for some time. My family of 5 stayed at Boenau camp for a week last August. Our goal was to have a quality family retreat, and the camp was perfect for this purpose. Our mornings were spent walking the beach, studying tide pools, climbing rocks, exploring, and laughing. Afternoons we read, played games, swam at full tide, and barbecued. As my 11 year old says, it was beautiful, undisturbed, and you could totally concentrate on nature. We did not do a ton in the area, though we did visit Castine and found the Wilson Museum, and especially the hands-on crafts demonstrations to be beyond anything you get in the big city. The camp was well-stocked, rustic but thoroughly and thoughtfully equipped, clean and charming. Bob, the owner, was friendly, responsive, and kind. We had a beautiful visit. Thank you.

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

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

2 November 2012

Rustic but modern

This wonderful cabin evoqued fond memories of childhood experencies but with lots of modern updates. The cabin is equiped with everything you could want. The location is terrific, near the towns of Castine and Owl's Head. The owners were more than obliging and helpful, including having an unlimited supply of information and maps for the area. We spent many hours on the deck looking out at the ocean and eating lobster bought from Larry at the local snack shack. We would highly recommend this wonderful retreat.

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

10/10 Excellent

21 September 2012

Sunset Camp

Our stay at this rental was nothing short of perfect. We have been visiting this area for many years and have rented a few places in the past and none compare to our experience here. The cabin was extremely well appointed and had the best set up kitchen (pots,pans,spices, etc.) ever. The cabin was roomy and charmingly rustic, with ample room for everyone. The extra bedrooms being off the main cabin (an addition) were perfect for kids and guests. We had outstanding weather but the one day of fog (it's Maine) allowed the fireplace to be used and breakfast to be served as the lobster boats pulled traps right out on the bay. There were ample games/books and the kayaks and canoe were used every day. The WiFi worked but we used it only once and the TV was not turned on at all. The outside grounds were beautiful and the back porch and backyard were a great place to entertain or read a book as the sun set. 18 steps and we were on a beach that constantly changed with the large tides that occur on Penobscot Bay. The beach was a wonderful place to explore and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Maine. The village of Castine is a short 6 minute drive and is a delight in itself (voted #8 in DownEast Magazine top ten prettiest towns). Charming and quaint with elm tree lined streets and literally hundreds of years of history. Castine has a handful of restaurants and Inns and is a great walking around town (even has a golf course). Bob and Stephanie were wonderful hosts and very helpful and their pride and love for this property is quite apparent. All in all, if you are looking for a quiet and tranquil location this is it.

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

10/10 Excellent

Palma B., Frederick MD

15 July 2012

Now THIS is Maine!!!

I was here in Aug 2011. Personal touches make this camp feel real homey. It is roomy but cozy, has a great view of the bay, lots of lawn and beach space to play and a great back deck for watching the sunset and having lobster dinners!!

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

10/10 Excellent

6 June 2012

A wonderful week in Maine

We know the owners of Boenau Camp personally but had never stayed there until July 2011. The cabin is comfortable and well equipped and the location is a great combination of quiet, privacy, wonderful coastal Maine views and walks, plus access to good places to eat. The owners went out of their way to provide renters with information on things to see and do as well as restaurants in the area. We took advantage of the latter but mostly enjoyed walks along the shore, Hermit Thrushes in the woods, and the wildflowers.

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

8/10 Good

30 May 2012

Cabin Rating

Very pleasant setting. Cabin is well stocked with cooking utensils and is clean and neatly organized. Great sunset views!

About the host

Hosted by Bob Boenau

My great-grandfather as well his father were both born in Castine - so coming here every summer is a long-standing family tradition. And when my grandfather was ready to retire, he decided to come back 'home' to Castine.

Shortly after my grandparents restored the old sea captain's family home in town (his 'retirement project'), they decided to build a camp out on the shore, so that their children and grandchildren could visit them in Castine, just like they had done for so many years.

He fashioned our camp partly after his sister's cottage down the beach, and partly after a cabin his uncle had built in the 1920's, on Smith Cove in Brooksville (which is just across Castine and Oakum Bay). In fact, our stone fireplace is a replica of the one in his uncle's cabin.

Why they chose this property

My wife and I followed in my grandparents' footsteps when we moved to Maine 18 years ago.

I now live in Boothbay as a boatbuilder, but try to spend some time here every summer.

We can't be here all summer long, and when we aren't here, we're happy to make it available to others.

What makes this property unique

It's an unbelievably quiet and untouched stretch of beach. Time really seems to stop here.

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Secluded Sunset Retreat on Penobscot Bay

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Spaces

About this property