Coastal Island Retreat - Privacy and Convenience. Boat rental available.
Bird's Nest sits high on a secluded ledge immediately on the rocky shore of the mouth of the Sheepscot River. Fall is the best time of year here, with crisp mornings, burning afternoons, and cozy evenings by the fire.
This house boasts spectacular views of the Sheepscot River and out to sea. With 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, 2 family areas, screened in breezeway/breakfast area, full kitchen and expansive outdoor space, this house can fit 6. Also, fireplace and new W/D. Includes dock. Ferry service on lobster boat available 3 times daily in July and August. Immediate access to rocky point and Cory Cove Beach.
There is a parking lot to leave your car. It costs $5/night, on honor system, payable at the lodge/candy store/post office on the island. You can drive right to the dock, unload, then backtrack about 100 yards to the parking lot to park. The ferry takes you across the Little Sheepscot River to the public float. From there, it is a 10 minute golf cart ride across the island to the house, which looks out across the Big Sheepscot River to the sea. Also, rent a whaler for the week and dock it near the house and have your own transportation to, from and around the island. Walking is very popular on the island. Most houses are on just the southernmost end of the island, leaving the majority of the island beautifully wooded, with well-kept paths for wandering.
15' or 19' boat rental by day or week makes this unique and gorgeous spot accessible to all, through mid-October.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view
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Any guests beyond the number listed on your itinerary will be charged a penalty at $100 per person per night.
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
About the area
Georgetown
Located in Georgetown, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Georgetown Historical Society and Georgetown Pottery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Maine Maritime Museum and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Maine State Aquarium and Opera House at Boothbay Harbor are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking, waterskiing and windsurfing adventures can be found near the property.
Georgetown Historical Society - 22 min drive - 11.5 km
Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary - 23 min drive - 11.9 km
Georgetown Pottery - 34 min drive - 17.9 km
Bowdoin College - 64 min drive - 42.3 km
Getting around
Brunswick Station - 39 min drive
Wiscasset, ME (ISS) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Kitchen Garden Cafe
Pinkham’s Gourmet Market - 59 min drive
Five Islands Lobster Co
Frequently asked questions
Is Coastal Island Retreat - Privacy and Convenience. Boat rental available. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Coastal Island Retreat - Privacy and Convenience. Boat rental available.?
As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Coastal Island Retreat - Privacy and Convenience. Boat rental available. on 4 April 2026 start from NZ$691, 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 Coastal Island Retreat - Privacy and Convenience. Boat rental available.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Coastal Island Retreat - Privacy and Convenience. Boat rental available.?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Coastal Island Retreat - Privacy and Convenience. Boat rental available.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Coastal Island Retreat - Privacy and Convenience. Boat rental available. located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Reid State Park, Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary and Georgetown Historical Society. Casco Bay and Georgetown Pottery are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
8.0
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
MacMahan island is lovely. The people on the island could not be any nicer. The house was a disaster. There was black mold on most of the walls and windows. Fiberglass installation had been removed above beds with pieces left hanging down. Spiderwebs and dirt everywhere. We drove 10 hours to get there. Stayed 1/2 hour. Left and drove home
Chris H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 August 2022
There is in fact no black mold in the house, but rather very old and very dry water stains on some windows. I have never had a complaint about any of this traveler's concerns after years of renting, but I gather from talking with others who met them that they were expecting an upscale house rather than a seasonal island cottage.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Michelle W.
14 August 2017
Beautiful views and rustic charm on the Maine coast!
Staying at Bird's Nest is like stepping back in time 50 years to a simpler life. Beautiful views from almost every window and wonderful island trails to explore. We loved watching the lobster boats every morning as well as the seals playing in the river. This is a wonderful place to enjoy time with family and relax in peaceful quiet.
Michelle W.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Sean H.
3 August 2017
Exactly what we needed
We had a great vacation at this place! The rustic cottage served as a perfect home-base for lots of walks and fun on the water, and the views were beautiful. Seeing/hearing porpoises and seals from the living room and deck was a unique treat.
The paths on the island are speckled with mica and while we were there were lined with fascinating looking mushrooms. Our family ended up walking through the woods for many hours a day exploring the island, and had a great time doing it. The island has an interesting history and there is no shortage of surprises to be discovered while exploring.
I would recommend this cottage and Macmahan in general to anyone looking to really get away from the real world for a while.
Sean H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Sean S.
18 August 2016
Perfect Maine coast getaway--emphasis on "away"
"Birdsnest" is a big, beautiful house right on the water. It's clean and comfortable, but keeps a real vacation-house feel. It's a great place to walk, kayak, or just do nothing for a while. The air smells good. We spent many hours just sitting and watching the clouds, the lobster boats, and the stars at night, on some folding outdoor recliners. We saw porpoises most evenings. If your kids get tired of playing cards, MacMahon is a safe place to let them roam free--nice people, no cars.
It is quite isolated, and some (especially some kids) might find it boring, though that wasn't a problem for us. Getting yourself and your stuff on and off the island is a bit of an operation, so make your grocery list carefully and don't plan on a lot of side trips.
Owner Elizabeth responded quickly to emails and took good care of us.
Sean S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2016
About the host
Hosted by Owner/Property Manager
I grew up spending summers on MacMahan Island in the house bought by my great grandfather in the early 1900s. It was my love of MacMahan that caused me to settle in Maine and raise my family here, and to finally purchase my own MacMahan house in 2015. Now my children will grow up with the freedom that an island and close knit community affords, a love of the sound of the wind and the waves and the birds, and the smell of the balsam fir and sea that permeates this secluded and quiet and welcoming island.
Why they chose this property
There truly is no place like MacMahan, and Bird's Nest is my favorite spot on the island. Bird's Nest is immediately on the ocean and is unique among the island cottages in that it offers a separate sleeping cabin (great for your pre-teen or teen!), longitudinal floor plan that allows family to spread out if they like, and island location that is private and quiet, yet close enough to the bustle of the "south end" if desired. See for more information.
What makes this property unique
See the following document for more information about MacMahan Island visits!