Historic Home in Downtown Bar Harbor. Walk to Everything.
Originally built in 1911 for Captain Snow, the first Maine Seacoast Mission captain, Windhaven is a charming reminder of the Golden Age of Bar Harbor. High ceilings, spacious rooms, spruce ceilings in the bedrooms and 2,000 square feet allow you to relax in style. Or, if you prefer to sit outside, there is a covered deck off the main floor of the house, perfect for catching evening breezes off the ocean.
Below the deck is a secure storage area for bicycles, kayaks, canoes, etc. Since its construction, the house has served as a family residence, a Bed and Breakfast and an inn. At present my wife and I are in the process of turning it back into a single family home. Windhaven is right in the middle of Bar Harbor village but nestled off a quiet side street and then further nestled into an even quieter side street...making Windhaven "off a quiet side street" squared. You will hear the occasional tolling of bells from the Holy Redeemer church down on Ledgelawn.
From Windhaven you can walk to all the shops and restaurants in town. Walk to movies at Reel Pizza and the Criterion Theater. Stroll over to the village green, catch a summer concert or hop on the free Island Explorer shuttle and discover more of MDI.
First floor: designer kitchen with all the amenities, separate remodeled prep kitchen, custom bar, dining room, half bath, library / music room, large living room with flat screen TV, DVD, Amazon Fire TV (HBO, HULU, Amazon Prime Movies, Netflix, etc.) side patio with gas grill, deck with a clear plastic corrugated roof for maximum light, deck furniture for relaxing or eating al fresco.
Second floor: huge master suite with queen tempurpedic, full bathroom and separate office / library space, two other bedrooms upstairs contain double beds and access to second floor balcony great for viewing sunrise, and another full bathroom.
All bedrooms have air conditioning & ceiling fans for your comfort.
Basement: washer and dryer, half bath, storage for beach items, coolers, etc.
Third floor: the third floor will be locked off and unavailable to guests during the summer. Sorry.
Amenities: high speed wifi, radio, cd player, record player, amazon fire tv, DVD, movies, books, full kitchen, gas grill, outdoor dining patio, beach chairs, beach blankets, beach towels, fantastic water pressure, parking (2 spaces). Safe kayak and bike storage on property.
We want people to enjoy their stay here. As our guests, you are welcome to use any and all of the books, cds, dvds, records, and games while you are here. Treat them like you would your own.
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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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Bar Harbor
Located in Bar Harbor, this holiday home is in the city centre. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
West Street Historic District - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Criterion Theater - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Village Green - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Shore Path - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Getting around
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 18 min drive
Restaurants
Thirsty Whale - 4 min walk
Dog & Pony Tavern - 6 min walk
Aloha
Atlantic Brewing Downtown - 3 min walk
The Barnacle - 8 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Historic Home in Downtown Bar Harbor. Walk to Everything. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Historic Home in Downtown Bar Harbor. Walk to Everything.?
As of 6 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Home in Downtown Bar Harbor. Walk to Everything. on 31 Dec 2026 start from AU$1,140, 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 Historic Home in Downtown Bar Harbor. Walk to Everything.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Historic Home in Downtown Bar Harbor. Walk to Everything.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Historic Home in Downtown Bar Harbor. Walk to Everything.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Historic Home in Downtown Bar Harbor. Walk to Everything. located?
Located in the heart of Bar Harbor, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of West Street Historic District and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This home had a great location in Bar Harbor. It was nice that towels and sheets were included. Lots of helpful info on Bar Harbor and Acadia. Clean and fun historic home.
This house is ideal for a group of six, boasting an excellent location mere minutes from Bar Harbor town centre. Dan's helpfulness was much appreciated, and the kitchen's amenities, including a gas stove and spacious dining table, made for a wonderful stay.
song C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 July 2025
thanks, song. please come back anytime. I hope you and your friends enjoy the rest of your travels. take good care.
Our family of four loved the house and neighborhood. It was so close to everything! The beds were very comfortable, and the kitchen had just what we needed. Communication with owner was easy. We would love to come back for another stay in the future.
Emily A.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 July 2025
Thanks, Emily. Please come back anytime. And thanks again for being so dreamy. take good care.
Check in seamless with significant positive communication from owner. The kitchen was well appointed with all appliances and utensils we needed for cooking several meals. Great location near downtown
Kimberley C.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Archival
10/10 Excellent
katherine f.
1 Aug 2017
Great for our family
Plenty of room
katherine f.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Thanks, Katherine. I'm glad you and the family had a good time in the house and on the island. take good care. dm
We loved staying here! Its a fun home with lots of history. It's conveniently located to everything in Bar Harbor. Seriously, two blocks from the grocery store. The French Restaurant is 2 blocks and fabulous. We are foodies and we were not disappointed. We would love to come back again! Thank you, Dan!
What a perfect place to spend some time in Bar Harbor! The home is as pictured and better. The record collection is top notch and perfect for morning listening with tea / coffee on the back patio (which, by the way - really appreciated the tea selection, it’s rare to find in a rental and I usually have to buy a bunch while coffee is served aplenty). The location is perfect for getting around town, out to Acadia, etc. We stayed for 2 weeks and worked from there the second week - it was as perfect as it may appear. Highly recommend staying at Dan & Jodie’s place in Bar Harbor!
Samantha D.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 July 2024
Hey Samantha, really happy to hear you were able to work and play in Bar Harbor. Always good to hear folks are enjoying the records too. sending light and health and joy to you and the family.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Juyne L.
7 Sept 2017
An amazing week at Windhaven and Bar Harbor
Our multigenerational family of five enjoyed an incredible week at this charming home in Bar Harbor. Its location, in walking distance of Bar Harbor's many restaurants and shops, was ideal. The house accommodated the five of us comfortably, with room to spare. In the modern kitchen, we found everything we needed--and more. We enjoyed the game/music room, where we we listened to LPs while our grandson delighted in the games. And we especially appreciated the attentiveness of the owner, who contacted us several times during our stay to ensure that we were enjoying our Bar Harbor vacation. Windhaven + Bar Harbor + Acadia = the perfect Maine getaway!
Juyne L.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
hello Juyne. THE RECORDS!! I'm really happy to hear you listened to the records. AND that there was a young one with you to learn all the basics of vinyl, the warmth of analogue, and what a record skipping can do to your psyche. Good to hear you enjoyed your time here. take good care. dm
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Claire F.
27 July 2017
Terrific, quiet house in the middle of Bar Harbor
Our family of five, 2 adults and 3 teenagers, spent a busy week at the end of June, 2017, in this great house. We have been coming to MDI for years, and have rented many houses in different locations all over the island. This one is our favorite! Incredibly comfortable, so much space for everyone to spread out, surrounded by an incredible book and music collection, on a quiet cul-de-sac, all within walking distance of everything in Bar Harbor. It had all we needed, including two parking spots and a place to store our bikes. Dan is wonderful and easy to work with, as evidenced by his quick response to a very small plumbing issue and his follow-up contacts to make sure all was well, even though he was across the country. We look forward to returning!
Claire F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
thank you, Claire. you and your family are welcome back anytime. we will keep adding to the music collection...it's sort of a sickness, a good sickness, but a sickness all the same. take good care!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Melissa S.
4 Sept 2017
Wonderful Location and Environment
We shared the Windhaven house with 2 families of 4 including 4 kids age 6 and under. The house had plenty of room to accommodate our 2 families, a couple of shared spaces that were cozy and was a perfect location for Bar Harbor's quaint downtown.
- Communications with Dan were easy and friendly.
- We were centrally located to all the restaurants, Village Green, Main Street and bike rental stores and grocery store.
- Accommodations in the house were as expected. Other than a few quirky pictures on the walls that were a little scary for our small kids, the house and accommodations were laid back and as pictured. Loved the local culture and vibes that the house had.
- Easy access to Acadia Nationals park and the free shuttles
- Thanks for hosting us and letting us use your home. We would definitely rebook with Dan in the future.
Melissa S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
thank you for this response. now I'm looking around at the art on our walls and thinking to myself: would this frighten a child? how about this? THIS would totally frighten a child (the circular picture of Will Rodgers in the downstairs bathroom). good to hear your trip went well. take good care. dm
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Linda G.
21 July 2016
The home was the backdrop of a great week!
The home was clean and spacious for two couples. It could have held two more people very easily. It was very comfortable for us. We loved it's proximity to Acadia and to town. A newish, full size supermarket was within walking distance of 2 or 3 short blocks. Large kitchen was perfect for food prep. Nice size eating area. Books and games, piano and lots of recorded music. Washing machine and dryer downstairs were very large and new. Brochures and books on the area were provided by owner. The owner also had fun with the name of the home (Windhaven) and each guest received a poem on the name Windhaven. Prior to our arrival, the owner provided us with a detailed description of the home. We had a great stay! Highly recommend this house. Would come back again!
Linda G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
This is so great. I'm really happy to hear you folks enjoyed your stay. I love our house (and the whole MDI area) and I want everyone who comes to love it too. You're welcome anytime.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Andrew R.
4 Aug 2016
Perfectly Located Home in Bar Harbor
We had a great time in this perfectly located home in Bar Harbor.
Windhaven is a neat old house, filled with interesting art, books and magazines, music and historic details. The property was clean, comfortable and fully equipped. Lots of room for our family of 4. We loved the music room and the covered deck.
The location could not be better. We walked less than 10 minutes to fantastic restaurants (Side St Cafe, Cafe This Way, Rosalies), shops, Village Green, movies and the Improv.
Acadia National Park and other MDI spots are within a short drive. Kids rock climbed at Otter Cliffs - a great experience.
The owner of the property, Dan, was a pleasure to deal with throughout. He provided quick and detailed responses to all of our inquiries.
We enjoyed everything about the house, and recommend this property to anyone interested in visiting Bar Harbor and surrounding area.
The Rosen Family
Newmarket, ON Canada
Andrew R.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Wow. Thanks for this wonderful review. The Rosen cohort are welcome anytime. And may the legacy of the dynamic Canadian folk duo Ian and Sylvia live forever in our hearts.
We had a great week at this wonderful house. The house is spacious and has lots of cool and funky books, music, and art to appreciate. The beds were comfortable and kitchen had everything we needed. The first day we were notified that one of the ceiling fans was not working. The property manager scheduled a time to come by the house, and though it couldn’t be fixed they supplied a window fan which worked just as well. The owner Dan was responsive to any questions we had and reached out a couple of time by text to make sure everything was A-ok.
The house is in a densely populated area, and the first night the neighbors were up talking outside until after 1a.m. Thankfully things quieted down after that. The location of the house made it easy to enjoy all the wonderful shops, restaurants, and waterfront in Bar Harbor without fighting for a parking space. Just a few minute walk brings you to the village green where you can catch a bus to all the stops in Acadia. Very helpful for those days my husband took the car to play golf. All around, a cool, comfortable house in a great location if you are looking to stay in Bar Harbor. We would return in a heartbeat.
Deanna V.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Thanks for this really nice review. Come back any time. The ceiling fan managed to somehow fix itself. Go figure. take good care.
We traveled from Orlando and very much enjoyed our stay at this property. The location in Bar Harbor was perfect for our family and close to everything we needed. There were a great number of options for dining and shopping all within walking distance. The drive to Acadia National Park was convenient. The owner was extremely responsive before and during our stay. We had a minor issue with lights not working upon our arrival and he responded by text/phone immediately. For those traveling from the southeast, it's important to note that a majority of the homes in Bar Harbor do not have air conditioning like we do in the southern states. It was toasty the week we were in Bar Harbor and it was difficult to adjust to no a/c, although fans were provided in every room. The neighbors were a bit noisy during the middle of the night...their noise probably exacerbated by sleeping with the windows open. The bedding was extremely comfortable and the home quaint with unique decorations throughout. The property could use some upgrades, and more lighting on the first floor, however, the location makes up for all of it. We also enjoyed the record player and extensive record collection. The family games were a great deal of fun. We will definitely plan to return but will likely travel in the fall instead of July/August:-) Thank you for everything!
brooke b.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
thanks for this, Brooke. we do have ceiling fans in every room and that usually keeps the house cool at night but sometimes this east coast heat does not break. take good care.
Wonderful home in a great location. A short walk to Hannaford supermarket and everything thing else that Bar Harbor has to offer. The only time I drove during my stay was to Acadia national park. Would definitely stay at this property again.
Thank you t o Dan and family for sharing your home with our family again. The location was perfect for a visit to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park - walking distance to the town, grocery store, and all amenities. Easy, friendly and timely communication with Dan was perfect. House was just as we remembered with lots of games, music, convenient accessories, and WiFi. House guest book had all the information we needed. Thanks so much for the recommendations and the Mt. Desert Island ice cream treat! Thank you
This was our 2nd time renting this property. It is spacious, comfortable, and has more than everything you need to spend a week exploring Bar Harbor and Acadia NP. The owners are delightful and responsive. And, the house has tons of great artwork, books, and music that you can enjoy. Highly recommend.
This was a great place for a family vacation. A charming house, filled with books, games and movies to entertain the kids in the evenings. Walkable to everything there is do in Bar Harbor.
The location of the home (Windhaven) was absolutely perfect for our family. It was wonderful being a 5 minute walk into Bar Harbor and not worry about parking. It only took a few minutes drive to get into Acadia Park. Great house, amazing location!!!
A great charming comfortable home centrally located within walking distance of many activities. I
We had a very busy active week and found this home to be the perfect place to come home to after spending the day enjoying all the great things MDI has to offer. We recommend this home without any reservations.
Would highly recommend this property for how delightful the house is, the location - in town with easy walk to the Island Explorer (Park bus), many restaurants and interesting shops. The owner responded promptly to questions and allows the renter to enjoy his property including access to a large collection of music and movies/games etc. So many great things to do - visit Acadia, hiking, whale watching and so many more things! The food options were incredible - the freshest lobster, amazing homemade ice cream, artisan pizza while watching a movie at the local cinerama. A great family vacation!
Fiona P.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
hello Fiona. So happy to hear you took advantage of all Bar Harbor has to offer...including our house! take care. come back any time.
Everything was as advertised. Nice house with old world charm. Property manager was great took care of the only issue we had promptly. Could use one or two more fans since there’s no AC. Global warming is having an impact even in northern Maine. Thanks
RANDY L.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Thanks Randy. Glad you are your group had a good time in Maine. As for the climate change, one must always be prepared, we got six fans but we can always have more. take care and come back any time.
About the host
Hosted by Daniel Mahoney
We bought Windhaven in August of 2014. Both my wife and I are college professors. Jodi teaches theatre at the College of the Atlantic here in Bar Harbor. I am a lecturer in literature and writing at the College of the Atlantic as well as at the University of Maine, Augusta, and Colby College in Waterville. We have two amazing children, one in college and one in high school here in town. We have been living on the East Coast for the last 15 years but our entire extended families are all on the West Coast. Summers we head west so the kids can know their grandparents and cousins and uncles and aunts and discover the joys of eating great Mexican food. We love eating and traveling and reading, in that order. To those ends, we have a kitchen with all the amenities as well as a wonderful collection of books for all ages and interests...enjoy. We love this house, it is our home, we hope you love it too.
Why they chose this property
We came to MDI because my wife got a job at the College of the Atlantic. We had been to Maine before but not much above Portland and even then we thought we were really far north. When we came to MDI our whole family fell in love with the place. Acadia Park is our backyard and Bar Harbor Village is our front yard. We have lived in the area for over 10 years now and those three years have been incredible. The best hiking trails, the best ice cream, the best restaurants are just outside our door.
What makes this property unique
There are a ton of great things to say about this house but I will let you know my favorite thing: it is like we are 5 minutes from everything / everyone. Bar Harbor is a super small community during the winter, so that is a good thing. The house is warm and inviting and quirky...kind of like our family. There is plenty of room, a secret staircase the kids love, decks, balconies... All the joys.