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Turn Of The Century Cabin On Private Island

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Exterior
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Aerial view
Exterior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Toys
  • Barbecue
  • Internet access
  • Breakfast available
  • Kitchen

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bunk Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Turn Of The Century Cabin On Private Island

Fish, swim, water ski or just relax and watch the sunrise on the back of the island or the 8 mile sunset view form the porch when you escape to this one of a kind rustic cabin located on a 26 acre private island on pristine East Grand Lake. The cabin was built in 1907 and remains in the same family today(4 generations).
Many upgrades including 6 skylights, refinished floors, propane lights stove, and refrigerator. Off the grid lighting and a quiet generator provide comforts of home like a hot shower, electric lights throughout house, TV and DVD player, and for charging devices.
A care taker will be available to make your stay comfortable and worry free, providing assistance needed including transportation to and from the island and assistance with your gear and provisions.
Canoes and kayaks and peddle boat free to use.
May and September are particularly good Salmon catching months. June, July and August great swimming and bass, perch, trout fishing. World renowned bass fishing lake, Spednic, is in same town of Forest city. St Croix waterway is in Forest City as well, great stream fishing.
Also Mud lake falls access by car or paddle, guided day trips available. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xgu4np

Enjoy the solitude and watch the Bald Eagles(nest on island) soar by from the front porch. A Registered Maine Guide is available for hire for fishing trips, canoe-kayak trips, wake boarding, water skiing, knee boarding, tubing and sunset cruises! Power Boat and Jet ski rentals available.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Children welcome

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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 4 total

Pets considered

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

On porch and outside.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 893279vb
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: 25
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 fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Brookton

Located in Brookton, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Grand Lake and Five Islands.
View more Cottages in BrooktonOpens in a new window
Map
Forest City, ME

What's nearby

  • Grand Lake - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Five Islands - 38 min drive - 20.2 km

Restaurants

  • The Mill Yard
  • The Bathroom At Rideouts
  • Winnies Place
  • Millyard

Frequently asked questions

Is Turn Of The Century Cabin On Private Island pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 4 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Turn Of The Century Cabin On Private Island?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Turn Of The Century Cabin On Private Island?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Turn Of The Century Cabin On Private Island?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Turn Of The Century Cabin On Private Island located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly cottage is steps from Grand Lake and 10.8 mi (17.5 km) from Five Islands.

Reviews

9.8

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. 18 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte B.

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

Best vacation to unplug from the world!

Peaceful, relaxing, wonderful place! We enjoyed every minute of our stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

D M.

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

short title

A very special place if you are looking for absolute peace and seclusion. Peter , the owner is helpful in every way. We were happily stranded on this island for 5 days and found it hard to re-enter normal life for a while after we left.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2020
I enjoyed having you there! Just want to clarify that you were not stranded, I stayed at the other end of the island as you asked. I look forward to your next visit. Peter.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean M.

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

Perfect! Exactly What We Were Looking For!

Seclusion was wonderful. Our dog was a pup again, roaming the island. Water is crystal clear. Generator and propane worked flawlessly. We went about 1/2 of the week w/o using the generator. It was great to unplug and just relax, read books from the hundreds available on the walls in the cabin dating back to the early 1900s. Water heater worked great. We have VZW. I had 4G LTE all week with my phone (Microsoft Surface Duo), but the 2 iPhones and an older Android had a little trouble picking up the signal. If you're looking for a unique "camping" vacation w/o the mess of tents or campers and love being away from t all, you'll love this place.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2021
Thank you for the great review Sean! Look forward to seeing you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim R.

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

Peaceful Getaway on Grant Lake

Our stay at the rustic cabin on East Grand Lake was wonderful. The 26-acre private island provided a unique and peaceful escape. The lake's incredibly clear water made swimming and floating a true pleasure. Our dogs loved exploring the island, running around, and playing in the lake. The propane stove, refrigerator, and charcoal grill worked perfectly for all our cooking needs, offering the right balance of convenience while maintaining the rustic feel. The island allowed us to fully relax and unwind. Built in 1907, the cabin had a lot of character with refinished floors, skylights, and off-the-grid lighting. Pete, our host, was very friendly and communicative, and his assistance with transportation to and from the island, as well as help with our gear, made our stay easy and enjoyable. One unexpected benefit was the limited cell phone reception, perfect for disconnecting and truly relaxing though may pose an issue if you need to stay fully connected to the internet. In summary, the cabin on East Grand Lake is a great place for a peaceful and charming getaway. Whether you're looking to fish, swim, kayak/canoe, or just relax, it offers everything you need. We left feeling refreshed and would certainly return.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen E.

A once in a lifetime experience

Our mission on our girl trip was to unplug and get away from it all in a beautiful setting with our dogs (3) and not break our bank. We are girls on a budget, after all. Our adventure was an unparalleled success. When we arrived at our point of departure to the island, it was the 4th of July. We got there at sunset just as the fireworks were going off. It could have not been better planned. Peter was the most gracious host, and he went to great lengths to ensure that we were comfortable, and taken care of, and if something wasn't right, he was at our beck and call to make it right. We enjoyed his company, and he and his son Rowan became our fast friends. We enjoyed an old tradition of Maine cribbage surrounded by the glow of propane lighting around the table at night. Peter does not embellish the property at all - it is primitive. We made coffee on the stove in an old percolator, (it was good) we cooked either on a Weber grill outside or in a frying pan on the stove and we all said we ate like kings.Cell phone coverage was sketchy at best and that was quite ok with us as we wanted to unplug from it all. The beds all had fresh linens and were super comfy. We all slept great. If you want the Hampton Inn experience with people all around you making noise, pre-packaged crap to eat at breakfast, and a scenic view of the asphalt parking lot, you won't make it here.This is a great retreat, perfect for families or groups such as ours. It's not every day you get to experience what we did. Our dogs (a setter, dachshund, greyhound) were able to roam the island and not get into any trouble and really enjoyed themselves. It was as much of a vacation for them as it was us. The beauty of the lake and the woods is breathtaking. The smell of the pines, the call of the loons, the cries of the eagles, the pristine water, the beautiful sunset/sunrises, the wind being the only sound you hear is what makes life worth living. Time stands still here. This could easily become a tradition for me - trekking 800 miles for my Maine fix. Well done, Peter and Rowan. We thank you for your hospitality. Ellen Emery July 2018
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacob V.

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

A month in paradise!

My wife and I found ourselves in a situation where we needed to move from one house, but our new home would not be ready for about a month. On somewhat of a whim, we decided to look for places where we could "just get away from it all" for a month. With that as background, this cabin on the island was amazing! Kayaking or swimming in the lake whenever the mood strikes you, plenty of space for campfires. Most awesome to me were the hummingbirds and the loons - both were so beautiful in their own ways, and the hummingbirds come so close if you're sitting still! My only warnings to potential renters is that this is really just a few steps above camping. If you're open to that, go for it, you won't regret it! But, if for whatever reason that isn't for you, I might suggest checking elsewhere. Peter the owner was great on check-in and check-out, helping us take all our stuff to and from the island on his boat, and keeping in touch with us throughout the month. I give this property the highest recommendation, with the one caveat I mentioned before, and cannot wait until we can have a chance to visit again!
Stayed 32 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig P.

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

Island wilderness getaway.

Fantastic setting. Most relaxing vacation for us ever. Host was very attentive.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 29 September 2021
Thank you! Great having you too. Peter.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Audra G.

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

A true gem

Peter’s cabin is a true gem. Nestled in a wooded island with picturesque views and immediate access to East Grand Lake, it is an ideal, rustic escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Peter is super friendly and available when necessary, but never intrusive. He was timely with our arrival ( + forgiving when we were late) and helpful in hauling all of our belongings (we are a family of 4 with young kids and a disabled dog). Super dog friendly, btw. The canoe, peddleboat and kayak afforded family fun exploring the surrounding shores of the island. We were able to run the generator for a hot shower, but otherwise found that the propane lamps and solar panel charger for our devices were sufficient and we enjoyed the simplicity of the experience. We cooked a lot in the kitchen, and found the propane- powered range and refrigerator more than met our needs. I am already longing for the sound of the wind and loons on the lake, and look forward to our next visit.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Carrie K.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

A rustic Maine cabin on a beautiful lake

We enjoyed swimming and fishing on the beautiful lake. The cabin is a rustic old hunting/fishing escape. A great place for families looking to get back to nature. Very dog friendly.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Valerie A.

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

Outstanding Off-grid Rustic Retreat

The Setting. Manley Island is located in the middle of the crystal clear waters of Spednic Lake. The island is heavily wooded but walking trails allow for some exploration. The lake is stunning and peaceful. The property includes a boat launch/dock on one side of the island (1 min from cabin) and a small dock/platform on the other side (below the cabin). Both spots were perfect for swimming + fishing. Rental includes access to kayaks, canoes, and a peddle boat. The lake bottom is rocky and, although the rocks are large and smooth, water shoes are recommended. The Space. The cabin sits atop the island, overlooking the US side of the lake, and is surrounded by woods , offering peaceful seclusion. The cabin itself is spacious enough to sleep 6 in bedrooms, and could support 2-4 additional guests in the main living area. The main area is large and open, with vaulted ceilings and sky lights. Every room (except the kitchen) boasts shelves loaded with books, magazines, and games. The kitchen is well equipped, with a propane refrigerator/freezer, propane stove/oven, wood stove, and hand water pump, as well as plenty of dinnerware. The Host. Peter was accommodating, accessible, and personable, not to mention adventurous, generous, and great with kids. Always happy to answer any questions, Peter offered the perfect level of hospitality (available whenever we needed him to be; affording us privacy when we didn’t). Peter is also a local fishing guide (offering private excursions for an additional fee). We opted in for a fishing excursion and those who went had an excellent time! The Fine Print. The space is an off-grid cabin — not a hotel or resort. It has no plumbing, but do not let this put you off (seldom do we remember vacations for our bathroom experiences). To that point, the property includes a composting toilet in the cabin and an outhouse. Both are clean and surprisingly low/no odor. While the cabin offers some modern amenities (hot, running water, electricity) made possible by the generator (which performs beautifully), we found the absent hum of electricity extremely relaxing and opted to use the generator only 2 or 3 times to charge devices. The score. 5 stars. This unique spot is a perfect getaway for families. We (family of 4 + my parents) loved our stay. We thought unplugging for a week may be difficult (especially w/teens). We were wrong. Simultaneous access to peace and excitement is a unique mix perfectly paired with the space.
Verified

8/10 Good

Andrea R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Vintage Rustic

We enjoyed ourselves, the property, and Pater, our host. This place is very unique but very rustic. You must be comfortable living very simply and prepared to use a wood stove, generator, and solar marine battery to stay relatively comfortably. We were up for all of that. Our dog was welcomed too which was a real boon.! We enjoyed the island The cabin could use some general maintenance to keep it’s charm and around for another 116 years. We would definitely go back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rob M.

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

Relaxing Getaway

This location was exactly what I was looking for. Enjoyed my stay!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally P.

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

Lakefront gem

Beautiful lakefront heirloom situated in remote natural setting .Enjoy board games while enjoying the three wood stoves.A great place to write,paint and enjoy the beauty!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linde G.

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

Perfection

We loved the peaceful, gorgeous nature settings. These were a few of our favorite things: rocking on a wide porch with the sound of the lake lapping below; watching jaw-droppingly gorgeous sunsets while sipping wine, taking videos of the playful squirrels chasing each other as they ran in rings up and down the trees. We also love history, so were captivated by the Reader's Digest magazines dating back to the 1930s, as well as the plethora of other books and games for family game nights. We delighted in transporting ourselves back to 1907. Our teenage daughters (and us, too) thought it was so cool to use the wood stoves, propane lamps and stove/oven, outhouse, and using the handpump at the sink. Never fear, if that's not your thing: Peter also had an indoor compost toilet, electric generator that provided hot water for the shower, a few electric lights, and a few electrical outlets. We chose not to use those much as we enjoyed the simplicity of the 1907 life style. We went kayaking or canoeing a couple of times a day. Highlights of those kayak adventures included seeing a bald eagle and venturing into Canadian waters. Peter, the owner, is also a certified hunting/fishing, canoeing and water skiing guide, so we hired him to teach our girls to water ski. With his helpful coaching, they were up in no time! Hubby and I enjoyed his stories about the lake and the area as the girls water skiied. My girls had never shot a BB gun, so Peter lent them his for target shooting fun. A vacation that made us tear up at the thought of leaving. Thank you, Peter, for entrusing the use of your family treasure of an island house to us for a week! We'll see you next year, for sure! This was the perfect place to "quarantine within a quarantine!" and we made new friends in Peter and Rowan.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea P.

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

Much needed R and R

We spent our time reading on the deck, fishing, paddling the canoe and kayaks around the island, and swimming in the deep and clear water. This is a remote setting - you are on an island with the Maine shore on one side and Canada on the other. Peter, the owner and caretaker, is available to serve as a guide to explore the area. We would definitely return.
Verified

8/10 Good

Debbie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Family get away

I enjoyed time spent with family. I loved how quiet. it was the clean air and no pollution My grandchildren worked on becoming better swimmers. A great place for family vacation
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan R.

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

A Slice of Heaven!

My mom and I, with my three dogs, spent just under a week at Peter's cabin. It was perfect! We were unable to go to our cabin in Ontario due to COVID and this was the perfect alternative. Peter was extremely accommodating for both the humans and the dogs! My dogs ran the island and swam all day each day. My mom and I were able to sit and relax on the front porch listening to the wind and waves and occasional loon call. The water was great for swimming. The fishing was great and Peter was an awesome guide finding some great spots for bass. All in all, a fabulously relaxing vacation in a perfectly rustic cabin! Highly recommend this great spot for a relaxing getaway!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Avaloy L.

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

Isolated beauty

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful location. Pete was great to work with and was available to adress any concerns that arose. This is a great location for a secluded, and VERY rustic get away. The house was charming and as described. My only complaint is that the property around the house and dock area is cluttered with "projects", broken items, etc. this detracted somewhat from the beauty. Overall, this is a great spot for families with older children or couples looking to get away and disconnect.
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2020
Thank you for your review avaloy, I will make sure I finish my projects and do a cleanup! I appreciate your honesty, and as stated I will make sure I tidy up. Peter
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carlye N.

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

A truly memorable adventure

My husband and our close friend spent the Fourth of July holiday at Peter's island. It was such a wonderful experience! The cabin has a neat, cozy vibe with a big kitchen and table perfect for games. We spent most of our time wading in the rocks and exploring the perimeter of the island, with short breaks to grill and enjoy the sunset on the porch. Peter is a gracious host, ensuring you have everything you need and always quick to provide tips or help if you need it. It was a special experience that we'll treasure for years—and we very much hope to be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Derrick L.

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

Best place I have ever stayed

My family and I spent 5 amazing days on Peter's island and could have stayed 50. You couldn't ask for a more fantastic, gracious host in Peter or a more fun, beautiful place to stay. The lake is spectacular, fishing is out of this world, and the camp is the one of the coolest places we have ever stayed. From canoeing around the island, swimming off the dock, taking boat rides around the gorgeous lake, to catching smallmouth after smallmouth, watching bald eagles soaring to and from the island, and staying up late into the night playing cribbage under propane lamps while listening to the loons cry, we couldn't have asked for a better 5 days. We plan on making a trip to the island as a family tradition from here on out.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katarzyna G.

BEST adventure land ever

It may not be a 5 stars hotel, but it certainly is 6 stars adventure land. If you like water activities and woods - this is your cosmic playground come true! Peter is a fantastic host - present when need arises and very elusive when you want your privacy. Great guy to have conversation with and fun to be around. He has been also extremely generous with coming up with extra ideas for kids to have fun - like mounting slide on one of the docks - precious pictures from this one! House was perfectly described in other reviews - it has a very unique character and you feel like Peter's family is sharing their summer lives and many memories collected over years with you. It acommodated our large family of two adults, six active kids (7 to 13) and 3 dogs perfectly well. We, very tired adults, got the best sleep there in more then a decade. Truly amazing feeling. And we woke up to quiet, blue skies, green surroundings and water every day - nothing beats it :) We were able to set the kids and dogs lose and free and they all took full advantage of this opportunity. They did not once complained about being bored!!! Mind you - no TV or any form of electronics were accessible to them. Island offers nice and easy hiking/exploring opportunities - not many trails, but no matter where you go, you cannot get lost :) Peter offers access to water craft (kayak, boards, canoe). Swimming in the lake is great - I think kids spent more time in water then on land.... And reading on the porch while slowly sipping your chosen beverage is difficult to rival... (lots of book in the house to chose from) Did I mentioned sunsets yet? And then magical hours when light slowly goes out and you start putting propane lanterns on and life slows down to just a right rhythm... We were there only five days, way too short!!! We made a lot of great memories to tie us over to the next Summer since I hope Peter is ready for our return for twice as long next year!!!!!!! So long perfect island, dream house, serenity - hope we find you the same next time :)
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Edan K.

Simply incredible and unique property

To anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience - this is the place. I'll begin by saying that Peter was as accommodating and gracious a host as one could want. All communication was prompt and helpful - Peter helped us figure out where the best place to shop for groceries was and arranged to meet and ferry our merry band of 6 to the island. Upon arrival at the cabin, we received a thorough tour and explanation of the various facilities and Peter was always around (staying at the one other cabin on the island - well out of eye or earshot) if we needed him, which we didn't... It was fun to hang out with Peter and his son Rowan and they were also great about giving us our space. So, the cabin - this was hands down my favorite place we stayed during our ME excursion, my only regret is that we didn't have longer to spend. It's the kind of place to truly relax and get into a different rhythm of life. That being said, I think that it's important to understand the type of stay this is, in order to make sure it's right for you. One of our party put it best - it's as close to nature as you can get without having to sleep in a tent. There's an indoor composting toilet, as well as an outhouse; the sink is a hand pump drawing water from the lake. The Cabin was built at the turn of the previous century and has been in Peter's family ever since - this means that it looks and feels like someone's well used and very well loved summer getaway. Be ready for homey rather than polished or clean cut decor. There are two wonderful fireplaces (one of which we used with the plentiful wood provided, as it did get chilly at night). At night the cabin is lit by gas lamps. There is a generator for running the water heater and charging phones etc. We used it only once, not needing or wanting anything more than the perfect peace and quiet. All the cooking facilities were perfect - refrigerator, oven, gas burners, outdoor grill, cooking utensils, pots, pans etc. were all perfect. Make sure to bring all the food and drinking water you need from the mainland. Suffice it to say that all of the above was perfectly suited to us. Charming and homey don't nearly do this place justice. Magical maybe a better description. Peter provided two canoes, and we spent early mornings out on the lake fishing and rowing (even had a close encounter with a bald eagle and its nearly full grown chick). I can't possibly recommend Peter's cabin enough. Thanks for an unforgettable experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

About the host

Hosted by Peter Morley

Host profile image

Peter Morley, Registered Maine Guide in Fishing, Hunting and Recreation. Find me on Facebook, Peter Morley, Portland Maine.

Why they chose this property

unique private island

What makes this property unique

complete privacy and solitude, beautiful vies and serenity

Languages:

English

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