Escape to the Boathouse, a unique waterfront retreat in Down East Maine. Surrounded by nature, enjoy panoramic views on deep water and cozy evenings with soothing sounds of loons and gently clanking boat masts in the distance. A fully equipped kitchen lets you cook your own lobsters while high-speed WiFi keeps you connected.
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire cabin
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 274 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Fireplace
Add dates for prices
About this property
Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm
Rustic Waterfront Boathouse in Down East Maine An Unforgettable Coastal Retreat Nestled in the heart of a historic coastal community, this unique, rustic, and romantic Boathouse offers an unparalleled waterfront experience. Surrounded by deep water, stunning beachfront views, and the rich history of Acadia, Deer Isle, and Castine, this is a haven for boaters, hikers, foodies, and art, history, and music lovers alike. About the Boathouse A beautifully restored private waterfront retreat, the Boathouse sits right on the water, offering spectacular panoramic views. With high, open ceilings and a cozy atmosphere, it feels like you're floating on the sea while enjoying all the comforts of a charming coastal cottage. Spend your days basking in warm ocean breezes and your nights beneath a star-filled sky, lulled to sleep by the calls of loons and the gentle clanking of boat masts in the distance. Inside, the space is thoughtfully appointed, featuring: A comfortable queen-sized bed A fully equipped kitchen—cook anything, even fresh-caught lobster! A gas stove for chilly nights A shower and composting toilet, supporting the sustainable nature of this special place 5G high-speed WiFi for those who want to stay connected Please Note: This is an off-the-grid-style glamping experience, combining rustic charm with modern convenience. Detailed information about the marine toilet is available on-site. What to Expect Private waterfront access with a deck and small yard fully surrounded by water A location on a historic working wharf, where small boats and fishermen still launch, echoing the days of great clipper ships Spectacular sunsets over Castine, Islesboro, and the Camden Hills Nearby hiking, galleries, and fine dining in Stonington, Deer Isle, and Blue Hill Kayak rentals available for delivery—paddle right from the Boathouse! Getting Here By car: Recommended for exploring the area Nearest airports: Bangor, Portland, Boston Bus to Bangor Additional Details Parking: Daytime parking at the landing, overnight parking in our field at the top of the hill Pets: Dogs may be allowed with prior approval. Pet fee: $30 per day per pet. All pet stays must be prepaid. Service animals require proper documentation. Host Interaction: While we respect guest privacy, we love sharing local insights, helping with beach fires, and even hosting a casual wine or s’mores night when possible. A True Maine Experience This exceptionally unique retreat has been in our family for 200 years, offering a rare glimpse into Maine’s deep maritime history. Whether you're looking for a quiet, cozy getaway or an adventurous coastal escape, the Boathouse is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Internet
Available in the cabin: WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Entertainment
Smart TV
Video games
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Firepit
Garden
Gas grill
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
On the waterfront
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)
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
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
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
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
About the area
Located in Brooksville, this cabin is on the waterfront. The Blue Hill Wine Shop and Castline Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Blue Hill Books and Blue Hill Co-op Community Market. Penobscot Marine Museum and Perry's Nut House are also worth visiting. Visit our Brooksville travel guide
Is Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Great Island and within 12 miles (20 km) of Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park and Jonathan Fisher House. Blue Hill Books and Blue Hill Bay Gallery are also within 12 miles (20 km).
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Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
My husband and I had a truly magical experience at the boat house. Being right on the water and waking up to the sounds of the water rolling into the beach, the calls of the seagulls and terns and songbirds was heavenly. A perfect spot for a couple to unwind, restore and have some great fun. And the boathouse itself is simply delightfu. Beautifully appointed. You really feel as if you’re in another space and time. And the hosts Carol and Dock are wonderful people. Extremely helpful, knowledgeable and very kind. I can’t speak more highly about this place.
Place was charming, gorgeous sunsets, loved waterfront. A few things to know.No hot tub. Couldn't lock door from inside. 'Bedrooms' aren't really rooms. Queen in main area, twin in adjacent nook. Owners okay with mice there. But Well stocked and comfortable.
I LOVED this little boathouse. I loved sitting on the deck watching seabirds, boats and seals go by all day. I loved watching the night sky as well. We took walks on the beach as well as the combined walking/driving route near the house. Everybody we encountered was so friendly and helpful. The house is located out of the way so a bit of a drive to anywhere, but that was okay with us. We ventured out every day of the 8 days we were there. Don’t miss the giant trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens even though it is a 2.5 hour drive away in Boothbay. It’s worth it. The boathouse was a bit too rustic for my husband and because it is over 100 years old, it had its quirks. The composting toilet was the biggest surprise. But it had modern electricity and running water. I loved the converted wood burning stove as the source of heat. We had a couple of issues, but when we called the owners, they came immediately to fix the problem. Dick also gave us lots of local info that was invaluable. Oh and the incredible historical value of staying in this over 100 year old boathouse was incredible. Everywhere you turn, there is some antique boating item or book or picture or story or item hanging on the wall. It was like staying in a museum. A very unique experience.
My husband and I spent three weeks in May staying at various places all along the coast of Maine. We loved every place and experience and the people we met, but our personal favorite place was the boathouse on the Bagaduce. The refurbished house was warm, cozy, comfortable and full of history...not to mention the heavenly gas stove on cool nights. The setting was like a picture from an old storybook ...beautiful and so quiet most times of the day and night that you could hear nothing but the sounds of the loons and geese calling or skidding across the water. Occasionally, a local villager would drop his small boat into the water from the landing next to the house to go out clamming or to check his lobster traps. This was such a treat for us to watch and allowed us to meet some very special people who lived on the Blue Hill Peninsula.
The Gregor's were great hosts, very kind...providing us with fresh eggs and most importantly their personal generational stories of the history along the Bagaduce River. Thank you!!!
We thoroughly enjoyed hiking in Blue Hill, seeing the beautiful old elms in Castine, and eating the best lobster of our entire trip in Stonington. Don't miss the mailboat ride to and from Isle Au Haut! The beauty is inspiring.
Simply put, the boathouse on the Bagaduce is a gem truly beyond words. It's allure was magical for us. We hope we have the good fortune of staying there once again.
This is a wonderful property with lovely hosts. Everything we wanted and love in a Maine property. Just our cup of tea. Great decor and a welcome atmosphere. Wish it were mine!!!
The sunsets were spectacular and were able to view the local wildlife. Boathouse has lots of amenities. Parking was easy and very accessible. Enjoyed the public landing in that we met other visitors to the area.
Our flight was late and finding the property in the dark and with lots of rain was a challenge but we made and very much enjoyed our stay.
Check in horrible, no hot water, screens not attached properly so mosquitos inside constantly. Host said they would credit us for the stay since they knew they had messed up, did not keep their word.
Matt M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Jamie C.
30 Jun 2025
Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
One week stay in June 2025
A camp style accommodation that was in relatively good clean condition inside and a bit in disarray outside we were told after "lifting the boathouse". The beach side location was peaceful with lots of native flowers and surroundings. Small beach next to property was pretty private and quiet with min visitors during our stay. Owners were present at the main house and checked in a couple times during our stay. Also Blue Hill Peninsula area has a lot of great foodie options and local food producers.A few notes re: the rental- The new cage wire fencing and railings now around deck not so nice and blocks direct view to water which is different then pictures which show it as an open platform porch. And as written by other guests, the composting toilet is an issue you will need to plan on managing daily. It operated the 1st 4 days and required a full wipe down after each flush if not it would send the contents up into top lid and running down the outside leading to a lingering odor and mess on floor unless cleaned thoroughly. Last remaining 4 days we were given a work round for manually flushing when flushing became an issue due to a leak but then that stopped working last day and a half and motor was pinging outside bedroom window all night. We heard from owner the day we departed that they had fixed the non flushing issue which we hope benefits the next guests - think we just were unlucky being their 1st guests of the season.
We came to this beautiful place to celebrate our 40th anniversary and spent two weeks here. What a wildlife paradise. We saw the great blue heron almost daily as well as a pair of bald eagles and harbor seals.
We enjoyed the privacy and magnificent sunsets every night.
This was the most peaceful vacation we ever had. Thank you very much to Dick and Carol. We hope to be back soon.
What a glorious summer! Thank you Carol and Dick for our wonderful stay in the Boat House. You were warm and generous hosts and the Boat House was a gem, with it’s creative beautiful decor and perfect setting. It was like living in a little maritime museum. We loved all the bits and pieces of Tapley history that you cleverly incorporated into the design. It was rustic in just the right get-away-from-it-all way. Yet still so comfortable, inviting, and creatively beautiful. When we had friends stop by, the first thing they would say was, “Wow, this is great!” And all this was surrounded by the huge sweep of the magnificent Maine coast. The beach, the Bagaduce River, the view across to Castine and the distant mountains down Penobscot Bay. Heavenly! We can’t thank you enough for our lovely and special summer in your extraordinary little Boat House on the shore. See you next summer!
The Boathouse is a very comfortable hideaway. The location is private and quiet with a lovely view. Even though it is small It has everything you need to enjoy a stay there. It made us think about downsizing and living smaller! You can walk the stoney beach when tide is out. We would definitely rent the Boathouse again if we're in the area.
A gorgeous vista and crystal clear water in a very private setting, made for an exceptional getaway that will
Take you away from the daily grind and ensure a relaxing vacation!
william b.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lynn B.
9 Sept 2018
Perfect, private, quiet, getaway. Cabin was beautifully decorated, with fabulous views and sunsets.
Good location for visiting nearby towns, with good restaurants and shops. Many choices for hiking nearby.