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PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

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January 2025

Photo gallery for PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

Property grounds
Unclassified image, 2 of 50, button
Exterior
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
3 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, WiFi

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace
  • Sea view
    Sea view

Explore the area

Map
Harpswell, ME
  • Casco Bay
    1 min walk
  • Land's End Gift Shop
    3 min walk
  • Bailey Island Bridge
    4 min drive
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)
    61 min drive

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

HISTORIC ISLAND COTTAGE
Built in 1918, The Gills is an original summer cottage perched above the sea at the very end of Bailey Island. Secluded far from the road, nestled in a grove of pine and spruce, the house is pure tranquility. Each beautifully appointed room is both comfortable and authentic.

Enjoy naps on the porch swing or walk to nearby beaches, restaurants and shops. Explore tide pools along the rocky coastline. Go sailing or kayaking. Fish for striped bass from the rocks, just steps from the porch. Enjoy fresh lobster pulled from the ocean that morning by one of the local lobstermen.

Whatever you choose to do, it all comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Sit back and watch the sea and sky change with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different.

The Gills will give you the opportunity to slow down, and remember how good it feels to do nothing at all, surrounded by friends and family.

THE GILLS sleeps 6 - with two queen beds and two twin beds.
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THE GILLS GROUP

THE GILLS GROUP is a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together for larger groups or intimate events. The cottages are adjacent, each with its own spectacular ocean views.

For larger groups - please check out the other GILLS GROUP cottages (Jaquish Lane and The Red House).

Jaquish Lane sleeps 12 (VRBO property # 733483) and The Red House sleeps 4 (VRBO property # 1063510). Renting two (or more) of THE GILLS GROUP cottages together is the perfect way for larger groups to be “together” while still having a space of your own.
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BAILEY ISLAND

25 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 50 minutes from Portland - Bailey Island is the perfect place to unplug, relax and recharge.
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THE OWNER
My name is Carter Smith and I am the owner of THE GILLS GROUP (The Red House #1063510, Jaquish Lane #733483 and The Gills). I was born on Bailey Island and after traveling the world I know that this little island is special. As both a photographer and filmmaker, I travel quite a bit and I've furnished the houses with things I've collected from around the world (and around Maine). These are not just "rental properties"to me . These are houses I've designed and furnished with love and attention to detail - places where I spend time with family and friends whenever I get the chance. Places that I love sharing.
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FROM THE GUESTBOOK

"We fell in love with the cottage as soon as we climbed the steps to the porch and saw the expansive ocean views."
Julia K.

"You have created a beautiful retreat that captures a time when life was slower and the focus was on what is truly important - those we love."
Cynthia M.

"Walking into The Gills was like taking a step back into another time. Every room feels like it has a story to tell."
Alison C.

"There are special touches in every room, and the owner has gone above and beyond with great mattresses, linens and towels"
Aja M.

"We loved starting each day on the porch with our coffee - watching the lobster boats, seabirds, and the changing colors of the ocean"
Kelly B.

"The location is breathtaking, with wonderful sunrises and sunsets."
Kim F.

"This place has stolen our family's hearts."
Michelle K.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
This cottage is perfect if you're seeking an authentic Maine experience and love historic homes - BUT - The Gills is over 100 years old and has all of the quirks of an old home. There are changes in the level of the floor at several of the thresholds between rooms. The original horsehair plaster in the upstairs bedrooms and hallway is intact - and imperfect in places. The original canvas floor runner on the stairs is still in place - and shows it's age with the wear of the many people who have enjoyed this magical cottage. As the owner - and lover of historic homes - I have chosen to keep these original details intact. If you are expecting something glossy and perfect and new - then The Gills is probably not the cottage for you. If you love the authentic charm of a truly historic home - the quirks and odd details that can't fully be shown in a photograph - then you just may fall in love. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact our property manager David Johnson - Dave@thegillsgroup.com


Keywords: Private, Oceanfront, Family, Cottage
During your stay at this cottage, you're just a quick walk from Casco Bay. Enjoy your stay with amenities like a kitchen and 2 bathrooms in the cottage.
  • The cottage offers a kitchen, 2 bathrooms and a fireplace
  • On-site recreation includes a playground
  • Steps from Casco Bay and 3 minutes on foot from Land's End Gift Shop
PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Bailey Island cottage is smoke free.

Property manager

Carter Smith

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Service animals only (pets not allowed)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: There is a 500$ charge if smoking occurs

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Note from host: Event fees apply and require additional insurance
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Private Oceanfront Retreat Enjoy Peace Quiet Historic Maine Home

PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 61 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane S.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Wrinkle in Time
Dating from 1918, vacationing in this cottage was a quiet visual delight. The view from the front porch, overlooking the evergreen trees and blueberry bushes, out to the ever-changing ocean will stay in my mind throughout the year. The house itself is much the way it has always been, simple, rustic and quiet; off the beaten path, a retreat with few conveniences, a great place to look and contemplate, to read and draw. For us, it was perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Kathy A.

Kathy
The location and view were wonderful! The home Itself is deteriorating. The rot on the columns holding up the porch was concerning, There was standing water outside the back porch. It needs work.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Gerry R.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Dark, dingy, dilapidated.
Disappointment is an understatement. The location of the house was as expected but the disrepair of the structure was not ...nor was the depressing decor. We left early. I will not trust VRBO again until they certify a property to a decent standard.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Re-Energize
This is the perfect spot to just relax, forget about time and what day it is. Just sit and watch the water, fish off the rocky coast, play games and eat lobster. The house is magical, a quirky old cottage with fantastic aesthetic feel. We enjoyed every moment and will consider a return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

heather D., Lubbock, usa

Liked: Cleanliness
Quintessential Maine!!
Oh my, where to start?? This is THE Maine house to stay at when you want peaceful, hidden and right off the cliff side of the ocean. The fireplace was so enjoyable for us coming from Texas and being on the colder side during a small storm haha. Carter the owner gave us such good recommendations on everything! The beds were very comfortable, we had all of the cooking utensils we needed and the wifi was strong throughout the house. I will admit I tried to buy the house from him but he politely declined. The history of the house is neat too and you can tell the years of love it had! We will be back!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Rejuvenation
The perfect escape; private, the sound of the ocean crashing on the rocks, my wife and our dog Gus. The 4 days we just spent here were rejuvenating. Thank you for making it so seamless Dave. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Howard S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Classic Maine cottage experience
Pretty much the perfect Maine coastal cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leslie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful place to stay!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Gills. Dave, the property manager was very responsive and gave us great tips on kayak rental and where to put in. He was incredibly quick to reply with any questions we had and was very welcoming. The properly was clean and well maintained for an old home. The location can’t be beat and I could live on the porch overlooking the ocean- so comfortable and plenty of comfortable seats for everyone. I will remember that porch swing as my happy place for a long time to come. We look forward to coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Spencer S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Vacation
My family of four stayed at this beautiful property for a week and my only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. It’s like going back in time in a good way. Very peaceful property right on the water. Every detail was well thought out as far as anything you need. Bailey island and surrounding small towns have so much character and charm. We would love to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary N.

Liked: Cleanliness
July 2023
Would love to have had more of a 180° view of the ocean but the view we had was terrific and the 1918 home exuded charm and great style. Large living room fireplace was comfy and warm especially when we had some rain our first week. Walking down to the rocks was enjoyable and gave us wonderful memories.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Courtney W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Gills! The view was beautiful! The house was amazing and perfect for our family. We spent a lot of time on the porch swing, and fishing off the rocks. We explored the island on bikes and did some sea kayaking and hiking nearby as well.-
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Donald R.

Amazing location, great character
This home has a lot of character. This is our 2 year in a row visiting. As accurately described in the listing, it is rustic without washer, dryer, dishwasher and ac; however, the peacefulness it provides are worth it. Compared to our first visit, it is in need of some tlc, elbow grease and some repairs to the porch. We hope that plans are in order for a little extra love prior to next season because this home and location are incredible.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Allyson H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Family Vacation
Thoroughly enjoyed our week long stay at this quaint cottage. After spending a week camping on Hermit Island several years ago, we were looking for an alternative that provided the same throwback and rustic feel, with the comforts of a home. The Gills certainly delivered. Jumping off the rocks and watching the ocean for hours on end were the highlights. We spent our days relaxing on the front porch, reading and admiring the sea. We were also fortunately to kayak out of Mackeral Cove. The Gills was just as described, and we appreciated all this home offered. We hope to be back, as Bailey Island may be our favorite Maine destination yet. Thanks for this special place! The Hicks family Concord, NH
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family fun
We had a fantastic week at the Gills. It is everything we could have hoped for. Stunning location, warm feeling inside. Short walk to a gentle beach. Dream trip for our family. Hope we can come back soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marianne G.

Liked: Cleanliness
New Favorite in Maine!
Our group of 5 with two "seniors" and three 20-30 somethings all loved our stay at The Gills. We had a hard time pulling ourselves away from the view on the front porch to enjoy all the other fun things to do in the area. Big front porch with comfortable furniture was the biggest hit with our group. We will definitely come back again. Our group loves to cook and we had great meals. Beds were comfortable, fans in the bedrooms were perfect when we found ourselves in a heatwave. Very private location and quiet. If you like to relax and watch the waves roll in and the boats go by, this is the place for you. Special treat was going down to the rocks very early and watching the sunrise!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tessa W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Dreamy Gills
This house was a dream and I hope to return again and again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandy M.

Liked: Cleanliness
ideal
It was the perfect Maine experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas M., NYC NY

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
Incredible home, Ideal location
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Pat C., No. Salem

Liked: Cleanliness
Quirky old home
Very quirky old place, had a couple of issues which were promptly taken care of by Dave. Great view and porch, coffee maker makes the worst coffee. Just bought from the local store and microwaved in the morning. Salty water obviously due to location rather off when brushing your teeth. But all in all a unique experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jason F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Extraordinary property in a very special location.
One of the best and most relaxing vacations we have had in years. Highly recommended
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Donald R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Almost Patadise
The porch, swing and view were amazing. Coffee on the rocks was breathtaking. The house had a lot of character and quirky charm. First few days were unseasonably warm but having the fans was appreciated. The location is perfect.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Adam D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Cottage!
Amazing cottage, one of cottage. So cozy. Will be back. Stunningly beautiful island. The cottage is on the water and loved the interior design.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
One of a kind
The Gills is an extremely special property on the cliffs of Bailey Island. It was our first time on the island and we had an incredible stay. The property was impeccably cleaned and the main room was decorated in a unique way that made the place feel like home. We can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mariane H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic Retreat
The Gills was a great place to relax and unplug from all the busyness. The location is off the beaten path and feels very secluded which was a plus for my family. My favorite part about the placed was to sit out on the porch swing and read a book. The house is rustic but has a lot of character and feels homey. The place could probably benefit from some decluttering.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019