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A private getaway by the sea with ocean views and close to town.

Photo gallery for A private getaway by the sea with ocean views and close to town.

Exterior
Exterior
View from property
Property grounds
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
  • Walkable and wonderful
    Guests love the walkable location for its easy access on foot.
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View map
Southwest Harbor, ME
  • Place, Wendell Gilley Museum
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Master bedroom

1 King Bed

Twin bedroom

2 Single Beds

Twin bedroom

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Master bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Powder room

Toilet

Upstairs full bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Upstairs half bath

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

A private getaway by the sea with ocean views and close to town.

Located on a quiet private driveway, Spruce Cottage is nestled in the woods with a partial ocean view. It is a 1936 cape style 2,052 square foot home with lots of charm and functionality. In 2023 the kitchen was renovated and updated with new appliances making it very well equipped for all your cooking needs. The home has a large master bedroom downstairs with a vaulted ceiling and new bathroom in 2018. Off the master bedroom there is a newly added office and updated powder room. Upstairs there are two twin bedrooms with one full and one half bath. There's a wood burning fireplace in the living room as well as a fire pit for those chilly nights. A new screened in porch was built in 2023 adding to the existing front and rear decks for your outdoor relaxation and enjoyment.

The property is within walking distance to the center of town, Beal's Lobster Pier, and The Claremont Hotel. It is only a short drive from hiking trails, Acadia National Park, and Bar Harbor. There is also a path for shore access offering something for everyone. Come enjoy our summer retreat as much as we have!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Clean out the fireplace if used and put the ashes in the fire pit.
Turn off all air conditioners and heaters before leaving.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
$400 security deposit for damages and excess cleaning to be returned 10 days after departure.
$225 Cleaning Fee

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1271977vb
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
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

Southwest Harbor

Located in Southwest Harbor, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain climbing.
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Map
Southwest Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • Wendell Gilley Museum - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Acadia National Park - 3 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co - 21 min drive - 29.4 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 23 min drive - 27.2 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 32 min drive - 35.1 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jordan Pond House - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Archie’s Lobster - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Milagro's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Little Notch Bakery - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A private getaway by the sea with ocean views and close to town. 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 A private getaway by the sea with ocean views and close to town. ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A private getaway by the sea with ocean views and close to town. ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A private getaway by the sea with ocean views and close to town. ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A private getaway by the sea with ocean views and close to town. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Wendell Gilley Museum and 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Acadia National Park. Flying Mountain Trailhead and Somes Sound are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 24 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte D.

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

Large and well-equipped house close to everything!

Great place to stay with our toddler and baby, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can't wait to come back!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct 2020
Charlotte and her family were ideal guests, and I would definitely have them back to my home!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mark d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My 3 sisters and I stayed here for our annual Acadia hiking week…the house was just as pictured on the website - many wonderful spaces in which to relax/connect: cozy living room w fireplace, outdoor deck with nearby ocean views, screened-in porch w woods on 3 sides, fully stocked kitchen…short walk to the coast and downtown Southwest Harbor also appreciated…
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Sept 2025
I am so glad you and your family enjoyed your stay at Spruce Cottage and hope you come again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff S.

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

Great stay!

Spruce Cottage was a great home base for my family during our week on MDI. Jessica's home was well-stocked with everything we needed and had a great location in Southwest Harbor.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Sept 2022
Thank you so glad you and your family enjoyed your stay please come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jerry H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Once again we had a great stay.Very confortable, and love the location.Look forward to next year.Jerry
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2025
I am so glad you enjoyed another stay at Spruce Cottage. I always appreciate having repeat guests and look forward to you coming again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt T.

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

Great location, great property

My wife and I stayed a month at Jessica‘s house. Everything was wonderful. The location was excellent and the house was nice and roomy. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 30 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2022
Thank you Kurt I am so glad that you enjoyed your stay at Spruce Cottage!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy G.

An absolutely lovely and charming cottage in a great location

Our family enjoyed a week at this comfortable and charming home with a modern bathroom off the main bedroom, spacious kitchen and living area, and large outdoor porch. We would definitely recommend this house if you are staying in Southwest Harbor, and I would return here for another visit to MDI and Acadia!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar 2020
Thank you Judy! It was a pleasure having your family, and we hope you come back again to Spruce Cottage!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michele F.

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

Wonderful Stay!

We had a wonderful stay at Spruce cottage! Great location and very quiet with use of the water from the deck. The owner was very helpful and responsive in resolving some minor issues, like a coffee maker that wasn’t working. We would definitely stay at Spruce Cottage again!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2021
Thank you Michele it was a pleasure having you and please come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon B.

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

Wonderful!!

Spruce cottage exceeded our expectations! It is a lovely home in a peaceful location and has everything you might need for a lovely vacation. I would highly recommend staying here to family and friends and we hope to return !
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug 2023
Thank you Shannon I am so glad you and your family loved your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patty H.

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

Fantastic house with view

Extended family stayed here for a week. It’s an older home, but well maintained with an updated kictchen and master. Enjoyed being in the woods but also had a view of ocean from front porch. This house is a winner
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 June 2025
I am so glad you and your family enjoyed your stay at Spruce Cottage!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is in a fantastic location, just a short walk into town. Its setting is very peaceful—we loved starting our mornings with breakfast while watching deer and foxes pass by. The home feels quiet and secluded, yet it’s perfectly situated for exploring Acadia and the rest of Mount Desert Island. The newly renovated kitchen was well organized and stocked with everything we needed. The owner was thoughtful, responsive, and made our stay exceptionally comfortable. We would highly recommend this home and are already looking forward to returning.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review, and I am so glad you enjoyed your time at Spruce Cottage. I hope you stay again you were the perfect guest!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alicia O.

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

Wonderful home for our Maine vacation

I traveled to Maine with my spouse and 3 family members. The house was perfect for our trip. It was close to Acadia, Bangor, Bar Harbor and a few other places we visited. There was plenty of room to build puzzles, read, and relax. Jessica responded quickly to every question we had. I would definitely recommend this house to anyone looking to stay in this area.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Oct 2022
Thank you Alicia! I hope you stay again at Spruce Cottage it was a pleasure having you and your guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caroline M.

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

Wonderful home with perfect location in Southwest Harbor

Our stay at Spruce Cottage was absolutely wonderful! The house was spacious for our party of 5, cozy, clean, and full of lovely local art. We made use of the fireplace on chilly evenings, cooked many meals in the large and well-appointed kitchen, and enjoyed the water view from the porch. Also wonderful is its location - the wooded driveway feels very private, but it's walkable to favorites like Beal's, the Claremont, and Sawyers. Our host, Jessica, was very responsive. We can't wait to come back!
Stayed 10 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2022
Thank you Caroline for choosing Spruce Cottage for your vacation and please come stay again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kaitlin S.

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

Can’t wait to come back!

Jessica’s house was in a great location for a family of 4 with 2 teenagers. They could walk to town and get ice cream, we could walk along the water, down to the Claremont for a cocktail and across the causeway really easily! The pictures do not do this place justice! The kitchen is gorgeous and the master bedroom and bathroom have all been updated and are incredibly comfortable. While the 2 bedrooms upstairs are older, they were great for kids who were too tired from the day’s activities to simply crash. We look forward to coming back next summer!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2025
I am so glad you and your family enjoyed your time at Spruce Cottage. You were the perfect guest, and I hope you stay again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica M.

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

Comfortable SWH retreat

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Spruce Cottage. Many very nice upgrades have been made - kitchen, laundry, master bath. The two upstairs bedrooms have a distinctly rustic feel. The house was very clean and Jessica was helpful throughout our stay. Location is terrific. As of mid-June, 2024, there is a considerable amount of construction noise during the weekdays, as two homes abutting the property are being constructed / renovated.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jerry H.

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

A wonderful spring getaway!

We had never been to Maine in the spring and weren't sure what to expect. The house, especially the main floor and master suite were fabulous! The location is great, within easy walking or driving distance for all of Southwest Harbor and its offerings. It was a nice secluded location with an ocean view from the main living area. The kitchen had all the amenities needed. There were a couple of cozy niches for reading or writing in peace and quiet. The deck was a great place to relax and our dogs loved being outside. The grill was handy for meals, including breakfast. I would love to come back year after year, checking out other seasons!
Stayed 15 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2021
Thank you Jerry! I am so glad you thoroughly enjoyed your stay at Spruce Cottage. Please book again when returning to Southwest Harbor love to have you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jerry H.

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

Early Summer Idyll

We enjoyed our three weeks at the Spruce Cottage in late May and early June before the tourist season peaks! The weather was cool and great for outdoor walks. The house is amazing with a newly remodeled kitchen outfitted with all the equipment to cook anything you want. There is an outdoor grill on the new deck off the kitchen with a new outdoor screened porch. The home is within easy walking distance to the shops and restaurants in Southwest Harbor and to the causeway. There is a view of the ocean and it is lovely to sit on the original deck off the living/dining room. This was our second stay here and we hope to return many more times. We love staying on the quiet side of Mount Mount Desert Island and its easy access to Acadia.
Stayed 21 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 June 2023
It was a pleasure having you stay again at Spruce Cottage, and I do hope you return another time soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michael a.

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

South west Harbor early summer week

The property far exceeded expectations. We have rented a dozen properties the past 7-8 years and wish we had found this one earlier. Usually we rent for 6-8 weeks but this early trip was limited to a week. the house was great. a true maine cottage with plenty of bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. the setting was lovely with better views of the harbor pointing to Greening Island. We will for sure rent here again. The owner was super friendly and also dog friendly which warms a dog owners heart. the property had beautiful glassware and dinnerware, too much for a party of 5. the privacy was also a plus. we could walk to main st very easily.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 June 2021
Thank you Mike so glad everyone loved their stay at Spruce Cottage! You were the perfect guests, and I hope you stay again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erica L.

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

Quiet rental

Great location, quiet rental. Spacious master bed and bath on first floor. Private and enjoyed being so close to the lobster pound. Would stay again.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hillary P.

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

Excellent

Great house and great location!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

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

Excellent house

Beautiful home - and walking distance to town!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn O.

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

Absolutely Delightful

Our stay at Spruce Cottage was absolutely delightful. The cottage itself was very comfortable and extremely well appointed. Given earlier than normal seasonal closures for several restaurants around MDI, we brought steaks and other goodies and were very impressed with the assortment of tools and utensils at our disposal. Much thought has clearly gone into the details that make the difference between a good versus a great stay. Enjoying our meals there was a pleasure! Loved the fireplace and the seasoned firewood supplied by Jessica was appreciated. We took advantage almost every day of our stay. The bathroom for the main bedroom was also a highlight…Very modern with a huge tub. Finally, the location was just our speed: quiet, picturesque, and just far enough off the beaten path to feel like a private refuge. We walked to town several times and bought wine and cheese at Sawyers and also enjoyed a fabulous meal at The Claremont’s Little Fern-just a short walk from the Cottage. All in all, just terrific…We would go back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Oct 2021
Thank you Kathryn for your wonderful review and comments about Spruce Cottage! You were the perfect guest, and I hope you return again soon.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mark R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

Spruce cottage in SW Harbor

A good location for exploring Acadia.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

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

Great location and very nice accommodations

We enjoyed our stay and would recommend this property. It is exactly as pictured. The house and kitchen are well stocked with everything we needed. We enjoyed the fireplace (and firewood!) on colder nights (the heat worked well too). The beach area is accessible through a convenient path and was fun to explore with the kids, although we didn’t use it as much as we thought we would (in part due to weather). The renovated master bedroom suite is very nice. The upstairs bedrooms are older but were perfect for our kids. We brought our own linens just in case, but did not need them. Location is very convenient.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 July 2021
Thank you Steve! I am so glad you and your family enjoyed your stay at Spruce Cottage. We hope you come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine K.

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

Great house

Very roomy, comfortable, well equipped kitchen. Loved the location as it was quiet, private, yet within walking distance of town and hiking Flying Mountain at Fernald Point. We would definitely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar 2020
Thank you Christine! I am so glad you all enjoyed your stay at Spruce Cottage. Please come again next year!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey L.

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

Perfect home nestled in the woods , with a view of Southwest harbor and a short walk to town

Jessica Was very accommodating , pictures do not do this rental justice .
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

About the host

Hosted by Jessica Buchanan

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