Mullein Hill Cottage: Escape Crowds to MDI’s Quiet, Historic Birthplace

Authentic, Historic, Unforgettable: A Founding Family Legacy in the Heart of the Island’s Most Iconic Village.

Mullein Hill Cottage is a two-story historic treasure built by pioneers that invites you to slow down and experience Maine as it used to be. The layout remains true to its 1870 roots, giving you an authentic, deeply comforting atmosphere that feels like you’re stepping into a bygone era. Unlike modern open-concept homes, here you’ll find spaces filled with traditional charm and plush, inviting furnishings, making it the perfect retreat after a day of rugged exploration.

So, whether you are sipping coffee in the sun-drenched living room or relaxing in the airy detached screened lounge of The Settler's Sidecar, you’ll feel the deep relaxation and storied charm that comes from staying in a cottage that has been cared for by the same family for six generations.

LIVING AND ENTERTAINING

The living room is the soul of the cottage—a space designed for the "slow stay." Three large windows flood the room with the soft, ethereal light unique to coastal Maine, highlighting the home's historic textures and timeless, welcoming warmth. It is a room that practically demands you curl up with a book or gather for a quiet evening of conversation after a day on the trails. While the atmosphere is purely 19th-century, we’ve discreetly integrated modern essentials: high-speed Spectrum internet and a Smart TV allow you to stream your favorite films while tucked away in the peaceful heart of Somesville history.

KITCHEN AND DINING

Experience the honest charm of a traditional Maine kitchen, fully equipped for real island living. While it retains its historic character and classic fixtures, it is thoroughly updated for the modern cook—featuring professional stainless cookware, a set of precision Henckels knives, the essential oversized lobster pot, and a dedicated coffee bar with a cozy two-stool sitting area for quiet mornings. You'll also find a tucked-away laundry nook and workspace expertly integrated into the layout.

The adjacent dining room is the home’s nostalgic heart, featuring a beautiful antique oval table set against warm yellow walls and sunlit windows. It is a timeless, bright setting perfect for long breakfasts, coastal storytelling, and evening board games.

BEDROOMS AND BATHROOM

Designed with a deep focus on restful sleep, the upper-level bedrooms celebrate the home's historic architecture with sloped ceilings, original wood floors, and beautiful antique iron and brass beds.

The primary bedroom features a premium Queen-size Tempur-Pedic mattress set in a striking white-and-brass frame, complete with custom blackout blinds for slow, quiet mornings. Equal attention was paid to the second bedroom, which offers a comfortable full bed on a classic brass frame with its own matching blackout blinds. Because traditional 1870s cottages lacked built-in closets, both rooms feature spacious antique wardrobes to house your belongings.

Also on this level, the full bathroom offers a uniquely spacious retreat for a historic cottage. It features a walk-in shower stall, a traditional pedestal sink, a toilet, and a dedicated sitting area—giving you a comfortable, uncrowded space to take your time and prepare for a day of island exploration. The cottage comes fully stocked with essential toiletries and plenty of soft towels.

THE SETTLER’S SIDECAR (Detached Screened Lounge)

A standout feature of the property is The Settler’s Sidecar—a spacious screened retreat built directly into the side of the original 1870 barn behind the home. We named it for its unique position—a secret, protected sanctuary tucked away from the world.

Outfitted with a cooling ceiling fan, a classic rocking chair, and a large picnic table beneath custom art, it is your private, bug-free outpost for experiencing the Maine outdoors in total comfort. This is the quintessential spot for fresh-air connection, whether it’s a spirited family board game or a quiet afternoon soaking in the coastal breeze. It’s where heritage meets modern relaxation—the perfect place to enjoy the quiet rhythms of the island’s first settlement.

LAUNDRY AND UTILITIES

For your convenience, the cottage includes a dedicated laundry area with a stacked washer and dryer. Built right into the space is a unique, historic fold-down ironing board that swings down seamlessly from its own custom wall cabinet, making it easy to refresh hiking gear and beach towels mid-stay so you can pack light.

OUTDOOR SPACES

Outside, the cottage holds its classic 1870s curb appeal with white clapboard siding, charcoal shutters, and a gabled roof set against the original historic barn. The grounds are designed for open-air relaxation, featuring a welcoming front porch with two seats framed by flowers, a separate outdoor table with four seats right by the barn, and two classic Adirondack chairs perfectly positioned for looking out over the hill.

A gas grill stands ready for warm summer evenings, and the property features a full drive-around circle driveway—ensuring ample parking for two or three vehicles and a smooth, easy exit without ever needing to back out onto the hill. The neighborhood is peaceful enough that the loudest thing you're likely to hear is the wind through the trees. As you sit outside and watch the twilight settle over Somesville, you are quite literally resting in the quiet heart of Mount Desert Island’s very first settlement—living a piece of the story the Somes family has protected right here for six generations.

ATTENTION OTHER THINGS TO NOTE!

To ensure your time on Mount Desert Island is seamless, comfortable, and exactly what you envision, we believe in complete transparency about our historic layout and local island rhythms.

Historic Architectural Details
Mullein Hill Cottage has lovingly preserved its 1870s heritage. Because it retains its authentic 19th-century soul, there are a few architectural quirks to note before booking:

The Historic Stairs: The original stairs leading to the upper level are traditional "witch stairs"—meaning they are steeper and narrower than modern construction. While full of historic character, they require mindful stepping and may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility or very young children.

Sloped Ceilings: True to the classic coastal cottage design of the era, the upper-level ceilings are sloped and traditionally low in places, creating a cozy, tucked-in atmosphere.

The Bathroom Layout: The home features one uniquely spacious full bathroom, which is located on the upper level alongside both bedrooms.

Seasonal Climate & Cooling
In keeping with traditional, preserved historic homes on Mount Desert Island, the cottage does not have central air conditioning. However, the home is naturally shielded by mature trees, benefits from refreshing coastal evening breezes, and comes equipped with a cooling ceiling fan in the Settler's Sidecar as well as fans throughout the house to keep your stay comfortable during the peak of summer. We have added a window AC unit in each of the bedrooms.

Integrated Guest Instructions & Perks
To ensure you can focus entirely on the trails, we provide a seamless digital and physical information ecosystem:

Premium Starter Essentials: We provide high-quality starter supplies including hand soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and essential kitchen items so you can head straight to the cottage and relax immediately upon arrival.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS

Somesville: The Connoisseur’s Choice for Mount Desert Island
Somesville is the connoisseur’s choice for Mount Desert Island. As the island's first permanent settlement, it is a National Register Historic District where the classic white-facade aesthetic of traditional New England planning is perfectly preserved. Staying here puts you just a half-mile walk from the famous Arched Footbridge and Mill Pond—the most photographed historic spot on the island.

The Geographic Heart of Acadia You are perfectly positioned at the geographic center of MDI, granting you a logistical "fast pass" to both the water and the mountains. The premier freshwater swimming spots at Echo Lake Beach are just a 5-minute drive, while Long Pond’s Ponds End boat ramp and beach are only 2 minutes away. If you are seeking spectacular views, the rugged trails of Beech Mountain and the stunning vistas of Somes Sound—the East Coast’s only fjord—are less than 7 minutes from your door.

Minutes from Rugged Trails & Authentic Coastal Dining If you love a rewarding challenge, the Acadia Mountain Trailhead is just a 3-minute drive from the cottage, offering what many consider the finest views of the fjord on the entire island.

When you are ready for dinner, you have the best of both worlds. While the bustling streets of Bar Harbor are an easy 14-minute drive away, you’ll find that the local dining and maritime charm of Southwest Harbor (just 10 minutes away) offer a much more authentic, relaxed, and localized vibe. At Mullein Hill Cottage, you get to experience the island exactly as it was meant to be enjoyed—surrounded by history, steps from the water, and miles from the noise.

WHY THIS PROPERTY?

Stay Inside the Story of Mount Desert Island
Most visitors come to Acadia to see history; at Mullein Hill Cottage, you live inside it. Built in 1870 and held by the founding Somes family for six generations, this is a genuine piece of the island’s soul. If you crave authentic character and a direct connection to the pioneers who first settled this coast, there is no other address like 18 Pretty Marsh Road. This is a beloved family legacy opened to you.

The "Connoisseur’s Choice" Location
Somesville is the island’s best-kept secret. While crowds congregate in Bar Harbor, our guests enjoy the Quiet Side lifestyle in a National Register Historic District. Located at the geographic center of MDI, you are minutes from every trailhead but miles from the noise.
4-Minute Stroll: The iconic Arched Footbridge and Mill Pond.
5-Minute Drive: The warm freshwater of Echo Lake Beach.
7-Minute Drive: Beech Mountain trails and Somes Sound fjord.
14 Minutes: Bar Harbor’s shops and dining, whenever you choose to join the hustle.

Authentic Soul Meets Modern Rest
We have preserved the 19th-century architecture of the home—including its original, steep historic "witch stairs"—while upgrading the essentials for a premium stay:
The Settler's Sidecar (Detached Screened Lounge): A rare, bug-free sanctuary built into the 1870 barn behind the home. The perfect spot for a board game or morning coffee.
The Chef's Corner: Equipped for island cooking with professional stainless cookware, precision Henckels knives, and an oversized lobster pot.
Restorative Sleep: Premium Tempur-Pedic and full mattresses nestled on gorgeous antique brass frames with custom blackout blinds.
Connected Comfort: High-speed Spectrum internet, a Smart TV, and a dedicated workspace.

A Legacy of Stewardship
There is a rare peace in a home loved by the same family for over 150 years. We invite you to slow down, trade the tourist traps for original trails, and experience the timeless magic of Somesville.

UNIQUE BENEFITS

The Ultimate Acadia Basecamp
As the geographic heart of Mount Desert Island, this home is a logistical "fast pass" to the National Park. While others are stuck in traffic, you are just 3 to 7 minutes from Echo Lake Beach, Beech Mountain, and the Acadia Mountain trails. Our full drive-around circle driveway makes coming and going seamless, letting you hit the trails or the water’s edge before the crowds even arrive.

Six Generations of Heritage
Held by the Somes family since 1870, this cottage offers a rare benefit you can't buy: a home shaped by authentic history rather than generic staging. Alongside the beautiful antique brass beds and a premium Tempur-Pedic mattress, you’ll find a kitchen equipped for real Maine living—complete with professional stainless cookware, precision Henckels knives, and an essential oversized lobster pot. You are being welcomed into a living legacy.

The Settler's Sidecar Detached Screened Lounge
In coastal Maine, evening bugs can cut an outdoor night short. Our spacious screened lounge, built directly into the side of the original 1870 barn behind the home, is a true property highlight. Outfitted with a cooling ceiling fan, a classic rocking chair, and a large picnic table beneath custom art, it allows you to enjoy the cooling coastal breezes and the scent of the pines in total comfort long after the sun goes down.

The "Quiet Side" Connoisseur’s Location
Staying here gives you a rare, walkable village experience. You are just a half-mile stroll from the famous Arched Footbridge and the historic Mill Pond. This central position lets you enjoy the "Quiet Side" of the island—just 10 minutes from the authentic maritime charm of Southwest Harbor—while keeping Bar Harbor an easy 14-minute drive away. You get total island convenience without sleeping in the middle of the noise.

Availability

Location

Mount Desert, Maine

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