Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Firepit available
One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Balcony
Dog-friendly
Barbecue
Refrigerator
Internet
Onsite parking available
Explore the area
Brooksville, ME
Great Island
Place, Great Island
4 min drive
Maine Maritime Academy
Place, Maine Maritime Academy
37 min drive
Acadia National Park
Place, Acadia National Park
58 min drive
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
60 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Single Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
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.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1252529vb
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
About the area
Brooksville
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.
Fort Knox State Historic Site - 38 min drive - 49.2 km
Acadia National Park - 58 min drive - 72.1 km
Getting around
Belfast Station - 66 min drive
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 59 min drive
Restaurants
Bagaduce Lunch - 7 min drive
Bayview Market & Take-Out - 18 min drive
T & C Grocery - 35 min drive
The Manor Inn - 37 min drive
Pentagoet Inn & Restaurant - 35 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 does it cost to stay at Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm?
As of 19 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm on 29 June 2026 start from AU$543, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
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).
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2025
Unfortunately and rarely a guest is ill suited for reasonable responses. Having been a host for 14 years with hundreds of 5 star reviews, when plumbing is an issue we relocate our guests into wonderful accommodations which we did. This guest was unable to contain a normal response and was aggressive and generally inappropriate. He is not welcome here nor do we recommend him to other hosts.
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.
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.
SueAnne P.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Jamie C.
30 June 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.
Jamie C.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 July 2025
We are always so sorry when our guests are not satisfied and with hundreds of reviews we hope future guests will read other reviews too.Unfortunately, climate change required a large remodel in Maine. The 2024 winter storm that was massive on the coast destroyed so many coastal properties and as our neighbors and others have done we responded by lifting our Boat House up 2 feet and added extra steel underneath. An already rustic place, unable to find much labor here, we managed to get it running and were extremely happy to try to preserve this slice of history and beauty. The height made it necessary to protect our guests with a proper railing. Our ongoing off grid marine unit is most often really wonderful but we realize we are in need of attention which is being completed. So, I guess my thought here is that the challenges of climate change and the denial of the massive impact this is having and the impact of current political views making the Vacation Industry a huge challenge must be kept in mind as we all try to navigate the complexities of these huge challenges. We are naturally very sorry to have let our guest down and did reach out to offer a long boat ride and picnic but were refused. Onward on the coat of Maine and we hope that others will consider our challenges as being met and being managed as well as is possible during these times.
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.
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.
Joanne H.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for coming and enjoying our Boathouse on the shore. Please come back soon to see us and have a great winter.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thanks Bill,
It was so great having you and we hope our paths cross again!
Carol and Dick
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.
Lynn B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
About the host
Hosted by Carol Gregor
We raised our children in NH but after they had grown we returned to the family farm where the Tapley Sea Captain's and their wives sailed to ports throughout the world. This Salt Water Farm, Certified Organic is a place of beauty and we love having family, friends and guests here to share in this natural beauty. We love this farm, the water, sailing, family and traveling when we are not involved with so many local activities including theater, dance, music, great food, lectures, activism and making dinners for our friends! We host guests and then we travel to places near and far, are restoring the perma culture of this farm and work on consulting and creative projects. The farm is available to our guests to enjoy also and you may use the beach there, pick blueberries or help garden.
Why they chose this property
A totally beautiful and unique waterfront property. You just can't find a more beautiful place to visit! Handed down from generation to generation, we chose to move to Maine because of the incredible abundance of nature, creative people and natural beauty. We invite you to come to see what we mean, on the coast in a most precious place, the Boathouse!
A totally unusual farm/waterfront where we live and work and share this amazing place. Unusual because it is directly in the water, just where a boathouse should be and the beach is right here with some fishermen and locals coming by to launch a boat, clam or enjoy the sunset. The boathouse is now restored for Glamping and comfort and is on private land surrounded by the most beautiful western sunsets and views of Camden, Castine and Islesboro. The farm is Certified Organic and is in a meadow restoration for permaculture, flora and fauna. Unusual for the openness of a historic saltwater farm, still in the same family, it is truly a place of beauty. Restoring it has been wonderful for the historic preservation and the opportunity to offer this place to others. Unusual for the beauty and accessibility to launching a kayak, clamming, blueberries in the fields or bird watching. Built so long ago, the place was picked for its waterfront and deep water.
What makes this property unique
The rare historic quality of a Sea Captain Boathouse. Close to the best Pizza in Maine, open mic, Bach Festival, Stonington Opera, David's Folly Farm, Four Season's, The Nearing Center, Holbrook Island, Blue Hill and Kneisel Hall, trails, restaurants and art. The coziness and sound of water, the open skies and fresh air billowing into the boathouse happen here because of the location to the water and the openness of the farmland surrounding it all. The cottage is filled with historic memorabilia from the families seafaring life with photos and books full of life on the sea. The history, the beach, open sky, fantastic views and the cozy and comfortable cottage are unique on Penobscot Bay.