Willowbrook: Charming farmhouse close to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor

Built in the 1800s for the family of Abraham Somes III, a member of one of the founding families on Mt. Desert Island, Willowbrook offers a wonderful space for a large gathering right in the heart of charming and historic Somesville. Picturesque views of Somes Harbor and Sargeant Mountain greet you from nearly every window. This rambling farmhouse lets you feel as if you stepped back in time without sacrificing comfort. Southwest Harbor’s charming village center is just down the road, as is a freshwater swimming in nearby Echo Lake, Somes Pond, or Long Pond. With its central location on Mt. Desert Island, Willowbrook is within easy reach of Acadia National Park trails and attractions. Bar Harbor’s village center is just 15 minutes from this location.

****PLEASE NOTE: The advertised rental rates are based on 10 people (beginning 2024). A $200 fee will be charged for each additional person up to the maximum occupancy of 12. Pets are subject to a per-pet fee, upon approval. Please, no pets on the furniture. Kindly bring something for your pets to lie on or in.

FIRST FLOOR: Covered porch entrance leads to the eat-in farmhouse kitchen with Laundry Room, back staircase, butler’s pantry, and table that seats six comfortably. Plenty of updated cookware and new appliances will appeal to cooks of all sorts! New heating and A/C systems are available in this room as well as in each bedroom. Pass through a well-stocked Butlers Pantry into a period Dining Room with a table that seats ten to twelve. Large Living Room with fireplace, plenty of comfortable seating, and widescreen TV. A separate parlor/game room provides a quiet spot for reading, puzzle work, or not-so-quiet board games! Two Bedrooms, one with a Queen Bed and lovely water views, and a separate Bedroom with a Double Bed share a Full Bath with a combined “after-thought” shower and claw-foot tub. Note that this sleeping wing can be closed off from the living area.

SECOND FLOOR: Bedroom with Queen Bed and beautiful water views. Across the hall is a Bedroom with a Double Bed. These bedrooms share a Full Bath with a unique walk-in shower and original 1920s shower fixtures that require a little bit of instruction to use (provided), but do in fact function flawlessly! Just down the hall is a Bedroom with Twin Beds and water views. Bedroom with Double bed and separate Single Bed. These two Bedrooms share another Full Bath with a 1920’s walk-in shower. Bedroom with Double Bed enjoys an en suite Full Bath with tub only and back steps that lead to the Kitchen.

OUTDOOR SPACES: The front covered porch overlooks picturesque Somes Pond and Somes Harbor beyond. The back Covered Porch offers comfortable seating. Terrace accessed from Kitchen with outdoor seating, propane grill, croquet court, and attractive yard area. The front yard is fenced along the road for safe play for young children.

HISTORY OF THE HOUSE: Abraham Somes III, grandson, and namesake to the first permanent settler on Mt Desert Island was the original owner of Willowbrook. He lived there with his wife Adeline Freeman Somes. Abraham was a well-respected shipbuilder and traveled to the West Indies, New Haven, Boston, and Portland. This historic home was once rented to the poet Elinor Wylie and also to Thomas Berger, author of “Little Big Man.” Until its recent sale in 2022, the home remained in the Somes family and was well-loved by those who had the fortune of being in residence, either year-round or seasonally.