Reed Shore Cottage: Oceanfront, Sunset View, Private Shore Stairs, Harbor Watch

Reed Shore Cottage features a multi level layout that works perfectly for families or groups who want a bit of extra room to spread out.

The interior has a traditional cottage feel with wood finishes and a cozy, beachside atmosphere. The main floor is where guests can come together with a bright layout that leads out to the large deck.

Downstairs, there is a finished lower level that serves as a separate space for movies or just getting away from the main group for some quiet time.

LIVING AND ENTERTAINING
The main living area gives you a quiet place to relax with windows that look right out over the harbor. It is a great spot for slow mornings or to simply watch the boats go by.

For a change of pace, the lower-level entertainment room gives you a second living area for movie nights or gaming, which is helpful if the kids and adults want their own space. Both spaces are set up with Smart TVs for streaming so everyone can watch what they want, wherever they want to be in the house.

High speed WiFi is available throughout the house to keep everyone connected, while the outdoor deck gives you a peaceful sanctuary where you can unplug and take in the views.

KITCHEN AND DINING
The full sized, chef ready kitchen comes exceptionally well provisioned to reduce arrival stress and allow for effortless meal preparation. Stocked with essential spices, oils, and a dedicated drip coffee setup, the space is ready for everything from quick trail breakfasts to delicious Maine feasts.

The interior dining table is surrounded by windows with views out over the ocean. Here you can dine together with seating for six or use this space for family boardgame nights with a selection of games to keep everyone entertained.

BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS
The bedrooms are spread across the two levels of the cottage giving you a sense of privacy for larger groups. The lower-level functions as a private suite with a queen bed and its own ensuite bathroom, making it a quiet retreat away from the main living area. On the main level, there is a second queen bedroom and a third bedroom with two twin beds, a perfect setup for families traveling with children.

Both bathrooms in the home include tub and shower combinations, providing plenty of utility for getting everyone ready after a day of exploring the coast. Each bathroom is stocked with fresh towels and essential amenities like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash so guests can settle in and relax from the moment they arrive.

A washer and dryer are also available in the home, making it easy to pack light and stay as long as you like.

OUTDOOR SPACES
The elevated deck is the main feature of the house and provides a front row seat to the harbor’s daily comings and goings and the stunning western sunsets. With comfortable alfresco seating for six and a propane grill, it is the perfect spot for afternoon cooking by the sea.

Below the deck, a shaded ground level patio and wooded yard provide a cool retreat from the afternoon sun and gives you a launching pad for shoreline adventure from the private, rugged staircase that leads directly from the yard down to the rocky beach, offering guests their own locals only path for beachcombing and exploring the tidepools.

When exploring the shoreline, it is important to keep the tide clock in mind.

Please note that the bank is steep and the shoreline is rugged, so supervision is recommended for children.

ATTENTION OTHER THINGS TO NOTE!

Reed Shore Cottage is a traditional coastal home that embraces the authentic Maine experience. It is important to note that the property does not have central air conditioning, instead, it relies on refreshing coastal breezes and provided high velocity fans to maintain comfort during the peak of summer.

The physical terrain of the property is rugged, with a steep bank leading to the water and multiple internal levels, which may be a consideration for guests with limited mobility. Additionally, while the interior enjoys strong connectivity, the WiFi signal is weaker on the deck.

Please note that the staircase to the water is steep and active guests are best suited to make the most of it, but adult supervision is recommended for little ones near the water's edge.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS

Bass Harbor is a great spot on the island for those who want to avoid the crowds in the main tourist centers. The cottage is located just four minutes away from the famous Bass Harbor Head Light, making it easy to visit the lighthouse without a long commute.

For guests who want to get outside, the Ship Harbor and Wonderland trails are also just a four-minute drive and offer easy walks right along the coast. For a quieter mountain experience, the Beech Mountain Trailhead is about 23 minutes away and rewards hikers with sweeping Quiet Side views. If you’d like to take in the ocean from solid ground can also make the short drive to Seawall in Southwest Harbor, a beautiful Acadia picnic and ocean viewing area just eight minutes away.

When it’s time to stock up on groceries or find a place to eat, the town of Southwest Harbor is only ten minutes away and has everything needed from local shops to harbor side restaurants.

WHY THIS PROPERTY?

A Front-Row Seat to the "Quiet Side" of Acadia
This classic Maine retreat offers elevated harbor views and private access to the rugged shoreline. Located on the southwestern tip of the island, away from the Bar Harbor crowds, this home is designed for those seeking the authentic rhythm of a working harbor and the raw beauty of the North Atlantic.

Where the Forest Meets the Sea
As you pull down the private drive, the scent of balsam pine mixes with the salt air. The cottage features soaring cathedral ceilings and a wall of glass that frames Bass Harbor like a living piece of art. Whether you are sipping coffee in the sun-drenched dining area or watching the golden hour light reflect off the traditional wood-paneled walls, you are always in constant conversation with the water.

The Living Rhythm of the Harbor
From your elevated deck, watch the Swans Island Ferry glide across the harbor and the local lobster fleet head out for the day's catch. You are at the heart of a true working waterfront; the historic Rich's Wharf is just down the street, while the iconic Thurston’s Lobster Pound sits just across the water. It is a world of harbor bells, salt spray, and the most celebrated sunsets on the island.

Your Gateway to Adventure
While the cottage offers total seclusion, it is the ultimate home base for exploration. You are less than a mile from the Bass Harbor Head Light, yet you can avoid the crowds by following your private, rugged staircase to the water’s edge. Explore tidepools at low tide or hike the nearby Wonderland and Ship Harbor trails before returning to the absolute peace of the shoreline—where the Maine coast is the main event.

UNIQUE BENEFITS

Private Shoreline Access: Step from the yard onto a private, rugged staircase that leads directly to the water’s edge. At low tide, the rocky shore becomes your personal playground for beachcombing and tidal exploration.

A "Locals-Only" Path to the Light: For the adventurous, the low-tide shoreline offers a unique scrambling route toward the Bass Harbor Head Light, providing a perspective of the lighthouse that remains hidden from the general public.

The Harbor’s Daily Parade: Enjoy a unique vantage point of the Swans Island Ferry and the active lobster fleet. This is one of the few places on the island where you can witness the authentic maritime life of Maine from your living room.

Stroll to the Wharf: You are perfectly positioned just down the road from the historic Rich's Wharf. Walk to grab the fresh catch of the day or explore the quintessential charm of a traditional Maine fishing pier.

Sunset-Facing Vantage: Designed with a western orientation, the home features "walls of glass" and an elevated deck, providing a front-row seat to the harbor’s famous golden hour.

Two Independent Living Zones: The multi-level floor plan offers rare separation for families. The expansive lower-level recreation room acts as a second sanctuary, complete with its own door leading toward the oceanfront.

Moments from Iconic Trails: Avoid the island’s traffic. You are situated less than a mile from the lighthouse and minutes from the Wonderland and Ship Harbor trailheads, making it effortless to enjoy the park’s most scenic coastal walks.

Availability

Location

Bass Harbor, Maine

Amenities

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