Entire home

Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond.

Photo gallery for Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond.

Sunrise from the Island Watch
Our entry drive
Sun room dining area.
Exterior detail
Entry way and mud room.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
7 bedrooms6+ bathroomsSleeps 14408.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Southwest Harbor, ME
  • Acadia National Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Chart Room

1 Queen Bed

Helm

1 King Bed

Lighthouse Room

2 Single Bunk Beds

Midship

1 Queen Bed

Mizzen

1 Queen Bed

Tiller

1 King Bed

Waypoint

1 Queen Bed

6 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Chart Room bath

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Helm bath

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Lighthouse Room bath

Towels provided · Toilet

Midship bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Mizzen bath

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Tiller bath

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Waypoint bath

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond.

The views from Island Watch are spectacular. To the northeast is the fjord of Somes Sound, and further south is a more intimate view of Southwest Harbor and several of the offshore islands, all with Acadia National Park's mountains as a backdrop.
Island Watch sits on a ridge above the village of Southwest Harbor and has a vista that is as unique as any on the Maine coast, yet is removed from the busier, in-town atmosphere. We are a bit more secluded, but we do have our own private path that will take you into the center of Southwest Harbor. From there you can board the free Island Explorer bus, wander through an art gallery, have a gourmet dinner, or just have an ice cream at the local café. We are only minutes away from some of the least used and most scenic trails in Acadia National Park.
Formerly run as a Bed and Breakfast, Island Watch is now available to rent on a weekly basis. The seven bedrooms of the main house each have their own bathroom. The suite on the lower level has a complete kitchen and fireplace. The main deck area provides a relaxing gathering area for your entire group, where you can kick back and watch the boating activities below. We also have a separate efficiency apartment rental unit, called the Bird's Nest (651708), over the detached garage on the same property.
The views are spectacular from the decks at Island Watch. Sit and relax in the quiet splendor of the Maine woods while taking in the panoramic beauty of the islands, mountains, harbors and the village of Southwest Harbor!
You're within walking distance to the local restaurants, bike rentals, sailing, boating, an ice cream parlor, and exclusive shops. Some of our local establishments are Beal's Lobster pound, Rogue Cafe, Sawyer's Market, Red Sky Restaurant, and the Wendell Gilley Museum.

You will enjoy spectacular ocean and mountain views, beautiful sunrises, quiet times, and the many activities in nearby Acadia National Park. The Rockefeller family constructed beautiful carriage roads throughout the park in which you can enjoy on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage, or by bike.

Come and stay at one of the most beautiful places in the Maine. Experience a quiet family vacation or one with friends. Be active or just kick back, read a book, work on a jigsaw puzzle, or paint a picture — all while enjoying the fresh air and pristine views.

Southwest Harbor has an active marine industry base of boat builders, marinas, and lobster and sail boats.
Island Watch watches all of this from its peaceful perch above the harbor. It is the Real Maine...Simple! “The way Life Should Be!”

Property manager

Susan and Andy

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
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Pre-approved pets only. $75 per pet.
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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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
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 recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Southwest Harbor

Located in Southwest Harbor, this holiday home is in the city centre. 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. Travelling with kids? Consider Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Southwest Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • Acadia National Park - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Echo Lake Beach - 8 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse - 13 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 18 min drive - 18.1 km
  • Asticou Azalea Garden - 22 min drive - 20.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Jordan Pond House Restaurant - ‬32 min drive
  • ‪Hansen's Outpost - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Gott's Store - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Tan Turtle Tavern - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond. pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond. located?

This family-friendly Southwest Harbor holiday home is located in a rural location, within 2 mi (3 km) of Wendell Gilley Museum and Acadia National Park. Long Pond and Flying Mountain Trailhead are also within 3 miles (5 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. 64 out of 71 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 71 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 71 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 71 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 71 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelly T.

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

Amazing!

We had a wonderful time staying at this property. The views are breathtaking, home is super clean and kitchen is to die for! Would definitely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara T.

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

Family Trip

Wonderful time in beautiful Maine with all our children and grandchildren
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy H.

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

Annual reunion

Excellent property! Beautiful views from the deck. Plenty of room for gathering and enjoying each other’s company. Great location for discovering Acadia and surrounding communities. The property owners were fantastic and welcoming. I can’t say enough good about our week in southwest harbor!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie L.

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

10 out of 10!!!

The house was AMAZING! The location and views were outstanding and there was plenty of space for our group of 13 adults to sleep and to gather. It was the most well stocked house any of us have stayed in. The owners were the best and were so communicative and easy to work with. 10 out of 10 for us!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

P W.

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

Fabulous

A beautiful oasis just far enough from the traffic of Acadia but close enough to easily reach everything we wanted to see and do.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet C.

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

Great house!

Perfect for our group-lots of space to spread out and great rooms to gather in. The wildlife-foxes and deer-kept us all entertained. The view was incredible!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Faith L.

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

My. Mt. Desert home

Cozy, fun loving. Great hikes and swims. Beautiful views from porch! And a wonderful kitchen to cook in. Friendly and helpful hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jann S.

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

Great location; beautiful home

Perfect home for 3 generations. Comfortable beds, plenty of bathrooms, deck with a gorgeous eastern view. Very well appointed kitchen. Owner very responsive and easy to work with. Gave us good suggestions. Hiking trails nearby that aren’t as busy as main part of Acadia. Southwest Harbor is quieter side of island but easy access to Acadia NP and Bar Harbor. SWH has excellent restaurants, bakeries and ice cream!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

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

SouthWest Harbor

This was a magnificent house for our family of 10. There was an extra bedroom beyond what we needed, so a large space. The common areas were large enough for everyone to spread out but close enough to interact. Wonderful, spacious, well stocked kitchem.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

John M.

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

Great Family Vacation Stay

My family really enjoyed staying here, the house was spacious, clean, and the views were spectacular! Definitely would consider doing it again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jaclyn P.

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

Fantastic Family Vacation house

The house was great, it has a fully stocked kitchen with everything you would need. Take a quick look before shopping there are spices, olive oil, bug spray etc. Store is a quick 5 min ride. There were 12 of us and never felt crowded or loud. Bedrooms were virtually sound proof, sometimes a rarity in an older home. There are many amazing hikes nearby right in SW Harbor. We really enjoyed the "quiet side" of the island and didn't mind the driving with Acadia and Bar Harbor being a 30 min drive. We loved the ability to walk into town via the path behind the house and go to the cafes and dinner. The views are beautiful.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carole D.

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

Fun Time Had by All

Wonderful property for a family vacation, we were a group of 11, ages 16 to 82. There was enough bedrooms and bathrooms for all to be comfortable and space to be together or time alone. The amenities provided went above and beyond anything I have experience in any other rental house. The views over the harbor were outstanding and the location was very convenient to get around Acadia and Bar Harbor. Great communication with Susan before, during and after our stay. Thank you
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S., Shaker Heights

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

Amazing views and great space for our group of 10!

Great views and location for our annual women’s hiking group! Near southwest harbor and close to Acadia’s many many hikes! The kitchen and common space were fantastic; views from the large sitting area(s) were breathtaking.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann Z.

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

Great Stay

We had a wonderful stay at Island Watch. Home was comfortable, clean and the views were awesome! We particularly enjoyed the spacious living area...lots of room for everyone. We would definitely choose to stay at Island Watch again!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bill S.

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

Birthday trip for the old man

Awesome views. Liked being away from Bar Harbor and closer to the smaller harbors. Cool trail to SW Harbor
Stayed 8 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lynda d.

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

Gorgeous views! Beautiful House!

Terrific house for a big family. Beautiful views of the harbor and distant vistas. Southwest Harbor has everything to create a home base town as one ventures about Acadia with all the area has to offer: hiking, kayaking, swimming, sailing, dining out, or just lounging on the house deck.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

James B.

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

Return to Maine

Spacious house for large family gatherings. Extremely well stocked in every way! Gorgeous views with visits by deer and turkeys. Huge kitchen with room for all our ‘chefs’.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lorae S., Fort Pierce

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

Amazing week with the family

Susan was a gracious host and the house met all of our expectations. Being on the "quietside" was perfect. The house was centrally located for everything we wanted to do, gave our group of 8 enough space to spread out, and had the best deck for coffee and happy hour! Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Helaine B.

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

Great stay!

The house was great, well-maintained and stocked and extremely clean. Kitchen had everything you could ask for; gas grill and lobster pots were perfect, as we enjoy barbecuing. Great for a family of all ages. Lots of indoor and outdoor space; convenient location close to Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, etc. The owners were quick to respond when we had questions. We would definitely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

joy f.

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

Family Trip Acadia

The house was perfect for our 10 adult family trip!!! It was immaculate ! The views of the harbor from the back deck were fabulous. The house was as pictured and the hosts were very responsive when we had questions. The kitchen is huge, very modern and cooking for 10 was easy with a ton of kitchen appliances and pots!! We highly recommend Island Watch !
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Meg R.

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

A fantastic place for a family reunion!

Our week was fantastic even with having to hunker down indoors due to Hurricane Lee. There were 5 couples and we had plenty of room and space to all eat and hang out. Susan stopped by as we were arriving to introduce herself and was at the ready to bring us a generator when we lost power. Luckily the power came back on before we needed it. All in all a great week with family, in a great place and with fantastic hosts!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Excellent house!

We had a lovely stay at Island Watch. Our group has stayed at a lot of houses and everyone gave this one great marks. The owners were wonderful and responsive. The views are stunning and we loved taking the path into town most days. The only suggestion would be to upgrade some of the beds as many are very soft.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Matt M.

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

A great week in SWH!

Our family had wonderful time visiting Mt. Desert Island and staying at Island Watch.The house is clean, fully stocked with all the essential amenities, and the view from the back deck on a clear day is fantastic! There were 13 guests in our group and the house was large enough to accommodate us all without it feeling too cozy. The communication with the owner was very easy. I highly recommend this property and we hope to be back in the years to come!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lana R.

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

Friends gathering

The house was lovely, well appointed and attractive. Susan was extremely helpful. We felt at home. Tha k yiu so much..
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ann F., Frankenmuth, MI

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

Oma's 75th Birthday

Island Watch was the perfect place for my entire family, children and grandchildren, to stay. Plenty of breathing room both inside and out. It was clean and had all the amenities we needed. If we needed something Susan responded immediately. The view was great with a morning sunsrise to enjoy.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Susan and Andy

Host profile image
We are a family of four lucky to be living and working on this beautiful island. Andy and I both grew up here on MDI (though he is a born and raised Mainer, and I am a Texan transplant). We have two daughters, ages 17 and 14, who have thankfully taken on our favorite pastimes with gusto: hiking, sailing, swimming, gardening and exploring Acadia's gems with our trusty hound are at the top of our lists.

Why they chose this property

Island Watch was built in the early 1960s by the daughter of a lighthouse keeper. The panoramic views and vistas were no doubt reminiscent of her years living on nearby outer islands, and they are most certainly what attracted us to it.

To have such a beautiful gathering spot so close to town but remote enough to feel far away from it all is a unique opportunity that we feel so lucky to have. We look forward to sharing it with you!

What makes this property unique

Island Watch is pet friendly, spacious, quiet, has magnificent panoramic ocean, mountain, islands, and village views. Two fireplaces and two complete kitchens for stretching your group out!
We also have Wi-Fi, plus a HD television in many rooms with a wide selection of channels to choose from.
On those rainy days, sit by the fire and enjoy reading, or play one of our many board games.

You can walk to the village from our front door; it is a quarter of a mile hike through the woods to town to get an ice cream or browse through our many shops.

All of the rooms have their own bathrooms.

We have safe off-street parking for over a dozen cars.

Languages:

English