Shingle Style Cottage on the Kennebunk river, overlooking Kennebunkport.

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

4 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

Hot tub
Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Kennebunk, ME

Dock Square
‪8 min walk‬
Kennebunkport Harbor
‪9 min walk‬
Gooch's Beach
‪5 min drive‬
Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional)
‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Balcony room

1 King Bed

Cove room

1 Queen Bed

Hideaway

1 King Bed

River room

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Balcony

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 3

Cove

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Hideaway

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

River

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Separate dining area

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Bufflehead Cove (formally Bufflehead Cove Inn) is hidden away in the woods on the Kennebunkport tidal river, overlooking downtown Kennebunkport.
Situated just one mile from Kennebunkport village, this house is close enough to all the activities the area has to offer, yet secluded enough to offer peace and privacy.
Bufflehead has four lovely bedrooms. Each room is complete with either a king or queen size bed and private bathrooms. Three of the rooms include whirlpool tubs and all but one room has a working gas fireplace.
As a guest at our beautiful home, you can surround yourself with complete privacy, or journey into the quaint historic town of Kennebunkport….the choice is yours.
It was built in the late 1800s by local boat builders. The downstairs floor is first cut maple and many of the very large windows have the original wavy glass. This classic shingle style cottage is filled with local history and hidden charm. Don’t forget to ask at check in about the phantom candles!
The property is half a mile down a quiet gravel lane in Lower Village, Kennebunk., just around the corner from Kennebunkport village. It is located on the tidal Kennebunk River. Five acres of field and woods surround the property and yet the house is only one mile from Kennebunkport center and two miles to the beaches.
The view downriver is of the village of Kennebunkport and upriver to the Arundel Golf course.
Four bedrooms offer private baths, whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces, and lots of privacy.
There is a large downstairs living room with a wood fireplace, comfy window seats, and views from all the windows of the tidal river. A dining room extends from the living room and can seat 8 guests.
The property has a full kitchen with a gas stove and four ovens. The kitchen is being fully renovated this winter ( 2021) as it was an inn kitchen for 35 years, and though it functioned well, it needs some updating. We will be posting new photos once the work is done.
There is a laundry room off the kitchen which has two dryers and two washing machines. We provide laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
Enjoy watching the tide rise and fall from our front porch.

Property manager

Shannon Gordon

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 30

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

No fires on property except in the solo stove. No burning candles without permission. Must get permission for launching kayaks, paddle boards etc.

Must get permission to launch a boat, paddle board, kayaks etc off property.

Swim at your own risk

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Kennebunk

Located in Kennebunk, this holiday home is on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Moody Beach and Ogunquit Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Old Orchard Beach Pier. Gardens at Historic Wallingford Hall and Bette-Jean's are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Kennebunk, ME

What's nearby

Dock Square - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Kennebunkport Harbor - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Kennebunkport Village Green - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Gooch's Beach - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
Kennebunk Beach - 6 min drive - 4.5 km

Getting around

Wells Regional Transportation Center - 16 min drive
Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

‪Alisson's Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
‪Federal Jack's - ‬3 min drive
‪Pilot House Restaurant - ‬19 min walk
‪H.B. Provisions - ‬11 min walk
‪Mornings In Paris - ‬16 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Shingle Style Cottage on the Kennebunk river, overlooking Kennebunkport. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Shingle Style Cottage on the Kennebunk river, overlooking Kennebunkport. ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Shingle Style Cottage on the Kennebunk river, overlooking Kennebunkport. ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Shingle Style Cottage on the Kennebunk river, overlooking Kennebunkport. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this historic holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of First Families Kennebunkport Museum and Dock Square. Mast Cove Galleries and Kennebunkport Harbor are also within 10 minutes.

Exceptional

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

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle C.

15 July 2024

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

Great vacation in Maine

Great home by the river with ample room for a group travelling together. Check in with Jennifer was very informative and we appreciated the checking in during our stay for any questions about the house or the area. Kitchen is well stocked with all the necessities. Kennebunk beaches 5 minute drive away. Parking passes were provided but best to go early as limited parking spots available. AC in all bedrooms but not in the common areas. We loved eating breakfast on the patio and enjoyed our stay.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle E.

4 July 2024

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

Fantastic and relaxing property!

The house is as advertised and was perfect for our two families of four (that included 4 teens/young adults). Plenty of room for everyone to relax. The wrap around porch is a wonderful place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening. It is also in a great location - walkable to downtown Kennebunkport. We would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Trista A.

23 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Pretty location, but no more water access

Pros: the property was beautiful, and the room setup worked well for our group. This place was fully stocked with games, books, puzzles, and kitchen equipment. The main room and porch were really nice, and even though we came during a heat wave, it wasn't too bad, especially with air conditioners in the bedrooms. The location was great, being so close to town. Cons: The previous host's daughter took over this year, and I think there's been some bumps in the transition. Another person checked us in, and said there were no kayaks available or places to fish onsite. Two days later I was able to speak with the daughter, who said that over the winter there was a terrible storm that wiped out their riverbank, so there was no safe way to access the water on site. That is totally understandable, but had we known ahead of time, we either wouldn't have brought all the life vests/fishing gear, or we would have brought my SUV that could transport kayaks. She did apologize and tried to find other options, and was on point communication-wise from that point onward. We were the first guests of the season, and I think they weren't quite ready for us, possibly due to everyone focused on cleaning up from the storm. There are some various areas of the house/property that looked like they could use some updating/deep cleaning/maintaining. We did still have a really great stay, but they should update their listing to make it clear that there is no water access for the time being.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andy M., 99 Tree Crest Cir, The Woodlands, Texas 77381, USA

26 October 2023

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

Beautiful house

The house and surroundings were lovely. On this trip we stayed in two houses back-to-back, one in Cape Cod and this one. This one was by far the better house. The house has 5 suites, all with private baths, perfect for us, as a large group. The kitchen is well equipped and spacious. The washer/dryer set up is very nice.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon S., Dallas

18 October 2023

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

Real life "On Golden Pond"

Eight women who have been friends since we started medical school 40 years ago take a trip together every year. Most of us had somehow never been to Maine before, so this marvelous house in such a quiet and beautiful location was perfect. We loved all the fireplaces and reading nooks and porches, and put the kitchen to good use. The house sleeps 8 easily, 10 if you don't mind two people in a queen bed. Harriet gave us great suggestions on where to go for our daily long walks and good places to eat. It's an older house and has its quirks, but that added to the charm. It could not have been a lovelier week and we were all sad to leave.

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lorna S.

26 September 2023

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

Perfect spot for a reunion

Five long retired AF officers and their wives gathered here for our annual reunion. It was a great spot to enjoy each other and the surroundings. The house was perfect, especially the circular dining room table with room for all of us. We also thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent porch where we loved watching the tide go in and out as well as the beautiful geese. Thank you, Harriet, for being so welcoming and making sure everything was perfect for us.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Reed N., Plainwell, Mi

16 September 2023

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

Kennebunkport

The place was great. We needed 5 equal bedrooms and this came close. We had 10 total in our group, 5 brothers and sister and our spouses. The inside of the property was very tastfully decorated and despite the rainy week the house offered plenty of room.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan T.

9 September 2023

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

Four Nights in Maine

This home on a tidal river is always warm and welcoming and so spacious yet not overwhelming for two people. It’s tempting to return with our family, but we love the quiet of this deeply peaceful place. The verandah, the hammock, the bathtubs! The deep window seats! A chaise lounge on the bedroom balcony. The best spots ever for reading. We didn’t cook on this trip, but the kitchen is well-equipped and inviting.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Steven I.

29 August 2023

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

Nice property - definitely met our needs

The property definitely met the needs of our group of 10. The location was very convenient for a great number of activities, restaurants and beaches. The owners were very responsive and quick to answer our questions. The VRBO pictures were accurate to the property with the exception of having a dock at the location (kids were a little sad about that one)…extra bonus…great property pup, she is so friendly!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melchora A.

12 August 2023

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

Peaceful Retreat

This was our 2nd year at this wonderful sanctuary. Sitting on the patio for coffee in the am and drinks in the evening with friends is priceless. You truly become homebodies! Thank you so much!!

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pamela R., Doylestown

8 August 2023

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

Amazing home on Kennebunk River

Harriet greeted us as a wonderful host into her home which used to serve as a Bed and Breakfast. Our stay was for our daughter's wedding at Nonantum. Each BR was beautifully appointed with handpainted walls, beautiful comforters, and elegant whirlpool tubs! Two of the BR's are actually separate apartments which served as the perfect bridal and MOH suites for our daughters. The view from the master balcony and the bumpout dock was amazing and we enjoyed early morning coffees and late evening sunsets. There were also 2 paddle boards and Kayaks that we enjoyed using! The house was at the end of the lane - so very private with easy access to the river. Each room was airconditioned, but the main house is not. In Maine, this is not usually a problem and we were outside most of the time. There was actually a heat wave while we were there and we were still fine, but we had a large crowd in for a lobster bake and the kitchen did get hot then. We found a large fan in the laundry room after dinner which was helpful! There are 2 washing machines and dryers for big crowds. She has an abundance of bath/ beach towels and plenty of kitchen soaps, cleaners, aluminum foil, coffee filters, etc. If you like being outside, this is perfect for your family because the inside is still kind of set up for the bed and breakfast - small for a big crowd. The deck (mostly covered) wraps around the entire house and there is seating for 15-20! We loved our time in Kennebunk and will be back!!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandon M.

24 July 2023

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

Exactly as described on listing, 5 stars, wonderful stay!

5 stars, wonderful stay!

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tyler B.

18 July 2023

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

Great place on the river

Really fun place on the river in Kennebunkport. Lots of room with lots of beds, so I’d suggest inviting friends and family.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

14 July 2023

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

Lots of space and great Location

We are a family of nine with 6 adults and 3 “children” ranging from 1 year old to 11 years old to 20 years old. This allowed everyone to have a space of their own. The dining table can be expanded to a huge size to accommodate a bigger group (think butterfly leaves for a round table-everything is there under the table and pops up when needed). The living room had tons of space for everyone between the couch, chairs, window seats, etc. this was helpful during our very rainy week. We also used the porch a lot. The location on the tidal River was fantastic and there were kayaks to use on property. I would caution anyone with littles that this may not work. Out 20 month old found A LOT of items to grab that were breakable. We had to move a lot out of reach and hope we got it all back properly. The house definitely needs updating and the pictures are older; however the beds in several rooms were clearly newer and very nice. There are acs in the bedrooms, but not the common areas. Harriet and her husband are very responsive and helpful. They clearly want everyone to enjoy their stay and are right there, literally, when you need them. I would definitely stay there again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul G.

1 July 2023

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

Great space for families!

We had an excellent experience and enjoyed our time as a family. The property is well set up for young families, with separated rooms for sleeping. The property was extremely well-situated to get into town. One item of note was that the listing photos included a photo of a dock, which was not in place. We would recommend the property to all!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol M.

25 June 2023

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

Gorgeous home & location

This beautiful home was perfect for our family gathering. The location was ideal- very private and quiet and scenic, but close to the village and beaches and recreational sites. The wrap around porch and lower deck on the river were favorite outdoor spots to relax. Our family loves to cook and the kitchen and outdoor grill provided everything we needed to make delicious meals. We loved gathering around the very large and gorgeous round table in the dining rooms for dinner. The bedrooms were spacious and lovely and very comfortable, three on the second floor and two with entrances outside the house that were especially private. Harriet was an attentive and helpful host, responding quickly to my questions and going out of her way to get us an extra beach pass. We loved this home on the river and hope to stay again in the future.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Nathalie B., Québec, Canada

20 June 2023

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

Bonheur familiale :)

Grande propriété sur le bord d’une rivière, assez isolée pour ne pas entendre le bruit de la ville ou de la route mais village accessible même à pieds. Nous étions les grands-parents avec 2 de nos enfant avec leur conjoint(e)s et leur enfants de 1 et 2 ans. Deux des suites ont leur propre entrée ce qui les rend plus isolées/ intimes, parfait pour les couples avec enfants. Il y a 4 fours dans la cuisine qui est parfaitement équipée, 2 laveuses, 2 sécheuses, une grande galerie couverte, idéale pour manger dehors même lorsqu’il pleut. Pouvoir, j’y passerais l’été entier! 😁

Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy K., Washington, DC

31 May 2023

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

Mini-reunion of college friends

The house on Bufflehead Cove was perfect for our mini-reunion of college friends. The house is spacious and comfortable. Large kitchen with lots of glasses, china, and tableware. Lovely dining room with a handsome round wooden table and plenty of seating and smaller tables on the porch overlooking the River. Three comfortable bedrooms upstairs and two very attractive bedroom suites outside gave us plenty of space and privacy. Loved being on the water and playing beanbag toss on the porch before dinner. We had a great time!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chet V.

22 May 2023

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

Best small wedding location ever!

My wife(!!!) and I recently got married at the property. We went with our immediate family (a total of 7 guests total staying) and it was perfect. The views are stellar, and the hideaway room being separated from the main house entrance was great for privacy. Harriet was very engaging and enthusiastic, and the property itself was picture perfect. We had pouring rain on the day itself, and managed to still have an absolutely beautiful wedding and photo shoot under the covered porch on the front of the house. Best day of my life, can't recommend it enough.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura P.

16 October 2022

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

Waterfront Cove

Charming older home. Had everything we needed. Gorgeous location!!! Host was extremely helpful!

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caroline L.

4 October 2022

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

Lovely and spacious -- enjoy a waterfront inn all to yourself!

The property was absolutely perfect for our multi-generational family trip. So many great spots to gather, and separate spaces to have some privacy too. Note that two of the rooms have separate outdoor entrances (one is a lovely cottage with the best view; the other is behind the main house and spacious but no view at all). The main house has three bedrooms, one with a lovely enclosed front terrace with amazing sunrise view and two with access to a side terrace. Once we sorted out where everyone was staying, we settled in easily and had everything we needed. The kitchen is well-stocked and we loved the tea and coffee stations in the dining room. Very convenient to have a laundry room with beach towels. And the location is perfect -- we loved being right on the water, and it's a very short drive or a 20-min walk to the bustling center of town. But it's also tempting to stay and sip tea on the porch! The property owner is communicative and available for any questions. We'd happily stay here again!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan T.

3 October 2022

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

Beautiful home, Fabulous Setting

On a river and surrounded by saltwater marshes and forests, this Kennebunkport home is a great base for hikes, historical goodies, restaurants, and bike paths. The home is spacious and welcoming, with fabulous bathrooms and bedrooms. Each bedroom has a porch or sun room. A great wraparound porch outdoors. In five nights we still did not have time to enjoy each fabulous place to sit and read a book or have a drink. Highly recommend!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Teresa L.

28 September 2022

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

Wonderful

We were here for a wedding in Kennebunkport. The house was perfect for our large family. We would definitely come back.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mike C.

24 August 2022

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

Family Reunion

Great memories and great spot

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melchora A.

13 August 2022

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

Slice of Heaven

Loved this property and reviewed It the first week. The front porch, the vista, the charm of the house were huge highlights! I used to be very active every day and at this property, I became a front porch sitter and left It very rarely ( although Maine had a very rare heat alert for 3 days and then AC was a must!) We were so relaxed! The owners were very gracious and patient. They allowed us to bring our 8 month puppy with us and he was SO happy swimming in the river, playing with the owner’s dog, and getting very dirty! The property is close to town and kayaking in the river is amazing. Keep in mind that all bedrooms are air conditioned, but main floor is not, but stayed pretty cool except during above mentioned temps. Loved It so much that we’re returning next year… Thanks Harriett, Jim, Erin, and Paige!

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Shannon Gordon

My husband Jim and I have run Bufflehead Cove as an inn for 35 years. We retired from the inn life and now offer our property for you to rent and enjoy.
We live next door in the River Cottage and are available for ideas on what to do in our area. We are natives of Maine and know its secrets. This year 2024 our daughter Shannon is helping us. She has 40 years of experience with short term rentals, hospitality and is formally a local interior designer.

Why they chose this property

If you are looking for a pretty and private property in a beautiful setting then Bufflehead Cove is for you. The property offers two rooms with private entrances for extra privacy. We offer peace and privacy with everything Kennebunkport has to offer available nearby.

What makes this property unique

If privacy, peace and an escape from the maddening crowd is what you want in these stressful times, then Bufflehead is the place for you. We are located near everything that Kennebunkport has to offer but we are very private and peaceful.

Languages:

English

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Shingle Style Cottage on the Kennebunk river, overlooking Kennebunkport.

Photo gallery for Shingle Style Cottage on the Kennebunk river, overlooking Kennebunkport.

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Balcony room

Cove room

Hideaway

River room

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Balcony

Bathroom 3

Cove

Hideaway

River

Spaces

About this property