Entire home

Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill!

Photo gallery for Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill!

A house with a covered porch, a small window, and a wooden fence.
A covered porch with a blue sofa, wicker chairs, a small table, and a view of greenery.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a television, and a bookshelf.
A residential area with multiple houses surrounded by dense forest, a clear road, and a distant body of water.
A covered patio with wicker chairs and a table, a patterned rug, and a view of the backyard.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine
  • Internet
  • Onsite parking available

Explore the area

View map
Tremont, ME
  • Place, Acadia National Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

2nd Floor Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

2nd Floor Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2nd Floor Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

1st Floor Half Bathroom

Toilet

2nd Floor Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill!

Once the home and antique shop for a local family, charming "Higgins Cottage" in Bernard offers updated interiors in a sweet residential village on the "quiet side" of Mt. Desert Island. Relax on the sun porch and enjoy the peacefulness of the private landscaped backyard or take a stroll through the neighborhood to enjoy a picnic or brisk dip in the water at "Back Beach", a lovely, lesser-known cove facing the mouth of Bass Harbor. Many other wonderful sites within minutes by car include the Seal Cove Auto Museum, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and the trail to Ship Harbor. For dining, walk to Thurston's Lobster Pound only one-half mile away, or head to the shops and restaurants in Southwest Harbor just three miles away via car or the free Island Explorer Shuttle running from late June to mid-October.

All in all, the quiet side of the Island and Acadia National Park has much to offer including hiking, swimming, and paddling, but when you're ready for more, just continue a little further by car or shuttle to enjoy more hiking, scenic carriage roads and the Park Loop Road running through the east side of Acadia. Then once you're ready to slow down, head into the bustling village of Bar Harbor and wind down with additional dining and movie options.

FIRST FLOOR: A sunny and spacious Kitchen with newer appliances, plenty of counter space, and a dining table for six. Comfortable Living Room with gas stove. Enclosed Sun Porch overlooking a lovely backyard. Half bathroom. Laundry Area with washer and dryer.

SECOND FLOOR: Two bedrooms with a Queen bed in each with window ac units during the summer months and the third bedroom with Twin beds and a play nook for children share a spacious hallway bathroom with a combined tub and shower.

OUTDOOR SPACES: A lovely landscaped backyard and lawn with lawn chairs, firepit, picnic table, and grill.

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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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please send an "inquiry" BEFORE booking a request with a description of your party, including the ages of children and where you are traveling from.
No smoking, vaping, or parties permitted
By proceeding with your booking, you agree to the terms of the Rental Agreement. Failure to follow these terms may result in a lease violation fee.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1883376vb
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

Bernard

Located in Bernard, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain. George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating.
View more Holiday homes in BernardOpens in a new window
Map
Tremont, ME

What's nearby

  • Acadia National Park - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead - 6 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Wonderland Trail Trailhead - 6 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse - 6 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Wendell Gilley Museum - 7 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Salty Fisherman
  • ‪Thurston's Lobster Pound - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Archie’s Lobster - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Upper Deck - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill!?

As of 26 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill! on 2 Jan 2027 start from AU$1,238, 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 Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Walking distance to Back Beach, comfortable, well-stocked w/fire-pit and grill! located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is 0.8 mi (1.4 km) from Acadia National Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead. Wonderland Trail Trailhead and Wendell Gilley Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 43 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house on the “quiet side”. Accurate description and true to photos.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept 2026
Thank you kindly for your review and wonderful rating! Respectfully, Marla J. and the rental team on behalf of the property owners
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely stay. The house is spacious and comfortable, with everything we needed. It was great to get away to the quiet side of MDI after hiking in Acadia and shopping in Bar Harbor.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful and spacious home. Great location. Perfect for our families needs.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Maine getaway!

A great place to stay! Very clean and close to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2024
Hi Brett, Thank you for your kind note and review. We hope you will visit again sometime. Regards, Marla and the rentals team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location

This cottage is in a wonderful location to explore. From the park to light houses to other areas of Maine, this home was a great base. Also, it’s comfortable and well equipped. Great stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good communication with the property manager and host throughout the process.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean and well stocked house. Proximity to Acadia couldn't have been better. Neighborhood is nice and the porch was perfect for morning coffee and evening sunset hour.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely home. Everything you need is there very clean. Cozy and comfortable. Beautiful secluded area. A short drive to Bar Harbor and Arcadia.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Oct 2025
Thank you for your kind words and amazing 5 star rating, Bernadette! We hope to host you again in the future. Warm regards, Marla J.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house! Perfect location. It was perfect for three kids, a couple, and a senior. We loved taking evening walks. Great recommendation in the book they left.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Oct 2025
Hi Jennifer, Thank you for this wonderful 5 star rating! The owners send their appreciation and we hope to host your family again someday. Warm regards, Marla J.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great cottage in Great location

I was very pleased with the cottage and the location. It was our first visit to Maine and I would love to return
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct 2024
Ben, Thank you for leaving a five star review for Higgins Cottage! Kind regards, Marla J.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A lovely, comfortable stay

This place was clean, spacious and very comfortable for our family of four - a perfect place to come back to after a day exploring Acadia and the “quiet side” of MDI. Would very happily stay again in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2022
Hi Amy, Thank you for your feedback and the five star review! We hope you return and stay with us again. Kind regards, Marla The Knowles Company
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
This property was clean and the owner and rental company did quickly get back with me on some issues. We lost water while there, and the owner attempted to fix. While the water returned it was inconsistent and the hot water was variable. It would go from cold to hot to warm to cold to scalding. That makes the shower an unpleasant experience and the shower head has a weak flow. The shower and tub are not elder friendly and the shower curtain catches midway on the rod. While there the front door lock also malfunctioned we had some close calls getting locked out. The owner tried to replace but the new lock malfunctioned too so the door locked every time it shut- not ideal with only one key. There was also an issue with the propane living-room heater that made a loud sound like a blow torch when it came on. One had to turn it off and on several times to get it to stop. It was loud enough to wake people up. I also had to buy batteries for the Roku remote. The property management company was made aware (save the remote) but no discounts were offered as of the writing of this. Although the agent said no one else had complained. At almost 3,000 a week that is disappointing. The property is quiet and very clean. I think they try but when one is paying that much, one expects the fundamentals to be attended to.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are glad to hear you found the home very clean and quiet, and that our team was responsive during your stay. At the same time, we completely agree that at this price point, the fundamentals—such as consistent water temperature, secure locks, and appliances—should operate smoothly. We apologize for the frustrations you experienced with the shower and the front door lock. Please know our maintenance team has already addressed and corrected these issues to ensure they do not impact future guests. We appreciate your valuable feedback, as it helps us continually improve the guest experience. Best, Marla On behalf of the owners and our rental team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Had a great stay

very nice and quant. Everything worked and was comfortable
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Nov 2024
Thank you, Carl! We appreciate your feedback. Kind regards, Marla
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Home Away From Home

Staying at Higgina cottage was a wonderful experience. After we were done hiking and checking out Bar Harbor, coming back and relaxing at the cottage with a book or a movie was
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Nov 2022
Ashley, Thank you for this five-star review of Higgins Cottage! We are glad you had a wonderful experience. All the best, Marla J. The Knowles Company
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Basecamp

Loved our stay here. The property was very clean and as described. Close enough to the park to get to everywhere we wanted to go in about a half and hour. Very quiet neighborhood that has some really good dining (as in good tasting not necessarily fancy). We’re very picky. We’d stay here again without any hesitation.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Quiet side

Great place on the quiet side , very spacious and comfortable
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug 2024
Hi Scott, Thank you kindly for leaving this review. We appreciate it very much. Kind regards, Marla and the team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay!

We travel to Maine every other year, and this house was perfect for our family. The house was comfortable for our party of 4. Property manager and owner were attentive to the couple of questions we had. We will plan on staying here again for our next trip!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing

Spacious, Peaceful, and relaxing. Just what we were looking for.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Nov 2024
Hi Victoria, Wonderful! We are pleased to hear that you were happy with the accommodations. Best, Marla
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Acadia NF Trip

Cottage was perfect. On the quiet side but accessible to everything in the area. Great spot for birders just in the neighborhood and the yard
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 June 2024
Dan, Thank you for giving this property a five-star rating! How wonderful to hear that you enjoyed a variety of birds in the yard and surrounding neighborhood! All the best, Marla The Knowles Co.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Spot for Exploring MDI

My wife, kids (2&5), and myself spent a lovely time in the cottage in September. It is a very comfortable spot to come back to after a day of exploring MDI. We loved the location for its easy access to hikes like wonderland trail, acadia mountain, and the echo lake beach. Southwest Harbor was also very close and had great food.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Peaceful getaway

Made friends with the deer in the yard!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2024
Clive, Great to hear that you made friends while visiting Maine! Safe travels home and we hope you will return someday. Best, Marla
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Autumn in Acadia

As always, we enjoyed our adventures hiking and biking in Acadia National Park. The spacious kitchen and living room at Higgins Cottage were ideal for relaxing after a busy day. Had we visited in the summer months, I'm sure we would have spent more time in the screened porch area.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Nov 2024
Thank you for your review, Philip! Very good to know that your group enjoyed the spacious kitchen and living room at the cottage. We would enjoy having you return during the summer months to enjoy the screened in sun porch! Kind regards, Marla J.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect cottage on the quiet side

We loved our stay at Higgins Cottage. The house was very clean and well taken care of. We especially appreciated that the kitchen was extremely well-equipped — lots of cookware and more. The owners’ list of recommendations for local lesser-known hikes was great and led us to discover places we otherwise wouldn’t have. We would definitely stay here again! Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Nov 2024
Melissa, Thank you for staying at Higgins Cottage! We are so appreciative of you comments mentioning that the house is clean and well taken care of. Glad you also enjoyed the the owners' wonderful list of recommendations of things to see in the area. Please come back soon! Marla
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A space to come together

This was the perfect house for our group to come together from all over the country and share meals and talk about the day’s adventures in Acadia. There’s a lot of room and the location was quiet with a beautiful yard. Communication was swift and informative.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Nov 2022
Thank you for your positive review of Higgins Cottage, Jennifer! We're thrilled to hear that your group enjoyed the spacious house and yard. Have a great day! Marla J. The Knowles Company
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Just lovely!

Our family had a wonderful stay at the cottage. It was perfect as our homebase. We were gone all day and where so happy to be able to come home to a cozy (and spacious) little home away from home. We couldn't have asked for anything more. It was our first time in Maine and we absolutely loved everything about our trip. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Dec 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this excellent rating. We really appreciate your feedback and are so happy to hear that you were cozy and loved your trip! Kind regards, Marla The Knowles Company

About the host

Hosted by The Knowles Company

Host profile image
Located on Mount Desert Island surrounded by Acadia National Park, The Knowles Company has been a successful rental and real estate business since 1898. As a representative for the property owner, our experienced and knowledgeable rental professionals work as a team to provide the tenant guest with a level of personalized assistance to ensure an excellent rental experience.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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