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Seal Harbor, Acadia Natl. Park - 'Hidden House' - Large Ocean View Summer Home

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A two-story house with a stone facade, a wooden balcony, and a garden with white flowering shrubs.
A living room with a fireplace, a sofa, a chair, and two lamps.
A dining room with a wooden table, six chairs, a fireplace, a china cabinet, and two framed artworks on the wall.
A bedroom with a wooden bed, patterned bedding, a small dog, a fireplace, and a door leading to another room.
A rustic house with a brick exterior, a wooden deck, and a stone pathway leading to the entrance.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
This vacation home offers space for 12 guests with 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. It includes 2 bicycles and features ocean views. Families can enjoy adventures like birdwatching, rock climbing, and kayaking, while the patio provides an outdoor area for relaxation. The property is pet-friendly and located near shopping, the sea, and attractions like Naturalist's Notebook.

Highlights

  • Room to spread out

    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.

  • On the beach

    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.

  • Centrally-located

    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

  • Discover nearby landmarks

    Walk to Acadia National Park
7 bedrooms5+ bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Dog-friendly
  • Toys
  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View map
Seal Harbor, ME
  • Place, Naturalist's Notebook
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Bracy Cove
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

7 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 6

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 7

1 Single Bed

Office

1 Single Bed

5 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 5

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 6

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Seal Harbor, Acadia Natl. Park - 'Hidden House' - Large Ocean View Summer Home

Tucked against the hill amid towering spruce and pine trees, 'Hidden House' enjoys a quiet location with lovely ocean views. Once the home of a Harvard president, this traditional summer cottage creates a comfortable spot for up to fourteen people. Located on exclusive Ox Hill and within walking distance of lovely Seal Harbor beach, you'll love the charm and history of this delightful home.

First Floor
-Dining room with views and a table that seats up to eight (or more with extra leaves).
-Large Living Room with fireplace, French doors to deck and wonderful views.
-Spacious fully equipped kitchen with small breakfast table.
-Three bedrooms on main floor as follows: One bedroom with queen bed and full bathroom adjacent. Two smaller bedrooms (one with double bed the other with one twin bed) and full bathroom adjacent. Study with an additional twin bed and adjacent half bath.
-Charming sleeping porch with doors leading to front deck.

Second Floor
-Four bedrooms total as follows: Master bedroom with water views, fireplace, queen-size bed and private full bath. Bedroom with two twin beds, views and private full bath. Bedroom with two twin beds and sink. Bedroom with queen bed and adjacent bath with tub.

Deck
Front deck with furniture, partially glassed-in area, gas BBQ and views of Seal Harbor, the islands and beyond.

Appliances
Standard kitchen appliances including French-door refrigerator, electric stove an oven, microwave oven, and dishwasher. Washing machine and dryer. TV/DVR/DVD. Wi-fi internet.

Keywords: Ideal for large family get-togethers

PLEASE NOTE: WEEKLY RENTALS ARE BOOKED FROM SUNDAY TO SUNDAY.
WE OFFER 15% DISCOUNT ON MONTHLY RENTALS.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings

We welcome use by large family groups.

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)

Well behaved pets allowed.

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No open fires, except in living room fireplace (note: firewood is provided)

NO SMOKING IN THE HOUSE

Important information

You need to know

Property # 58867vb
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) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: We welcome use by large family groups.
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
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

Seal Harbor

Located in Seal Harbor, this holiday home is near a water park and on the beach. 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. Travelling with kids? Consider Naturalist's Notebook and Wild Gardens of Acadia. Kayaking and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and mountain biking nearby.
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Map
Seal Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • Naturalist's Notebook - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Acadia National Park - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Bracy Cove - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 17 min drive - 20.8 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 28 min drive - 27.6 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jordan Pond House - ‬7 min drive
  • The Salty Fisherman
  • ‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪The Upper Deck - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Lighthouse Inn & Restaurant - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Seal Harbor, Acadia Natl. Park - 'Hidden House' - Large Ocean View Summer Home pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Seal Harbor, Acadia Natl. Park - 'Hidden House' - Large Ocean View Summer Home?

As of 18 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Seal Harbor, Acadia Natl. Park - 'Hidden House' - Large Ocean View Summer Home on 14 May 2027 start from NZ$12,869, 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 Seal Harbor, Acadia Natl. Park - 'Hidden House' - Large Ocean View Summer Home?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Seal Harbor, Acadia Natl. Park - 'Hidden House' - Large Ocean View Summer Home?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Seal Harbor, Acadia Natl. Park - 'Hidden House' - Large Ocean View Summer Home?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Seal Harbor, Acadia Natl. Park - 'Hidden House' - Large Ocean View Summer Home located?

Nestled on the beach, this Seal Harbor holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Naturalist's Notebook and Acadia National Park. Hunters Beach and Bracy Cove are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 42 out of 55 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 55 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 55 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 55 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 55 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location. Beautiful, old house with up to sate amenities. Limited electric outlets.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our second year at the Hidden House was just as great as the first one. The house itself is full of character and has a great layout. We liked that is was in a quiet location but only a short drive to great nearby restaurants and only a slightly longer but still short drive to Bar Harbor. We so enjoyed walking around the neighborhood seeing all the grand old homes and the lush landscape. And of course Mt. Desert Island itself is awe inspiring. This rental comes highly recommended.
Stayed 13 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a great house for so many reasons. The location can’t be beat and the overall vibe as an old, massive summer Maine “cottage” is terrific. The kitchen is highly functional, dining comfortably sat 10 and the living room and outside porch/deck are both exceptional spaces. We were 10 total - my husband & I and our four young adult children, DIL and 3 SOs, and the house provided plenty of private spaces for many of us who had remote work commitments throughout the week. Wifi was terrific. The house is absolutely old - outlets a bit scare but with extension cords we made it work. Furniture old and rather worn - but comfortable, as were the beds. We also had our pup, and it was such a great part of the island for dog-friendly hikes. Highly recommend if all can appreciate the aesthetic!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time, and the house was perfect for a family vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2025
SO HAPPY TO HEAR YOU HAD A GREAT VACATION- IT IS HARD TO BEAT SEAL HARBOR ! ROSEMARY HOPKINS
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lots of space for a family reunion!

This property is nestled in the hills and Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are easily accessible. It was a great size for our family and we enjoyed our time there.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2021
so good to hear that you had a good vacation- Seal Harbor is a gem !
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Classic Maine home. We loved it.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 August 2025
So happy you had a good vacation- You were certainly ideal renters.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful House

We loved our stay in the Hidden House. House is so spacious and so comfortable; a beautiful old house with tons of personality in a gorgeous location. Natural beauty is everywhere and the view of Seal Harbor is spectacular.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful family vacation

Very comfortable home with plenty of space, plus a large deck with great views
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 August 2023
Thank you- sorry the weather wasn't better
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location! It accommodated our large group . The house was well worn and needs some TLC but it had everything needed and all worked well for our stay. Quiet neighborhood. Classic Maine vacation house !
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Spectacular view and ideal location

Beautiful Seal Harbor summer cottage with privacy and gorgeous views of Seal Harbor. This is a home that retains its original character and interior.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fabulous stay

Hidden House is a graceful, comfortable home that embodies the charm of the legendary "summer cottages" on MDI. It has a very very large deck with great views over Seal Harbor, a huge kitchen and great beds. The hosts are wonderful.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 August 2024
Thank you - we also enjoy the large deck-wishing you and your family all the best
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Hidden Heaven

We love this house! It’s perfect for an intergenerational family vacation - spacious bedrooms and lots of space to gather. The location is perfect too; we walked to the beach and ice cream shop, rode bikes into the park, and it’s an easy drive to the other towns on MDI. We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2024
We do hope you will come again- We love it for all the same reasons Rosemary and David
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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

Shore house

Great location house was plenty big for our large group but it definitely in need of some updates
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 October 2024
we are aware of some issues and tried to find workers , but it is very hard to get help during the summer . We do have workers coming in October.7
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Old charm in Seal Harbor

This house is like staying at Grandma's, not fancy but very comfortable. The old house has a special charm and feeling about it. From the first day, we felt at home.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 October 2021
so happy that you can enjoy an old house !- we love it !
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

September in Seal Harbor

This is such a great location. We were able to walk to the trails and the ocean. The views were beautiful. The house was neat and clean. We used the kitchen and the two sinks were great.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 October 2022
Thank you- we do hope you will come again Rosemary and David
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location, beautiful view

Hidden House reminded me of the cottage I vacationed in as a child on Lake Huron. The ambiance is nostalgic and homey, with beautiful antiques in this large house. The view is beautiful, whether from the deck or living room or many bedrooms. The location is very convenient to Acadia’s carriage roads and the Seal Harbor beach.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 June 2022
We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed our old house !
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Live like the rusticators

Fabulous old house with lots of character and space. All ages loved it. We didn’t need a thing except food. Park minutes away and not as crowded as we had expected. We would definitely book again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 June 2024
Thank you for your nice review, and we certainly hope you will come back- We do have a great location, and we love the old house ! Rosemary
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location

Great location to everything Mt Desert Island has to offer. Plenty of space for a large family. Though take note is you are traveling with anyone elderly or handicapped it does take a flight of steps to get in and out of the home. My mom walks with a cane and she struggled a bit.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2023
Thank you for the review- All the best- Rosemary
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second stay at Hidden House. The first one was June 2022 (family of 12). This time (August 2025) we had only 10 of us. Both times we had a wonderful time! Love the location, 7-10 min walk to the beach or 2 minute drive; close to Jordon Pond and other park loop road attractions; beautiful view. Love the house . . . vintage but comfortable and wonderful to have the whole family in one house. Thank you Rosemary for another wonderful stay!
Seal Harbor Beach
View from House
View of house from driveway
Kitchen fun
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A Special Place!

Hidden House was everything we had hoped for. Lots of space for family to gather together or to spread out if desired. Lots of charm and character. It's old so not everything works perfectly but the owners were quick to address any little issue that popped up. Loved the comfortable family feel of the place and loved being in Seal Harbor! Planning to visit again in a few years.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2022
Thanks for your very nice review- stay well Rosemary
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Hidden House Heaven

Our family had a wonderful stay at Hidden House. In truth, it was much more spacious than our 7 family members needed. We loved spreading out, and we didn't even use 3 of the 7 bedrooms. Great porch, well- equipped kitchen (and we had a couple serious cooks among us), lovely views, peaceful, comfortable, great location for easy access to ANP, Bar Harbor, NEH, etc. We have been coming to MDI for decades and would definitely recommend this property!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 September 2023
Hi Jill- W are so pleased you had a good visit- We do hope you will come again- Rosemary and David
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good

Property is good, but aged... furniture is well used.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2023
we agree , but each year we make new improvements- this year we bought a new refrigerator with French Doors, and a new set of deck furniture Rosemary
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Loved the view!

We really enjoyed our stay. The house was so roomy and accommodating for our family. The view was amazing and working from the desk in the main bedroom or grilling on the back deck was such a delight while looking over the harbor and islands. One thing to note is the driveway is a bit challenging as it’s gravel and on a hill, and to access the house you do need to make your way up several stairs or a steep pathway - great exercise, though! Everything worked out well for our stay. Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Maine Get Away

The only little issue was the house was not clean when we arrived for check in-but a cleaning crew was sent right over and after a couple of hours we were all set. Location great, house size perfect for 10 people: meals, game playing, relaxing on the deck, enough space for all. Easy drive to Northeast Harbor and Bar Harbor. Walk into the park no problem. Would stay there again especially with a group this size,
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 September 2022
I am sorry about the mixup with our cleaning crew. This has never happened before and I will do everything I can to make sure it never happens again. I'm glad to hear that it was resolved quickly and you enjoyed your stay. Rosemary
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Absolutely wonderful stay!

Better than even expected to stay in this majestic home full of history and comfort. Very welcoming for large groups as the home was built solidly and with zones to contain privacy and noise. Heat very responsive! Beautiful views across the huge south deck with wicker seating, tables and very nice grill. All the appointments were very welcoming. Rosemary was extremely responsive! The home is magical! We are grateful!
Stayed 14 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2023
Thank you Jackie- love to meet you ! Rosemary

About the host

Hosted by Rosemary Hopkins

Host profile image

We live in Palo Alto, California for most of the year, but I have been spending part of my summers in Seal Harbor since I was 12 years old. Now we use the house for yearly vacationing with our children and grandchildren.

Why they chose this property

My father, who was President of Harvard University at the time, purchased the house from John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in 1954. It has served as the ideal family vacation gathering spot ever since.

What makes this property unique

Large, comfortable home in a prime location with all the amenities one needs for a relaxing time with friends and family. Proximity to Acadia National Park allows for unlimited opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, etc. Seal Harbor itself is a protected harbor popular with Maine lobstermen and summer home owners.

Languages:

English, French

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