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Beautiful Victorian Cottage on Downeast Maine Coast ~ Next to Acadia Schoodic !

Family-friendly holiday home in Winter Harbor

Photo gallery for Beautiful Victorian Cottage on Downeast Maine Coast ~ Next to Acadia Schoodic !

Exterior
Exterior
Property grounds
Miscellaneous
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8134.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Winter Harbor, ME
  • Place, Schoodic Peninsula
  • Place, Bar Harbor Whale Watching
  • Place, Village Green
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪56 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Downstairs Bedroom - Rear

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Upstairs Bedroom - Front

1 King Bed

Upstairs Bedroom - Rear

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom off Bedroom

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

Upstairs Bathroom

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Beautiful Victorian Cottage on Downeast Maine Coast ~ Next to Acadia Schoodic !

Meticulously renovated 1888 Victorian cottage in downtown Winter Harbor. Let this charming home be your hub for all the activities in Schoodic Peninsula and Acadia National Park. It has space to entertain or just to unwind.

A complete renovation has preserved this Victorian's character with tall ceilings, crown molding, original trim and hardwood floors while providing modern living with open concept kitchen/dining/family rooms, granite countertops, new appliances, remodeled bathrooms and refreshed spaces. The kitchen and upstairs rooms have views of Henry Cove and the ferry landing for Bar Harbor. Outside, the inviting gardens in the side and back yards fringe the eating/relaxing areas with table and chairs. A gas fire ring, lobster cooking pot, gas grill and utensils are ready for your enjoyment!

All of Schoodic Peninsula is in close proximity, but why drive? Walk to local restaurants for morning espresso or casual dining. Groceries, gifts, banking, library, post office, historical society, art galleries, antique shops and the Winter Harbor lobster pound* are in close walking distance. Take the free Island Explorer bus to key points locally around Schoodic Peninsula and/or take the ferry for a car-free excursion to enjoy downtown Bar Harbor or continue on the Island Explorer bus to experience the larger portion of Acadia National Park. Kayak, bicycle or hike on trails at Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island and at the Schoodic Woods campground. Enjoy the works of local artists and performing arts including those sponsored in town by Schoodic Arts for All and the Winter Harbor Music Festival.

When not out and about, you can relax with an available book, game or just enjoy watching the gulls and occasional bald eagles. Or you can plug-in with wireless access to high speed internet, high definition television or watch a movie.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Steep stairs & breakables
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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

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
This property accepts credit cards
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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Winter Harbor

Located in Winter Harbor, this holiday home is in the city centre and by the sea. Bar Harbor Whale Watching 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 Wild Gardens of Acadia and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Winter Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • Grindstone Neck Golf Course - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Schoodic Point - 14 min drive - 10.7 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Choco-Latte - ‬67 min drive
  • ‪The Barnacle - ‬66 min drive
  • ‪Blaze Craft Beer and Wood Fired Flavors - ‬67 min drive
  • ‪Fish House Grill - ‬66 min drive
  • ‪Reading Room Restaurant - ‬67 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful Victorian Cottage on Downeast Maine Coast ~ Next to Acadia Schoodic ! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful Victorian Cottage on Downeast Maine Coast ~ Next to Acadia Schoodic !?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful Victorian Cottage on Downeast Maine Coast ~ Next to Acadia Schoodic !?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Beautiful Victorian Cottage on Downeast Maine Coast ~ Next to Acadia Schoodic ! located?

This family-friendly Winter Harbor holiday home is located by the sea, within 3 mi (5 km) of Grindstone Neck Golf Course and Schoodic Peninsula. Schoodic Point and Corea Heath - Maine Coast Islands National Wildlife Refuge - North are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

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. 95 out of 96 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 96 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 96 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 96 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 96 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well located in Winter Harbor. The home is nicely furnished and quite comfortable. We’d definitely stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dervla L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well appointedAll the amenities you would needI love winter harbor!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron K.

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

Awesome and Peaceful

Our family had a great time. The home was perfect and in the perfect location. Winter Harbor is peaceful and has all you need. It’s a great launching site for exploring the Downeast Coast Line. Highly recommend the house and the owners were super easy to work with for this trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

TERRY S.

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

FALL TRIP TO ACADIA

The property was fantastic! It was an older home/cottage that has been renovated to a very high standard. The fit & finish of the home and the furnishings were excellent. It would have been hard to find a better property for the four of us to visit Maine and Acadia. I would highly recommend this property to anyone.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert R.

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

Acadia National Park Area vacation

House on the water with Acadia National Park in background. Clean, well kept home. Friendly host. Close proximity to Bar Harbor and Park.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey W.

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

Wonderful!!

This is a lovely home, meticulously maintained. Location is ideal for exploring the mainland side of Acadia. Stephen & Suzanne are wonderful hosts who are quick to respond to any questions/needs. We would stay here again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kerstin I., West palm beach

AMAZING!

Absolutely gorgeous home. Perfect location. Great harbor down the road. Adorable 5 and 10 store and delicious cafe all in walking distance. I didn’t want to leave. Thank you!!!!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sharon R.

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

A Winter Harbor treasure!

Four of us enjoyed this beautifully kept spacious house and garden for a week and we loved exploring Schoodic Peninsular, Corea, Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, the local cafe, stores and restaurants. This home is centrally located in Winter Harbor, we enjoyed walks from the house and it is in walking/ biking distance from many of the area attractions, including the Lobster Co-op! The locals and neighbors we interacted with were friendly and helpful and we all fell under the spell of this lovely home and and its place in Winter Harbor, Maine.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Heidi C., Stanford, USA

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

Amazing week in Winter Harbor

Stephen & Suzanne are incredible VRBO owners. They make your pre-travel planning and stay so easy. We appreciated all the information on where eat, visit, fish, cruise, etc.- made making reservations so simple. They are kind and want you to have a wonderful time. Winter Harbor is a quaint town with great restaurants, art, puffin cruise, and hikes & sunsets at Schoodic Point. Hope to return to Maine one day soon 🦞🦞♥️ We appreciate them opening there beautiful home to our family - just a lovely property and walking distance to the grocery, town shops, and church.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carla F.

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

Best Kept Secret!

The home and the hosts were amazing... the location was perfect! The weather didn't cooperate the week we were there but the hosts Stephan and his wife checked-in on us and even had many games, etc. for us to use during our stay. Not only are they amazing hosts they gave us the best advice on what to do and where to go eat, where to hike, etc. I have rented many many homes and this was the most beautiful home we have every stayed in... you don't need to bring anything other than your clothes. Beautifully decorated and spotless, and a charming location... truly a best kept secret!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

David P.

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

Ideal 4-family gathering

Our adult children and their partners met us in winter Harbor for a short family gathering. Time was limited because of their jobs so we needed a location where everything we needed and wanted to do was close by. The Victorian cottage in Winter Harbor was perfect. Is attractive and well equipped with all the amenities we needed and more. The location was perfect for biking in the park for walking to restaurants and shops and exploring nearby communities. The outdoor space was small, but work nicely with the firing in the center of the picnic table, a bike rack, and nice gas grill. It also had a pleasant view, and the neighbors were very nice, allowing us to set up our cornhole on the edge of their property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacy W.

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

Wonderful Girls Weekend

We had a wonderful girls long weekend at the cottage. The location was perfect for us. The cottage offered everything we needed. The beds were beyond comfortable. The best sleep we have all had in a long time. We enjoyed the restaurant options and were especially surprised by the wonderful entertainment at The Pickled Wrinkle. The ferry to Bar Harbor worked out perfectly for our schedule. We also drove to Bar Harbor, which was just about an hour. Overall, the trip offered the relaxation we were all looking for. Thank you for sharing your cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

Peaceful retreat

The Victorian Cottage was a perfect peaceful getaway for our family visit to Acadia National Park. Just a 50 minute drive to Mount Desert Island and the park, we easily made the drive for our hiking trips and visits to Bar Harbor and lighthouses, although there is a ferry you can take over, or the Island bus. Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, we enjoyed hiking that area of the park as well. The home is absolutely adorable. Very comfortable and Jim and Michelle paid attention to every detail and are very nice. Winter Harbor is a cute town, and the home was within walking distance to restaurants, grocery and shops. This home is a gem!

10/10 Excellent

Nancy and Andy L., Cumming, GA

Warm and comfortable home in a great location.

We stayed for four nights in Winter Harbor. The house was very clean, well equipped kitchen, and plenty of room for the four of us. We really enjoyed the location near the quiet part of Acadia nearby. Just as beautiful as Mount Desert Island without the crowds. Good restaurants in town and the IGA is within walking distance for groceries. The 5 and 10 store is a must visit as is J.M. Gerrish for breakfast (also walking distance to house). The beds were comfortable with nice linens. Appreciated the Sleep Number mattress in the master. The hosts were very responsive through the reservation and check-in process. We had no problems at all during the stay and would definitely recommend this rental.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sharon Y.

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

Exceeded Our Expectations

This was our first trip to Maine and we loved everything about the house and Winter Harbor. The house had everything we could possibly need for our stay throughout the week. The kitchen allowed us to cook most of our meals, but if you are wanting to eat out there are a variety of options close by. The book the owners created was detailed and allowed us to check out some places that we hadn't heard of. I strongly recommend Tidal Falls as we were able to find starfish easily during low tide. The town is quiet and it was fun to walk to the grocery store and coffee shop. We traveled to Bar Harbor three of the days to hike in Acadia and we were happy that we stayed on the "quiet" side. The drive to Acadia took about an hour but there was no traffic and it was an easy route. Most restaurants, ice cream places, and shops n Winter Harbor close by 8:00, so make sure you check the times and have everything you need to purchase for the day. We hope to be back again one day and would absolutely book this property.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lucy B.

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

Perfection on the Schoodic Peninsula

We rented this house for a long weekend and could not have been happier. The house was spotlessly clean, comfortable, and extremely will stocked. The check-in instructions were clear and the cottage manual explained everything we could possibly want to know about the cottage and the area. We had a terrific lobster boil at the house the last night of our stay - what fun! Stephen was so responsive and friendly - we all felt so comfortable staying at his house. The neighbors behind the house were also so friendly and helpful - and have a very friendly dog who likes to play fetch! The town of Winter Harbor is small but so relaxing, and the scenery is beautiful. The Schoodic Peninsula area of Acadia National Park is so pretty and an extremely short drive from Winter Harbor. This part of Acadia is stunningly beautiful and is not busy like Bar Harbor is. Bar Harbor is a one hour drive from Winter Harbor and there is a large grocery store about 30 minutes away. There is a small grocery store in Winter Harbor where you can get basic provisions. The Salt Box restaurant in Winter Harbor is excellent, and I recommend The Bakery for great coffee and baked goods. If you are looking for a quiet, scenic, clean, comfortable place to get away to, I highly recommend Stephen's house!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karla S.

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

Family Vacation in Maine

A lovely home that is so charming! It was even better than I was expecting! The rooms were perfect for our family. The house is decorated and updated so beautifully! Winter Harbor was a nice oasis from the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor but is close to many tourist and outdoor activities! It was enjoyable walking around town, taking runs on the beautiful trails and roads. Our family enjoyed Schooding Point and the drive through. The ferry took us to Bar Harbor one day. Through the park, we rode the electric bikes and had such a fun time. I highly recommend doing this. A great way to see the park. Hiking Cadillac Mt and down to Jordan Pond was difficult but worth the views. Another highlight was Thunder Hole and hanging out there on the rocks. The Gallery Restaurant in Winter Harbor was really good! Ruth and Wimpy's down the road had great lobster and seafood! Side Street Grille in Bar Harbor and another place by the bike rental are very good. Helen's, in Ellsworth, is notable as well! The Puffin Cruise was terrific. It was very educational and fun. It goes out of the Steuben area now. The owners were so easy to work with! I recommend this place highly!!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Beautiful place to stay!!

Our family had a wonderful week in Winter Harbor. The cottage is so charming and well appointed. Almost anything we needed was already there The beds were comfortable. There were lots of games available and we ended each night with some card games or yahtzee. Schoodic Point is very close and it is such a beautiful area for sight seeing and hiking. We drove to Bar Harbor several times during the week (close to an hours drive) for whale watching, shopping, eating out, or just sight seeing. We saw the sun rise from Cadillac Mountain, and hiked to the top of Mt. Champlain which had the most amazing views! There are lots of little fishing villages in the area which are fun to visit. We bought live lobsters and cooked them right outside the cottage in the lobster pot provided. We visited all of the local shops and it was so convenient having the grocery store within walking distance. There is a washer and drier so we didn't have to worry about having a ton of dirty clothing when we returned home. I had a minor issue which I texted Michelle about a few hours after our arrival and she called me back and was so kind and appreciative. I would recommend this cottage to anyone traveling with a family to the Bar Harbor area. My 16 year old daughter wants a house just like it and my 70 year old mother wants to move to Maine!

10/10 Excellent

Joanne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was one of the best I have ever experienced. Very helpful, so many tips on where to go and what to see. Lovely, lovely house with all the amenities you might need. Could walk to the bakery, local 5 and dime. Some things were closed for the season when we got there but still plenty in Ellesworth. Was so worth going and we all had a great time. Schoodic was, in my opinion, better than Acadia National Park except for the Cadillac Summit drive. Didn't have enough time to see all we wanted to see but did make lots of memories and had time with family.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kain M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is such a lovely place. I was very impressed with all the amenities. The beds were comfy, and every window has shades! We really enjoyed our stay. The location of Winter Harbor's main street is so unique. There is a coffee shop a few doors down and there are many good restaurants nearby, There's even a store within walking distance. The beauty of Acadia needs to be seen to be believed. The Schoodic Peninsula is my favorite part. It is a very short drive from this wonderful cottage.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was great. Five adults. The place was as described, lovely older home well cared for and maintained. The home was well stocked with everything we needed. Extra bedding and towels if needed. Beds were comfortable. Washer/dryer with detergent was really nice as this was the end of a two week vaca. Area was cute with several walkable eateries and a coffee shop. We enjoyed the Schoodic part of Acadia as well as the park on Dessert Island and Bar Harbor. The home was comfortable for all 5 adults to relax together after long days in the parks. Would recommend to friends.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

rafasfam

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the best VRBO experience we’ve had! The home is beautiful, clean, and well equipped. We also appreciated the attention paid to all the details that make for a comfortable stay. Couldn’t recommend more!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colleen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A perfect stay 10/10! Could not ask for anything more, our hosts thought of everything. What a lovely home in the center of Winter Harbor.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phylicia B.

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

Everything we could need

The house is beautiful and literally took care of our every need. Forgot a cooler? They have one. Need a makeup wipe, extra batteries, or shampoo, they have that too. Couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing place to stay for our family vacation!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole J.

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

Beautiful maine cottage

Wonderful place to stay,especially if you want to be away from all the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor, but close enough to spend a day there.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Stephen Pickford

Host profile image
We've worked hard all our lives and owning this vacation home is a dream come true for us. We look forward to retiring some day but in the mean time we are very excited to be sharing our special place with you!

Why they chose this property

Winter Harbor is a hidden gem and is a relaxing vacation getaway and mecca for the outdoor enthusiasts. The in-town location is perfect for walking to the shops, restaurants, art galleries and engaging with the friendly residents. Step back in time by visiting the 5 & 10 store and viewing the preserved mansions on Grindstone Neck. Enjoy great food, drink and of course the fresh lobsters right off the dock! Take in a performance at Hammond Hall afterwards.

During your visit you must take the ferry to Bar Harbor and enjoy the beautiful views along the way. You can do all the touristy things at Bar Harbor and then retire to Winter Harbor for a good nights rest, away from the hustle & bustle! Also make sure you take the free in-town shuttle to site-see and go hiking at Acadia National Park, Schoodic Point. Don't forget your camera, the area is breath taking!

What makes this property unique

This older home has been carefully and lovingly renovated by the previous owners and we are very grateful. We love how light and bright the spaces are, painted beautifully and where modern meets historic. We love the high ceilings downstairs and the cozy bedrooms upstairs. The kitchen and adjacent open rooms are perfect, as are all the amenities and flowering gardens. My wife and I are the next keepers and caretakers of Harbor Gardens Cottage and we ask that you please respect and treat our property as you would your own and help preserve for others to enjoy. Please enjoy our home and your stay!

Languages:

English

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