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Unique Nature Inspired Home in Woods next to Lake

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Welcome to Fern Way, your base from which to explore Acaida National Park.
Come and stay a while, put your feet up and enjoy a book overlooking the front lawn
All are welcome at Fern Way and we look forward to hosting you and yours.
The large upstairs primary bedroom has a king bed.
This upstairs bedroom has two twin beds with updated wall color and decor, not depicted in this photo..

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Mt Desert, ME
  • Acadia National Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Cadillac Mountain
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Unique Nature Inspired Home in Woods next to Lake

As hosts for over 25 years, having served 1000’s of guests, we are thrilled to announce that Fern Way, one of our most sought after rental homes, is back on the market after a 5 year break. During its first 15 years, Fern Way welcomed hundreds of guests and now you can experience it for yourself! Fern Way is our own family's personal home during the winter so it's full of warmth, love and amenities to make you feel right at home.

We manage multiple homes within a few miles of Fern Way, including the Club House right next door.

The Fern Way home offers a unique combination of modern amenities and rustic charm. Nestled in the woods on Mount Desert Island, this home is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. With a spacious open floor plan, post and beam details, and a large kitchen perfect for cooking family meals, Fern Way is the ideal retreat for a large group or family gathering.

A gently curving driveway through the woods leads to the quiet 10 acres that surrounds Fern Way. The attractive exterior is Adirondack style live edge siding, complemented by cedar posts supporting an entry porch overlooking the large lawn. Entering the house, two French doors lead you into a large open floor plan allowing for ease and comfort of a large group or family gathering.

The large kitchen is ideal for preparing family meals with ample counter space, appliances and gadgets, a stunning custom banister in maple and a soaring two story stonewall that defines the sunny living area and the screened porch with dining table and futon couch is the perfect spot to start your day with coffee and end it with sunsets through the trees.

The large master bedroom with a king bed is located upstairs as well as a bedroom with a queen bed, a bedroom with two twin beds that can be converted to a king if desired, and a full bathroom complete with a jetted tub to help ease tired muscles after a fun-filled day exploring Acadia. Downstairs is a bedroom with a queen bed, a bathroom with shower, and the screened porch with a new futon, which can be used as an extra bedroom or by those wishing to sleep in the fresh air of the Maine woods.

You get the whole house, 10 acres of woods, and all the fresh air you can breathe.

But don’t just rent the house, get the whole vacation!

Located in the heart of Mount Desert Island, Fern Way is no more than 10 min from all the attractions Acadia National Park has to offer and just a short walk to Long Pond, one of the best swimming and boating lakes on Mount Desert Island, as well as the secluded hidden treasures on the “quiet side” of Acadia National Park. From Bar Harbor and the breathtaking Park Loop Rd to Bass Harbor and its famous lighthouse, you’ll spend more time exploring the wonders of this lovely island and less time getting there. Within just two miles of the house are three wonderful swimming and boating lakes, several spectacular hiking trails, beautiful Somes Harbor, and just up the road, Beech Hill Farm, the only organic farm stand on the island. The Island Explorer is a free propane fueled island wide bus service. The nearest bus stop to Fern Way is in the village of Somesville, 3 miles away.

We know from our own experience that managing family vacations can be quite a job. A little local knowledge and some extra help can make your vacation more enjoyable and hassle free.

We offer:
- local vacation guides
- private biking, hiking and island tours of Acadia National Park
- super clean and well maintained houses
- lots of stuff for kids and other vacation services
- local hosts with loads of insider info and 25 years of renting vacation homes.

Adam and Jen have a deep love and understanding of the natural beauty surrounding the Acadia/Mount Desert Island area and are dedicated to the vitality of the people of Mount Desert Island. We live here year round and are raising our kids here. Thus, each year we donate a portion of our proceeds to local organizations devoted to sustaining the beauty and well-being of the Mount Desert Island area and people living here.
First and foremost we are dedicated to helping families and friends spend quality time with each other and want your vacation to be memorable. We ask that you fully read the listing details so that you are knowledgeable about the property.

Please treat our home as you would want us to treat your home.

Guest Limit: Exceeding the listed property occupancy limit (including children and infants) may result in immediate cancellation of your stay.


No Pets: We love furry friends, but this property is strictly pet-free to ensure comfort for all guests.


Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 8 AM. Please be mindful and courteous of our neighbors.


Lost & Found: We’ll do our best to return any lost items and will donate them after 2 weeks.

Smoking, outside fires or campfires (unless a designated firepit is provided) and parties/events are not permitted.

Property manager

Jennifer Wales
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
This property accepts credit cards
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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mount Desert

Located in Mount Desert, this holiday home is near theme parks and on a lake. 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 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
Mt Desert, ME

What's nearby

  • Acadia National Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 14 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watching - 19 min drive - 20.2 km
  • Otter Cliff - 23 min drive - 21.9 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 23 min drive - 21.2 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jordan Pond House Restaurant - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Shell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Atlantic Brewing Company - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Tan Turtle Tavern - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Unique Nature Inspired Home in Woods next to Lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Unique Nature Inspired Home in Woods next to Lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Unique Nature Inspired Home in Woods next to Lake?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Unique Nature Inspired Home in Woods next to Lake located?

This family-friendly Mount Desert holiday home is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Long Pond and Acadia National Park. Acadia Repertory Theater and Maine Granite Industry Museum 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. 62 out of 68 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 68 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 68 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kevin B., Lakeland

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

A magical time in the woods

We stayed at this property for four days as part of a large group here for a destination wedding. The house was everything we expected and then some. We had eight adults that were very comfortably housed and the living area was wonderful for family enjoyment. The house was spotless upon arrival and everything works! We found that the setting was excellent even for small children. It is convenient to all parts of the island. There was plenty of parking. Our host was readily available. We didn’t actually need them for anything because they were so well prepared. If you need a location that can house eight adults on Mount Desert Island you couldn’t find a nicer home.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Fern Way

Jen and Adam's home at Fern Way is a wonderful vacation spot! We enjoyed our stay immensely and hope to return again sometime soon! Thanks for everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jaydeep P.

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

Stocked up and well organized "home"

Great "home" with all essentials including well equipped kitchen, extra linens and bathroom accessories (tissue rolls, shampoos and soaps). Great location with beautiful front porch sitting area and netted outdoor patio. The owner, Jen, is very friendly, easy to reach and responsive. Enjoyed our vacation and we all had a great time at this "home".

10/10 Excellent

Sean C.

Wonderful

Wonderful house with everything you need! Very cozy and great kitchen!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Scott Dyer O.

Perfect :)

We loved Fern Way as our base to explore MDI. We've rented many homes in many places and this one was stuffed with every imaginable household item you might ever need. We didn't bake any bread in the bread machine but we also didn't want for a good pot or pan or quality knife, that's for sure! One of the drawbacks of some rentals is the lack of 'stuff' that you really need from day-to-day. Not Fern Way! The home was spotless and we got off to a perfect start w the hand-written note from the Owner and a jar of blueberry jam awaiting our arrival. The location was great - just 15 minutes or so to Bar Harbor and similar to Southwest Harbor and also the primary access to the park loop. The house was very private, which allowed us to just do us and get away from the busier areas of the island. Though we didn't see any moose in Maine we enjoyed the porcupine we nicknamed "Spike" as he/she enjoyed nibbling something tasty for hours in the front yard. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Elizabeth L.

Perfect place for a weekend getaway!

The Fern Way house is a beautiful home! My family and I had a wonderful stay while exploring Maine. I was a little disappointed the house isn't right on the lake! The pictures were a little deceiving, but the drive is only 10 minutes away. Jen was a great hostess. She was very accommodating and responsive to any questions.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Erin S.

Great house for families

owners on property in case anything needed. No phone or cell service (only local calls). Awesome pond a quarter mile away.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

jordan p., Alabama

Wonderful spot in the Quiet Side

My family of four loved our stay at Fernway. Jen, our host, was so kind to be sure we knew everything we needed to know for our extended visit on MDI. The kitchen was very well stocked and even had bonuses like travel coffee mugs and kids’ plasticware. Our young children loved playing in the yard for countless hours and we all enjoyed the screened porch immensely. The futon on the porch was a dreamy spot for reading and naps! We loved the location - away from the chaos of Bar Harbor but close to Acadia and close enough to make a trip into Bar Harbor when we wanted. The memories we made at this house will be cherished for years to come!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Roger C., Annapolis, MD

Wonderfully maintained, best stocked kitchen and facilities of any rental we have ever done

Fern Way is a great place to stay, peaceful, and quiet. You are surrounded by woods and nature. The kitchen has lots of dishes, great appliances, and plenty of spices for cooking. They have lots of anything one would need, towels soap, shampoo, toilet paper, paper towels, etc etc etc. You can sit on the screened deck and hear the loons at night. Wonderful. Jen is great too. She came by to welcome us and always answered promptly to questions. I can't say enough about the place. This is the second time we have stayed there, and we will certainly stay there again the next time that go to MDI!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Patricia C.

We had a wonderful time!

The home was beautiful, clean and well stocked!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

SHEKHAR S.

Amazing time with family!

We had a family reunion of sorts at this house during the Memorial Day long weekend. This beautiful house was quiet and had all the amenities you’d need. The hosts’ attention to detail is impeccable - we used their bug spray to rid ourselves off of bugs for hikes. If you’re looking for a family home with great access to Acadia this is your house! Thank you Jen and Adam for a wonderful weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Udi N.

Great house

Our family of 6 stayed in the house for 6 nights in October 2017. The house is well designed, comfortable and was big enough for the family. There are big rooms, nice kitchen with everything in it, beautiful dining room and living room for everybody to sit together. There is a great porch and garden outside surrounding by the woods. Jenn responded quickly to our questions and requests from the first email and she and her family Welcomed us kindly when we arrived. The location is great if you want to visit Acadia national park and its area. We had a perfect stay and we highly recommend this house.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Saurin M.

Excellent

The property is very well maintained and quite comfortable for 2 families. We had a great time in August 2016 when we stayed for 4 nights with a family friend. The owner has taken care of minute details and kitchen is fully furnished. Overall a great place to stay. Will come back here definately.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sandra R.

Home Away From Home

Fern Way was a perfect home for our family of 8. The property is surrounded by lush, green forest; quite a change from the Arizona desert! The kitchen is fully-equipped for meal prep. The screened porch area and large dining room table provided opportunities for great family meals and conversation. The bedrooms are spacious and the beds are very comfortable. I especially appreciated the use of the washer and dryer, saving us $400 in checked bags fees! The front patio provided the perfect setting to enjoy our early morning coffee. The space around the home is peaceful and quiet. Jen provides a box with pamphlets and maps of the highlights in the area so you don't miss anything! Acadia National Park is close by and a must-see. Thank you, Jen and Adam, for a most accommodating home away from home.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nicole H.

Five Stars

Beautiful and unique home just a hop, skip and a jump from Long Pond. Jennifer answered all our questions, providing useful suggestions and making planning our 3-generation family trip a breeze! Excellent value and wonderful memories!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

maria s.

Family reunion

We stayed at this wonderful home for a family get together in August. It was perfect for our group. The house has a great common area and large table for family dinners. We used the gas grill several times. The house is in quiet, park-like setting, yet only a short drive to many activities. The owner was very responsive and made us feel welcome. We would definitely consider renting this home again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jim J., Amherst, MA

Absolutely Fantastic - Will come back again

Jen and Adam’s home, Fernway, is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a busy day of hiking on the island. We stayed here recently with another couple from Western Mass and this place is absolutely fantastic! We love the outside and inside charm of this beautiful home that feels “country” but also modern and unique. I wish we could transport this house back home with us. The peace and quiet in the evening and night is incredible. In addition, if you ever need local advice from Jen, she has all the best answers! Need a small hike, not overly populated; she knows a few places to send you. Need a restaurant that suits your palate, she has great suggestions. Jen knows the island like the back of her hand. Jen and Adam have thought of all your needs. Everything in the home is perfectly addressed. If not, she is only a phone call away. We are repeat customers and will be back again soon. Thank you again Jen for another wonderful experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Timothy L., New York

Hiking Trip

The Fern Way home was perfect. For our group of seven, the house had everything we needed. There was plenty of space, the kitchen was well equipped to cook any meal. The house was incredibly clean. Jen was a great host and answered all of our questions. I would recommend the house to anyone.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful property!

Excellent for a family of 5 or 6 that needs to spread out! Jen is lovely to work with!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Adam H.

Beautiful home, beautiful location

This home is very clean and well-kept. All we had to do was move our stuff in and enjoy our vacation. The owners are very friendly and available if needed. Everything is taken care of at this home
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Juliette N.

Beautiful retreat in the woods

After exploring Mt Desert Island on land and sea all day, it was so relaxing to come back to our beautiful retreat in the woods - quiet, spacious and views of nature all around. This was one of the best vacations we have ever been on, where mountains meet the ocean. This house was close to everything we did - lobstering in Rockland, hiking Acadia National Park, improv theatre in Bar Harbor, lobster pounds, lighthouse tours, whale watching and eating at many of Jen's recommended eating places. We loved Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast in Bar Harbor and went back several times!! Thanks for a wonderful week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

beautiful setting, spacious, and clean

Spacious and clean, the home is exactly as advertised. We particularly appreciated the well-stocked kitchen and screened in porch, as well as the comfy beds and the relative proximity to almost everything on the island. This is our second time staying here and highly recommend it!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Devina S.

Magical cottage in the middle of coniferous woods

We were a family of 6 from India, stayed at this property in May 2017. Absolutely wonderful house - lots of windows & natural light (including sky lights). Very comfortable living, dining & kitchen. Kitchen was very well and thoughtfully stocked. Surrounding by trees & chirping birds which you could hear & see all the time through the windows. Best part was all the windows had screens on them so no bugs came through but you could enjoy the fresh air & birds! Each room was well stocked with towels & an individual thermostat to help you adjust the room temperature (when we went it was COLD weather). The house was squeaky clean & obviously well maintained & taken care of. Our favourite part was the screened in porch overlooking the woods as well as the porch & lawn in front of the house. We really felt like we were in the middle of the woods as you couldn't hear any traffic or neighbours. The location of the house is great - very easy to access Bar Harbor, South West Harbor, North East Harbor and the quiet side of Mount Desert Island and its very close to Echo Lake. We were primarily spending time in these towns & Acadia National park. The property manager Jen is extremely responsive & nice - she really made us feel at home. Her thoughtful touches all over the house made our visit perfect! Very comfortable home - we highly recommend it & would go back again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Alana R.

Sweet woodsy home

Jen & Adam were such attentive and sweet hosts. We really appreciated their commitment to supporting local charities through a portion of their proceeds and their many suggestions for good eats and experiences on MDI. Location of property was great and tucked in the woods. This house was well-loved and lived in and while too chilly for us to use during our early June stay, the true gem of this space was the screened in porch! Thanks, Jen & Adam!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Erik M.

Unique Nature Inspired

Fern Way truly lives up to it title of a "unique nature inspired" home away from home! The house looks and feels just like the photos. In addition, it is centrally located to all that the area has to offer! When we done hiking, biking, and kayaking beautiful Acadia National Park, it was the perfect place to come home to and relax. It felt like home! My wife and I highly recommend this wonderful house!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2017

About the host

Hosted by Jennifer Wales

Host profile image
Adam and Jen have a deep love and understanding of the natural beauty surrounding the Acadia/Mount Desert Island area. Jen grew up summers on Long Pond and Adam on a 110-acre farm in Western Maine adjoining the Appalachian Trail. They met here in Bar Harbor working as sea kayak guides in the summer of 1993.

Over the years, they have hiked, biked, paddled, and sailed every conceivable route on and around Mount Desert. Adam completed his goal of hiking every trail on the Island in the summer of 1994 and Jen authored The Sea Kayaker's Guide to Mount Desert Island published by Down East Books in 1997. Together they paddled the Maine Island Trail, a 175-mile 28-day kayaking trip from Portland to Machias, up the entire Maine coastline.

In the summer of 2000, Jen and Adam started Mountain Sea Properties with a single house, Eagle Cliff, where they were married that same summer. The owner had approached them expressing her frustration renting the home through larger rental operations on the island. She complained that her house was one of hundreds represented so the service she received was minimal. She also stated that those who rented the house were not as well informed as they could be. The tenants were also one of hundreds and the service they received was minimal.

Adam and Jen offered to represent the house committing to providing top quality service to both owners and tenants by representing a limited number of houses and providing personalized vacation services.

Since then, Mountain Sea Properties has grown along with the Wales family. As year-round members of the Island’s community, Adam and Jen are dedicated to the vitality of the people of Mount Desert Island. Thus, each year they donate a portion of their proceeds to local organizations devoted to sustaining the beauty and well-being of the Mount Desert Island area.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests