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Newly Renovated • Group-Friendly • On-Site Parking • 10Min to Old Port

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A living room with a television, sofa, and a chandelier.
A living room with a sectional sofa, a lamp, a patterned rug, and a view of a landscape through the windows.
A two-story house with a stone foundation, a white picket fence, and a red flowering bush in the foreground.
A bedroom with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a mirror, and a wall-mounted air conditioner.
A kitchen with a large island, bar stools, a dishwasher, a microwave, and a refrigerator.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Portland, ME
  • Place, University of Southern Maine
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, University of New England
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Hadlock Field
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Primary Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

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

Primary Bathroom

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Newly Renovated • Group-Friendly • On-Site Parking • 10Min to Old Port

NEW LISTING! Set within a beautifully restored Victorian duplex, The Cornerstone was designed to blend the comfort of a boutique hotel and privacy & convenience of a vacation rental, creating a stay that feels both elevated and distinctly Portland. Enjoy a tree-lined neighborhood with local gems nearby. Start your day with a stroll to Norimoto Bakery, then wind down with a cocktail at Woodford F&B—all just 10 minutes from the Old Port and all that downtown has to offer.

WELCOME TO THE CORNERSTONE
Historic charm meets curated character in the heart of Deering Highlands.

The Cornerstone is ideal for:

Groups & Families who value comfortable, well-designed spaces to gather
Design-Lovers who appreciate layered lighting and vintage finds.
Foodies who want a functional culinary workspace and local market access.
Local-Focused Travelers who appreciate the ease and insight of having on-site hosts and a resident’s perspective.

STANDOUT FEATURES

Versatile living spaces → Dine together, intimate chats by the fireplace, spread out, find a reading nook, or gather for a movie.
Coffee setup for actual coffee people → Drip, Nespresso, K-cup, French Press, or Chemex
A real kitchen → fully stocked, designed for cooking together, not just heating things up
Layered, design-forward interiors → warm, coastal New England aesthetic
Restorative Sleep → Individual climate control, sound machines, and quality linens.
Premium Entertainment → Includes YouTube TV for live 2026 WORLD CUP matches, plus NFL Sunday Ticket for access to Sunday afternoon football games!

THE SPACE

Three bedrooms. Two Bathrooms. One very good kitchen.

The layout is built around a simple idea: space is a cornerstone of comfort.
Instead of maximizing bed count, we prioritized comfortable bedrooms and generous living areas where groups can truly settle in.

The aesthetic is a curated collection of New England charm. From hand-painted coastal murals that capture our local landscapes to an eclectic gallery of collected art. Layered lighting throughout sets the tone, from bright, easy mornings to slower, more ambient evenings. With two distinct lounges, your group has options: gather for a celebratory dinner or long conversation in one, then drift to the secondary lounge for a movie or a nightcap.

In the kitchen, old-world-contemporary aesthetics meet real utility. It’s a space for those who love to cook; well-equipped, intuitive, and ready for anything from a quick breakfast to a full dinner. Spend your morning at Rosemont Market, Pat’s Meat Market, or the Deering Oaks Farmers' Market, then come home to a kitchen that makes meal prep part of the experience.

At the end of the day, retreat to bedrooms designed with rest in mind, complete with layered bedding and thoughtful comforts to help you recharge for another day on the Maine coast.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

Comfortably sleeps 7, with flexible sleeping arrangements for up to 8 guests. For larger groups, the den can be closed off as an additional sleeping space with an air mattress available upon request.

Bedroom 1: King bed
Bedroom 2: Queen bed + twin trundle
Bedroom 3: Queen bed

Designed for restful stays, each bedroom includes quality mattresses and linens, individual climate control, and thoughtful conveniences throughout. Every room is equipped with:
• USB + USB-C bedside charging
• Smart TV with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and YouTube TV
• Full-length mirror
• Sound machine
• Oscillating Fan

Bedroom 1 — King Bed (First floor) Primary bedroom with en suite bath. Inspired by Maine’s rugged history, this primary suite features vintage photography of Maine's logging industry.
• King mattress, hotel-quality linens, Pacific Coast goose feather duvet
• En suite bathroom with heated flooring and heated bidet
• Room-darkening curtains + light filtering sheers
• Makeup vanity

Bedroom 2 — Queen Bed + Twin Trundle (Second floor) Calm and whimsical. Featuring a hand-painted mural of the Scarborough marsh, soft sage trim, reading chair, and upholstered queen daybed with twin trundle.
• Queen daybed + twin trundle, hotel-quality linens, Brooklinen duvets
• Room-darkening curtains + blinds
• Reading chair with lamp
• Additional folding side table for flexibility

Bedroom 3 — Queen Bed (Second floor) Sleep under a Victorian-style canopy in a space inspired by the deep blues and soft greens of Maine’s coastal marshes. Corner windows bring in natural afternoon light, while an oversized mirror makes getting ready with a group effortless.
• Queen mattress, hotel-quality linens, Pacific Coast goose feather duvet
• Room-darkening curtains + blinds
• Reading chair with lamp

THE KITCHEN

Our favorite room in the house!

This isn't a rental kitchen stocked with the bare minimum. It's a home cook's setup complete with: a KitchenAid mixer, Ninja blender, Chemex, French Press, Nespresso, K-cup, and drip coffee maker, and the kind of well-chosen tools that make cooking feel like the point, not just a means to an end.

• A large island provides generous counter space and seats four comfortably
• Locally roasted coffee + a variety of teas provided
• Olive oil + basic spices stocked so you're not starting from zero
• Full set of pots + pans

WHAT'S PROVIDED

We’ve stocked the home with high-quality essentials so you can pack a little lighter. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, lotion, plus kitchen and cleaning supplies, all sourced from Public Goods, known for simple, well-designed products that are sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free.

THE SOUNDTRACK

A record player with built-in Bluetooth sits in the living room, ready to anchor the mood of your evening. Flip through the vinyl collection or connect your phone to stream your own playlist.

For a restful end to the night, each bedroom is equipped with a dedicated sound machine to ensure a peaceful wind-down.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Deering Highlands is a beautiful, residential neighborhood, removed from the bustle of the Old Port, while still being close to everything. You can walk to coffee, run the Baxter Woods trails, or drive downtown in ten minutes.

Getting around:
University of New England (UNE) Portland → 3 min drive / 10 min walk
University of Southern Maine (USM) → 5 min drive / 20 min walk
Deering Center (Dining & Shops) → 3 min drive / 15 min walk
Baxter Woods Trails → 15 min walk
Back Cove Trail → 7 min drive
Old Port + Downtown Portland → 10 min drive
Portland Jetport (PWM) → 10 min drive
Eastern Promenade → 10 min drive
Thompsons Point → 8 min drive / 30 min walk

Groceries nearby: Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Rosemont Market & Bakery, --Pat's Meat Market. If you're here on a Saturday morning, the Portland Farmers Market is worth a stop.

Forgot something? The South Portland retail hub is just 10 minutes away. You’ll find Target for the quick essentials and HomeGoods for a rainy-day browse

BOOKING CONSIDERATIONS

To help plan your stay, please note:

Duplex Transparency: We love the character of this duplex, but it does come with the occasional soundtrack of shared living. We’ve placed sound machines and fans in each bedroom to help buffer sound transfer between floors. Most guests find it minimal, but we prefer to let you know ahead of time.

Stairs: There are stairs at each exterior entrance and between all living levels.

Laundry: A private washer and dryer are available for guest use in the unfinished basement, and detergent is provided. Like many historic New England homes, the basement is more practical than polished, with a more utilitarian feel than the main living spaces.

Parking: Guests have access to off-street parking, with additional easy street parking available in the neighborhood. A standard exterior plug is also available near the driveway for guests traveling with a camper or RV who may need access to power while parked.

Guest Interaction: We live on-site in the adjoining unit with our family and our two dogs. While the guest experience is designed to be completely private, we’re close enough to share a restaurant tip or answer a quick question whenever you need. Think of us as helpful neighbors here if you need us.

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Welcome to Portland! We’re Mary and Andrew.

Portland locals, design-build partners, and devoted collectors of things with a past. The Cornerstone grew out of that shared passion. It was our chance to bring together the vintage pieces we’ve collected over the years with the thoughtful, modern comforts that make a house feel like a home.

We designed this space with intention, trading standard finishes for materials that brought us joy, and prioritizing a layout that allows everyone in the group to be comfortable independently and together. We hand painted murals and sourced art work to provide a sense of place and connection to Maine during your stay.

When we’re off the clock, you’ll likely find us on a trail, at a local brewery, or wandering antique markets with our dogs, Ace & Koda, leading the way.

We hope you feel that this place was made with care. Whether you’re here for a big milestone or just a chill few days to yourselves, we’re so glad you chose us. Come on in!

STR Host License Number: STHR-007181-2025

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STHR-007181-2025
Property # 5243190vb
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Portland

Rosemont, a neighbourhood in Portland, is home to this holiday home. State Theatre and Portland Head Light are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Thompson's Point and Higgins Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Cross Insurance Arena or Fitzpatrick Stadium. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails.
Map
Portland, ME

What's nearby

  • University of Southern Maine - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • University of New England - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Deering Oaks Park - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Fitzpatrick Stadium - 5 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Hadlock Field - 5 min drive - 3.6 km

Getting around

  • Portland Transportation Center - 7 min drive
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cumberland Farms - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Burger King - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪The Continental - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪The Great Lost Bear - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Newly Renovated • Group-Friendly • On-Site Parking • 10Min to Old Port pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Newly Renovated • Group-Friendly • On-Site Parking • 10Min to Old Port?

As of 4 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Newly Renovated • Group-Friendly • On-Site Parking • 10Min to Old Port on 27 October 2026 start from NZ$1,440, 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 Newly Renovated • Group-Friendly • On-Site Parking • 10Min to Old Port?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Newly Renovated • Group-Friendly • On-Site Parking • 10Min to Old Port?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Newly Renovated • Group-Friendly • On-Site Parking • 10Min to Old Port?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Newly Renovated • Group-Friendly • On-Site Parking • 10Min to Old Port located?

Located in Rosemont, this holiday home is steps from Casco Bay and 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Thompson's Point. University of New England and University of Southern Maine are also within 1 mile (2 km). Portland Transportation Center is 24 minutes by foot.

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. 1 out of 1 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 1 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherrie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Taking a risk with no reviews, we weren't sure what to expect, but this VRBO absolutely exceeded all our expectations! From the moment we arrived, we were struck by how beautifully decorated and cozy it was. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, making it feel like a true home away from home. The beds were, without a doubt, the most comfortable we've ever experienced while traveling. The owners were incredibly thoughtful, providing everything one could possibly need, and their attention to detail truly shines through. Plus, the location is fantastic! We especially loved their great dining recommendations and wonderful suggestions for exploring the area. We can't recommend this place highly enough – loved every minute! Thank you Mary & Andrew, you knocked it out of the park!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2026
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! It means the world to us that you and your family had such a wonderful stay : ) As a new listing, reviews like this are such a gift and make a huge difference as we get established. Truly, we can’t thank you enough! It was so nice to meet y’all, and we’re so glad you enjoyed the house, the neighborhood, and some of our favorite local spots. We’d love to welcome you back anytime your travels bring you to Portland. Thank you again for such a generous review!

About the host

Hosted by Mary & Andrew

Host profile image
We’re Mary and Andrew, and we live right here in Portland in the other half of this historic duplex with our two dogs, Ace and Koda. Mary has a background in hospitality, baking, design, and real estate, while Andrew is an engineer with a love for old homes and thoughtful problem-solving. Together, we spent 18 months renovating The Cornerstone ourselves, with the goal of creating a stay that feels comfortable, beautiful, and genuinely connected to Portland.

We love hosting because it lets us share the city we call home — from our favorite bakeries and oyster spots to quiet walking trails and neighborhood gems guests might not find on their own. We’re nearby if you need us, but we’re also very respectful of your privacy and want the space to feel completely your own during your stay.

Why they chose this property

We love Deering Highlands because it offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets and historic homes, while still being just a short drive from downtown Portland, the Old Port, Thompson’s Point, and the waterfront.

It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can start the morning with coffee and a walk through Baxter Woods or Evergreen Cemetery’s trails, then be eating oysters, browsing shops, or catching a show within minutes. We also love that some of Portland’s best local spots are tucked nearby — from bakeries and brunch to casual dinners and markets. It feels relaxed and local, which is exactly what we love about it.

What makes this property unique

The Cornerstone is a newly renovated historic duplex that blends old New England character with thoughtful modern comfort. We designed the space to feel layered, warm, and personal — less like a generic rental and more like a home.

Guests love the flexible layout, with three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two separate living spaces, and a well-stocked kitchen. It works beautifully for families, couples traveling together, wedding guests, food lovers, and anyone who wants room to spread out after a day exploring Portland.

What really makes The Cornerstone special is the care behind it. We restored and designed the home ourselves, using collected vintage pieces, coastal-inspired art, layered lighting, comfortable bedding, and practical details meant to make travel easier. There are no checkout chores, no overly fussy rules, and no “rental house” feel — just a welcoming, well-appointed Portland home created by hosts who truly love where they live.

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