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PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

Photo gallery for PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

The view from the front door at The Gills cottage.
THE GILLS GROUP
Hands down - the best seat in the house.
THE GILLS GROUP
"This place has stolen our family's hearts..." Michele K.
The Gills seen from the water.
THE GILLS GROUP
"Every room feels like it has a different story to tell." 
Alison C.

Overview of PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

Reviews
9.6 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space
  • Sea viewSea viewSea view

Explore the area

Map
Harpswell, ME
  • Popular LocationCasco Bay1 min walk
  • Popular LocationLand's End Gift Shop3 min walk
  • Popular LocationBailey Island Bridge4 min drive
  • AirportPortland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)61 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

HISTORIC ISLAND COTTAGE
Built in 1918, The Gills is an original summer cottage perched above the sea at the very end of Bailey Island. Secluded far from the road, nestled in a grove of pine and spruce, the house is pure tranquility. Each beautifully appointed room is both comfortable and authentic.

Enjoy naps on the porch swing or walk to nearby beaches, restaurants and shops. Explore tide pools along the rocky coastline. Go sailing or kayaking. Fish for striped bass from the rocks, just steps from the porch. Enjoy fresh lobster pulled from the ocean that morning by one of the local lobstermen.

Whatever you choose to do, it all comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Sit back and watch the sea and sky change with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different.

The Gills will give you the opportunity to slow down, and remember how good it feels to do nothing at all, surrounded by friends and family.

THE GILLS sleeps 6 - with two queen beds and two twin beds.
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THE GILLS GROUP

THE GILLS GROUP is a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together for larger groups or intimate events. The cottages are adjacent, each with its own spectacular ocean views.

For larger groups - please check out the other GILLS GROUP cottages (Jaquish Lane and The Red House).

Jaquish Lane sleeps 12 (VRBO property # 733483) and The Red House sleeps 4 (VRBO property # 1063510). Renting two (or more) of THE GILLS GROUP cottages together is the perfect way for larger groups to be “together” while still having a space of your own.
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BAILEY ISLAND

25 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 50 minutes from Portland - Bailey Island is the perfect place to unplug, relax and recharge.
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THE OWNER
My name is Carter Smith and I am the owner of THE GILLS GROUP (The Red House #1063510, Jaquish Lane #733483 and The Gills). I was born on Bailey Island and after traveling the world I know that this little island is special. As both a photographer and filmmaker, I travel quite a bit and I've furnished the houses with things I've collected from around the world (and around Maine). These are not just "rental properties"to me . These are houses I've designed and furnished with love and attention to detail - places where I spend time with family and friends whenever I get the chance. Places that I love sharing.
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FROM THE GUESTBOOK

"We fell in love with the cottage as soon as we climbed the steps to the porch and saw the expansive ocean views."
Julia K.

"You have created a beautiful retreat that captures a time when life was slower and the focus was on what is truly important - those we love."
Cynthia M.

"Walking into The Gills was like taking a step back into another time. Every room feels like it has a story to tell."
Alison C.

"There are special touches in every room, and the owner has gone above and beyond with great mattresses, linens and towels"
Aja M.

"We loved starting each day on the porch with our coffee - watching the lobster boats, seabirds, and the changing colors of the ocean"
Kelly B.

"The location is breathtaking, with wonderful sunrises and sunsets."
Kim F.

"This place has stolen our family's hearts."
Michelle K.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
This cottage is perfect if you're seeking an authentic Maine experience and love historic homes - BUT - The Gills is over 100 years old and has all of the quirks of an old home. There are changes in the level of the floor at several of the thresholds between rooms. The original horsehair plaster in the upstairs bedrooms and hallway is intact - and imperfect in places. The original canvas floor runner on the stairs is still in place - and shows it's age with the wear of the many people who have enjoyed this magical cottage. As the owner - and lover of historic homes - I have chosen to keep these original details intact. If you are expecting something glossy and perfect and new - then The Gills is probably not the cottage for you. If you love the authentic charm of a truly historic home - the quirks and odd details that can't fully be shown in a photograph - then you just may fall in love. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact our property manager David Johnson - Dave@thegillsgroup.com


Keywords: Private, Oceanfront, Family, Cottage

Property manager

Carter Smith
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill
Sea view
Fireplace

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Event fees apply and require additional insurance

Pets

No pets allowed, service animals permitted
1 dog, including service dogs

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There is a 500$ charge if smoking occurs
If using "INSTANT BOOKING" make sure your departure/arrival day is a Saturday - we can ONLY accept Saturday to Saturday rentals from July 1 - Sept 9
For multi-week rentals, a non-refundable damage waiver of 99$ will be charged for each additional week of your stay (partial or full)
Multi-week rentals must be cleaned each week. You will be charged separately for all additional cleaning fees.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: Event fees apply and require additional insurance
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bailey Island

Located in Bailey Island, this cottage is on the waterfront. Cobwork Bridge and Bailey Island Bridge are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Casco Bay and Ragged Island. Land's End Gift Shop and Paddleworks are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Harpswell, ME

What's nearby

  • Casco Bay - 1 min walk
  • Land's End Gift Shop - 3 min walk
  • Bailey Island Bridge - 4 min drive
  • Cobwork Bridge - 4 min drive
  • LL Bean Flagship Store - 42 min drive

Getting around

  • Brunswick Maine Street Station - 34 min drive
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • Dolphin Marina and Restaurant - 37 min drive
  • Cook's Lobster House - 5 min drive
  • Erica's Seafood - 37 min drive
  • Sundrenched - 4 min drive
  • Allen's Seafood - 24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

What time is check-in at PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Casco Bay and Land's End Gift Shop. Bailey Island Bridge and Cobwork Bridge are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 48 out of 55 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 55 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 55 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 55 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 55 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rejuvenation
The perfect escape; private, the sound of the ocean crashing on the rocks, my wife and our dog Gus. The 4 days we just spent here were rejuvenating. Thank you for making it so seamless Dave. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Howard S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Classic Maine cottage experience
Pretty much the perfect Maine coastal cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leslie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place to stay!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Gills. Dave, the property manager was very responsive and gave us great tips on kayak rental and where to put in. He was incredibly quick to reply with any questions we had and was very welcoming. The properly was clean and well maintained for an old home. The location can’t be beat and I could live on the porch overlooking the ocean- so comfortable and plenty of comfortable seats for everyone. I will remember that porch swing as my happy place for a long time to come. We look forward to coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Spencer S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing Vacation
My family of four stayed at this beautiful property for a week and my only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. It’s like going back in time in a good way. Very peaceful property right on the water. Every detail was well thought out as far as anything you need. Bailey island and surrounding small towns have so much character and charm. We would love to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
July 2023
Would love to have had more of a 180° view of the ocean but the view we had was terrific and the 1918 home exuded charm and great style. Large living room fireplace was comfy and warm especially when we had some rain our first week. Walking down to the rocks was enjoyable and gave us wonderful memories.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Carter Smith

Host profile image
I'm a photographer and filmmaker who loves renovating historic homes. I'm from Bailey Island originally, but now spend my time between New York City and Maine. I love creating spaces that help people experience the magic of this incredibly special place. THE GILLS GROUP cottages are not just rental properties to me, they are homes I created to spend time with people I love.

Why they chose this property

Spending time at The Gills is like stepping back in time - when life was simpler and moved at a much slower pace. Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and waking to that magnificent sunrise is like medicine for the soul. Sounds corny but it's absolutely true.

What makes this property unique

THE GILLS GROUP property manager Dave Johnson is an island local who is also a lobsterman. We can arrange delivery of fresh lobsters directly to your doorstep during your stay.

The Gills can also be rented along with one of my other cottages from THE GILLS GROUP - Jaquish Lane (VRBO # 733483) which is directly next door and sleeps 12 or The Red House (VRBO # 1063510) which is across the street with a private pebble beach and 100 foot wharf. The Red House sleeps 4.

Languages:

English

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