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Shangri-la: Beautiful Lakefront Cottage on Private Lake

Lakefront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Shangri-la: Beautiful Lakefront Cottage on Private Lake

Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Dining
Living area
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 465.0 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
Union, ME
  • Place, Megunticook Lake
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Place, Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Place, Samoset Resort Golf Course
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Airport, Augusta, ME (AUG-Augusta State)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Shangri-la: Beautiful Lakefront Cottage on Private Lake

You could not get much closer to the water than in this beautiful camp. Situated on Crawford Pond in Union ME, this camp is ideal for a Maine lake vacation.

Why? So many reasons…

First, the lake is wonderful. Crawford Pond has no public access which means that it is very quiet and unpolluted. There is very little boat traffic even in the height of summer, and the water is lovely to swim in. There is also lots of wildlife, with loons as a staple but also common sightings of bald eagles, kingfishers and other birds, not to mention the bass that lurk in the reeds. Unlike many of the lakes nearby, Crawford has both islands and rivers to explore (with the largest island being public land on which you can hike, camp and picnic). The camp faces east so gets the sun in the morning, with beautiful sunsets visible from the dock. We provide a canoe (with life jackets etc), a dock and a swim-raft with seats to relax and enjoy the lake.

Second, the camp is pretty special. It is one of the earliest camps on the lake, dating from around 1900. It has been remodelled recently and has all modern conveniences (wifi, a/c, washer/dryer, modern kitchen). What makes it unusual is that it is so close to the water. The living area is large and is surrounded by windows, and when you sit there it feels like you are actually on top of the lake. At various times of the day the sun reflects off the lake making beautiful ripples on the ceiling.

The open plan dining/living area has a couch, TV, and space for 4-6 to eat comfortably. The camp sleeps 4 with a master bedroom (queen bed) and two twin beds in the back bedroom. There is a bathroom with shower and stacked washer/dryer. Outside there is a grill, a porch with outside seating and a campfire ring.

If you tire of the lake, there are many things to do and see nearby. From the microbrewery just down the road to windjammer cruises on the sea from Camden, or just exploring the nearby towns of Belfast and Rockland.

For years this camp has been called Shangri-la, we think it is well named - it is a bit of heaven on earth!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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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 (limit 2 total)
Pets are allowed on a case by case basis.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We allow dogs. We do ask that they are not allowed on the furniture and are not left at the house alone.

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Union

Located in Union, this holiday home is on a lake. Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery and Camden Snow Bowl are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Maine State Prison Store and Morse's Sauerkraut. Golfer's Crossing Mini Golf and Sail Power and Steam Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in UnionOpens in a new window
Map
Union, ME

What's nearby

  • Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center - 30 min drive - 28.7 km
  • Megunticook Lake - 31 min drive - 31.4 km
  • Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre - 31 min drive - 31.4 km
  • Mount Battie - 31 min drive - 31.7 km
  • Samoset Resort Golf Course - 35 min drive - 33.1 km

Getting around

  • Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shell - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Alsace Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Pour Farm - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sterlingtown Public House - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Shangri-la: Beautiful Lakefront Cottage on Private Lake pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Shangri-la: Beautiful Lakefront Cottage on Private Lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Shangri-la: Beautiful Lakefront Cottage on Private Lake?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Shangri-la: Beautiful Lakefront Cottage on Private Lake located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from St. George River and within 9 miles (15 km) of Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery and Fawcett's Antique Toy and Art Museum. Maine State Prison Store and General Henry Knox Museum are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 125 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 125 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 125 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 125 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 125 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Deanne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it here! Directions were great, super clean, and fully stocked. Highly recommend using the fire pit in the evening. The lake is so quiet and peaceful. Matt was very responsive when we called with a question. Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous stay! Hope to come back someday in the summer to fully enjoy the lake. The stairs to the bedrooms and bath were steep for my older self and travel partners, but certainly manageable. Comfortable accommodations all around. 5 stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location perfect for paddling, swimming, and relaxing. Clearly a lot of care and attention went into renovating this historic cabin to modern standards. Nice furnishings and well equipped kitchen. Close to local brewpub and farmstand. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely gorgeous property. So much to do in the area! We had a fabulous time. Highly recommend this rental.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne F.

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

Peaceful retreat

We found Shangri-la to be the perfect lake getaway cottage. Despite being over 100 years old, the cottage is in excellent condition. It’s clearly been lovingly renovated. We had 2 very hot days there, and the window ACs came in handy then. The kitchen was a pleasure to use, and the bed was very comfortable (we only used 1 of the bedrooms). The lake is peaceful and the supplied canoe allowed us to explore its nooks and crannies. Less than 10 minutes away were 2 good restaurants, and 20 minutes away or so was everything Rockland and Camden had to offer. Really a great Maine lake vacation spot.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

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

Wonderful peaceful retreat

Exactly as described - the lake is so serene and the cottage has everything you need and immaculate. Host was wonderful!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dennis K.

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

A Prefect Get-Away

Everything about this place was perfect — the setting, the house, the amenities. We look forward to a return visit!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Louise C.

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

A perfect get-away

What a beautiful location - very quiet and peaceful. The camp was modern, filled with light, immaculately clean and handsomely decorated. The kitchen was efficent and had everything you could possibly need. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. A five-star week we will not forget!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Fritz F.

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

Extraordinary

This has been our second stay, and we are already booked for next year. If you seek peace and quiet in a beautiful and well-tended place, this is the one.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike M.

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

Perfect peaceful getaway

This property was the peaceful getaway that we were looking for! Extremely clean and equipped with all kitchen needs. The pond was gorgeous!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert S., Catonsville

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

lovely

This was our second time spending a week at this beautiful property. Everything was perfect. Great location, clean and comfortable. Owner is a pleasure to deal with. Hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly V.

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

Cozy camp

We had an amazing stay at this beautiful, peaceful cottage. Hosts are amazing, all the small details were much appreciated! Very clean, very comfortable. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

carolyn v.

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

sweet getaway

this is our second stay at this property, as always, it was clean and well equipped. We enjoyed exploring the lake in the canoe that was provided. Hopefully, we can come back next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Danyon H.

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

Lake Retreat

Lovely property and camp, beautiful lake and the sound of the loons is melodic. Be aware that water is pumped from the lake so is not drinkable and must be boiled for cooking. The bathroom and beds are up a fairly steep staircase in case you have mobility issues. Matt is a wonderful host and very responsive. Overall a great stay!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lara R.

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

Even better than I could have imagined

The property and location were perfection. We had everything we needed at the house and the lake was gorgeous. This was the best property we have ever stayed at (and we do a lot of rentals). It was perfect for a family or a getaway for a couple. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas H.

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

Fantastic

A beautiful house on a beautiful lake is all you can ask for. Ahhhh!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia B.

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

Beautiful and Clean

Amazing cabin on the lake. It was a Bucket List adventure we were very happy to check off the list. Super clean, Amazing view, good location to 2 towns and a Farmers Market. We would love to go back. The only thing is if you have bad knees, the stairs are quite steep, but for us we managed just fine.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine M.

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

There are not enough positive adjectives to describe this little slice of heaven

The cottage was spotless, beautifully appointed, and stocked with everything we could possibly need. We enjoyed lake views from most windows..comfortable mattresses with high end linens...sitting around the fire, sipping wine while loons serenaded us. My two girlfriends and I stayed for my birthday weekend getaway and it couldn't have been more perfect! Thank you , Matt!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terri W.

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

The perfect getaway

We loved our stay at this beautifully decorated cabin! Being right on the water was very peaceful and relaxing! We especially loved listening to loons in the evenings. A 4-wheel or all wheel drive would be best to get in out of the lane. Matthew was a great host, was quick to reply to all our messages and help in anyway he could. We would highly recommend this lovely place.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann S., Dryden

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

Shangri-la Review

Idyllic comes to mind right away. What a great location! The kitchen has everything you could need to cook with. The bed was super comfortable and you couldn't buy a better view. The pond itself was more like a lake and the water was very clear. We really enjoyed the kayak and hearing the loons. There is a small market that has pretty much everything you would need very close by. It was so very quiet and peaceful. It was exactly what we were looking for and we were appreciative that we could bring our two dogs for the stay as well. Truly a gem! Thanks so much for letting us enjoy your cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie D.

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

One of my new favorite places.

This cottage is exactly like the photos. Very accurate description of property and what is included. Outside has the charm of a quaint lakeside cottage with an inside that is welcoming, fresh and updated. Kitchen area had everything needed and extras. Cooking knives sharp, all necessary utensils and some common spices. Grill spotless. Beds comfortable. Cottage design/layout well done. Pond is quite and plenty of wildlife to view and hear. Union area perfect base to explore the surrounding midcoast towns. Many activities of all interests close by or short drive away. Loved so much already booked for next year.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne T.

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

Another fabulous stay at Shangri La

This was our 2nd year staying at Shangri La in the fall. I timed our stay with the full moon and we were rewarded with spectacular front row seats to the moonrise over the pond. Stunning! As our 2nd visit, it felt like returning home. Everything was perfect just as last year. Matt is a super responsive communicator and host. The home is simply yet tastefully decorated offering a zen-like atmosphere. It is spotless, well stocked with every convenience you need and a setting that holds such a powerful relaxing energy. The kitchen is a full scale gourmet kitchen with a gas stove, full fridge, country sink and everything you need to prepare meals. The bedroom and bed are heavenly. While they have a TV with cable and streaming services, we literally just stared at the water, ducks, eagle and cormorant while we were there. The area has numerous hiking options, a few dining spots and is less than 30 minutes to the coast and Camden, Rockport, Belfast, etc.There’s a canoe, dock, outdoor seating, fire pit and the road is great for walking your dog. The only caveats are the steep interior stairs (If you have knee issues or young ones it may be a concern.) and the fact that the water is not potable so you need to bring your own. (Matt does supply a starter 2.5 gal water.) The driveway is steep but not an issue for our Subaru. The setting, great host, beautiful interior and quiet location far outweigh the caveats. We highly recommend and look forward to returning!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jaden W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cabin and the location are phenomenal. The cabin is very well appointed and extremely comfortable. Crawford pond is beautiful. The fire pit is wonderful. Truly a fabulous place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Len C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
I want to be fair. This is a nicely refurbished old cottage. If you are young adults with 2 kids or less, you would enjoy the lakefront view & privacy as we did. But my wife and I are in our seventies and would not recommend the cottage for people in our age group. Both bedrooms are very small and on the second floor. Access is only by an extremely steep, narrow and not-to code stairway. We had to carry our two dogs up and down because of it. I found the beds to be below grade in comfort. The bathroom is an efficient use of space but very cramped with a small shower & washer/dryer in there. There were also no comfortable chairs in the cottage. The furniture is below avg and should be upgraded. The kitchen was nicely appointed with nice utensils & appliances. The cottage was very neat and clean. The driveway access is also extremely steep and gravel. You should have 4 wheel drive to exit. The parking area is higher than the cottage entrance with numerous, what realtors call "trip hazards" like tree roots and protruding rocks making loading and unloading your car a challenge. There are no railings or walkways anywhere. Again, not a problem if you are young and have no fear of tripping or falling. I can see why people from that age group would enjoy their stay here. The view is wonderful. Len from NH Stayed Sep 19th, 2025.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Matthew Williamson

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Languages:

English

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