Located in Andover, this lodge is in the city centre and on the beach. 49 Franklin and Bethel Historical Society are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Black Mountain and Sunday River. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains
Historic country lodge in Maine's beautiful western mountains with private swimming pond and beach on property, close to lakes, streams and mountains. Nearby world-class fishing (Rapid River, Magalloway, Kennebago, Androscoggin & Swift Rivers, Rangeley & Richardson Lakes), golfing (Bethel Inn & Sunday River), and ski areas (Sunday River, Saddleback, Mt. Abram, Black Mountain).
The house is partially un-heated. Mid-winter rentals are limited to 10, including 2 each in 3 queens, and 4 in twins. Early-Spring into April and late-Fall into October limited to 14, including 2 each in 4 queens, and 6 in twins.
Note that there isn't an option to check off having a private swimming pond with beach, so we check the swimming pool box and describe the pond in the listing. There's no pool - it's a nice, spring-fed pond with beach that is lovely for swimming right across the lawn from the house. There are several great swimming holes and a lake with a beautiful public beach nearby as well.
Magnificent setting with broad lawns and pastures overlooking mountain valley in the northern end of the Mahoosuc range. Pond & river on property. Trails on property and access to 4000 footers. Plentiful outdoor activities: swim, boat, fish (stocked pond, great fishing throughout the area including some of the nation's most pristine wild trout waters), hike, bike, ride, berry pick, you name it. Nearby Bethel Recreation Area & Sunday River golf and ski resorts. 3 hours from Boston.
This is a truly unique vacation and recreation spot - comfortable and gorgeous with deep history in a friendly old-New England town. Built in 1792 by the first homesteading settler in the valley; renovated in the late 1800s at the peak of the railroad era into a private summer retreat with design contributions by Stanford White and Frederick Law Olmsted. Wonderful interiors including breathtaking Great Hall, several salons, Grand Dining Room. Long views that defy words.
Rates quoted are for family vacation rentals with the indicated seasonal overnight guest maximums. Event and other rental rates quoted upon request.
Requested minimum booking 5 nights Summer, 3 nights Spring and Fall, 2 nights Winter. Minimum stays are guidelines. We can do shorter stays but may need to add for heat and other fixed costs. We will discount for longer stays. Please ask.
Keywords: Sleeps 25+ in warm weather, 10+ in cold weather. Summer and winter rentals available. 2 kitchens, 2 dining rooms. Catering & event services available. 15 fireplaces. Contemporary utilities & amenities including wireless internet. Elegantly furnished.
Weddings, reunions, special events, family vacations, corporate and group retreats. Destination Weddings. Ceremony and reception site. Trophy trout, salmon & bass fishing. Two golf courses nearby. Amazing for leaf peeping weekends. Downhill and XC Ski. Snow-mobile. Hunt. Hike the Appalachian Trail. Relax.
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and weddings
Max overnight 32. Max event outdoor guests 200.
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights
Please leave the property broom-swept and as found upon arrival with household items and grounds clean and items put away, and all trash left bagged and in the designated trash area.
Please refill ice-trays in the two kitchen refrigerators.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Requested minimum booking 5 nights Summer, 3 nights Spring and Fall, 2 nights Winter.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 32
Note from host: Max overnight 32. Max event outdoor guests 200.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
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
Frequently asked questions
Does Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains?
As of 6 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains on 28 June 2026 start from AU$1,732, 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.
Is Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains located?
Located in the heart of Andover, this lodge is within 16 miles (25 km) of Androscoggin River, Howard Pond and Angel Falls. Rumford Falls and 49 Franklin are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Amazing Maine Get-Away - Maine's Western Mountains Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Excellent location to convene a large group. Property is stunning!!!! Prep your group that set up is rustic. You will see bugs. Beds are old. But you will have a great time! Recommend property mgmt buy new pillows.
We had a good trip overall and enjoyed the house’s unique charm and character, it was clean, and there were ample fans to help keep the heat away. However, it was definitely more rustic than we anticipated. The red kitchen had a faucet that leaked so much that we had to constantly change out bath towels to keep the floor from being covered in water, we did reach out about the leak and were told it would be fixed about mid week but no one ever showed to fix it. Both of the downstairs toilets were also leaking.Given how remote the house is, we weren’t surprised to encounter some mice inside, so be sure to store all your food securely. We also had a bat flying around the house, which made for some interesting evenings!
Unexpected positives:
-The great hall looks amazing. (Not unexpectedly, the scenery around the house does too.)
-Despite being a New England summer, the house was cool through the day.
-Despite being a New England summer, there were fairly few bugs.
Unexpected negatives:
-The house was a bit chilly the first night. (We didn't think to ask about the custodians about the heating system when we arrived because it was summer; it worked fine when we did.)
We rented the Merrill House for our family reunion. We had guests ages 7 months to 73 years (a total of 26) that came from near and far. Everyone loved the property. The house and its history are amazing. Many enjoyed exploring the house and its artifacts. It was well equipped with everything we needed. The location is beautiful with lots of outdoor adventures near by as well as plenty to do on the grounds. Other highlights included the fire pit, the pond and plenty of space for everyone to spread out or gather as desired. We enjoyed games of croquet and frisbee golf and relaxing on the porches. The weather cooperated for us with only one day that was really hot and it also was cool enough to enjoy a fire in the great room. The only negative we would express is that the mattresses are in need of being updated. Overall our group appreciated the charm of this house and left with many fond memories. We didn't want the time to end.
Due to the hot weather, sleeping at night were little difficult specially the third floor bedrooms. However, sufficient fans supported a lot. The beautiful surroundings make you feel a real vacation.
Som G.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Archival
10/10 Excellent
31 Aug 2014
What a special retreat!
Our family had an amazing week at Merrill House. We found the house incredibly inviting and quite spacious for our group. We enjoyed cooking amazing meals in the old kitchen and savoring them in the Dining Hall, which seated all of us. Our evenings were spent in the Great Hall, with games, puzzles and dancing. The children had an amazing time in the swimming pond, particularly jumping in from the rope swing. We bought kites and spent a wonderful afternoon flying kites. The grounds allowed us to set up various games, such as a volleyball/badminton net and relay races. One of us is a painter who found numerous spots to set up and spend the afternoon painting. The drive to nearby parks for hikes were worth the trip, but we certainly enjoyed 'staying home' relaxing at the Merrill House's porch. It was an absolutely wonderful experience for all. Thank you!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
15 Aug 2013
Amazing house and grounds
Just wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to spend a week at the Merrill House. The place was amazing (I especially loved the door to the great room - if I could have gotten it into my carry-on bag, you might be missing it now) with tons of room for everyone and several natural gathering spaces (the "new" kitchen and great room were the two most popular, although there was always a crowd on the front porch, too). My dad used to be a mover (drove a moving van for 10-15 years) and has seen a LOT of houses - he had to admit he'd never seen anything like the Merrill House (he even dragged my younger brother back the next day so he could see it). The grounds were beautiful and our nerdy group was out each night, enjoying the clear sky and tracking the International Space Station. Becky and Bert (the caretakers) were super nice and helped us out in large ways and small (from setting up the new grill, to lending us life jackets for a canoe, to giving directions to the nearest redemption center). All in all, it was a great week and the house met with universal acclaim.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Cathy A.
2 June 2012
Our two-week stay at the Merrill House
Our family of sixteen stayed at the Merrill House in Andover, Maine, for two weeks earlier this year and loved it! We have always appreciated the beautiful Maine homes we have seen all over the state, but the Merrill House is definitely the most fantastic home we have yet seen. Our family is involved in several television projects and did some filming at the home and the surrounding region, and it made for a wonderful setting. We especially enjoyed the spacious Great Hall - it was the perfect meeting place for our crowd. Back home, many of our sons have a wedding photography and videography business, and they recognized this home as a perfect spot for a destination wedding. In fact, we are advertising it to our local folks who are looking for a unique place for their special celebration, as this home can accommodate such a large amount of guests. Also, the caretakers, Becky and Bert, are very helpful and considerate in keeping the home looking fresh and clean.