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Franca's Place - A Historic Cottage - Mount Desert Island Maine

Cottage in Seal Cove with kitchen and fireplace

Photo gallery for Franca's Place - A Historic Cottage - Mount Desert Island Maine

In June with lupins blossoming
View of Cottage from hill
Franca's Cottage viewed from Route 102
Exterior
Outdoor dining

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Garden

Explore the area

View map
Tremont, ME
  • Place, Seal Cove Pond
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom next to kitchen

1 Double Bed

Main Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs bedroom

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom off of Living Room

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Main Bedroom Bathroom

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

Upstairs Bathroom

Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Franca's Place - A Historic Cottage - Mount Desert Island Maine

Originally built when Maine was part of Massachusetts, this rustic historic cabin has been updated with modern amenities. Fireplace and baseboard heat for chilly nights, and window air conditioners for warm days. Walk to Acadia National Park hiking trails and public access swimming, and short drive to Algerine Coast off the Cape Road, where you can enjoy the sunset, have a barbecue on the beach or launch your kayak.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
No pets allowed.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Strip any used beds
If it's possible to start the washing machine with a load of sheets, that would be greatly appreciated.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please enjoy our lovingly restored historic home and treat it gently. Please remove muddy shoes when entering, use only septic safe toilet tissue. Be

Important information

You need to know

Property # 859344vb
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 deadlock

About the area

Seal Cove

Located in Seal Cove, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. 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. George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Tremont, ME

What's nearby

  • Seal Cove Pond - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Acadia National Park - 3 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co - 20 min drive - 27.4 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 21 min drive - 25.2 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 31 min drive - 33.1 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shell - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Archie’s Lobster - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Milagro's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Little Notch Bakery - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Franca's Place - A Historic Cottage - Mount Desert Island Maine pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Franca's Place - A Historic Cottage - Mount Desert Island Maine?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Franca's Place - A Historic Cottage - Mount Desert Island Maine?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Franca's Place - A Historic Cottage - Mount Desert Island Maine located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Seal Cove Pond and 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Acadia National Park. Long Pond is 3 mi (4.9 km) away.

Reviews

9.4

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. 30 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 39 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Garrett H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, comfortable, really enjoyed our stay!
Deer calmly moving through the yard.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marinanne D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was very enjoyable! The location was excellent, with all amenities right at our fingertips. We especially loved the great downtown options for breakfast and dinner, they truly made the experience even more pleasant.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2025
We are really glad that you enjoyed your stay and that you found some good dining options nearby!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

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

Awesome Place!

The house was a perfect location, very clean with comfy beds. We would definitely stay here again for our annual family trip to Maine.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay at Franca's Place very much. The cottage was well furnished and convenient to all the activities we planned.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute house. Great weather.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug 2025
Glad to hear you enjoyed the house and the weather.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Will M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a fantastic stay at Franca's Place. Check in/out were very easy. The property is perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful, quiet vacation spot with only a short drive to Acadia/Bar Harbor. Short drive/walk to beautiful sunset on the Narrows. The owners are very responsive and they checked in periodically to see how our stay was going, which was very nice. Would stay again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Connie D.

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

Great location

Great location on the quiet side of the island.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug 2022
We are happy to be hosting on the quiet side of the island, while still having proximity to Acadia National Park.
Verified

8/10 Good

Robert H.

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

Acadia vacation

The property was nice and comfortable. We enjoyed the fact that it was away from the crowds, but close enough to all the sites that we wanted to get to. Enjoyed our time!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Howie W.

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

Great Location

Great location to visit Acadia NP, Bar Harbor and the surrounding towns. Thoroughly enjoyed the “quiet side”. Nice variety of local small restaurants to enjoy a fresh caught lobster!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brook S.

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

Perfect little cottage

We had a lovely and peaceful stay at Franca's Place. It was clean and beautiful. On the quiet side of the island was great for us and still a easy and quick drive to all the activities and food the Island and park had to offer. We loved staying there! My kids started calling it "home".
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Nov 2024
It is on the quiet side of the island.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen S.

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

Charming home, lovely living/ dining area. Well-supplied kitchen for family meals. Quiet Side :)

Good and friendly communication. A house that has clearly been loved through the years.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2022
Thank you for staying with us. Yes, the cabin has been a labor of love for 3 generations of our family now. I am very happy that you enjoyed your visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen R.

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

perfect place to enjoy Acadia area

We enjoyed the quietside and easy access to Bar Harbor and especially all the Acadia National Park activities. The owner reached out about a concern at the house and we hadn't even really been bothered about it. The house is just right for all we needed and especially for activities we planned. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jennifer p.

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

Wonderful

Franca’s was perfect for us. Plenty of space for our family. 2 parents and children ages 20 and 17. Loved being a little away from all the visitors on the other side of the island. Yet a convenient drive to get everywhere on the island and to use the island explorer. It was cozy and comfortable. We loved it here!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

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

Franca's Place

This was a fabulous place to stay and the cottage was well equipped. The owner's were responsive to questions and the caretakers took care of one of the questions we had immediately. It did help that we had fabulous weather the week that we were there. We totally enjoyed being on the quiet side of the island and it was easy to get anywhere we wanted to go. Anytime that I want to vacation in MDI I would hope that this cottage would be available.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chase F.

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

First trip to Maine!

Gigi (grandma) chose Acadia as the destination for her 70th birthday. After much research we chose to stay here. It’s 25 mins from Bar Harbor in the quiet side of the island. The cottage was perfect for our stay and the communication was excellent. I wish we could have stayed longer. It’s a fabulous way to see the island. I can’t recommend this place enough.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Sharon U.

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

Family stay

We enjoyed our stay very much. Good location and house was roomy enough for our family. Only complaint was that upstairs shower leaked into downstairs bathroom ceiling. So it couldn't be used. Reported it to property manager. Overall good experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 July 2022
Glad that you enjoyed your stay, and many apologies for the issue with the upstairs shower. We are having it repaired and we hope that you will consider a stay with us again.
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Great stay at MDI

We had a great time at Franca’s Cottage. The weather was great so we didn’t need to use the a/c. The wifi is slower than most maybe used and connectivity on the whole island is spotty. This location is easily accessible to Bar Harbor and Acadia as well as the Bass Harbor lighthouse. It has all the necessary kitchen and bathroom items. Some parts of the home had a musty odor probably due to its age.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

Richard S.

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy

You get what you pay for

Poorly maintained property. Very few windows had curtains/shades. Lots of gnats, mosquitos, and spiders. Pillows worn out. Mold/mildew in room off of the kitchen. Tiny, poorly designed bathrooms. Cabin manual was mostly out of date. Conflicting check-in instructions. No comfortable furniture. I would not choose it again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 July 2025
Sorry to hear you did not enjoy your visit. The cabin is professionally cleaned between visits. We will certainly do our best to address the other concerns.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eva C.

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

comfortable cottage

The place was comfortable and includes a well functioning kitchen. The bedroom off the kitchen is smaller than I expected. But still roomy enough for a couple. I was surprised to be asked to strip the beds and start laundry before we left. I never had a property owner request that before. But we did it. Overall, no real complaints.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Linda S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed here for a week & couldn't wait to check out. I don’t understand where all the great reviews come from. I have asthma and had a hard time with all the musty, moldy smells. I had no idea the place was so old. The main room (living room) was built prior to 1820 when Maine was still part of Massachusetts. It needs a good cleaning. The main parts of the floors, bathrooms, & kitchen were clean but living room had cobwebs & spiders along the walls & near furniture. The upstairs is unusable unless you’re a small kid (stairs steep & shallow). Out of the 2 bathrooms on the main floor, the main bedroom bathroom is really the best usable one. The other is narrow wall leading to sink & like getting ready in a phone booth. There wasn’t a comfortable to sit, sleep. All the beds are horrible, sofa, & even kitchen chairs are very uncomfortable. The best thing was the kitchen with newer appliances & lots a counter space. Another good thing is staying in a quiet area vs the zoo near Bar Harbor. It’s so much cheaper than almost anywhere else but you won’t be happy there unless you like roughing it & cabin life. The entire place needs a good cleaning along with the exterior that was full of cobwebs. It has possibilities but needs some furniture upgrades & cleaning.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct 2025
We are glad that you enjoyed the kitchen and being on the quiet side of the island. We are proud of the historic origins of our cabin. It is professionally cleaned between visits. Please be assured that we are working on improving the quality of the furnishings. Thank you.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lyn M.

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

Great potential

First, the communication with the owner is great. She is very responsive and checked in once during our stay to ask if we needed anything. We enjoyed the ducks wandering around the house in the rain and the deer visiting. The property itself is lovely. The historic part of the house is lovely. However, that was overshadowed by a sofa that has seen better days and is in need of a clean slipcover. Sitting on stained fabric is not a joy. Heat was provided by a small low wall-mounted electric unit which aimed directly at the side of the sofa and was therefore not terribly efficient. Otherwise, portable space heaters were provided. Wiring throughout was a little questionable (holes for wall sockets and outlet covers were too big and left gaps, one of which was covered with what appeared to be packing tape. The kitchen is adequately equipped and we appreciated the dedicated electric water kettle. The wifi was good and appreciated. Because we had several days/nights of rain, we tried the dvd/vhs player with the old tube tv. After hooking them up, the dvd player would not recognize the dvds. The wifi came in handy as we could stream a movie on our computer. The location on the island is great, we usually stay in that vicinity. But be prepared for significant traffic noise pre-dawn, especially trucks. Overall we enjoyed our stay. This house has huge potential and with some significant upgrading would easily rate five stars.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 July 2023
Thank you for your response. I am glad the WIFI connection was good, and that you enjoyed the home. We will soon be addressing the issues that are within our control, and always look forward to feedback from our guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

A very welcoming cottage on the quiet side of MDI

Cozy little home to explore MDI from. Three bedrooms and bathrooms plus a reasonable sized kitchen and living room. Great location and comfortable place to call home while in Maine.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bryan V.

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

Great trip to Maine

We had a very good experience staying in Tremont & very much enjoyed the area, the home & this time of year. Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CB O.

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

Great base for exploring MDI

A lovely spot to stay if you don't mind a bit of a drive to get to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. And anyway, the Quietside has its own charms well worth discovering!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff N.

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

Great place

Thanks for an awesome place! Loved every minute. Close to lots of hikes. 30 minutes from bar harbor but everything else is super close.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2021
Really glad that you enjoyed your stay and were able to do things in the area.

About the host

Hosted by Francesca and Isabella Bannerman

Host profile image
The photo shows caretaker Sheryl Woodyard and owner Franca Bannerman in September 2015, in front of the abundant apples from the apple trees on the property. A former French teacher, Franca Bannerman has since retired to California.

Why they chose this property

Originally purchased by Franca Bannerman as a summer home for family visits while her husband Dr. Robin M.Bannerman was researching and lecturing at the Jackson Lab in Bar Harbor, Franca's Cottage has been lovingly restored in the years since, hosting generations of family and friends.

What makes this property unique

The quiet location next to all the fantastic amenities of Acadia is what drew us to the property. The living room picture window gives a view of the yard and lovely pine and apple trees, and the side yard is perfect for out door dinners, and playing with little ones

Languages:

English, French, Italian, Swedish
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