Entire home

Cagasa Cottage: Oceanview, Handicap Friendly, on Seashore Ave

Cagasa Cottage: Oceanview, Handicap Friendly, on Seashore Ave

Photo gallery for Cagasa Cottage: Oceanview, Handicap Friendly, on Seashore Ave

The driveway is off a dead-end street with room for two cars. There's a ramp.
Kitchen view as you enter. Full-sized fridge and stove and dishwasher.
The dining area, looking from the kitchen. Those south windows have water views
We're installing a door between these windows where tape is, Spring '24!
Looking towards the Harry Potter Room & the gas fireplace, from the dining area.

Overview of Cagasa Cottage: Oceanview, Handicap Friendly, on Seashore Ave

Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8149 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi

Check out the area

Map
Peaks Island, ME
  • Popular LocationSand Beach7 min drive
  • Popular LocationCasco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal27 min drive
  • Popular LocationCross Insurance Arena28 min drive
  • AirportPortland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)43 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

East Bunk room

1 Single Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Ground Floor Yellow Queen Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Ocean Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs bathroom adjoins queen bedroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Gorgeous tiled bathroom - upstairs shared

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

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

About this property

Cagasa Cottage: Oceanview, Handicap Friendly, on Seashore Ave

Cagasa Cottage is a friendly place originally designed for an inter-generational family with mobility issues and a dog. It is a sunny cottage with bright east and south light, ocean views from most rooms, centrally located and very joyful comfortable place to stay.

There are two bedrooms outfitted with queen beds, and a 'bunk room' that has a double bed with a twin upper bunk, and a free-standing twin bed. The cottage is appropriate for no more than 7 adults, but there is room for more kids on the upper twin bunk and in the 'Harry Potter Room. Right now we have a crib installed in one of the bedrooms. There is also a port-a-crib available.

Downstairs is a fully-outfitted kitchen, freshly updated in 2024, with views of the ocean from the sink. Next to that is the enclosed sunroom with the dining area and a reading nook with a couch.

The 'Maine Room' behind that has a conversation area, card table for puzzles or games, a bar, a gas fireplace, a smart TV, and the special 'Harry Potter Room' under the stairs, outfitted with a twin mattress and bunches of pillows.

To the north of this room is a downstairs master bedroom with a queen bed. The adjoining bathroom has a 3'x5' step-in shower alcove with a bath chair and/or a wash tub for bathing sticky children.

Upstairs is a bright bathroom with a spacious shower stall. The ocean-view upstairs south bedroom has a queen bed and a writing desk overlooking the water. The east-facing "bunkroom" has two twin beds (including the top bunk) and a full (double) bed.

We've set up the place to be handicap friendly: there is a 30' metal ramp up to the front door. The downstairs bathroom has a step-in alcove shower and chair-height toilet. (Be aware, though, that there are some elevation changes between rooms of up to 2' in one place and doorways are too narrow to be ADA compliant.) It was designed for an elder who used a walker.

Dogs are allowed with an extra non-refundable $115 cleaning fee. We provide food and water dishes, a crate suitable for a dog up to 90 pounds, and tie-outs in case you wish to secure your pet while you're away from the cottage. We clean carefully after pets, but people who are allergic to pet fur should look elsewhere.

Please no smoking in the house, but there's an ash bucket and seating on both the east and west decks for smoking outside.

A main attraction of Peaks Island is to walk or bike or rollerblade the four mile loop around the island. It goes through the village but also around the back shore with views of other islands and the nothingness of the ocean. The south windows at Cagasa Cottage all look out onto the Seashore Road and you can make a sport of watching people even if you're not into doing the loop yourself.

There are a couple of sandy beaches and a lot of rocky ones within a five minute walk. Be sure to check out the 'sculpture beach' where people make rock towers that are quite ambitious sometimes... way better than sand castles.

There are two decks and a patio: the east deck is larger and acts as the front porch. We often take a cup of coffee out and sit on the steps enjoying the air in the morning. It's also a nice place to find shade in the afternoon. The west deck is in the small enclosed garden and has nice views of the ocean, including breakers off of Cushing Island. It has a round table with an umbrella for shade that seats five and a rectangular table that can seat six, so that's where we have our lobster feasts. The new stone patio is more public than either of those: a fine place to watch the parade of people going by on Seashore.

The special surprise deck, however, is kitty corner across the street on the back porch of 5th Maine Museum. We often bring a tablecloth and a picnic and eat lunch over there, hanging over the ocean with breathtaking views. It's 10 degrees colder there, so bring a sweater and please port your trash home and clean up after yourself. The museum is staffed by volunteers and runs by donations.

Amenities: wifi, gas grill, microwave, full-size oven range, dishwasher, toaster, Keurig coffee-maker, a drip coffee maker that uses #4 cone filters, pancake griddle, crock pot, cooking and baking utensils, bath towels, first aid kit, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, handicap ramp, first-floor step-in shower, ground-level washer/dryer, remote-controlled gas fireplace, mini-splits for heating and cooling, TRX straps and dumbbells and various workout equipment in the walk-out basement, usually at least one bike suitable for a 5'10" man to ride, parking for one easily and more if crowded.

Linens - nice ones - are available for the linen service fee which includes making the beds and doing the laundry afterwards. Or you can bring your own - let me know when you book.

Things it does NOT have: no cable for the TV (it's a smart TV, though, and there's good internet), no landline (there is cell service), no bathtub (although there's a wash-tub for bathing sticky sun-blocked small children in the shower alcove.) We usually don't stock paper products like paper towels, plates and napkins, but there may be some left here.

Things you'll find stocked at the cottage: spices, soap, at least four rolls of toilet paper, gas for the gas grill, bedspreads and pillows (linens are available for a separate charge), the tools to make a lobster dinner, a dozen or so decaf and regular K-cups for the Keurig, tea bags, sugar, whatever condiments were left by the owner or previous tenants in the fridge (it's cleared out each spring), cleaning supplies, soaps, detergents, some first aid supplies and OTC meds (ibuprofen, aloe, band-aids), some beach gear (chairs), at least one mountain-bike, probably a few flashlights for exploring Battery Steele: this is a well-equipped family's vacation home we open up to guests for the summer months.

Other notes: The ferry costs about $63 to go over with your car and a driver on Mondays and Tuesdays, ($83 other days) and roughly $8/person although you can buy a commuter five-pack at a discount. There's a store on the island that sells basic groceries and beer and wine, but you will probably want to do some menu planning and bring some of your own groceries. There is a Whole Foods Market and a Schwan truck that deliver on the island but you'd want to order ahead for Schwan.

WE HAVE A SIX NIGHT MINIMUM: we want this to be a place families could come back to each year so we try to keep the place open for people who love the island and seek to return. Please do not inquire about nightly rates for week-ends: we drive 3 hours each way to clean between guests. We will occasionally do a 4 night minimum in the off season, but in July and August we have a SIX NIGHT MINIMUM.

We generally prefer to start the week on Sunday or Monday: the highways and ferry are really hard on Saturdays. We're flexible about arrival times and departure times; let's discuss.

Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Keywords: 3 bedroom, sleeps 7+ in bedrooms, ground floor master bedroom, handicap friendly, dog friendly, ocean view

Property manager

Wendy Marsden
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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Baby equipment is on hand.

Events

No events allowed
This is a home suitable for family vacations.

Pets

Pets allowed
Animals are not allowed on furniture. No cats.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking in the house. There are outside decks.
Notes about arrivals and departures: Communicate with us about your arrival and departure times: the owners do the turnovers and can be flexible.
Our cancellation policy: we refund your fee if we're able to rebook, and don't if we can't. Generally we can if we're given enough time!

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: This is a home suitable for family vacations.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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

Peaks Island

This cottage is located in Peaks Island. Portland Head Light and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Mackworth Island State Park and Little John Island Preserve. Travelling with kids? Consider Maine Sports Hall of Fame, or check out an event or a game at Merrill Auditorium. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
Map
Peaks Island, ME

What's nearby

  • Sand Beach - 7 min drive
  • Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal - 27 min drive
  • Cross Insurance Arena - 28 min drive
  • State Theatre - 28 min drive
  • Thompson's Point - 32 min drive

Getting around

  • Portland Transportation Center - 39 min drive
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • Luke's Lobster Portland Pier - 27 min drive
  • Lolita-Munjoy Hill - 28 min drive
  • Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company - 27 min drive
  • The Porthole - 27 min drive
  • Twelve - 28 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cagasa Cottage: Oceanview, Handicap Friendly, on Seashore Ave pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cagasa Cottage: Oceanview, Handicap Friendly, on Seashore Ave?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cagasa Cottage: Oceanview, Handicap Friendly, on Seashore Ave?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cagasa Cottage: Oceanview, Handicap Friendly, on Seashore Ave located?

This family-friendly Peaks Island cottage is steps away from Casco Bay and Fifth Maine Museum. House Island and Umbrella Cover Museum are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

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. 19 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carl R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable and great location
Wendy was a great, responsive host. The location of the house was close enough to village restaurants and stores, but provided plenty of privacy. The kitchen was more than adequate for preparing meals - with the dining room table located right next to large window with a water view. Morning coffee on the side porch with a view of the bay was a favorite spot. There was easy, close access to Seashore Avenue. We brought our two dogs who must have had a good a time as we did. Note: There was a heat spell in the Portland area the day we arrived. The room air conditioner for the downstairs main bedroom provided much needed relief. It didn't take long to feel like home. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wayne J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable house and great location.
This was a very comfortable house for my family of four. It was clean and felt like “home”. Great location close to downtown and a beautiful beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaks Island Paradise
Such a great place to stay with a family. Ocean views from upstairs bedroom, downstairs living room, back porch, side yard. Who could ask for moere?
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

DANIEL D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay on Peaks Island
Great property which has everything you need. Clearly marked directions to the property and anything that you might want or need was in the house. I am mobility impaired and the ramp and the first floor bathroom with a walkin shower made the stay very enjoyable. We would recommend to anyone who wants a great stay with a great view
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Candice G., Hendersonville, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Multi generational trip
Casaga was a perfect choice for our family, which aged from ages 20-90. My 90 year old mother was very happy in the first floor bedroom with her own bathroom. The view of the water every day was so appreciated and the location was an easy cab ride for my mom to the ferry, or walk for the rest of the group. We also loved getting up every morning and taking a quick walk to the Backshore. Wendy was very easy to communicate with and we enjoyed all the amenities. She even left us a beautiful welcome bouquet of flowers from her garden and a lovely bottle of wine.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

About the host

Hosted by Wendy Marsden

Host profile image
Cagasa Cottage is owned by Ben and Wendy Marsden. Ben works in Information Technology at Smith College in Northampton, MA and Wendy is a Certified Financial Planner and CPA in Greenfield, MA. We bought the cottage as a place to vacation during our April post-tax-season vacations and as a handicapped-friendly place to stay with our elderly parents on the island for ourselves each summer. Along the way we discovered that we love it in the shoulder seasons, too!

The Cottage is named after our three children, Caroline, Gary & Samuel, who are now all young adults. We all use it as a week-end home and get-away retreat. We hope to retire to this cottage someday, but for now we're renting it out a couple of weeks each summer. We figure all the stuff we're doing to make it lovely for renters, as well as elder-friendly, will be helpful to us one day, too!

We are happy to share this wonderful place with people who appreciate the island the way we do. You'll find you are very welcome here.

Why they chose this property

Peaks Island is the perfect combination of friendly small New England village, breath-taking views of the rocky coast, and access to the hustle and bustle and culture and amenities of a major city a short ferry ride away.

It's just not a commercial place: there are three restaurants (no chains), and a family-run grocery store. There are family movies on Saturday nights at the library's community room and concerts at the church and 5th Maine Museum, and sailing and tennis at TEIA, but mostly this is a sleepy New England village that just happened to be surrounded by ocean on one side and harbor on the other. It is blissfully friendly.

If you ever tire of walking the four mile loop around the island then you can explore the interior. There are freshly laid paths through conservation areas that hikers and horses both appreciate. You'll run across deer, but no squirrels on this island.

One of the benefits of being so close to Portland is that you can get into town for the evening: go to Old Port, take a cab or a bus to the Maine Mall, or visit the museums, performing arts venues or take a cruise.

We've had a really good experience with getting help from visiting nurses while we were there for a month with our elderly parents. The village has an EMT or paramedic on duty at all times and Maine Medical Center is just a short ambulance boat ride away. There is a health clinic on the island as well that is staffed by excellent caregivers.

What makes this property unique

This is a very sunny home with bright east and south light filling the rooms. The water views are peeking through everywhere. Even the basement workshop has water views!

There is a large grassy yard good for playing (watch for a badminton net) and two smaller garden yards good for sitting around outside on a pleasant day.

The house comes outfitted with a keurig coffee maker that makes individual cups of coffee or instant hot water for tea or cocoa. We provide a dozen or so K-cups.

There are several good reading spots and a desk overlooking the water in case you want to sit and write.

We've added mini-splits to provide whole-house cooling as the summers heat up even on an island in Maine. There's also a cozy gas fireplace for cool nights.

Children have their own nook, with a special 'Harry Potter Room' under the stairs stocked with jigsaw puzzles and games and a few books (some for grown-ups, too.)

There's a kayak rental place on the island and there are various harbor cruises and you can take sailing lessons at TEIA. There's a place to buy lobster straight off the boat. (There's all the gear you need for a lobster dinner for 9 at the cottage.)

But there's more than just the ocean: there is also quite a bit of interior wooded trails and a WWII bunker that used to house two 16' guns to protect the Portland shipyards. There are also a few lookout towers still around the island from that period. It's fun to explore the interior on foot, mountain-bike or rent a horse for a trail ride. It's a nice size to give the children the run of the island.

There's culture, too. There's a Civil War museum (this was a favorite vacation spot for Civil War veterans) and there are movies on Saturday nights in the library. The library allows summer people to borrow books. There are two nice restaurants with seating right over the harbor and a Pub at the Inn. We boast two food trucks, and there's take-out pizza from Hannigan's as well.
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