See all properties
Entire home·Private host

A Prism in the Wood

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for A Prism in the Wood

Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Lobby
Interior
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 4210 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Mount Desert, ME
  • Acadia National Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Cadillac Mountain
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

Smart TV, fireplace

Luxury cabin vc home

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, (6)
The price is €556
for 1 home
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Luxury cabin vc home

About this property

Entire place

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

A Prism in the Wood

A Prism in the Wood is an award winning architecturally designed home nestled in the woods of Mt. Desert, through which passes the constantly changing light of the Maine seasons. The house is a frame of steel tubes completely enclosed in glass with the living spaces within floating like platforms through the grid. A light steel stair reaches up through the steel tubes to the second floor and a further spiral stair connects to the owner’s private quarters on the uppermost level. The levels are also connected by a free-standing glass elevator, the use of which is reserved to people above 21 year-old without children.

The ceilings are of unfinished fir planks and the floors of maple. All materials and finishes are hypoallergenic or chemically neutral.

The structure is anchored at one end by the concrete mass of the fireplace that serves on the outside as a giant scupper carrying off the rainwater from the long sloping roof. Standing on light steel extensions of the interior frame the house floats above the forest floor, visually and physically connected at the entrance by massive slabs of granite. Furniture is of contemporary design, mostly manufactured in Italy and Denmark. Contemporary artworks are hanged on the wall, suspended from the interior frame and free-standing on the floor.

This stunning property has been published several times in architecture magazines, books and on the NYT. It as all you will need for your island visit, the perfect place to relax at the end of and active day in the park. Centrally located in Mount Desert, it lies at about 500 meters from the top tip of Some Sound.

FIRST FLOOR: Enter into a light and modern great room. Comfortable seating by the gas fireplace with a nearby screened in porch. Dining area with a large round table and seating for six. Kitchen with gas stove and spacious pantry. Home office space with access to a large garage with two large floor-to-ceiling windows. Half bath.

SECOND FLOOR: Open, loft style bedroom with Queen bed. Full bath with tub and shower.

THIRD FLOOR: Master bedroom with Queen bed, and full bath including shower and small soaking tub.

BASEMENT with laundry machine and dryer.

EXTRAS: Elevator available for for occupants over 21 years of age. Though a very useful convenience this elevator poses a potential hazard and must be operated with the utmost of caution and at its own risk. Outdoor propane grill. Large garage. NO AIR CONDITIONING.

WARNINGS
Among the complains received are:
1. “The top floor mattress is way too firm”. It is true that it is thin and very firm. But that is the bed where the home owner sleeps, and how he likes it ….

2. No blinds on the bedroom windows. The house configuration, with two full walls of glass, doesn’t allow for it

3. In summer, before the birch trees reach full foliage, early morning sun can be annoying for people lying in bed
During your stay at this holiday home, you'll be within walking distance of Acadia Repertory Theater. Free WiFi and a kitchen are available in the holiday home.
  • The holiday home offers a kitchen, a washing machine and 2.5 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • On-site recreation includes a playground
  • 6 minutes by car from Acadia National Park and 11 minutes from Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
A Prism in the Wood offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: The main sofa has several stains

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,260 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:30 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

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

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.
  • Note from host: There is a pet fee. Make sure you select it.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Guests expressed concerns for too young children

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

House
A Prism in the Wood Mount Desert
A Prism in the Wood Private vacation home
A Prism in the Wood Private vacation home Mount Desert

A Prism in the Wood Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful House in the Woods
Excellent place to stay near Acadia
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eben D., Washington, DC

Liked: Cleanliness
Truly a gem in the woods.
I had so much fun during my first stay at this singular location that I came back a few weeks later. Truly a gem.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eben D., Washington, DC

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical stay in the woods
Truly a singular property. The prisim in the woods is unlike any place I’ve ever stayed. Our dog enjoyed his time roaming the forest too. We will definitely be back. Stefano is the best host.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terri A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautifully surrounded by nature!
When you step out of your car, it smells like a Frazier Fir candle! It was peaceful
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic property
We enjoyed a wonderful stay at this architectural masterpiece. Everything was beautifully prepared by the host with no surprises. Property is situated very conveniently near Bar Harbor and Acadia national park. Would certainly recommend to others.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely visit
Beautiful and original architecture in a quiet woodland setting. Great location. Great spacial design. Host was lovely to deal with.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Architectural Marvel!
We came to Maine on our mini-moon and the prism did not disappoint. It is a spectacular Vrbo. It is such a fun and beautiful space. The owner makes it clear there is no AC so if the weather is very warm be ready to be a little hot while sleeping, however, the owner did purchase a fan for us to use in the evenings and has ordered ceiling fans for the bedrooms. Most nights the weather was cool enough but it does become a bit damp in the space if it's humid. Either way, the owner makes this clear beforehand and the space is wonderful enough for all of this to be small issues. The elevator worked perfectly and I am missing it a bit back at home! The owner was very responsive and helpful. I would love to come back again and I couldn't have picked a cooler space!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Modern Funky Home
The House was amazing. There was plenty of space for 4 of us—great amenities and thorough check-in and out instructions. Beautiful landscape and a convenient location for visiting Bar Harbor.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rest+Recharge+Inspire = Prism
The location is well situated for tackling both sides of MDI/Acadia National Park yet feels beautifully remote. The house itself is like living within an inspired piece of modern art, both architecturally and in its interior design and furnishings. Interestingly, not withstanding the expanses of glass and metal, it was also very comfortable. The baths and kitchen are ready for a facelift, and the homeowner confirmed that those are in the works as we write this. That will only add to what is already a magical space. If you want to explore Acadia National Park and return to a home that is private, quiet, and relaxing, yet also capable of generating new energy and inspiring your own creativity, this is your destination.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful stay in the Woods!
We had a remarkable time at Prism in the Woods. You literally felt like you were in the middle of Acadia National Park. It was quiet, great places to walk, close to fun sites and eateries…nothing but beautiful memories!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard C.

Liked: Cleanliness
An incredible experience for everyone
A Prism in the Woods is a destination in and of itself, but also served as an amazing home base for our Acadia adventures. We have been to MDI multiple times previously and this is truly one our favorite travel experiences. Thank you Stefano for being so helpful, accommodating and accessible!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Peter S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical window into the woods
A rare opportunity to stay in an architectural marvel
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C., New Orleans, Louisiana

Liked: Cleanliness
Vacation in an Art Installation
The place was fantastic. It was like staying inside an art installation. The cabin of glass removed the boundaries and felt like you were one with the forest. We quickly adjusted to sleeping when the sun was down and rising with the sun in the morning. The place had everything and was in walking distance to the water. We loved our stay and took full advantage of the kitchen and the heated floors. Fantastic experience.
Stayed 16 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning!
The property is absolutely stunning. The architecture of the house is simple, smart, functional and comfortable. The house is well appointed with everything you could need and provides a perfect place to relax away from the crowds.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leanne P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique and serene getaway
We enjoyed our stay at Prism in the Woods. The property is one of a kind and particularly suited for those who love being in nature. The outdoors really comes in! Every night I could stargaze from my window - could not believe the stars in the night sky - just spectacular. Very close to Acadia and Bar Harbor for things to do. Stefano was very accommodating to work with.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Krista P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
My husband, our dog, and I had the most magical time at the Prism in the Woods. It was everything we hoped for and more! It was the perfect place to stay while we were on our elopement vacation! Already looking forward to returning in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan H., Boston, MA

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely week in the woods
This home was a lovely refuge for our family, and we enjoyed having it as a home base to explore the hikes on that side of the island. Highly recommend the Beech Hill Farm Stand, as well as the Acadia Mtn/St. Sauveur trails.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay in the woods!
We had a wonderful stay at Stefano's home in the middle of the woods in Maine. It was an easy, twelve minute drive to Bar Harbor and there was plenty to explore and do close by. The home itself was beyond beautiful, with full-wall windows that made it feel like you were sitting outside constantly. We would love to come back eventually and definitely recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shelby F., Plymouth, MI USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Elevated architecture within a great location
The house was amazing from an architectural standpoint. The location was very private even with the open windows yet in close proximity to all the trails as well as downtown bar harbor. No complaints just bring a fan if it's a hot week as the bedrooms are on the 2nd and 3rd floor it gets hot. Also, bring a sleep mask if you plan on sleeping in (again summer months likely). Again, great accommodations, communication, house/property, and location. Highly recommended.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

jerry B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A great experience
It was great to stay at this house with its beautiful surroundings and the immense amount of light that came in. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert S., Charleston WV

Liked: Cleanliness
It was a treat to stay at Prism in the Woods!
Definitely the most unique VRBO rental our family has enjoyed so far!! Nice location on the quieter side of MDI, tucked into a wooded area and complete privacy despite no curtains on any of the numerous windows. Plenty of light and great views of the woods. Home was well equipped with nice high end contemporary furnishings. Would be neat to enjoy the fireplace, but our late June stay did not warrant starting one. I found communication w/ owner Stefano and neighbor/ housekeeper Sally to be first rate! Would enjoy another trip up here to Prism in the Woods!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine S., Nashville, Tn

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved our stay at A Prism in The Woods
We were two couples staying in the home (my husband and myself, as well as our adult daughter and her husband). Property is as described by the owner in the listing so be sure to review. It worked fine for us. Although there is no AC in the home, it is easy to keep things cool by opening the screened windows and doors and allowing for cross ventilation, especially in the evening and at night. The home is in a very convenient location to get to all areas of MDI. The property is very private and the road leading to the home is nice for a morning walk. High end electronics and Apple TV were much appreciated. Owner was very responsive to our questions before and after arrival. We would stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Katherine K.

Sharing some caveats for renters/feedback for owners:
Currently the queen bed on the 3rd floor is a thin futon on wood slats. It may be extremely uncomfortable for someone used to sleeping on a mattress. The leather cube sofa was also uncomfortable. We had to cover it with a sheet during our stay as we were put off by the numerous spill stains.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

nick r.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway
This house made for the perfect wedding and celebration with 5 others. If you’re looking for seclusion with all the amenities then this is the spot!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caren T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
This property is absolutely stunning. We enjoyed the modern architecture and furnishings. The location is great, so close to Acadia and Bar Harbor. We saw a lot of wildlife on the property, highlight was a red fox! Communication with the owner was great, he was very responsive when we had questions on our first night. There is also a fenced in dog run off the garage that our pup appreciated.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022