Entire home

"🌊🏖️ Private beach🌲🏞️ Acadia?. 🦞🛥️ Bar Harbor😴 Sleeps 20🐾🐶 Pet friendly❤️affordable

Photo gallery for "🌊🏖️ Private beach🌲🏞️ Acadia?. 🦞🛥️ Bar Harbor😴 Sleeps 20🐾🐶 Pet friendly❤️affordable

Beach
Her smiles says it all.
Exterior detail
Outdoor dining
Pet-friendly

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 16325.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Sandy Point, ME
  • Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Fort Knox State Park
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Fort Knox State Historic Site
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Bangor, ME (BGR-Bangor Intl.)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Double Beds and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom 6

+1
5 Single Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

"🌊🏖️ Private beach🌲🏞️ Acadia?. 🦞🛥️ Bar Harbor😴 Sleeps 20🐾🐶 Pet friendly❤️affordable

The Retreat House is all about Family and Families getting together. Over 80 % of our Summer bookings are 3 Generations which we love seeing. The Retreat House nestled along the picturesque shores of the Penobscot lies a private-residence in the heart of Coastal Maine. The home boasts 5-6 plus bedrooms 3 baths, 15 beds and can accommodate unto 18 guests offering ample space for comfort and relaxation. Situated in the serene Sandy Point, a mere 13 miles north of Belfast and less than an hour's drive to the popular destination Bar Harbor & Arcadia National Park this property is perfectly positioned to embrace the beauty of the surrounding area with breath-taking sunrises each morning.

With its captivating water views, the property provides a truly mesmerizing backdrop for your everyday life. Step outside onto the expansive deck and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings. As the sun sets, gather around the inviting fireplace, creating a warm and cozy ambiance that is perfect for intimate gatherings or quiet evenings.

Every corner of the property has been thoughtfully designed to create a beautiful setting that will leave you in awe. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the area ensures a total escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to fully unwind and rejuvenate.

Despite its secluded location, this haven is conveniently located just 5 miles away from shops, restaurants, and markets. Whether you're in need of supplies or craving a delicious meal, everything you desire is within easy reach. Please note that pets are welcome, but they must be pre-approved. A pet fee of $150 applies to ensure the comfort and cleanliness of the property.

Indulge in the serenity and beauty of this remarkable Maine home, where breathtaking water views, a private 300-foot beach, and a peaceful ambiance await. Experience the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience, creating a truly unforgettable getaway. Only a fraction of the areas short term rentals can boasts a breathtaking waterfront view, complete with a private 3oo foot beach and pet-friendly accommodations. The Retreat House goes above and beyond, catering to the needs of multi-generational families and extended groups seeking a spacious haven to create lasting vacation memories. Beach bonfires & activities whale watching, lobster bakes, swimming, .

Our back deck over looking the water features hanging lights, picnic table, comfortable seating for 14, a propane fire pit, bbq grill, lobster boil propane ring and a Pizza Oven.

Our meadow has lots of fun things to do. Lots of cool comfortable seating, a fire wood burning fit pit, corn hole, badminton, a full size ping pong table and our newest addition disc golf

The beach has over 20 beach chairs, umbrellas, horse shoes, badminton, corn hole and a retreat dog play box full of tennis balls, frisbees, push fury animals, and lots of fun doggy stuff.

As of 2024 we no longer can offer kayaks etc as demanded by our insurance company...Kayaks and every kind of water craft can be rented locally by a wonderful company who will deliver and pick up what ever your water needs. There are countless opportunities to enjoy the water and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds you. Wander through the scenic hiking trails of Acadia National Park, where you'll be treated to stunning panoramas and a diverse array of wildlife. Opt for a leisurely bike ride along the park's historic carriage roads, or take some time to unwind on our private beach as you soak in the sun and listen to the calming sounds of the ocean.

For those who crave adventure, consider arranging a guided whale-watching tour or a sailing trip to experience the magnificent waters of Maine up close. Local fishermen offer unique lobstering experiences, allowing you to dive into the world of lobster trapping, and you might even enjoy a freshly caught lobster prepared right on the shore.

As the day draws to a close, gather your loved ones for a beachside lobster bake or a fun pizza night using our outdoor pizza oven, where everyone can partake in the culinary excitement. With a wealth of activities available, The Retreat House is the perfect destination for family reunions, friendly getaways, or a peaceful retreat to reconnect with the great outdoors.

While you’re planning your visit, make sure to explore nearby attractions like the charming town of Belfast, famous for its art galleries, unique shops, and delightful waterfront dining. Just a short drive away, Bar Harbor buzzes with energy, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and easy access to the stunning scenery of Acadia National Park.

Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or quality time with family and friends, The Retreat House is the ultimate getaway that meets all your vacation wishes. Reserve your stay today and start creating unforgettable memories in this enchanting corner of Maine.

Property manager

paul barclay

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 9:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Past guests rave over our child friendly beach
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
We have many people attending weddings in the area
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
Pets allowed with prior approval. Pet fee $150 per
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: We have many people attending weddings in the area
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

About the area

Stockton Springs

Located in Stockton Springs, this holiday home is on the beach. Northeast Historic Film and Penobscot Marine Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Perry's Nut House and ALLPLaY Family Entertainment Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Sandy Point, ME

What's nearby

  • Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory - 8 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Fort Knox State Park - 9 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Fort Knox State Historic Site - 14 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Fort Point State Park - 15 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Maine Maritime Academy - 45 min drive - 44.2 km

Getting around

  • Belfast Station - 21 min drive
  • Bangor, ME (BGR-Bangor Intl.) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Shell - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Bucksport House of Pizza - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Crosby's Drive-In - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Wahl's Dairy Port - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is "🌊🏖️ Private beach🌲🏞️ Acadia?. 🦞🛥️ Bar Harbor😴 Sleeps 20🐾🐶 Pet friendly❤️affordable pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at "🌊🏖️ Private beach🌲🏞️ Acadia?. 🦞🛥️ Bar Harbor😴 Sleeps 20🐾🐶 Pet friendly❤️affordable?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "🌊🏖️ Private beach🌲🏞️ Acadia?. 🦞🛥️ Bar Harbor😴 Sleeps 20🐾🐶 Pet friendly❤️affordable?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is "🌊🏖️ Private beach🌲🏞️ Acadia?. 🦞🛥️ Bar Harbor😴 Sleeps 20🐾🐶 Pet friendly❤️affordable located?

This Stockton Springs holiday home is on the beach, 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Penobscot River, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Fort Knox State Park and Long Cove. Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory and Jonathan Buck Monument are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 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

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Abbey J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Our family had a wonderful week at this property! The views from the balcony were stunning and the surrounding area was beautiful. Paul was a very kind and communicative host and the house was very well stocked with everything you could possibly need! Our kids had a great time at the beach and there was plenty of space for all of us. I would just note that while the house is listed for 16, there is an weekly charge any additional guests beyond 8 people. Also, it isn’t noted in the amenities, but there are pictures of kayaks in the listing. Kayaks can be rented for an additional fee week from an outside company. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place to others as we had a fantastic week, but would just make sure they are aware of the additional charges on the front end.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Betsy S.

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

Never leave!

We had such a great week at The Retreat House! There really wasn’t any reason to leave and consequently, we only ventured out to the grocery store, a little antiquing, and a Fort Knox exploration. The beach is wonderful and busy with seals, porpoises, osprey, loons and eagles. My granddaughters played on the beach the entire time and loved the many toys, the activities available, and the “Library “ clubhouse. Everything we needed was there and sometimes in multiples. The owners are incredibly responsive and lovely. They supply the things you need, like trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. Once you get there, you don’t need to scurry out to the grocery store for household staples. This is a house equipped to take a lot of people and still provide privacy. Our group of 8 could really spread out and still leave extra beds. Excellent week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry W.

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

Maine Retreat House - 2024

Wonderful time with family spent at this beautiful property! The accommodations were great and our host Shankari was available to answer any questions, and gave great recommendations for local attractions and food.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nate V.

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

Beautiful spot with wide variety of activities available

There was something for everyone in our extended family: water view, sunsets and wildlife, space for yard games, reading nooks, close proximity to historical sites, kyak rentals, etc. One of the best places we've stayed!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela H.

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

Great cental location

The hosts were amazing, the location was amazing, our trip was amazing. Perfect for large families. Plenty of space.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angel M.

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

Great House

The owner was amazing to answer questions and was helpful in finding restaurants and things to do. The house was roomy, clean and had everything you need! Excellent stay and we’ll head back.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jillian P.

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

Loved loved loved it here!!

They went above and beyond for us! The view was amazing! The house was wonderful. And so much to do there! I highly recommend the Retreat house!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Robert C.

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

Very gracious hosts

We arrived to find the house filled with snacks, Everything to make s’mores, Spices, sugar,flower, fresh cut flowers, multiple coffee makers, All the glassware and coffee cups you would want and every item needed to cook a maine shore dinner. Inside or out, propane fire pit on the house deck and fire pit in the beach, chairs on the beach for 24 with a cool structure perfect for reading or napping, the rocky riverfront is perfect for walking to Sandy point.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alesia C.

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

Exceptional

My family and friends had an amazing time at this house. The house is equipped with everything you'd need to enjoy your Maine vacation, from extra coolers to toys and games for kids. And to top it all off, the owners were above and beyond helpful and responsive with any questions we had. I highly recommend staying here for your family vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deanna A., stevensville

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

Fabulous views and very comfortable

Fabulous views! Private Beach. Deck with plenty of seating for your group of up to 20. Amazing live edge dining tables that hold a feast!!! Perfect for a small wedding, multi-family, multi-generational vacay. Kitchen is well stocked with everything you need and house is even kid friendly and dog friendly!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca R.

Welcoming home on the water...

We enjoyed the warmth of the fireplace and the inviting tables where our family gathered and shared food, stories and merriment. The variety of activities in the area from long walks, to scavenging on the beach, to local charm along the coast kept everyone busy and happy. Communication from the owners was timely and helpful. We look forward to another visit to The Retreat House.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Laurie J.

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

Two thumbs WAY up!!

Wonderful stay at fantastic property!! Paul is great and was so helpful at every point of the trip- he even had some kittens for the animal obsessed kids in the group to cuddle and feed!! House and beach are amazing! Beach has few, if any, other folks on it. Views are gorgeous!! House has everything you could need. In a quiet area but all necessities within 10 min drive. Convenient for day trips to Acadia, Bar Harbor, Camden/Rockland. Absolute treasure, highly recommend!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Alyssa F., Ohio, California, Minnesota, D.C.

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

Great for All Ages

We had a great experience in this eclectic and artsy home. There were two huge tables so our group of 15 could eat together comfortably, and there were plenty of beds for everyone. One sleeping area required going through another bedroom to get to it, but we were fine with that. We had gorgeous fires in the fireplace, and the best part of all was the quiet beach—the kids could have spent all their time there, playing in the water and playing beach games like badminton. The adults were happy to sit under the beach umbrellas and relax. The house is well stocked with extra bedding, lots of towels, and games and cooking supplies. We had such a lovely stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Katie T.

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

Relax and enjoy!

This home and our experience in it were wonderful. We were a party of 9 with an age range of 10 months up to 87 years old. The bedroom with attached bath on the first floor was perfect for my mother in-law- no stairs for her! The rest of us could have slept in a different bed almost every night, there are 14 not including the futons, couch beds and cots! The deck is large with gorgeous views over the water and the foliage was to die for! The kitchen is well stocked for large parties but the pots and pans could use a little updating. Paul is absolutely wonderful and was a pleasure to work with! He provided us with everything we needed - I’ve never had a more attentive owner experience in all my years using VRBO! We were in town for a wedding and only had time for a trip up the road to Fort Knox but plan to come back when it’s a bit warmer to sit on the beach all day and relax! My 4 year old had a ball searching the beach for shells and crabs and loved it despite October being too cold for a swim! I would for sure return and recommend this for large gatherings - great!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

April G.

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

Heaven on Earth! We will be back!

A part of me wants to keep this place a secret, but that would be selfish, and Paul and Janet deserve all the positive praise! We have been taking an extended family vacation together since 2005. We were looking for a place with plenty of room for adults, teens, young children and pups. That search led us to Retreat House. With an abundance of sleeping options and plenty of open space to gather together, this house offers it all. The large dining table was key for our family meals. Everything about this home was beyond amazing! The location was serene and peaceful but close to many attractions within driving distance. Sitting on the deck for the view or going down to the beach were equally amazing. We rented kayaks from Don Pedro's which is a must! The wildlife! Seals, bald eagles, seagulls, osprey, cormorants, deer in the field...we even got to experience a RARE whale sighting right from the beach! All incredible blessings for a nature/animal loving family. Did I mention the rainbow? Paul and Janet were the absolute best hosts! Janet met us at the house for a tour when we arrived, and they were always quick to respond if there was a question. The little personal touches such as the smore's bar and popcorn/candy bar were so thoughtful and appreciated. Two amazing people who truly care about your experience. Wonderful memories were made! Our week was as perfect as it could get, and we can't wait to head back next year to continue our annual week together in Maine!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christian B.

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

Perfect for family

Enjoyed our stay, great beach
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny O.

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

Great New Year!

We were looking for a house that would fit our big family to spend the New Year’s together and this house did not disappoint. The house was so big it accommodated 16 of us and our three dogs. We met Paul on arrival and he was so welcoming and showed us around. Everything in the house was beautiful and the fire pit in the beach was a great way for our family members that came from Colombia to have a fire pit on the beach experience during the winter. Everything was close to the house as well and we were even able to go skiing with a 46 min drive which wasn’t bad either. We would definitely want to come back again! Thank you again for opening your lovely house!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wes N.

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

Celebrating in Sandy Point

What a great spot to gather with family for a local wedding!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mike C., Lawrence, MA

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

Great getaway!

My family and I had a great time staying here. The views are beautiful and the area was quiet and peaceful. The place is spacious and has plenty of room for a big family or group. The rear porch has a beautiful view of the river and the beach. This place has a private beach access. This place also has several fire pits and seating available. On the day that we arrived, the owners Paul and Shankari greeted us at the entrance which was a first for me. They are very welcoming and very helpful with any questions or concerns we had. Paul even recommended us many places to go see and visit in the area during our stay and even recommended many restaurants to eat. We enjoyed the indoor fireplace and the fire pit at the beachfront. The kids played volleyball at the beach since there is a net available, I myself played a few rounds of badminton. I would definitely look forward in booking this place again in the future. I can highly recommend this place to anyone!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Janet B.

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

Super fun vacation

Fabulous house with great views. There were loads of beds and conversational seating areas, both inside and out. House was filled with everything a group could need. The owners obviously gave a lot of thought to what people might need or want. The beach was also well stocked with chairs, umbrellas and games. The only downside was the multitude of stairs down to the beach which apparently is common in this area. It was not a problem at all for our group of kids, dogs and grandparents but it may be for some. Also, there is no air conditioning on the ground or second floor. Again, not an issue for us (even though the weather was unusually hot during our visit) but it could be for some. The house was easy to get to and quiet, yet close to loads of trails and about 50 minutes from Bar Harbor. Of course, you could just stay at the house and beach and be perfectly content! The owners were super friendly and attentive. They even found and delivered a cord for our outdoor projector that we forgot. Thanks for saving our outdoor movie night. I would highly recommend this as a home away from home!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

steven l.

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

Could not ask for more.

Excellent.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jody V.

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

SWEET PIECE OF MAINE

Exceeded expectations. 12 adults, 5 kids under 5 and a dog. We had our dinners delivered each day by Coastal Critters - and they dropped off breakfast for the next morning also. Didn't have to cook....buy food..... Rented kayaks & Paddleboards which were also delivered - at the recommendation of the VRBO owners. The private beach and sheltered access to the water were perfect for kayaks & paddleboards. Padded out to see the seals who live on the shallow rocks/island 1/4 mile out from the beach Kids loved it
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

debra a t.

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

Family memories

We wanted to make new memories at Christmas the retreat house was perfect Leo was making sure we had everything we needed we relaxed played games had great meals went antiqing and got pics of beautiful sunrises we are talking about going back in the summer thank you Mr Barclay
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

stac P.

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

Thanksgiving

We were all very happy with our stay. Paul is very informative and helpful whenever we had questions. This home/retreat house is a beautiful place to stay. The house gave everyone plenty of room to have their own space, as well as areas we could all be together!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jenny S.

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

Great family reunion

Our family of 8 adults and 6 boys of varying ages were so pleased with our decision to stay at Paul’s home. Paul was a communicative and attentive host. He was in the area over our first few days so made sure to check in with us, answer a few questions we had plus provide us with a welcome basket of delicious foods and s’mores! Our family had plenty of room to spread out and the boys loved “their” third floor room and bathroom. The beach area was spacious and provided many opportunities for relaxing and exploring. Us landlubbers were amazed by the changes in tides! The dining room tables were wonderful to have as usually we have to eat meals all spread out. All being together with plenty of space was great. We enjoyed exploring the area, with Fort Knox/suspension bridge just down the street and Belfast, Camden, Bangor and Acadia all easily accessible. Thank you again for an amazing week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by paul barclay

Host profile image
Paul is a retired nightclub and restaurant owner and Shankari owns a beautiful yoga and wellness center in Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Why they chose this property

We searched for over 2 years searching for a property that was not jut on the ocean but a place with a private beach which is rare in Central/Downeast Maine. Located 13 miles north of exciting Belfast allows us to spend our days on the beach and dine at wonderful restaurants at night. The property is private, quiet and perfect for large groups.

What makes this property unique

Sunrise from our large waterfront deck is mesmerizing. Having your private sandy beach is practically unheard of in this part of Maine. The view from every window in the house looks out to water or forest. Most of our guests are here for family reunions, weddings or multi family vacations.We have owned numerous rental properties in Down East Maine since the late 90"s and The Retreat House is by far my favorite.

Languages:

English