Entire home·Private host

PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

Photo gallery for PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

A building with a balcony overlooking the sea at sunset. - PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home (Harpswell)
A cozy room with a brick fireplace, framed artwork, and a bookshelf. - PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home (Harpswell)
A wooden door with a view of the ocean, a green railing, and a rope on the porch. - PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home (Harpswell)
A wooden desk with a typewriter, a cup of pencils, and a view of the sea through a window. - PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home (Harpswell)
A large, two-story house with a covered porch and a steeply pitched roof. - PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home (Harpswell)
You can look forward to golfing on-site, a garden and a playground at PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home. Adventurous travellers may like the kayaking at this cottage. Treat yourself to a massage or other spa services. Guests can connect to in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Add dates for prices

About this property

PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

  • HISTORIC ISLAND COTTAGE
    Built in 1918, The Gills is an original summer cottage perched above the sea at the very end of Bailey Island. Secluded far from the road, nestled in a grove of pine and spruce, the house is pure tranquility. Each beautifully appointed room is both comfortable and authentic.

    Enjoy naps on the porch swing or walk to nearby beaches, restaurants and shops. Explore tide pools along the rocky coastline. Go sailing or kayaking. Fish for striped bass from the rocks, just steps from the porch. Enjoy fresh lobster pulled from the ocean that morning by one of the local lobstermen.

    Whatever you choose to do, it all comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Sit back and watch the sea and sky change with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different.

    The Gills will give you the opportunity to slow down, and remember how good it feels to do nothing at all, surrounded by friends and family.

    THE GILLS sleeps 6 - with two queen beds and two twin beds.
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    THE GILLS GROUP

    THE GILLS GROUP is a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together for larger groups or intimate events. The cottages are adjacent, each with its own spectacular ocean views.

    For larger groups - please check out the other GILLS GROUP cottages (Jaquish Lane and The Red House).

    Jaquish Lane sleeps 12 (VRBO property # 733483) and The Red House sleeps 4 (VRBO property # 1063510). Renting two (or more) of THE GILLS GROUP cottages together is the perfect way for larger groups to be “together” while still having a space of your own.
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    BAILEY ISLAND

    25 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 50 minutes from Portland - Bailey Island is the perfect place to unplug, relax and recharge.
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    THE OWNER
    My name is Carter Smith and I am the owner of THE GILLS GROUP (The Red House #1063510, Jaquish Lane #733483 and The Gills). I was born on Bailey Island and after traveling the world I know that this little island is special. As both a photographer and filmmaker, I travel quite a bit and I've furnished the houses with things I've collected from around the world (and around Maine). These are not just "rental properties"to me . These are houses I've designed and furnished with love and attention to detail - places where I spend time with family and friends whenever I get the chance. Places that I love sharing.
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    FROM THE GUESTBOOK

    "We fell in love with the cottage as soon as we climbed the steps to the porch and saw the expansive ocean views."
    Julia K.

    "You have created a beautiful retreat that captures a time when life was slower and the focus was on what is truly important - those we love."
    Cynthia M.

    "Walking into The Gills was like taking a step back into another time. Every room feels like it has a story to tell."
    Alison C.

    "There are special touches in every room, and the owner has gone above and beyond with great mattresses, linens and towels"
    Aja M.

    "We loved starting each day on the porch with our coffee - watching the lobster boats, seabirds, and the changing colors of the ocean"
    Kelly B.

    "The location is breathtaking, with wonderful sunrises and sunsets."
    Kim F.

    "This place has stolen our family's hearts."
    Michelle K.
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    IMPORTANT NOTE:
    This cottage is perfect if you're seeking an authentic Maine experience and love historic homes - BUT - The Gills is over 100 years old and has all of the quirks of an old home. There are changes in the level of the floor at several of the thresholds between rooms. The original horsehair plaster in the upstairs bedrooms and hallway is intact - and imperfect in places. The original canvas floor runner on the stairs is still in place - and shows it's age with the wear of the many people who have enjoyed this magical cottage. As the owner - and lover of historic homes - I have chosen to keep these original details intact. If you are expecting something glossy and perfect and new - then The Gills is probably not the cottage for you. If you love the authentic charm of a truly historic home - the quirks and odd details that can't fully be shown in a photograph - then you just may fall in love. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact our property manager David Johnson - Dave@thegillsgroup.com


    Keywords: Private, Oceanfront, Family, Cottage

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Service animals only (pets not allowed)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: There is a 500$ charge if smoking occurs

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

If using "INSTANT BOOKING" make sure your departure/arrival day is a Saturday - we can ONLY accept Saturday to Saturday rentals from June 14 - Sept 6
For rentals longer than one week, a non-refundable $139 property fee will be charged for each additional week of your stay (partial or full)
Multi-week rentals must be cleaned each week. You will be charged separately for all additional cleaning fees.

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Event fees apply and require additional insurance

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There is a 500$ charge if smoking occurs

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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: 12
Note from host: Event fees apply and require additional insurance
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Located in Bailey Island, this cottage is on the waterfront. Cobwork Bridge and Bailey Island Bridge are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Brunswick Town Commons and Casco Bay. Land's End Gift Shop and Ash Cove Pottery are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and ecotours. Visit our Bailey Island travel guide
View more Cottages in Bailey Island
Map
Harpswell, ME

What's nearby

  • Land's End Gift Shop
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Mackerel Cove
    6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • beach near Mackerel Cove Lot
    2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • beach near Bailey Island
    4 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • Brunswick Station
    34 min drive
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)
    61 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cook's Lobster & Ale House
    5 min drive
  • Dolphin Marina & Restaurant
    36 min drive
  • Erica's Seafood & Lobster Shop
    35 min drive
  • Bailey Island General Store
    3 min drive
  • Morse’s
    22 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Casco Bay and Land's End Gift Shop. Mackerel Cove and Bailey Island Bridge are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home Reviews