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Marsden Cottage - custom-built exquisite cottage located in Southwest Harbor, Me

Photo gallery for Marsden Cottage - custom-built exquisite cottage located in Southwest Harbor, Me

A modern kitchen with dark cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a wooden countertop, and a window above the sink.
A spacious loft with a high ceiling, exposed wooden beams, a central staircase, a cozy seating area with a red armchair, and a kitchen with wooden cabinets and a hanging light fixture.
A covered patio with a wooden table and chairs, potted plants, and a vase of flowers.
A spacious living room with a large sofa, a red armchair, and a wooden coffee table. A kitchen with dark cabinets and a wooden ceiling is visible in the background.
A bedroom with a wooden ceiling, a bed with a patterned blanket, a nightstand, a dresser, and multiple windows.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Internet access
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine
  • Onsite parking available

Explore the area

View map
Southwest Harbor, ME
  • Place, Wendell Gilley Museum
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

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

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Southwest Harbor

Southwest Harbor is home to this cottage. 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 College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum are also worth visiting. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and rock climbing nearby.
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Map
Southwest Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • Wendell Gilley Museum - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Acadia National Park - 3 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead - 7 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Wonderland Trail Trailhead - 7 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse - 7 min drive - 7.5 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jordan Pond House - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬4 min drive
  • The Salty Fisherman
  • ‪Thurston's Lobster Pound - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Upper Deck - ‬15 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Marsden Cottage - custom-built exquisite cottage located in Southwest Harbor, Me pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Marsden Cottage - custom-built exquisite cottage located in Southwest Harbor, Me?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Marsden Cottage - custom-built exquisite cottage located in Southwest Harbor, Me?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Marsden Cottage - custom-built exquisite cottage located in Southwest Harbor, Me?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Marsden Cottage - custom-built exquisite cottage located in Southwest Harbor, Me located?

Situated in Southwest Harbor, this cottage is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Wendell Gilley Museum and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Acadia National Park. Flying Mountain Trailhead and Long Pond are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice property, photos were accurate. Convenient location to visit Acadia National Park.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super-fast responses from the host. Easiest check-in possible :-). We enjoyed our stay very much. Close access to Acadia National Park so it made it possible to explore all trails, as well as Bar Harbor. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was so cozy and totally worth it. The owner kept the line of communication open and responds fast. It was so nice having the fire pit outside of the house to hang out at after hiking around Acadia all day. Genuinely would come back and stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a lovely little cabin that was just perfect. A two minute drive from town, very well maintained, clean, comfortable and full of character. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2026
Susan, thank you for the kind review — I’m so glad our cottage felt comfortable and conveniently close to town. I appreciate the recommendation and would love to host you again next time you’re in Southwest Harbor.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a wonderful cottage! Our family had the best time staying here for a week. It was just as it was pictured if not better! Perfect location for everything we wanted to do on the island.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2026
Thanks so much, Rachel! I’m thrilled your family had a fantastic week and enjoyed our cottage’s location. We’d love to host you again whenever you return to the island.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage, exactly as described. We had a wonderful stay. Perfect for 2 couples.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 June 2026
Andrea was a wonderful guest! Prompt, friendly communication and excitement for the stay. I would gladly host again and highly recommend.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cottage was adorable. It suited our family of 6 beautifully. We loved the screened in porch for card games, and the kids loved the nook in the loft of the guest room. Such a great set up, and close to lots of activity. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 August 2026
Thank you, Tara — I’m so glad our cottage suited your stay and that you enjoyed the screened porch for games and the loft nook. We’d love to welcome you back to Southwest Harbor anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage that was perfect for our family trip- loved the set up and decor!! Convenient location to everything we wanted to do in the park and in the area. Cottage has plenty of towels and blankets and kitchen items for meals in. We enjoyed the fire outside as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 June 2026
Maria was a wonderful guest! Prompt, friendly communication and excitement for the stay. I would gladly host again and highly recommend.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My wife, our 3-month-old, and I absolutely loved our stay at the Marsden Cottage. It was the perfect home base for exploring MDI, and we looked forward to returning “home” each evening. The location was perfect—quiet, peaceful, and private, yet just 5 minutes from downtown Southwest Harbor and about 25 minutes from Bar Harbor. The cottage itself is so unique, with tremendous attention to detail throughout its design. It was beautifully appointed and had everything we needed to cook meals and grill, and we especially loved enjoying dinner out on the porch. The complimentary Nespresso pods and wild Maine blueberry jam were such a thoughtful and welcomed extra. We would absolutely stay at the Marsden Cottage again and only wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 September 2026
Thanks so much for the kind words, Trevor — I’m glad our cottage was a comfortable home base and that you enjoyed the porch, kitchen amenities, and the little extras. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for a longer stay.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Location
Beautiful property and location. Well maintained. Host communicated clearly and often. Proximity to National Parks was great. Enjoyed the outdoor seating area. Kids loved “their” loft. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 June 2026
Sherry was a wonderful guest! Prompt, friendly communication and excitement for the stay. I would gladly host again and highly recommend.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great family vacation

The cottage was the perfect place for a family base camp. The location was ideal for the park visits and ocean time. We would come back again for sure.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had six adults, plenty of space! The cottage was well equipped for our needs! We absolutely loved the screened in porch for our evening meals and would definitely go back!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was great. Very responsive to all messages. The house is very well located and was very clean and comfortable. We enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this house.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house on a secluded side street just outside of Southwest Harbor. Everything you need for a great Acadia vacation is here. Host was outstanding, including checking in with us during the stay to make sure all was well (it definitely was). House was very clean and amenities were as described. Would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay at Madsen. The cottage is very well built and had pretty much everything we needed. It’s a quiet, tranquil setting and located perfectly for exploring Acadia and Bar Harbor. We would definitely recommend it. Our host was very attentive.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful and cozy cottage

The cottage was beautiful, clean, and features gorgeous craftsmanship. The owners are responsive and helpful. Thank you for an excellent stay. Our children kept saying they want to live there!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 April 2025
Thanks so much for the kind words Kristyn-Anne. It was our pleasure to host you and your family at the cottage. We are so happy your children loved the place! We look forward to welcoming you in the future. -Bernard and Yasmina
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful

We simply wanted a place to stay to explore Acadia, but this cottage ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Unique craftsmanship and details around every corner. Great communication from the host as well. Our family had a very enjoyable stay and hope to return someday!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing!

We stayed for 4 nights with our 4 kids. The house was clean, beautiful, and “soooo cool!” (The kids reaction) haha It was a quiet retreat that was the perfect distance from everywhere we wanted to go. The owner was great to work with!!! We will definitely be staying here again in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely, well maintained property in Southwest harbor area. Overall it has what you need, but it does not have a dishwasher and the a/c unit is only in the living room. It was not hot, so that wasn't an issue. It is very quiet and relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Marsden Cottage was a perfect Haven for my family for our Acadia Park vacation. Our host was wonderful and offered us a full kitchen of pots, pans, spices, and several other things. The laundry room was stocked with extra towels, detergent and fabric softener. We had a super sweet outside, eating area and a smokeless fire pit! The house is nestled back off the main road with lots of wildlife, mainly deer as visitors. My family and I definitely would return and we really hope to do so.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Should have stayed longer! One of our friend is a custom builder and he was very impressed with the workmanship of the cottage, especially the corner shingles on the outside. He said flawless. The cottage was very clean and quiet. We loved the twice a day visit from a deer family walking through the small field in front of the cottage. The showers were fantastic and plenty of water pressure for a great shower. The beds were comfortable and having a bath for each bedroom was awesome. Would not hesitate to stay there again! Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Prime location for exploring Acadia National Park.This house was ideal for two couples. We were there for four nights which gave us plenty of time for a leisurely exploration of Mount Desert Island. Being in Southwest Harbor worked out well, as we were a bit more central to the island, as compared to Bar Harbor over on the east side. We were only 20-30 minutes away from the places we explored during our stay (Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain, Ship Harbor, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Beech Mountain). Plus there were good dining options in Southwest Harbor (Upper Deck is highly recommended due to the variety on the menu). The house was very clean and had everything we needed for our stay. The kitchen area is small, but we were not planning on cooking any gourmet meals, but it was fine for simple breakfasts and preparing our hiker’s lunches. The bathrooms were well laid out and had a nice amount of space.We all enjoyed the outdoor space and walking in the area around the house. The neighbors are very quiet (there is a cemetery adjacent to the house). We saw deer everyday around the area, and I spent time each morning enjoying the many birds in the yard and along the roads around the house.Check-in and check-out were a breeze. Great communication with the owner and caretaker.We had a wonderful stay. We really enjoyed the house and the location. I would stay here again the next time we visit Acadia National Park.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great visit and would stay here again! Cute cabin with adorable thoughtful details and very clean. Great location!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place!The ladders add a lot of interest to the volume, and everything is cozy and neat as a pin.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was perfect for my stay in Southwest Harbor. It was close to town and very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Stacie. I’m glad our cottage provided the comfort and convenience you were looking for during your stay in Southwest Harbor. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I hope to welcome you back again soon!
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