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Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond

Photo gallery for Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond

Living room view toward kitchen and master bedroom
Living room viewed toward lake
One of two eating areas in the cottage
Master bedroom looks out on the lake
Second bedroom on first floor looks out on lake

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue
  • Fireplace

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Great room convertible sofa

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Second main floor bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Loft

3 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Half bathroom

Toilet

Main bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond

This picturesque lake cottage (Afterglow) is literally 'On Golden Pond' of book and movie fame which is actually Great Pond. With 46 miles of shoreline, it is the largest lake in the Belgrade Lakes Chain and is one of the largest bodies of water in the world named 'pond'. The cottage has a rich history from its original owner, acclaimed illustrator and artist, Mary Lane McMillan as the sight of the McMillan School of Fine Arts Vacation School during the 1920s and 1930s.
The great room offers plenty of space to eat at the picnic table, recline in the La-Z Boy recliners, enjoy the WI-FI network, watch TV or a DVD, read or just relax and enjoy the view of the lake. The two story stone fireplace with insert can provide heat on a chilly evening. At night, it is not unusual to hear the enchanting call of loons on the lake, and we have even seen Ospreys perched in the branches just off the screened in porch.
The kitchen was fully renovated in 2012 and it also offers cool delicious well water from our private well. The cottage features a WI-FI network, cable TV and DVD plus three sleeping areas with quiet new ceiling fans and a fully screened porch overlooking the beautiful golden sunsets across the cove. You can enjoy delicious grilled meals from the gas range on the deck. The 32' dock with sitting area and mooring plus the use of two kayaks for our guests at no additional cost provides plenty of ways to enjoy the water! The ocean kayak is incredibly stable and is perfect for first time paddlers while the second kayak is also easy for beginners to master. Several islands are just a short paddle away. A mere 10 minute paddle from your dock 'Darkest Africa' as my childhood friends and I used to call it, awaits your exploration. While the name may be testament to the childhood exaggerations of a youthful perspective, it is still a picturesque little stream where you may catch a glimpse of turtles sunning themselves above the lily pads or a Blue Heron fishing for a meal if you are lucky.
After spending a week at Afterglow, your memories will be ready to harken you back to the time when you experienced first-hand 'The Way Life Should Be' 'On Golden Pond' in Maine.

Keywords: Camp, waterfront, lake, pond, seasonal, lakeside

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Swimming off dock.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Pets permitted with advance notice to owners.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Pets permitted with advance notice to owners. Responsible and neighbor friendly behavior requested. $75 per pet per week required.
Swimming off dock.There are stairs from the deck area to the dock and swimming area,
Cancellations: refund available only if cottage is re-rented for same rate.

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
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 deadlock

About the area

Oakland

Located in Oakland, this cottage is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Belgrade Lakes Chain and Kimball Pond, while Redington Museum and Waterville Opera House are cultural highlights. Gordon Center For Creative & Performing Arts and First Congregational Church are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in OaklandOpens in a new window
Map
Rome, ME

What's nearby

  • Belgrade Lakes Golf - 16 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Colby College - 29 min drive - 24.9 km
  • Kennebec River - 32 min drive - 26.3 km
  • Waterville Opera House - 33 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Augusta Civic Center - 39 min drive - 41.9 km

Getting around

  • Waterville, ME (WVL-Robert Lafleur) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Borderlands Espresso - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Sunset Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪H.j. Blake's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Hello Good Pie - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪our lounge - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond?

As of 20 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond on 1 June 2026 start from NZ$499, 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 Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Afterglow Cottage on Great Pond located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Belgrade Lakes Chain and within 12 miles (20 km) of Belgrade Lakes Golf and Kimball Pond. Tree Spirits is 11.2 mi (18 km) away.

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. 20 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

John B.

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

Excellent location on Great (Golden) Pond!

A very nice combination of classic and updated to make for an excellent vacation experience. Close enough to Belgrade Lakes, Oakland and Waterville to pick up anything you may have forgotten!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Archival

8/10 Good

Cecelia M.

overall we enjoyed Afterglow

we enjoyed the swimming and kayaking and the family of loons on the lake.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

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

Relaxing

Fantastic screen porch and dock. Very quiet cove. Nice spot for Maine lake experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sasha Alexandra M.

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

Afterglow cabin

Sweetheart owners. Beautiful lake. Cozy cabin.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stevens K.

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

The glow after Afterglow

Wonderful accommodations. From the cast iron wood stove to the fully stocked kitchen to the kayaks, all was exceptional. Wonderful hosts. Spacious, recliners, screened porch, all updated and clean. Would stay at Afterglow again. Just what is / was needed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Afterglow Cabin

This cabin was accurately described in the VRBO listing, thought the joy of the screened in porch on a warm evening cannot be described in words alone. I was able to fall asleep with the buzz of the locusts and the lapping of the waves in my ears. What an absolute delight after a long day of playing in the water!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul R.

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

Afterglow is a quintessential Maine camp.

A bit rustic, not fancy or pretentious, but very livable. We mostly lived at the dock the entire week. The little ones learned to swim there - it was perfectly set up for that. Only one of the two kayaks was usable due to the inconsiderateness of prior guests, but rentals were available nearby at a reasonable rate (Check out Webb & Sons Paddling Rentals - great service!). Overall the place is well stocked. Come to think of it, I can't comment on the TV - we didn't actually turn it on the entire week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Relaxing and Beautiful Stay

Had a very relaxing experience. Morning coffee and evening dinners on the porch overlooking the lake were fantastic. Dock and kayaks were wonderful. House had everything you need for a fantastic stay, which is exactly what we experienced.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Larry and Mary V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

FYI Info

Camp was very roomy. Good living room furniture. Beds are quite firm. Nice kitchen and screened porch. 31 stairs to get down to water. No sheets or towels provided. Also you are expected to clean bathrooms and dust camp.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

alexandra b.

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

Afterglow

The swimming was great and I much enjoyed the sunsets, the night sky, and the profound silence that happens in the night. The hosts were excellent folk. We are hoping to stay there again next summer.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

George B.

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

Fishing Trip

Parking is tough exspecially if you have a boat trailer. Communication with the owner was good. House was very clean and well stocked for cooking. A very nice screened in porch. The dock for your boat was excellent. One of the better docks I have used in the last 25 years.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Jeff C.

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

Quiet location

Kids had fun swimming all week. Clean, quiet location.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia D.

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

Had a WONDERFUL time!

I loved my stay at Afterglow! The pictures really do not do the place justice. The updated kitchen has all the tools for cooking and baking you could want. There's a giant screened-in porch with a terrific view of the lake and the plastic panels and hook-and-eye locks on the screen doors plus the railings on the porch made it very safe spot to relax with my small dog and toddler niece! Also loved arriving to find deck chairs and kayaks already set up on the dock, which was spacious and has stairs leading into the sandy-bottomed lake. Staple groceries, takeout, and a few other small businesses are only about 15 minutes away in Belgrade. Even less time to some nice hiking spots on French Mountain and Mt. Phillip. I hope to return next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

David M.

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

A week at a lake

We were 4 adults and 2 children. Positives: Tom and his wife were gracious, friendly and available hosts; the house is right on the lake, and the dock and access to the water were easy and comfortable to use; the lake was quiet (at least at the end of June); there is a large screened-in porch; the kids had a great time. Negatives: there is no land around the house, and other houses are close; it was just the house and the lake; the bedrooms don't have doors. All-in-all, we had a fine time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug C.

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

Great Pond is The PlaceTo Be

Awesome. If you like rustic, this is the Place for you.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia B.

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

So peaceful and beautiful. Wonderful kayaks. We kayaked to Crooked Island for a swim and a picnic

Quiet and peaceful front porch. Lovely stay. Lake was warm in early August.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanja G.

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

Ahhhh...a week away

Peaceful spot located in a quiet cove. Spent our days chilling on the dock and in the water, and our evenings playing games on the enclosed porch. Just what we needed! Excellent communication with Tom and Maureen.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathi C.

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

Relaxed and welcoming

Lovely traditional camp with updated kitchen. The photos do not do it justice! The screened porch is like being in a tree-house with glimpses of diamonds sparkling on the water through the tree canopy. We spent a lot of time out there! The dock was very nicely remodeled and the water deep and clean enough to float and cool off. Tom and Maureen were wonderful hosts! We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frederick R.

wonderful

wonderful
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Frederick R.

Early Fall in Maine

We stayed at Afterglow on Laborday week. We had some cold and rainy weather. We also had some nice sunny weather. We loved the screened-in porch on the rainy days where we read and drank coffee. The cabin had everything we needed. The lake was very quiet and we loved hearing the loons. I even had some good luck fishing. We had a wonderful stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Dan C.

Great stay at Afterglow Cottage

Cottage was clean, comfortable, and nicer in person then the photos. Me and the kids had a great time fishing for small mouth bass, and enjoyed some great hiking in the area. The islands on the pond were a lot of fun to explore, and the wildlife was great Loons, bald eagle's. Will definitely stay here again.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Our experience at Afterglow Cottage.

The cottage was easy to find. The photos were very good, but the cottage was even nicer in person. There was lots of space when our family came to visit. Our grandchildren had a great time. The binder that was supplied was full of helpful information regarding restaurants and things to do especially for people who are not from the area. We would definitely recommend the property to a friend or relative. We had perfect weather for the whole week.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

The glow on Afterglow

Great place to relax for a vacation. Very clean and everything that you need for cooking was provided in the kitchen. The screened in porch overlooking the lake was wonderful and of course there was the beautiful lake and the loons every night. Thank you.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Gwen B.

Wonderful Vacation Experience

We absolutely loved our vacation on Great Pond. Afterglow Cottage was wonderful - very clean and spacious. It exceeded our expectations, it was truly a home away from home! We especially enjoyed the huge screen porch where we would sit and enjoy our morning coffee and listen to the loons calling out on the lake. The lake was breathtakingly beautiful. The fishing was great, too. My husband and nephew caught a lot of fish! We really did not want to leave at the end of the week. The owners are also fantastic - they went out of their way to answer any questions we had, and even supplied us with a binder at the cottage which was chock full of local information. We would definitely recommend Afterglow Cottage to anyone who wants a clean, comfortable place to stay on the most beautiful lake we've ever seen. Thank you Tom and Maureen for everything!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Family Vacation

We stayed at the AfterGlow cottage the last week in July, 2012. We stayed with my sister her husband my son and grandson. The Lake was beautiful and very clean. We only wish there was more dock space to be able to sit down near the water in chairs. the kids were also disappointed because there was not a floating deck out further to dive off of. We moved one of the tables outside on the porch so we could eat outside and play games which worked out great. The cottage was very clean and equipped with everything you could need. The only thing we wish we had was a blender to make frozen coctails. They had plenty of games for the kids to play. The owners were very helpful answering our questions. We would recommend this cottage to family and friends. We had a great time! very relaxing....

About the host

Hosted by Tom and Maureen McAvoy

Host profile image
I was born and raised in nearby Waterville, Maine and spent nearly every day of every summer until college barefoot, shirtless and carefree in the white cottage that borders this cottage to the north. My wife and I are retired US Naval Officers and some of my favorite things to do are pedal boarding and kayaking around Great Pond, swimming, walking, biking and playing with our dogs and traveling to see new places.

Why they chose this property

I grew up spending my summers next to this cottage and have fond memories of the puppet shows that Mary Lane McMillan used to stage in the great room for the children in the area.

What makes this property unique

Bass fishing right off this camp is fantastic with several of our tenants catching 5 to 7 pounders! Kayaking on the lake, including island hopping, swimming, walking and biking along the roads and even snorkeling along the shore of the lake or out around the islands.

Languages:

English

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