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Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove

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Piper Nest Cottage overlooking Smith cove
Cottage is situated above the water. A small beach is reached via a steep path
Table has leaves that expand to seat 10
Private kitchen
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Brooksville, ME
  • Place, Acadia National Park
  • Place, Maine Maritime Academy
  • Place, Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
  • Airport, Bangor, ME (BGR-Bangor Intl.)
    ‪92 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 5

4 Single Bunk Beds

Convertible bed(s)

2 Double Futons

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove


This secluded two-story cottage is a perfect base camp for contemplative retreats, nature hikes, biking and kayaking. Piper's Nest sits high over the water in Smith Cove on Cape Rosier. It has its own access road and abuts Holbrook Island Sanctuary. Sweeping views from most of the windows look out over the cove where sail boats can be seen dropping anchor. A steep path takes you down to a pebble beach for tying up a kayak. A polite pet is welcome.

The Piper's Nest was built by our mother to bring her 5 children and their families together. When we are not using it we rent it out for others to enjoy. It is a cozy, adaptable place for large or small groups. A fully modern kitchen opens to dining and lounging areas. Children will love the bunkroom and will find plenty of books and toys for a rainy day. One of the bedrooms is located on the main floor near a handy full bath-laundry room. Futons on the porch and living room can unfold for additional sleeping places. The other 3 bedrooms, plus the bunkroom, are upstairs with a full bathroom. In addition to the fireplace we recently added a furnace to provide heat for chilly mornings and evenings. The large kitchen is stocked with a few basic non-perishables and is equipped to cook for a crowd with its Microwave, Bosch gas range, and grill on the wrap around porch. There is a sink that can handle a lobster pot and a second sink on the central island where wild blueberry pancakes can be cooked family style.

The cottage opens out onto a large screened porch for enjoying morning coffee, afternoon naps, playing games or eating meals at the large picnic table. On rainy days our cozy reading nooks, games and books will keep everybody busy. A flat screen plays DVDs from our small but growing collection.

Smith Cove is great for kayaking because it is protected from wind and ocean swells. A short paddle at low tide takes you by the rocks where harbor seals bask in the sun. A hammock swings in front of the house where you can also enjoy a flat grassy area perfect for frisbee or badminton. Bike routes around Cape Rosier and Holbrook Island Sanctuary trailheads can be found near the end of our drive. Drive 30 minutes into Blue Hill or Stonington for some sightseeing and shopping. Acadia and Bar Harbor are an hour's drive away and make for a great day trip.


Keywords: Cottage, Ocean View & Frontage, Pet Friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 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 (limit 1 total)
Pets may not roam off property.
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Harborside

Harborside is home to this cottage. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park and Great Island, while Jonathan Fisher House and Turtle Gallery are cultural highlights. Blue Hill Books and Blue Hill Co-op Community Market are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and mountain climbing.
View more Cottages in HarborsideOpens in a new window
Map
Brooksville, ME

Getting around

  • Belfast Station - 75 min drive
  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 66 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bagaduce Lunch - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪T & C Grocery - ‬46 min drive
  • ‪Pentagoet Inn & Restaurant - ‬45 min drive
  • ‪Dennett's Wharf - ‬42 min drive
  • ‪Danny Murphy's Pub - ‬42 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove?

As of 11 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove on 6 June 2026 start from AU$403, 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 Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Kayaker's paradise at Piper's Nest Cottage overlooking Smith Cove located?

Situated in Harborside, this cottage is steps from Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Great Island. Deer Isle Bridge is 11.6 mi (18.7 km) away.

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. 37 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrew C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed every minute. The porch was our home for the week—coffee, games, meals, and puzzles. It’s a lovely perch.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helene B.

Beautiful peaceful place

We had a fabulous time at Piper's Nest. The setting of the house is beautiful and you can find everything you need in the house.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

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

Hidden gem

We absolutely loved this place. The location was beautiful and the house was well stocked and comfortable. You can tell it is a beloved family home and we were grateful to share it for two weeks.
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Quiet Bay

Spacious and clean! Canoed all around Smith Cove. Great house for kiddos and cooking.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Betty F.

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

Very private, quite location with a nice view. House was spacious and well equipped.

Enjoyed our visit and appreciated the managers response to our request. Unfortunately the maintenance was slow to fix some of the issues we had with the shower that only had cold water Over all it was a nice experience and would recommend it to anyone that wants to”just get away from the hustle and bustle
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Beautiful secluded getaway

Loved our stay at the Piper's Nest! Would have liked to have stayed one more night it was so great! Plenty of room for families small and large. As a family of 4 there was plenty of room to spread out! The view was priceless, and the location to the sanctuary was pure solitude. If you are looking for a place to get away that's away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy locations, this is it! It was clean and had a well stocked kitchen with everything you could need to make lobsters to popcorn. Fantastic stay! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jodi H.

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

Family Reunion 2023

The house was delightful and so well provisioned. Everything we needed was easy to find. We were able to enjoy our lobster boil with everything we needed in the kitchen. We are a family of 12 and everyone had plenty of room. The screened-in porch was a wonderful respite from bugs while allowing us to enjoy the breeze. Every detail was thought through including local flowers in every room. We even walked into a bowl of local blueberries.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Megan F.

Cozy house, beautiful location.

Our group of seven adults had a wonderful stay at the Piper's nest. The house is cozy and beautiful, great for relaxing with family and friends. We got quite a lot of use out of the well stocked kitchen. In early May it was still cold in Maine so we spent a lot of time in the house playing games and watching TV. We all had AT&T so we had no issues with cell reception. It was a really relaxing week for us, a break from moving fast in our everyday lives. The best part for me was that the property is dog friendly. We were able to bring my pup on his first vacation, he was in heaven spending a week with so many family and friends, seeing the ocean for the first time, and going to Bar Harbor, the most pet friendly town we've ever been in. He was even able to come with us on a boat tour of the harbor and Acadia! I would definitely recommend this property to anyone looking for a place that feels like home, and is off the beaten path. The house is also situated right next door to a beautiful sanctuary and the view never gets old. My only complaint is that we had to leave!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

A N.

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

Beautiful, tranquil

The property was described well with ample space for all 7 of us to spread out. The screened in porch was great for eating and lounging to read a book on a rainy day. There is also a great dining room table where we played games at night. The kitchen is fully stocked with so many options for cooking, including popover pans!! It’s about an hour from Acadia, but the local area offers great beauty. The owner’s binder gave us so many options, including a recommendation for lobster, we bought right off a local fisherman and his boat! The walkway to gravel beach is steep but the rope helps with getting back up. We dropped kayaks at the neighbors and anchored at bottom of pathway, beach. We saw a Black bear wander through front yard one morning. Highlight!! I would say that the cleaning of the first floor bathroom needed some work. Also, the bedding is a bit older so if you’re picky about blankets and quilts you may want to bring your own. The beds were comfortable but also on the older side. The owner provided multiple stand fans which were great even with temps only in 60s. Not sure what they would do if temps were in 80s. The gas grill was great for cooking and of course so we’re the lobster pots. Overall a really great place to experience the beauty and tranquility of Maine! Thank you for letting us stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lucia S.

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

Idyllic spot on the coast of Maine

We absolutely loved the house, the proximity to a beautiful nature preserve and abundant trails, and the peace and quiet of the surrounding woods. We pretty much lived on the amazing screen porch, and the house in general is very roomy and comfortable. Views of the cove are stunning. We hosted a large dinner for friends and family one evening and the kitchen is well stocked and big enough to have several cooks and prep happening all at once. We rented kayaks which were delivered to the neighbor’s beach which you can access in a short walk through the woods. The cove is beautiful, calm and perfect for paddling! Would definitely come back.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia B.

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

Wonderful

The house was well equipped with instructions for all in the house and tips for things to do to enjoy the area. Great view.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

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

Beautiful and peaceful stay

Our family spent a week here in late July. The house was even more lovely in person than in the pictures. The kitchen was large and well stocked with dishes and some pantry items. There was a small extra fridge on the screened in porch where we put drinks which was super convenient. The bedrooms were clean and comfy, and there was more than enough room for the whole family to spread out. We did a number of day trips in the area, the house is quite remote so we did end up driving a lot for those trips but we expected it so it was fine. Some of our party had mobility challenges so we didn’t spent much time down at the beach but the time we did spend there was very nice. We found a lot of hermit crabs, snails, and other sea creatures which was a big hit with the kids. We spent a lot of time swimming at a beach about 10 minutes away which was super convenient and absolutely lovely. It was a wonderful quiet stay, we played lots of games and puzzles, and enjoyed chatting into the evening on the screened in porch. I appreciated that there were some toys and books at the house which kept our younger family members entertained. The only negative was the mosquitos…they were both plentiful and vicious. Bring good bug repellent!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mike A.

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

Family Vacation

Perfect wooded remote setting overlooking the ocean. Peaceful and quiet. Great place to decompress. Large well stocked kitchen. Loved all the kitchen utensils and appliances. It was so nice to have coffee in the mornings sitting on the deck or in family room facing the large windows watching nature. Thank you so much for sharing😎
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael A.

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

Remote Vacation

The property was secluded and quiet with great views of the water. The house was well described and all the amenities were accurate and every basic need was thought of. The layout of the house was great and truly set up for a group to use, even though are additional guests did not make it up. Loved the kitchen and setup. The lack of WI-FI was not an issue for us and helped us to disconnect from the outside world which is exactly what we were looking for. The house would benefit from some kind central or whole house fan to mitigate the temperature better than the free standing fans, although by 8pm the place cooled off pretty well. The one thing we did not anticipate at such a high level was the number of mosquitos. We excepted them just not at the numbers we encountered. Regardless, it was a really great place to stay and we would come back again especially if we needed a bunch of different bedrooms for a large group.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Nice Cabin on a Fabulous Cove

The most amazing thing about this house is the cove. We stayed for a week in July and rented kayaks from The Activity Shop. We are all novice kayakers. The morning I was out, there were seals and a dolphin we paddled past. A bald eagle nested in the tree outside the picture window for a couple of days. And a porcupine resided in a tree at the lawn’s edge. The Holbrook Island Sanctuary is next door and within walking distance to the trails. We checked out two of the three old cemeteries in the Sanctuary while we were there. The mosquitoes were quite active in July. Make sure to take strong bug repellant. Inside, the house is laid out well for groups. The table seats 8 and is adjacent to the kitchen but not in the traffic pattern. There is a picnic table in the screened porch which we used for putting together puzzles. The kitchen is fully stocked with plenty of dishes, pans, and tools. Almost any spice you might want is there. In addition to the full size fridge in the kitchen, there is a ½ fridge on the screened porch which we used for soda and beer. There are many puzzles, games, books, and DVDs for use. There is plenty of seating in the living room and on the window benches under the windows. The house has large picture windows on both floors looking out onto the water. It’s a beautiful view from two of the bedrooms upstairs, and the main floor dining room and living room. Bring your binoculars along. The bedrooms were quite spacious except for the bunkroom which was still comfortable. The mattresses were so-so. Phone reception was mixed depending on the carrier. Most of us were okay, but some did not have any signal. Verizon, and Tracfone were fine. TMobile was decent. AT&T was awful. US Cellular was hit and miss. Getting access to the cabin was easy and quick, as was checking out. The nearest grocery stores are 25-40 minutes away depending on which direction you head. Bar Harbor, about ½ hour away, is the about the only place for restaurants and souvenirs. It was very crowded the day we were there and difficult to find parking. Acadia National Park is there also. Part of our group went hiking there. They said the trails weren’t marked well, and some are very strenuous. Overall the house was clean. The only exceptions were the places/things that usually are cleaned once or twice a year. Those areas have been neglected for a while. That is why it is 4 stars instead of 5.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eric B.

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

Remote getaway in rural Maine

Nestled within Holbrook Sanctuary, this house was the perfect place to hike the state park and enjoy spectacular views of Smith’s Cove. Two thirds of our week we didn’t see another human on the private drive to the house. This is a super comfy house that has been in a family that obviously adores the house and surrounding area. The family’s library alone was a delight. This house is well-furnished with everything you’ll need for a perfect vacation in beautiful rural Brookesville, Maine.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrea W.

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

Beautiful, peaceful location

This was a very cosy and homey place which was perfect for our family. The kitchen was very well equipped. It was wonderfully peaceful and we loved exploring the area (Castine was a favorite) and driving over to Acadia twice. We saw ospreys and seals in our cove.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

john b.

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

Cozy, homey place with nice views over cove

If you love Maine, you will love this house. It's a wooded property with enough outside space for kids, a hammock, and a (steep!) walk down to your private cove frontage. House is comfortable and clearly lived-in, with spices and cookware well-stocked. Which is good, because it's a long drive to the closest supermarket in Blue Hill. We took a shorter drive to Stonington for excellent lobster rolls and fishing-village vibe. You can hike right from the house or take an easy day-trip to Acadia. We rented kayaks and a paddleboard, which were quickly delivered to the launch area at the neighboring property. Don't go out unless winds are calm and be aware of the dramatic tides in the area. Water is swimmable but cold!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Adrian H.

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

Blissful break

Piper's Nest is a real treat, a fully-stocked house perched above beautiful rocky beaches. We spent the last weeks of October exploring the surrounding coast and warming up by the fire. Deer and turkey visited us, a seal said hello in the bay - but the best part of the holiday was spent in and around the house. It feels like a house that has been loved and lived in, with top-quality cookware, a large fireplace to keep warm, and comfortable rooms. Lots of interesting books to put your nose in and a great set of toys for young children. Stunning location next to the Holbrook Island Sanctuary, which is itself beautiful - we had a great final day on the south of the Cape at Redman Beach collecting wild apples and rosehips. We enjoyed lobster (bisque and benedict) and had the best fish and chips cooked at home from local haddock. The kitchen is ready for anything and we made the most of it. Buck's Harbor Market 10 minutes down the road has most of the essentials and quality beer and wine. Still so much to see and do nearby - we are already making plans to visit next year.
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Leigh T.

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

Such a wonderful spot, we loved the cozy feel and beautiful nature all around. We will definitely wa

And great lovation, we had a lot of fun doing hikes nearby. Thanks again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy T.

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

Great family vacay spot

Wonderful, beautiful, restful, quiet and filled with any kind of activity options incl hiking, biking, kayaking all near by. Unbeatable.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great waterfront home

We found the home perfect for our needs. It was well appointed with tons of space. The home is situated privately amongst the woods on the edge of Holbrook Sanctuary. The windows allow for great views of Smith Cove. Our children enjoyed exploring the cove and rocky beach at the base of the property. The kitchen was great, as it included all we needed for cooking family meals. Would happily book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tina D.

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

Perfect Main Vacation spot

House was very comfortable and well equipped. The cove was the perfect place to search the tidal pools, relax and read or kayak. We saw seals, porpoise, bald eagles and osprey while kayaking. Rainy days spent inside with a roaring fire. Very comfortable eating in with a large family. Both the porch picnic table and inside dining were wonderful. Only downside was the mosquitoes. Wettest Summer in a long time so they were brutal, Bring lots of bug spray.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

4/10 Poor

Dennis F.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Disappointed in the cleanliness and upkeep of this property.

The view of the cove was great, but the cottage was run down and needed cleaning and repairs. Beds had old, uncomfortable, stained mattresses. The first floor bedroom had no shade on the window. Called property manager, but nothing was done. Had to put a towel in the window for a shade. Second floor bathroom shower curtain had bad mildew on it, and we purchased a new shower curtain. Cobwebs in the bedrooms and mildew in downstairs bathroom. Front door difficult to lock. Hole in the screen of the door on the back porch. This property did not meet our expectations, and we would not recommend this property. For $2,700.00 for one week, we were very disappointed. We have stayed in much nicer properties in Maine that are clean, maintained, and comfortable!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sara B.

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

Lovely home on Maine coast

We loved our stay at Piper's nest! This was our second time, and we plan to come again. It's become our home away from home when visiting family in Maine. It's always well stocked and the location is ideal. The porch is amazing and where we spend most of our time. Highly recommend staying here if you get the chance.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

About the host

Hosted by Rebecca Schmidt

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Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

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