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"Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds

Photo gallery for "Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds

The Old River House of 1848
Horse Carriage rides at the Old River House.
Front Porch: A Sailing day view of Water & Silas Perkins Park.
Twilight and Full Moon over the Old River House, Kennebunkport.
In town on the Kennebunk River with 13' tide

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
10 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 20

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Kennebunkport, ME
  • Place, Kennebunkport Village Green
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Dock Square
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Kennebunkport Harbor
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

10 bedrooms (sleeps 20)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 7

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 8

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 9

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 10

1 Double Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 5

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

"Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds

Old world elegance. Built in 1848, this fully restored, approximately 7500 sq ft. ten Bedroom Estate on world famous, Ocean Ave. sits just 0.2 of a mile from beautiful Dock Square, and a 30 second drive to the Ocean. Enjoy morning & evening Beautiful Sunrise & sunsets over the River and crashing wave Ocean sounds.

The 'Old River House', sits on the Kennebunk River next to the Arundel Yacht Club. Two public parks sit in front of and along side the Estate.

'The Old River House,' is nestled among the many old Captain's Mansions of the 18th Century. An almost $800,000 renovation in 2010 brings this grand old Captain's mansion back to its original grandeur. Antiques throughout the many rooms and the frequent passing of the Kennebunkport horse drawn carriage brings one back to that slower, more quaint part of American history. Morning coffee and evening drinks on the porch are just perfect for watching the river boat traffic and the children taking sailboat lessons at the 'Arundel Yacht Club' next door.

''The Old Rigging Loft'( Barn) is now, a separate apartment, with Care-takers, and owner / operators, Scott & Cheryl Mahoney on site and available 24 hours for the convenience and comfort of 'Old River House' Guests. We make every effort to assure your 5 Star vacation stay. Just ask !

There are four stair cases, and three levels of living space. New rugs, new bed mattresses, new curtains, new furniture, custom gardening, newly added European and American antique furniture throughout, are a hallmark of the Old River House.

STR License: STR21-00168

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 30

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Supervised or Lease Violation. Will result termntn

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Events

No events allowed

NO WEDDING EVENTS, GROOMSMEN, BRIDESMAIDS STAYS.

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

NO SMOKING, Candles, Fireworks in or near house.

NO WEDDING STATEMENT: No Guests attending any Weddings. TOILET PAPER ONLY. NO Tampons, Diapers, Easy-wipes in toilets. NO GREASE IN SINKS.

WINDOWS: DO NOT OPEN Please. Heat Pump System and A/C system are on constantly

CHECK-OUT: Empty all Refrigerator, and cabinets, countertops of all food, etc. PLACE IN BAGS, and place outside in large Garbage Cans.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR21-00168
Property # 3165592
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
Note from host: NO WEDDING EVENTS, GROOMSMEN, BRIDESMAIDS STAYS.
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

About the area

Kennebunkport

Located in Kennebunkport, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Wells Beach and Moody Beach. Gardens at Historic Wallingford Hall and Bette-Jean's are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledging.
View more Holiday homes in KennebunkportOpens in a new window
Map
Kennebunkport, ME

What's nearby

  • W. Robert Paine Gallery - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Kennebunkport Village Green - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Dock Square - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Kennebunkport Harbor - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Colony Beach - 19 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • Wells Regional Transportation Center - 15 min drive
  • Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Federal Jack's - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Alisson's Restaurant - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Batson River - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Mornings in Paris - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Coffee Roasters of the Kennebunks - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is "Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at "Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds ?

As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at "Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds on 14 May 2026 start from AU$2,605, 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 "Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at "Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is "Old River House", FAMOUS HISTORIC ELEGANCE. Waterfront/Crashing Ocean Sounds located?

Located in Kennebunkport, this beachfront holiday home is in the city centre and within a 10-minute walk of Kennebunkport Village Green and Dock Square. W. Robert Paine Gallery and Northlight Gallery are also within 5 minutes.

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. 114 out of 129 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 129 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 129 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 129 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 129 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne G.

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

Perfect location

Spacious antique home with all the amenities for a fun family stay. It was comfortable, scenic and within walking distance of shops, restaurants and boating.
Beautiful porch
Such a pretty view
Home big enough for our large group
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

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

Great spot for anytime of the year

House is awesome Location is perfect and the house welcomes you
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Burton G.

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

Gove Memorial

Wonderful experience whole family was together! Couldn't ask for more! Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2025
Great people, always welcome back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gervaise F.

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

The place was wonderful and plenty room to spread out for our group.

Excellent!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2021
Gervaise, We give your group a 5 Star Review. Please return anytime. Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wonderful Historic Home

Loved the old quirky history of the home and the location across from the Kennebunk River.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Nov 2020
Thank you very much !!!!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kate M.

Great experience perfect for our large group.

We had a wonderful weekend out there. Thanks for your hospitality!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Evening Paul, Thank you for the 5 Star Rating. We definitely give your large group a 5 Star Rating. Please come back anytime ! Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna K.

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

Love KPT and Old River House

Wonderful as usual, great for large families, absolutely best porch/view in KPT.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2023
Donna and Phil are absolutely 5 Star very Repeat Guests that are like family. The Best ! Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location - across the street from river park, very short walk to restaurants and shops.Comfortable gathering areas in living room and dining room for larger groups. Well equipped kitchen. Nice porch sitting area. Bathrooms are adequate. Ample onsite parking.Nice owner. Scott was helpful in preparing for our stay and responsible be to any needs.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meagan Y.

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

Great place for large family

We had a great stay! The house was clean and large. Scott was very responsive with our questions regarding our stay and things to do in the area. Great house plenty of room for a large group. Awesome location!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2022
Meagan, your group was a UNIQUE 5 Star Rating! Our cleaning service said it was if no one stayed here! You had several kids and it was still immaculate ! Thank you and Welcome back anytime ! Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeanmarie L.

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

Family Fun

Had an awesome time having a family reunion. Great house with lots of places to stay in a fabulous porch to hang out on.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 June 2023
Jeanmarie and family group were definitely a 5 Star Group. House left very clean. No furnisher moved. Very Welcome back.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ted S.

Great stay

The house was clean and fit the description and pictures as advertised. Scott was very friendly and easy to work with ahead of our trip. Also, the house is in an excellent location walking distance to town!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Hi Ted, Thank you very much for the 5 Star Rating. It means a lot to the Old River House. We love business events like yours. We are very thankful you chose us. Please come back again . Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

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

The Best

In town, historic building and antiques. Great hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Morning Scott, Thank you kindly for the 5 Star Review. We give your group the same ! Please return anytime. Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew F.

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

Great historical charm, ideal location

This house is perfect for a large group that appreciates the history of the Kennebunkport area. You can't beat the location - river views and a 5 minute walk to everything in Dock Square. Scott and Cheryl are terrific hosts, very responsive and welcoming. Our big group loved the house!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2023
The Fisher family was a solid 5Star Review. Polite, quiet, charming. Always welcome back. Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie k.

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

Family Reunion

This is a beautiful historic home just blocks from the downtown. Loved the history, the layout, spaciousness of this home for a large group! Excellent property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Thank you Julie for having your family reunion at the Old River House, and thank you for the 5 Stars. We give your family 5 Stars too! Please come back anytime ! Scott & Cheryl
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mollie Q.

Amazing!!

Absolutely perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Mollie Thank you soooo much for the 5 Star Review. Your Ladies weekend was amazing !!! The Old River House is cleaner now then when you arrived ! Please return anytime you want You are definitely a 5 Star group !
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara R.

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

Ideal family reunion site

The 10 bedrooms, generous indoor and outdoor space, made this perfect for our family reunion. We loved being able to visit snd share meals on the veranda or indoors in the ample living space. An added benefit was the location—an easy walk to shops and restaurants in one direction or the ocean in the other direction. The historic house and views of the river were another plus.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept 2023
Barbara, We were honored to have your great group to whom we gladly give a 5 Star Review. Please return to the Old River House anytime of year ! Thank you, Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth P.

Huge, unique house...Perfect for larger gatherings!

We loved our stay at the Old River House! Ten members of our local book club enjoyed an overnight stay at this beautiful home and we loved every minute of it. Close to the ocean, shops, restaurants and all that makes the Maine sea coast wonderful. Our only regret is that we did t stay longer...We’ll be back!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Beth, we gladly give your group a 5 Star Review. Please come back anytime and stay longer ! Merry Christmas to you and the entire Book Club ! Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie M.

Beautiful home, perfect for a family retreat!

We loved our stay at the Old River House, and it was perfect for our family. The house is perfectly located in a beautiful area, just a quick walk to quaint shops and restaurants. Our kids loved playing and running around in the parks next to the house. Thank you, Scott and Cheryl for being such gracious and generous hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Katie, Cheryl and I were honored to have such a great group as yours. Please come back anytime. Thanks, Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue A.

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

Old River House

Close to town. Lots of room. Porch is great.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2022
Sue, your group earned a 5 Star Rating. Please come back again. Thanks, Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna K.

Always Fun!

Our third time at Old River House, it was fun as usual. Great location, walk everywhere and best front porch! Thank you Cheryl and Scott for sharing your home.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Donna and Phil, We miss you already !. You are like family leaving and not coming back for a year ! We really enjoyed your company and Zeke's ! Scott & Cheryl
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine K.

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

Prelude rental !

Had the greatest time renting this house for Prelude. Perfect location, perfect weekend and scott was an absolute pleasure to work with! We WILL be back for sure!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Christine and Will, You are seriously a 5 Star Family. We super enjoyed your group.. Merry Christmas and please hurry back ! Scott & Cheryl
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Allison T.

Great Stay!

Thank you Scott and Cheryl for your hospitality during our stay at the Old River House. You were both very welcoming and accomodating. From bedrooms to the living and dining spaces, there was more than enough of room for our large group. The home was also very clean and comfortable. Highly recommend, especially for larger families.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Morning Allison, We give you & your group a 5 Star too ! Thank you very much, and thank you for putting our little ones to work babysitting for you ! We will have another full bathroom when you return next year! Have a great Fall Season ! Scott & Cheryl
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Edward C.

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

Don’t recommend staying here

Would not recommend staying here if you appreciate privacy from owners.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Dec 2022
Ed, it is unfortunate you felt the need to give your stay at the Old River House a 1 star. We tried to accommodate you and your group despite you showing up with a large U-Haul Truck and unloading Banquet tables and a dozen chairs. We were very upfront with you that we do NOT allow Weddings or events. You told us you were just staying at the property with your family. You actually never stayed one night at the Old River House. We feel that your review is retaliatory, as you had no complaints until we had to charge you for the irreplaceable damage that your party did to our brand new Cobble stone patio. We felt that we were generous in only charging you the cost of the stones that had to be replaced. We never had to charge a Guest in the past but we requested several times during your stay that the stains be cleaned to avoid this exact situation. The timely requests were not followed and the stain became permanent even after several professional cleanings (that we did not charge you for), so we felt we had no choice. It is the only time we have had to charge a Guest from their deposit, in the eleven years of a very successful business operation.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

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

SFC

Great trip. Again
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Wonderful house and location, great for a group!

We just returned from a wonderful long weekend staying at the Old River house in Kennebunkport. It is a large house and was perfect for our women's get away weekend. There were up to 8 of us on some of the nights and we were each able to have our own bedroom. It is a great location, a short walk to town for meals ,shopping, and then you can continue through town and head to the beach. The house was clean and well maintained. Plenty of room on the downstairs level, with a big kitchen, dining room and living room. All very nicely renovated and decorated. We have been going away together for 18 years to different locations all over New England and we found this house to be one of the nicest places we have stayed.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Hi Wendy, Thank you very much for the *****, 5 star Review. You were right, The gas was "off" to the Fireplaces. We got it fixed, and its operating again. We thank you, and look forward to working hard to make your next trip even better, and more affordable ! Scott & Cheryl

About the host

Hosted by Scott Mahoney

Host profile image

Inkeepers, Scott and Cheryl Mahoney have 8 wonderful children from 25 down to 5. 5 boys and 3 girls means they are very busy all the time. They have been married 27 years. Scott grew up in Lexington, Ma, and Cheryl in Farmington, CT. Scott moved to South Glastonbury, CT at age 8 and meet Cheryl at a 'Mixer' (dance) Senior year at her private school. Cheryl became best friends with Scotts mother (Gloria), so when they broke up, Scott would come home and hear Cheryl laughing with Gloria, her best friend. Cheryl, a year behind Scott, transferred to Scotts College, Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ) . They went out with other people, grew up, and realized that they should be together and 27 years later, they still are. They have lived in Atlanta for 20 years. Scotts brother, Chris, worked at the Colony Hotel as a Busboy during College. Scott worked at the grand old 'Marshall House' in York Harbor, Me as an Elevator Boy one summer, and as a Bellman the next summer. The Marshall House has been torn down several decades ago. The Mahoney's vacationed here and in York Harbor, Me. Cheryl vacationed at her family's vacation home in Old Saybrook, CT.

Why they chose this property

The Old River House has fast access to launch your Kayaks or go to the Ocean beach ! It is in the very heart of Kennebunkport, in town elegance and ease. No hassle finding parking in the 'Port,' just walk. Walk or drive to the beach. The adjacent Town Parks are very well maintained and used by locals and vacationers. Kennebunkport really is Fun and Happiness. Its a great place for Families and Kids.

What makes this property unique

Breakfast in the morning, by the wall of windows, looking at the Lobster boats going out to sea and the Sea Gulls following. You can smell the ocean when the tide goes out (approximately a 13 foot tide!) and the sun bakes the sea weed. In the evening, sitting in the rocking chairs on the porch, with a glass of your favorite beverage, makes for a great and relaxed day. Finally, when going to sleep, the evening breeze temperatures get into the 50's to 60's, making for the best sleep you will have and great Ocean wave sounds.

PARKING: 52 Ocean Ave. driveway. Capacity; 6 cars side by side. (Back driveway for Landlord)

Languages:

English

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