Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock

Family-friendly farm stay in Bass Harbor

Photo gallery for Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock

View of the house, backyard and private dock taken from the water
Front entrance, walkway and gardens in early summer
Sunset from a kayak on the harbor
Backyard, apple trees, hammock, dock and harbor as seen from master balcony
Fully appointed kitchen with two sink areas and stainless steel appliances

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
AU$1,282
avg per night

Explore the area

View map
Tremont, ME
  • Place, Acadia National Park
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Wonderland Trail Trailhead
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

2nd Floor Front

1 Queen Bed

2nd Floor Twin

2 Single Beds

2nd Master - 2nd floor

1 Queen Bed

3rd floor back bedroom

1 Queen Bed

3rd floor bunkroom

4 Single Beds

3rd floor front bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom - 2nd floor

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

2nd floor hall bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

2nd master bath

Toilet · Shower only

3rd floor Jack & Jill

Toilet · Shower only

First floor bathroom

Toilet

Master Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area
The current price is AU$1,282
avg per night

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

About the area

Bass Harbor

Located in Bass Harbor, this farm stay is on the waterfront. Bar Harbor Whale Watching is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Travelling with kids? Consider George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Acadia National Park - 1 min drive - 0.0 km
  • Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse - 5 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Wonderland Trail Trailhead - 5 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Asticou Azalea Garden - 25 min drive - 29.2 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 33 min drive - 33.6 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Archie’s Lobster - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Seafood Ketch - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Colonel's Restaurant - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Thurston's Lobster Pound - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock

Apple Cove is a spacious, 4100 square foot, three story home built in 1883 that has been updated with all the modern amenities while maintaining the detail and beauty of the Victorian era, including remarkably high ceilings, detailed woodwork, and beautiful wood floors throughout. We are located on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, with 139 feet of private shoreline on Bass Harbor. The home features a wrap around porch with stunning views of the harbor, including a screened-in section with a large dining table for outdoor meals as well as comfortable chairs and rockers for relaxing while bird watching or enjoying the view. Walk right down from the porch to our private dock, where you can put your kayak in with ease, or hunt for treasures on the rocks at low tide; or linger in the backyard, which makes an ideal spot for lawn games. Be sure to take advantage of the backyard seating area with a fire pit perfect for evening oceanside campfires.

This house is truly a treasure; it's been featured in the New York Times magazine (August 2016), as well as Maine Boats & Harbors (March 2004), and has been used on multiple occasions in advertising for LL Bean. The Southwest Harbor Library digital archive is full of pictures of the house from the late 1800s, when it was the Osborne Milton Kittredge house and store. If you're looking for the essence of coastal Maine, full of history but updated for modern comfort, you'll find it here.

The first floor features a large kitchen centered around a rustic farmhouse table with all the amenities needed for large family meals. Granite counter tops, new stainless appliances, Keurig coffeemaker, stoneware dishes, ample cookware and utensils along with harbor views make this kitchen a delight. The kitchen features double doors that exit to the wrap around porch, as well as another exit to the screened-in dining area.

Also on the first floor is a large living room with built-ins, including a cushioned window seat with ocean views. A flat screen smart TV, large coffee table and plenty of seating make this the perfect space for watching movies, playing games or just relaxing. Open to the living room is a large formal dining room with decorative fireplace.

The main entry to the home features a grand staircase that leads to the second and third floors. This formal entryway also leads to the library, an office and a half bath. The library is equipped with chairs for reading as well as a table for work, games or puzzles. The adjoining, private office has a desk for working and a side chair for reading or taking phone calls. Both the library and office are filled with books (classics, popular book club selections, mysteries, Stephen King, novels for both elementary and young adult readers) and a selection of games and puzzles. WiFi is available throughout the home.

The second floor features a master bedroom with queen bed, en suite bath with claw foot tub, sitting area, large closet, smart TV and private balcony with gorgeous harbor views and comfortable seating. A back staircase gives this master suite additional privacy from the rest of the second floor.

A second master with ocean view, queen bed, en suite bath, sitting area, smart TV and walk in closet is also on the second floor. Two more bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with a daybed with trundle complete the second floor which also features an additional large bath with claw foot tub.

The third floor features a large bunk room with 4 twin beds, and ocean views. Sharing a Jack and Jill style bath with the bunk room is another room with a queen bed, cushioned window seat, ocean views and private staircase. Finishing off the third floor is an additional room with queen bed and sitting area.

Apple Cove is located on the quiet side of the island, just over 2 miles from downtown Southwest Harbor, and 2 miles from the Bass Harbor lighthouse. Thurston's Lobster Pound is about a mile away by car; for those who choose to, you can kayak from the backyard right over to Thurston's dock in a few minutes. Commonly visited places in Acadia National Park are also not far from home; the Seawall, as well as Wonderland and Ships Harbor trails, are about 4 miles away, and Echo Lake is about 10 minutes away. Acadia Mountain, one of the most popular (and most rewarding) hikes in the park is also within a 10 minute drive.

We purchased this home in 2017 after visiting Mount Desert Island every summer for more than 20 years, and are thrilled to be able to share it with others. We have paid attention to details in order to provide our guests with a well-stocked, welcoming, comfortable home in which to share time with family and friends and enjoy the gorgeous harbor setting and all that beautiful Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park have to offer.

Amenities

Free WiFi
Parking available
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 9:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
Small events may be permitted with pre-approval
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
$450 refundable security deposit due 60 days in advance.
$50 per person for parties over 12 people

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Small events may be permitted with pre-approval
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Is Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock located?

This family-friendly Bass Harbor farm stay is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead. Wonderland Trail Trailhead and Wendell Gilley Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

Spacious historic oceanfront home on Bass Harbor - stunning views - private dock Reviews

10

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 91 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 91 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 91 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 91 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 91 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sophia N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a fantastic stay at Bass Harbor. The house was perfect for a summer family vacation and had everything we needed. We played frisbee in the yard, sat 13 people at the dining table for dinner, and spent many hours on the porch, enjoying the view. When it was time to check out, we didn't want to leave!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location. The view over the sea was ever changing and interesting. We rented kayaks and had a great time. Archie’s was great. Dairy bar was great. Both walkable. We had a group of 14 family. All the spaces worked great. We spent lots of time on the deck and in the garden.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Trip JULY 2025Our family of 9 adults and 5 children so enjoyed our stay at Apple Cove. Every room was thoughtfully decorated. We had more than enough room to spread out. We especially loved the back porch for relaxing. The younger grandchildren loved the dock area. Our older granddaughter was able to paddle board at high tide.We also enjoyed the screened in porch for meals and the nice view of the bay. The owner answered all our questions before the trip quickly.It was our first trip to Acadia and we would highly recommend this beautiful home for families.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean C.

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

Family reunion

The house was beautiful very clean and perfect for our reunion. The only problem is the goose poop all over the yard. That’s the only problem we had.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

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

Quintessential Maine

The photos do not do this house justice, it is not only beautiful, but absolutely massive, which was perfect for 9 adults, four kids, and a toddler. We enjoyed fog that you could cut with a knife, a great breeze, stargazing at the milky way from the dock and kayaking in the harbor. Easy access through much of the island and quiet with just a little road noise now and then. The house was incredibly clean - so much so that it stood out and the caretaker was very quick to respond when we needed her. Our only nitpick was the bedroom pillows which were your standard rental house type - a minor thing. Our stay was so great that our family immediately started planning our next family reunion - and this property is what sparked that.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julia C.

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

Great Wedding Venue!

I spoke with Colleen before booking to confirm I could use her venue for a small 16 person wedding and she approved. My spouse and I had our family stay for an entire week enjoying Maine as part of the destination wedding. The property is much larger and beautiful than the pictures do justice. The house is spread out enough too that people aren’t on top of each other. The view was beautiful and the drive into Bar Harbor and Acadia was easy. I’d stay there again if I ever had a big group. Colleen also was very attentive- the coffee machine did not work the first day and she had a replacement machine in the house by 11 AM. Wonderful host!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric D.

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

Family Vacation

We had an amazing week! The house was spectacular and spacious! We had enough room for everyone. As a family scattered around the country, we meet every year somewhere to vacation. The house is furnished with everything you could possibly want. The property is maintained at an exceptional level. We spent several nights out by the fire pit and absolutely enjoyed the time spent there. The views of the water from the back porch were like a painting! Sitting there drinking coffee was a great way to relax. We rented a kayak and canoe and the convenience of launching from the private dock was very nice. The location was perfect for access to Acadia for hiking and Bar Harbor for shopping. We cannot thank the hosts enough for sharing this amazing gem of a property. We highly recommend this home to anyone looking for an amazing stay near Acadia National Park.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

carol k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We (adult siblings and wives) had a wonderful, relaxing time! Perfect launch spot for Bar Harbor (whales) and Acadia National Park. We cooked, we kayaked, we biked, we hiked and made full use of the fire pit in the evening and the front porch for coffee and conversation in the morning. Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is my 3rd year renting this beautiful house and each year it gets better and better.
Dinner on the porch
Yoga on the lawn
Sunrise hike on Cadillac MTN
Lobster Dinner!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean R.

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

An amazing stay at Apple Cove!!

Perfect location with a beautiful view. Plenty of room for a large family and a superb host!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela O.

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

Maine Adventure 2025

This house was perfect for our extended family of six adults and four children, and its location allowed for us to explore a wide area of MDI, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Bass Harbor. Our grandkids loved the third floor bedrooms where they could comfortably bunk with their cousins; they also loved the dock at low tide when they could look at the snails and other sea creatures which were left behind or high tide when they could kayak. The adults also loved the quietness and ability to find space to relax or read a book from the extensive library after a day of hiking or taking in the island cruise from Bass Harbor. We would highly recommend this property to others looking for a base to their own Maine adventure!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house! Great for family gatherings!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole B.

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

Amazing home away from home

The house was charming and spacious. Our large group of 14 fit comfortably with room to spare. There was plenty of seating inside and out. It was very peaceful sitting on the back deck overlooking the water and hanging out around the fire pit at night. Just a short drive to Acadia park entrances and visitor center as well as downtown Bar Harbor. The property manager was very responsive when we had questions. Highly recommend this gem of a property!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle L.

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

One of the best homes I have ever rented

This house is perfect for a group or large family. Beautiful view and lovingly restored. Owner and property management are very responsive and easy to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randy J.

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

Our family vacation

It was a a beautiful home with a beautiful setting.. I would definitely recommend this property..
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

William S.

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

Amazing Property!

Our time with children and grands from 6 to 76, was made so very special by having our base at Apple Cove. The 1883 sprawling, beautiful house and grounds, right on the ocean made for special times for morning coffee on the porch, and the firepit was a hit several nites for smores. The most peaceful, relaxing setting you could ever want. The house was equipped with all we needed for cooking. Everyone agreed it was the best family vacation ever!! Thankyou, Shapiros!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

My N.

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

Outstanding views and location

Family finished our 2-wk New England tour at this place and it was fantastic! Away from the crowds of Bar Harbor, but close enough to drive there easily. Discovered wonderful Southwest Harbor. House was charming with lots of room and character, backyard fires and s’mores were memorable! Kitchen stocked well; only thing was the dryer broke before our arrival and a replacement couldn’t be delivered until check out day, but that’s beyond owner’s control. Also, check in kind of late at 5pm, and check out early at 9am, maybe due to size of house and time it takes to clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen A.

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

Fabulous family reunion

Lovely home, wonderful views, space is perfect for a large group, (8 grownups and 6 kids) grownups and kids enjoyed playing in the back yard and the fire pit, porch was my personal favorite, and a lovely garden. Property manager was very responsive and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert G.

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

Great place for family of 14 near Acadia

Our family of 14 (all adults ranging in age from 23 to 82) really enjoyed the Apple Cove house. The house had plenty of room for people to meet together or have a social break. The porch and screened in porch were especially popular with the family. The house is at the end of Bass Harbor and has good views, especially at high tide. Waking up with the morning sun, high tide and low wind with the water like glass is a special time. The kitchen was well stocked and there were plenty of towels. The only concern for future guest is all bedrooms are on the second and third floors and some showers are in claw foot tubs.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ruthann B.

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

Welcome to New England

Having grown up in an old New England home this house made me feel like I had come home. It was beautifully decorated with a welcoming homey feel. The back yard and dock was perfect for those who wanted to explore the waters edge. The yard games kept the younger kids occupied during the little down time we had between sightseeing adventures. Though we didn’t use the fire pit it would have been wonderful to do so. The house is equipped with all the necessities for preparing and serving meals. The dining table is huge and easily accommodated our crowd. I would absolutely recommend this property to anyone seeking a great space to create family memories. It gave three generations of my southern born family a true taste of New England. Oh, and the view of the harbor was beautiful ever changing with the sea as the tides and fog rolled in and out. Definitely a view I could get used to waking up to everyday!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alicia P.

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

Wonderful for Families!

Great location with beautiful views! Clean and comfortable with plenty of space for our group of 11 adults!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roberta S.

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

Great gathering place

Enjoyed our stay very much
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin R., Oswego, NY

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

Great family location

Beautiful stately home with plenty of room for extended family! We were traveling to Acadia for our son's wedding and brought the extended family to stay! Fall in Maine is beautiful but the weather is very unpredictable. We were able to enjoy the porches in the nice weather and Colleen was prepared for the power outage with flashlights and lanterns when the power went out (tropical storm knocked out power to the island). The games and books in library and music room were a hit! The home was large but had many cozy spots. The downfall was the slanted ceiling in thecstairwell up to the 3rd floor. It made it challenging for adults to climb up (there is always the back staircase to use, as well). We stayed for an extended weekend but would love to stay for an entire week! So much to do and enjoy without ever leaving the house! Thanks for the great memories Colleen!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula K., Worcester, MA USA

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

Gorgeous, spacious, quiet location

In 10 years of taking a large girls family trip, our week at this home was by far our favorite. The house is amazing –spacious, very well stocked, and well kept. The grounds and views are gorgeous. Ideal location on the quiet side of MDI. No one wanted to leave!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Timothy D.

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

50th year class reunion

5 couples for 5 wonderful days catching up on 50 years. Wonderful venue for sitting around the table and going for walks in nearby park areas. Plenty of room for privacy and for communal time.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023