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Spectacularly Situated Mansion.

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Sol's Cliff
Enjoy a private oasis within walking distance of Acadia, the beach & Bar Harbor
Sol's Cliff, tucked into Acadia National Park
Eat-in kitchen worthy of the best chefs, featuring beautiful stove and more
The dining room table has leaves that allow it to be sized 2-24

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
12 bedrooms6+ bathroomsSleeps 22

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Bar Harbor, ME
  • Village Green
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watching
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Cadillac Mountain
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

12 bedrooms (sleeps 22)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 6

1 King Bed

Bedroom 7

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 8

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 9

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 10

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 11

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 12

2 Cribs

6 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 5

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 6

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 7

Toilet

Spaces

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

About this property

Spectacularly Situated Mansion.

Sol’s Cliff House is an historic mansion just south of Bar Harbor, Maine, overlooking Frenchman Bay. Nestled into twelve private acres of pine and fir, this Mount Desert Island rental delivers what we think is the most magnificent view on an island of incredible views. Our step-grandfather, New York lawyer-novelist Arthur Train, commissioned the house to be built by Boston architect George Shepard in 1914, making it one of the last surviving “summer cottages” of Bar Harbor’s gilded-era golden age. It barely survived the great fire of 1947. Large ground-floor rooms connect by double doors and a great front hall. The entire east side overlooking the bay is lined with double French doors opening onto a brick terrace, affording wonderful views east across Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands to the mainland and south to Egg Rock light house and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. To stay at Sol’s Cliff House is to step back in time to an era of long family summers, house parties, vigorous exercise, domestic culture-and a note of extravagance. Enjoy this special place where Acadia meets Frenchman Bay, relax in the rhythm of lobstermen making their rounds (plus the occasional cruise ship passing in the distance), and rejuvenate where the mountain and sea air mingle.

Property manager

William Gerard

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 9:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
Perhaps upon prior approval
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside
My lease will reflect more accurately the cancellation policy. Essentially once you have chosen Sols Cliff we take that period off the market and
reserve it for your exclusive use. There are three equal payments prior to entering. Should you not be able to come you will be refunded 100% of what
you have paid from any substitute lease payments entered into.

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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bar Harbor

Located in Bar Harbor, this holiday home is in the city centre and near theme parks. 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 Wild Gardens of Acadia and George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bar Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • Village Green - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watching - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
  • West Street Historic District - 5 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 9 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 21 min drive - 13.5 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Thirsty Whale - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Side Street Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Blaze Craft Beer and Wood Fired Flavors - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Finback Alehouse - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Choco-Latte - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Spectacularly Situated Mansion. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at Spectacularly Situated Mansion.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spectacularly Situated Mansion.?

Checkout is at 9:30 AM.

Where is Spectacularly Situated Mansion. located?

This family-friendly Bar Harbor holiday home is located in a rural location, within 2 mi (3 km) of Sieur de Mont Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia and Schooner Head. Acadia National Park is 2.3 mi (3.8 km) away.

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. 11 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Bob A.

Tennessee family and friends visit Bar Harbor

Seventeen family and friends (included 5 children/grandchildren ages 7 - 4) just completed our 1-week visit to Bar Harbor. Highly recommend this home for large family or friend gathering. Words are inadequate to describe the view from the terrace and ocean facing bedrooms. It is completely isolated and yet very convenient to the town of Bar Harbor (1-2 miles away). Home caretaker (Leo) was very prompt to respond to two minor maintenance issues. Could not have found a better home for our large family and friends' gathering.

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

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

Old world charm with amazing view

We were very relaxed and enjoyed our vacation at this home. The house is huge and could accomodate several families. The Views are spectacular. The hjouse is over 100 years old and is kept in near original condition so don't expect 21st century amenities. However the lack of new VRBO-expected accomodations are what made our stay even more relaxed. With so much to do in Acadia - we hiked and kayaked veryday, having a place to unwind or take a smlow morning with coffee was perfect. Only problem was you want to hang out looking at the view more than hiking. Great place
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Derek W.

A True Getaway

This house is worth it for the view alone. I packed an ambitious amount of reading material with the goal of spending hours on hours reading on the terrace. That goal went unaccomplished as the view overwhelms you with majesty and you just cannot take your eyes off it--the Mt. Desert Narrows, the Porcupine Islands, the lobstermen collecting traps. Inside, the house is spacious and full of historical surprises. A perfect spot for large groups not wanting to step on each other's toes. After long days of hiking, the library basically begs you to sit by the fire with a drink. The easy access to Acadia is also an incredible asset. Within minutes we could find ourselves climbing up mountains to even more incredible vistas.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Unforgettable vacation

We opened the front door and our jaws dropped. The house itself is magnificent from floor to ceiling and the view off the cliff is breathtaking. While the historical detail fascinated me - even the doorknobs look original - it doesn't displace modern amenities. We cooked (and cleaned up) with ease. The location also can't be beat. The town is a walkable distance, the Schooner Head and Compass Harbor Trails are practically at the end of the driveway, and more challenging trails are minutes away by car. We want to come back next year.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Outstanding!

We originally rented Sol's Cliff in August, 2011, to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of my parents. This house is fantastic for large family get-togethers of the extended clan, i.e., grandparents, children and grandchildren. The original trip went so well we returned again in August, 2012 & August, 2014, this time with an extended group of friends and our children (ranging in age from toddlers to pre-teens). Lots of fun to be in the same house and let the kids rollick around. It is quiet and secluded with incredible views over the ocean but a quick drive or easy biking distance to town (for all but the smallest bicyclists). The house itself is an amazing example of architecture from a long-gone era when families would decamp to a place like Bar Harbor for the whole summer. Faded glory and rustic chic in the best way possible. The kitchen is large, comfortable and functional. Handy grill outside. Owner was easy to work with, flexible, and prompt in communications. Has been in same family for generations. We hope to go back again in the future.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Outstanding!

We originally rented Sol's Cliff in August, 2011, to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of my parents. This house is fantastic for large family get-togethers of the extended clan, i.e., grandparents, children and grandchildren. The original trip went so well we returned again in August, 2012 & August, 2014, this time with an extended group of friends and our children (ranging in age from toddlers to pre-teens). Lots of fun to be in the same house and let the kids rollick around. It is quiet and secluded with incredible views over the ocean but a quick drive or easy biking distance to town (for all but the smallest bicyclists). The house itself is an amazing example of architecture from a long-gone era when families would decamp to a place like Bar Harbor for the whole summer. Faded glory and rustic chic in the best way possible. The kitchen is large, comfortable and functional. Handy grill outside. Owner was easy to work with, flexible, and prompt in communications. Has been in same family for generations. We hope to go back again in the future.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A beautiful house to match a beautiful island.

I was truly amazed the first time we pulled into the circular driveway. It felt like I had traveled through time and space to an English country estate where Hercule Poirot was about to solve a mystery. I loved everything about the house. The old world charm, the location, the amazing views. It was the perfect place for our group of friends to enjoy a wonderful Maine vacation. I can't recommend this house highly enough.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A beautiful house to match a beautiful island.

I was truly amazed the first time we pulled into the circular driveway. It felt like I had traveled through time and space to an English country estate where Hercule Poirot was about to solve a mystery. I loved everything about the house. The old world charm, the location, the amazing views. It was the perfect place for our group of friends to enjoy a wonderful Maine vacation. I can't recommend this house highly enough.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Skyler H.

Relaxing, gorgeous & FUN getaway!

I stayed here and had the most RELAXING vacation! Nothing beats walking through the first floor and passing by all the screen doors letting in fresh air, although sitting outside and reading a book or even working (some of us couldn't get away the entire week) with a breathtaking view in front of you was great too! We went on many wonderful hikes, went sea kayaking and even took a mail boat out to Little Cranberry Island for an unforgettable meal! This home is great because it has a huge kitchen and it's made to fit a big group be it friends or family. The fireplaces are a wonderful touch and all the antiques make it feel like you're in another time (which is really cool)! It's an unforgettable place, highly recommended!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Skyler H.

Relaxing, gorgeous & FUN getaway!

I stayed here and had the most RELAXING vacation! Nothing beats walking through the first floor and passing by all the screen doors letting in fresh air, although sitting outside and reading a book or even working (some of us couldn't get away the entire week) with a breathtaking view in front of you was great too! We went on many wonderful hikes, went sea kayaking and even took a mail boat out to Little Cranberry Island for an unforgettable meal! This home is great because it has a huge kitchen and it's made to fit a big group be it friends or family. The fireplaces are a wonderful touch and all the antiques make it feel like you're in another time (which is really cool)! It's an unforgettable place, highly recommended!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Great house and a Great time!

We stayed at this house in September 2015. It was perfect! We were a group of about 12 and the house easily accommodated all of us (and would have fit quite a few more). The house is truly amazing-- apparently one of the last examples of the mansions from the halcyon days of Mount Desert Island. It definitely maintains its classic feel, but has been updated with modern amenities (like internet, which is a must for us and an issue on MDI at times, a grill, and a very well updated kitchen). The view off of the back porch is honestly one of the best I have ever seen, and while the house is well tucked away from others, it is a quick trip, either walking (20 minutes) or driving (3-4 minutes), into downtown Bar Harbor. Also very close to some of the better parts of Acadia, including the Dorr Mountain ladder trail and Mt. Champlain, and just a short walk through the woods to Compass Cover. We've been going to MDI for years and we all agreed this is the best rental we've gotten. Acadia is amazing, in terms of its natural beauty of course but also in terms of the history that made it the park it is today -- it's hard to articulate, but we all agreed that the house parallels those things well. We'd definitely return. Not sure why the house has no reviews right now--- it certainly did when we booked it, and that's part of the reason I "stopped" to make sure I left one. We'd definitely return!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Great house and a Great time!

We stayed at this house in September 2015. It was perfect! We were a group of about 12 and the house easily accommodated all of us (and would have fit quite a few more). The house is truly amazing-- apparently one of the last examples of the mansions from the halcyon days of Mount Desert Island. It definitely maintains its classic feel, but has been updated with modern amenities (like internet, which is a must for us and an issue on MDI at times, a grill, and a very well updated kitchen). The view off of the back porch is honestly one of the best I have ever seen, and while the house is well tucked away from others, it is a quick trip, either walking (20 minutes) or driving (3-4 minutes), into downtown Bar Harbor. Also very close to some of the better parts of Acadia, including the Dorr Mountain ladder trail and Mt. Champlain, and just a short walk through the woods to Compass Cover. We've been going to MDI for years and we all agreed this is the best rental we've gotten. Acadia is amazing, in terms of its natural beauty of course but also in terms of the history that made it the park it is today -- it's hard to articulate, but we all agreed that the house parallels those things well. We'd definitely return. Not sure why the house has no reviews right now--- it certainly did when we booked it, and that's part of the reason I "stopped" to make sure I left one. We'd definitely return!

About the host

Hosted by William Gerard

Host profile image
We have summered at Sols Cliff for generations. The current generation of owners are siblings spread out across the nation and we love to assemble at Sols Cliff. This is a perfect location for large family reunions as we can all be together yet we can also find space to be alone. This is a unique vacation house right in Acadia near the heart of Bar Harbor.

Why they chose this property

This property has been with our family since 1914. It is one of the very few old summer "Cottages" to have survived the devastating fire of 1947. In the early days of Mount Desert summer colonies, the best sites were chosen for the houses and this is one of them. Spectacular view over Frenchman's Bay. As one of the last remaining Summer Cottages that were numerous in the Bar Harbor area before the great fire of 1947, the house still has many of its original details. Various renovations have endeavored to preserve the historical character while adding modern convenience.

What makes this property unique

Capable of accommodating large gatherings: family reunions, weddings, corporate retreats etc. The game house solves all manner of rainy day trials for children.
First floor: grand, brick-floored entry foyer with fireplace offers splendid views through glass-paneled doors to the brick terrace and frenchman's bay beyond. Spacious formal living room with fireplace and french doors (seven sets) leading to the terrace and outer grounds is wonderful for entertaining. Satellite television with dvd and vcr. Gracious dining room with fireplace and seating for up to 22, also with direct access via french doors to outside dining area and terrace with views of the bay, islands and egg rock lighthouse. Warm and comfortable library with fireplace, several shelves of books and stereo. Butler's pantry, kitchen with seating for nine. Adjacent sitting and playroom for children with television and dvd and vcrlaundry room. Half bath and small fax room off foyer.

Second floor: master bedroom suite with king bed, fireplace, walk-in closet/changing room and private full bath with tub and shower. A porch with beautiful water views adjoins the master suite. Bedroom with queen bed, water views and shares full bath with double bedroom with water views. Bedroom with double bed, fireplace and water views shares full bath with claw-foot tub with bedroom with two twin beds, also with water views. Bedroom with queen bed and private full bath with tub and shower, also with doorway to help's wing hallway. Second master bedroom suite with king bed, water views, adjacent full bath with tub and shower and step-down to nursery with two cribs in separate room. Many of the rooms on this floor have doors leading to adjacent rooms, which may be kept open or closed, depending upon your needs. Four more bedrooms with single beds and shared bath and tub in former help's wing. Two roll away beds to be placed where desired.
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