Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 5)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed and 3 Single Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Quiet Beachfront Artist's Home
This comfortable home with beautiful views is relatively close to Bar Harbor and the rest of down east Maine. It's on Molasses Pond and has a 90' sand beach the water is clean spring fed and very gradual. Great artistic retreat or perfect for little guys. The home has a huge master bedroom with a bunk bed and a day bed upstairs in the front room. Fun and functional. The lake is clear and clean. The well water is very tasty. There are lots of games in the cabinet for enjoying. The kitchen is well equipt.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Lake view
Have a question?
AI iconBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Lakefront Camp on Molasses Pond, Easily Accessible to Mount Desert Island.
Lakefront Camp on Molasses Pond, Easily Accessible to Mount Desert Island.
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please put the key back on the light to the right of the door.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Franklin
Located in Franklin, this cottage is in a rural area and on the beach. Downeast Scenic Railroad and Garland Farm are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Rooster Brother Coffee Roasters and Wild Acadia Fun Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum. Jet skiing and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 53 min drive
Restaurants
Project Mayhem, Waltham Division - 19 min drive
Maple Knoll Pizza - 30 min drive
182 Pizza - 30 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Quiet Beachfront Artist's Home pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Quiet Beachfront Artist's Home ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Quiet Beachfront Artist's Home ?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Quiet Beachfront Artist's Home ?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Quiet Beachfront Artist's Home located?
This Franklin cottage is on the beach, 7.4 mi (11.9 km) from Abrams Pond, and within 20 mi (32 km) of Black Beach and Donnell Pond. Tidal Falls and Schoodic Lake are also within 25 miles (40 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.Learn moreOpens in a new window
Quiet location with a great sand beach. Cabin has everything you need during your stay. Lots of books, puzzles, and movies for a rainy day. Perfect place to escape for some great family time.
Just as it is described. A perfect relaxing getaway spot. Dog friendly. Swimming. Kayaking. Loons. Reading. Fire pit. Wave lapping. We would come back and will...
Karen's cabin is quiet simplicity right on the edge of pristine Molasses Pond. This was the second time staying here with my two kids, 23 &17 and once again we had a really nice vacation. Karen really has everything you need here. Well stocked kitchen, loads of towels and a fun collection of games (and cassette tapes!) You feel like you are staying in someone's house as their guest rather than a generic rental. The pond is fantastic, we sat and read by the water edge every morning watching king fishers and comorants and loons in the evening. Great quiet family get away. Cook, read, hike, kayak, repeat. :)
lori b.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Brittany R., Milbridge, Maine
12 July 2012
Wonderful Week At The Lake
We just enjoyed a fabulous stay at this cottage on Molasses Pond. The lake was so peaceful, and the swimming was great. Our children ages 5, 8, and 13 loved swimming in the shallow warm waters. They also enjoyed fishing and kayaking in the kayaks provided. We saw several turtles, and the loons came for a visit every night. We loved having the camp sit so close to the beach, and we enjoyed the lawn area with shade for sitting. The old VCR tapes and collection of board games were a huge hit with the kids. The road to the camp turns from tar to gravel, but it is very well maintained. The accommodations were just what we were looking for- a camp experience but with so many cozy touches of home. The camp was very clean and seemed to have everything available. We already are talking about staying again next year! Thank you so much!!!!
The Ray-Smiths
We just love staying here!! The cottage is lovely & comfortable. The pond (big pond!!) is magical with Loons and catching an occasional sight of the Bald Eagles that nest in the area. 'Can't wait to return!!
Nice and quiet. Nothing fancy, but a nice little cabin on a quiet lake. The only issues we had were with a window and dining room sliding door, the vcr didnt work and bed was a bit lumpy. The neighbor was very nice and her dog didnt cause any issues with ours. Ellsworth is the closest town and is about 1/2 hour away. Nice breeze off the lake, but when it wasnt breezy, the mosquitoes went into attack mode. All in all, i enjoyed our stay.
This was our second stay, and felt like a homecoming. We brought bikes and sailing canoe and enjoyed exploring every day. The weather was perfect. We appreciated the quiet and natural beauty. And the loons!
This our second time visiting this property. We love it. Beautiful, calm and peaceful.
Jocelyn G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
6/10 Okay
lisa b.
21 July 2025
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
The lake is beautiful but the camp/cottage leaves something to be desired. There wasnt a drawer,cupboard or closet that wasn't jammed packed with stuff..absolutely no where to put our things.. pans and utensils were old, worn out or dirty. Owner did not respond to my questions and neighbors had to tell us how to get into cabin upon arrival...
We were looking for a place on a quiet pond / lake, where we could enjoy relaxing with each other and our dog. 'Not a place to spend time texting, talking on a cell phone or spending time online... Disconnect, go swimming, fishing, kayaking, just sitting in the sun and listening to the loons!!
This house was amazing! Exactly what we were looking for...peace and quiet!
House and property are exactly as described.
My husband and i are so jealous! House was very clean and well stocked with everything. We enjoyed
We stayed for a week--near family and their friends. lake activities everyday, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sitting on the beach. Every day was beautiful in its unique ways: foggy stillness, stiff winds, cloudless sun, gentle rain. We cooked at home everyday, in kitchen, and grill, fire pit. We discovered the joy of working on jigsaw puzzles with our children and grandchildren. We hope to return next summer.
Carol H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
6/10 Okay
Cathy H.
31 July 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Lake is Beautiful
If I could, I would post a few pictures. All in all it was nice, but I would not return.
Camp was exactly what we were looking for. Great location on Molasses Pond and close to MDI and ANP. Everything was as described. Couldn't ask for more. Family had a great week and enjoyed our visit home to Maine with family and friends.
Truly a quiet oasis! Cottage was exactly as pictured, clean and cozy. Karen is a great host. I unfortunately had to leave early, but will definitely be back.
This was everything I hope for. The Artist’s retreat was pet friendly quiet water front haven from all intrusions. I could stay forever. The retreat had everything we needed. I’m jealous I don’t own this little piece of heaven.
The cabin is as advertised, an artist's retreat. It was perfect for my husband and myself. We were going to travel with another couple, but due to a family situation they couldn't make it. We were looking to get away from everything and we did. There isn't any Wi-Fi at the cabin which was what we wanted. Cell service was okay. We could make and receive calls as well as text when necessary. We loved the different completed art projects around the cabin and the painted tables outside. Molasses Pond is so clean, and the water is warm. There were kayaks and a canoe to use and some floats too. In the afternoon there was a warm breeze that blew off the water and kept us comfortable even though it was hot. We had perfect weather. At night, the gentle lapping sound of the water on the shore lulled us to sleep. We loved the sound of the loons calling to each other. The night sky was beautifully lit with stars, and there wasn't any light pollution. We also heard owls at night. Every day we saw a bald eagle patrolling the shoreline looking for fish. We brought most of our provisions with us, which was good because the nearest grocery store is in Ellsworth, 20 miles away. We went to Bar Harbor 1 day, and to Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain on another day. Mostly, we just relaxed and enjoyed the nature around us. This was truly a restful and rejuvenating vacation. Thank you, Karen, for opening up your cabin on the lake to us.
Although our stay began with wet weather it didn't dampen our spirits when we saw the beautiful setting as Molasses Pond was quiet and remote enough to enjoy the nature around us. We enjoyed kayaking and fishing there as well as nearby Tunk and Long Lake. Hiked Tunk Mt and The WAS Preserve off Beals Island too, so many choices within an hours drive. The Bartlett Winery just off Rt 1 in Gouldsboro was a perfect end to our day sharing delicious wines with wonderful people. Ellsworth and it's many restaurants and shopping is close enough and the convenience store in Franklin has all you would need. It was all we wanted and needed for our week away together and watching and hearing the loons made it extra special...Thanks Karen for sharing your Artist Retreat!
The views cannot be beat. The water in the pond is clean and lovely! If you are looking for a get-a-way that is truly unplugged...this is the place.
Joanne N.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022
4/10 Poor
Donna C.
19 Sept 2021
Liked: Communication
Disliked: Check-in, location
Quiet, very secluded and primitive
Maybe it was the end of the season but this cabin is extremely secluded. Difficult to find as the directions all ran together instead of separating the directions by direction from which you were coming. Arriving at dark made this even more difficult, no yard light (motion sense ones aren’t expensive) . The linens on the bed were very old, patched and came off all corners every night, the bedspread was grimy and the thin blanket all looked from goodwill. Covered the one lounge chair with a towel to sit on it. So the stairs up to the bedroom are dangerous. Steep with no hand rail at all. Bedside lamp is a sure fire hazard with faulty wiring. The bedroom has a double bed, bunk beds and a daybed. The downstairs has zero curtains so it is a fishbowl at night. There is no additional chain on the entrance door, so anyone can have a duplicate key. I did not feel safe the entire week. Every item of furniture is beat up. Maybe at half the price this would have felt reasonable but that’s personal preference. Maybe it’s so worn out looking because it’s dog friendly, but if you’re looking for any level of comfort take a hard pass. No cell coverage even for emergencies.
I haven’t taken a vacation since 2004. I needed to go somewhere to relax. It was perfect. I took my mom, a friend and my 2 dogs with me. I’ve been looking for a lake house in Maine for 4 years now. The virus hit and made it impossible for me. Had a great time and would definitely come back.
We loved our stay at Karen's place on Molasses Pond. The pond was lovely, clean water, nice beach, great for swimming and kayaking. We saw so many birds and ducks and hardly any people.. The house is not fancy, but was very comfortable and had everything we needed. It was a beautiful, quiet and relaxing getaway.
Ellen M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
About the host
Hosted by Karen
I purchased this property from my Grandmother. My Grandparents built the original camp in 1950. When I bought it was off grid with an outhouse. We slowly upgraded and added a second floor. This winter we replaced windows and will be trimming them out this spring, I'll upgrade the photos when the current makeover is complete.
Why they chose this property
This property is private and homey. A great spot to relax and unplug. The lake is great for swimming, fishing, sand beach relaxing, or just watching the birds.
What makes this property unique
The collection of games, TV, VCR, videos and books is eclectic. The kitchen is very well furnished with every pan or tool you might want.