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Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town

Photo gallery for Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town

Front of house with traditional window boxes & path to parking
Path from parking area to house
Traditional Adirondack chairs in front of house
Side yard & screened-in porch
Fireplace in living room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 13

Popular amenities

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

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 1 (First Floor)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2 (Second Floor)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 (Second Floor)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4 (Second Floor)

1 Double Bed

Sleeping Porch (Second Floor)

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

Study & Twin Bedroom (Second Floor)

1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Full bathroom with bathtub (Second Floor)

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Full bathroom with shower (First Floor)

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

Full bathroom with shower (Second Floor)

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

Powder Room (for guests in first floor bedroom)

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town

Greetings Prospective Renters -

This is our third year posting the "Knollen" on VRBO. Please see our profile of the "Knollette" on VRBO for ample reviews of the smaller home on this family land.

In 1937 our great-grandfather built the Knollen on three acres of land . At that point in the island's history, innumerable island plots were available to him, including many oceanfront properties, but he chose this spot. The location is wonderful.

The property includes a big grassy field, beautiful woods, and a much smaller cottage (the Knollette, also available for rent on VRBO). While the Knollen has not undergone any major renovations (including the kitchen and bathrooms), it's large (offering ample bedrooms), lovely, quiet, comfortable, and full of simple amenities. With extended family members living here for months at a time, we can attest to its high level of functionality, comfort, and charm. The living room can accommodate large family gatherings. Two particularly special spaces include a first-floor, screened-in porch with traditional wicker furniture and a large, second-floor "sleeping porch" - both of which offer close, peaceful connection to the surrounding woods.

The Knollen is located on a quiet, private lane. Walk 5 minutes and you will discover the causeway at Norwood Cove - a spot that offers wonderful vistas of the ocean & mountains; dramatic tidal activity; opportunities for swimming, SUPing, canoeing, kayaking; peaceful sitting spots; and spectacular night skies. Walk 5 minutes in the other direction to the center of Southwest Harbor, a small quaint town where you will find shopping, dining, art, crafts, a bike rental store, and a wonderful public library. You'll also find access to the Island Explorer, the free shuttle to all parts of MDI and Acadia National Park.

Acadia National Park is a playground for walking, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and picnicking. Explore scenic ocean trails, carriage roads, beaches, mountains, lakes, and nearby islands. There are also opportunities to rent boats of various sizes; play tennis, pickleball, or golf; antique hunt; visit museums and art galleries; eat ample fresh seafood; and more.

Keywords: large cabin, large wooden house, quiet private lane, near ocean, near town, Southwest Harbor, Causeway Lane, Norwood Cove, Acadia, Mount Desert Island

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 30

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, service animals permitted

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Strip any used beds and gather used towels

Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks

Turn off the lights

If you used the mini-split for AC or heat, please turn it off.

It’s always very helpful when guests get a head start on laundry - particularly if you are a large group. Thank you!

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3202773vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Southwest Harbor

Located in Southwest Harbor, this holiday home is by the sea. 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. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and ice skating.
View more Holiday homes in Southwest HarborOpens in a new window
Map
Southwest Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • Wendell Gilley Museum - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Acadia National Park - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co - 20 min drive - 28.0 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 21 min drive - 25.8 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 31 min drive - 33.7 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shell - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Archie’s Lobster - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Milagro's - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Circle K - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Little Notch Bakery - ‬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town?

As of 20 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town on 3 September 2026 start from NZ$936, 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 Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Large house on 3 acres in woods, 5-minute walk to ocean, 5-minute walk to town located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Wendell Gilley Museum and 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Acadia National Park. Flying Mountain Trailhead and Somes Sound 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bethany K.

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

Lovely place

Very homey house. Felt right at home when we walked in. Loved the yard and privacy.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2025
Bethany- we are grateful that you chose our family home for your family gathering. Come back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

M A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We all absolutely loved our stay! It is definitely a family home and very comfortable and welcoming. The kitchen has everything a cook would need. Beautiful surroundings and the causeway was amazing and changes throughout the day with the tides. We were all sad to leave. We would happily stay there again. :) Thank you for giving us the privilege of staying in such a wonderful place!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2025
I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay! We would of course be happy to host you again. Thanks for posting your photos, too. I love the night photo
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cary R.

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

Perfect family vacation

Me, my husband, our four children, my in laws and parents stayed. We had the best time. The home was beautiful. We loved having a home base to play games together, eat and read. I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful vacation home.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 June 2025
Cary- I’m glad the space worked for your crew and hope you will return someday! Best- Adair
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley L.

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

Charming Home

The location was great. Felt homey inside. Good communication with host. Would totally stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2024
Thsnks for taking great care of our home. We would be happy to host you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy R.

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

Great Family Stay in Maine

Our immediate family stayed in this beautiful home during a larger family reunion in Southwest Harbor. The house was spacious and clean and had everything you needed to cook a small intimate dinner to a Thanksgiving feast. The kids loved the porch room where the cousins would play for hours. We saw deer, chipmunks, lots of birds. We loved the quietness of the area and the close proximity of the causeway and town Would definitely stay again
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2025
And we would love to host you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christina T.

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

Amazing charming house in perfect location!

This house is wonderful. Beyond charming and a perfect family house for our family. We spent mornings drinking coffee sitting in the lovely screened in porch, lots of walks to the causeway to see the starfish and crabs (and stunning views) and loved coming back each day after our daily adventures. Such a great location in walking distance to several happy hour and dinner spots. It’s really a special place with so many original, super unique little details. The host was incredibly responsive and directions around the house were super easy. We were sad to leave and can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 July 2025
Christina- Thanks for being such conscientious, appreciative guests! I’m glad we could facilitate a lovely vacation for your family. Best- Adair
Verified

10/10 Excellent

STEPHANIE S.

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

Perfect

We had a great stay at the Knollen. It was large enough for our group, kitchen was well stocked, outdoor screen porch was a favorite hangout. We were able to walk to town (easy 10 minutes) and to Beal's. We made it to the Causeway to see the supermoon and the bioluminescence. We've been going to SWH on and off for 35-40 years and this is one of our favorite places we've stayed. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 October 2023
Stephanie- Thanks for being conscientious, appreciative guests. I’m glad you enjoyed the house, causeway, and island
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eva W.

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

Wonderful place to stay

What a beautiful family home - so, so special. We felt very lucky to be able to stay somewhere with so much personal history. We often cooked and the kitchen had everything we needed. The sun porch was lovely for lounging and the fireplace was fantastic for chilly mornings. Our 4yo loved the books, train set, beach toys, and woodpecker doorknocker. The property and its location were fantastic - lush woodland, a big lawn for games, near a causeway for tide pool exploring, and not far from town. Adair made us feel really welcomed and was available for any inquiries. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 October 2024
Eva - I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay. Thanks for being such conscientious guests in our family home. Come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony W.

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

Waking up to a birdsong

It's hard to describe how perfect of a location for a family "Maine" vacation this place actually is. In the immediate vicinity there is so much. From harvesting mussels near the causeway and making an amazing dinner in the rustic but not kitchen, to the birdsongs every morning on the porch, this place has it all. With sadness we had to pull out one last time from the driveway and go home but before we did that we hiked all that we could and walked to town every chance we could. Southwest Harbor is a phenomenal location as well, it's perfectly pointed with all the things you need, but none of the traffic of Bar Harbor! Come and enjoy, you will not be disappointed!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2024
Tony- thanks for being conscientious, appreciative guests! Adair
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amber P.

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

Memory Maker!

Both this home and property are beautiful. If you want to spend your vacation making special memories with your family, this is the place. We enjoyed walking to the causeway several times each day, the visiting deer, playing lawn games, hunting for wild blueberries, visiting Acadia, making meals as a family... Our kids (ages 3-8) loved the sleeping porch - so many beloved books, LEGOs, a desk...just a really beautiful room that made them feel adventurous. The green space contrasts well with the surrounding woods. You feel like you're away from everyone yet really you're down the street from a cute downtown area! Loved hearing the church bells. Would definitely stay here again. The only negative was the unexpected heatwave that really made the upstairs hot. Would have loved portable fans. But truly, it wasn't that bad. I'm in my 30s and it made me feel like a kid again enjoying my summer with my grandparents. Adair was great with communication - very helpful and quick to respond.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 September 2023
Amber- Thanks for being wonderful, conscientious guests. I am sorry the heat wave happened during your stay. We actually have fans! I wish I had directed you to them. Regardless, I’m glad you enjoyed our place, the woods, causeway, town, and Acadia. We would love to host you again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen Y.

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

Peaceful Perfection minutes to All things Acadia/Bar Harbor

In my opinion, I would much rather stay at this secluded home vs. dealing with the chaos of Bar Harbor and Acadia area! It was great! We got the best of both worlds. Traveling with a large group so there were limited options - and this home accommodated us perfectly. 3 full baths including a tub for the kids... plus additional half bath. My kids loved sleeping in the upstairs sleeping porch waking up to treetop views! We made several home cooked meals and had all we needed to do so! Also enjoyed nearby eateries... Upper Deck was a favorite and so close! The uniqueness of this VRBO stay was displayed by the family's love for this home sprinkled throughout. Photos on the walls, a notebook with their personal fav hikes and tips on what to do. Kids loved the causeway and we visited several times. We loved Flying Mountain!!! Highly recommend! We dipped into their board games too. Last but not least, since we traveled in the fall we got to use the floor furnace and the fireplace. So cozy!!! Wish we could have stayed longer...
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 October 2023
Kristen- Thanks for being such thoughtful, appreciative guests. You highlighted some of my favorites- including the sleeping porch which is still my preferred sleeping spot as a middle age woman. Wishing you a good year
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

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

Like staying with family

This large rambling house is very much like staying with relatives with lots of family pictures on the walls. It reminds me of grandma's house with all the original furniture, pots and pans, and warm wool blankets. The coffee maker is large "Mr Coffee" style and some filters were provided. The wifi was fast and easy for me to work online. The TV is in a small separate room from the large family room and only has 2 chairs. The large family room has lots of books. It was quite cool during our stay and the downstairs furnace was appreciated. There are small portable heaters for the bedrooms upstairs. The two showers are "box" style and the large bathroom with the tub is relaxing. The house is tucked back into the woods so is quite. There is a wheeled cart to help carry your luggage to the house on the gravel path. Recycling is encouraged. The owners were very responsive to questions and any issues that arose. Lots of birds in the trees and even a turkey and deer in the yard. Very close to Beal's lobster restaurant with great lobster and sweet corn on the cob. We didn't use the fireplace but there was wood provided.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 June 2023
Thanks for your review, Ann. It is indeed a long-treasured family compound. We are hopeful that we provide enough modern appliances & creature comforts for those who choose to stay here. Thanks for being great guests. Best- Adair

About the host

Hosted by Adair Fox

Host profile image

Our family has enjoyed MDI since 1937 when great-grandparents built the Knollen, a large wooden house on the property. Since then, it has been a treasured gathering place for our large, multi-generational family. During the summer, family members often live in the Knollen while renters enjoy the smaller house (the Knollette, built in 1980). During non-summer seasons, we live in Washington DC, Denver, and Copenhagen, though those of us who have flexibility in our schedules increasingly enjoy visits during the fall, winter, and spring, too.

The Knollen is not modern in any regard, but it is clean, well-stocked, quiet, gracious, comfortable, and peaceful. There's no mistaking the fact that it's a home with ample family history. Favorite spots? The screened-in sitting porch on the first floor & the sleeping porch on the second floor.

Over the years, we have enjoyed hosting family, friends, and renters. We feel incredibly lucky to have inherited this property. It feels good to pay the joy forward. Moreover, there's a certain amount of vicarious pleasure in offering guidance to newcomers; we tap into cherished memories and excitement for our next stay.

Why they chose this property

The Knollen couldn't be in a more perfect location: a 5-minute walk to the natural beauty of Norwood Cove; a 5-minute walk to the quaint town of Southwest Harbor; a 5-minute walk to the Island Explorer free shuttle bus; and a short drive to innumerable gems in Acadia National Park (5-30 minutes away depending on the spot you are visiting). With the Knollen as base camp, it's possible to explore spots near & far without use of a car - a boon for many.

The house is a great space for a small family reunion. The grassy field is perfect for family games. The kitchen is not updated but it's highly functional and amenable to cooking for large groups; it has two refrigerators; abundant cookware & serving materials; and a dishwasher. The dining room table can be extended for larger groups. The living room is big and comfortable -while there are other special spaces to enjoy and spill into (a screened-in porch, a sleeping porch, a small tv room, extra bedrooms).

What makes this property unique

At the base of South Causeway Lane is Norwood Cove and its little footbridge (the causeway). This cove offers expansive vistas of Somes Sound and sweet spots for daydreaming, reading, sketching, painting, canoeing, kayaking, SUPing, fishing, and picknicking. Around high tide, adventuresome folks jump off the bridge and body surf under the bridge. At low tide we enjoy exploring shells, stones, and shoreline marine life. Meanwhile, our peaceful property is a lovely place for playing on the field, exploring the woods, making fairy houses, and observing deer.

Languages:

English

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