Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond.
The Home
Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond.
The views from Island Watch are spectacular. To the northeast is the fjord of Somes Sound, and further south is a more intimate view of Southwest Harbor and several of the offshore islands, all with Acadia National Park's mountains as a backdrop.
Island Watch sits on a ridge above the village of Southwest Harbor and has a vista that is as unique as any on the Maine coast, yet is removed from the busier, in-town atmosphere. We are a bit more secluded, but we do have our own private path that will take you into the center of Southwest Harbor. From there you can board the free Island Explorer bus, wander through an art gallery, have a gourmet dinner, or just have an ice cream at the local café. We are only minutes away from some of the least used and most scenic trails in Acadia National Park.
Formerly run as a Bed and Breakfast, Island Watch is now available to rent on a weekly basis. The seven bedrooms of the main house each have their own bathroom. The suite on the lower level has a complete kitchen and fireplace. The main deck area provides a relaxing gathering area for your entire group, where you can kick back and watch the boating activities below. We also have a separate efficiency apartment rental unit, called the Bird's Nest (651708), over the detached garage on the same property.
The views are spectacular from the decks at Island Watch. Sit and relax in the quiet splendor of the Maine woods while taking in the panoramic beauty of the islands, mountains, harbors and the village of Southwest Harbor!
You're within walking distance to the local restaurants, bike rentals, sailing, boating, an ice cream parlor, and exclusive shops. Some of our local establishments are Beal's Lobster pound, Rogue Cafe, Sawyer's Market, Red Sky Restaurant, and the Wendell Gilley Museum.
You will enjoy spectacular ocean and mountain views, beautiful sunrises, quiet times, and the many activities in nearby Acadia National Park. The Rockefeller family constructed beautiful carriage roads throughout the park in which you can enjoy on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage, or by bike.
Come and stay at one of the most beautiful places in the Maine. Experience a quiet family vacation or one with friends. Be active or just kick back, read a book, work on a jigsaw puzzle, or paint a picture — all while enjoying the fresh air and pristine views.
Southwest Harbor has an active marine industry base of boat builders, marinas, and lobster and sail boats.
Island Watch watches all of this from its peaceful perch above the harbor. It is the Real Maine...Simple! “The way Life Should Be!”
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Home Features
What's Included
- Wireless internet
- Free wifi
- Internet
- Printer
- Towels provided
- Linens provided
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Shampoo
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Basic soaps
- Iron & board
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Desk
- Desk chair
Amenities & Features
Kitchen
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Stove
- Oven
- Grill
- Kitchen island
- Dishes & utensils
- Dining table
- Coffee maker
- Coffee grinder
- Kettle
- Blender
- Ice maker
- Toaster
- Lobster pot
Outdoor
- Outdoor furniture
- Beach towels
- Boat
- Kayak/canoe
- Golf
Entertainment
- Games
- Books
- Television
- Smart TV
- DVD player
- Video library
Laundry
- Washing machine
- Dryer
Parking
- Parking
Safety
- 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)
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Exterior lighting
- Fire station contact
- Police contact
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
Area Guide
Neighborhood, Southwest Harbor
Located in Southwest Harbor, this vacation home is in the city center. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Traveling with kids? Consider Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
What's Nearby
- Wendell Gilley Museum11 min walk
- Acadia National Park3 min drive
- Bar Harbor Whale Watching24 min drive
- Acadia National Park's Visitors Center26 min drive
- Cadillac Mountain29 min drive
Restaurants
- Beal's Lobster Pier - 6 min drive
- Archie’s Lobster - 9 min drive
- Nor’ Easter Pound & Market - 24 min drive
- Thurston's Lobster Pound - 12 min drive
- Circle K - 4 min drive
Getting Around
- Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 22 min drive
Bedrooms
Chart Room
1 Queen Bed
Helm
1 King Bed
Lighthouse Room
2 Twin Bunk Beds
Midship
1 Queen Bed
Mizzen
1 Queen Bed
Tiller
1 King Bed
Bathrooms
Chart Room bath
Towels provided, Toilet, Shower only, Hair dryer
Helm bath
Towels provided, Toilet, Shower only, Hair dryer
Lighthouse Room bath
Towels provided, Toilet
Midship bath
Soap, Towels provided, Bathtub or shower, Toilet, Shampoo, Hair dryer
Mizzen bath
Towels provided, Toilet, Shower only, Hair dryer
Tiller bath
Towels provided, Toilet, Shower only, Hair dryer
Spaces & Areas
House Rules
- Pre-approved pets only. $75 per pet.
check out
- Check out before 10:00 AM
check in
- Check in after 4:00 PM
Events
- Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Pets
- Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Smoking
- Smoking is not permitted
minimum age
- Minimum age to rent: 21
Children
- Children allowed: ages 0-17
Policies
Damage Policy
You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.
Important Information
We should mention
- A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
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 Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20 Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this venue pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at this venue?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at this venue?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is this venue located?
This family-friendly Southwest Harbor vacation home is located in a rural location, within 2 mi (3 km) of Wendell Gilley Museum and Acadia National Park. Long Pond and Flying Mountain Trailhead are also within 3 mi (5 km).
How many guests can this venue host for a wedding?
It can host up to 20 guests for a ceremony and reception, and sleeps up to 14 overnight.
Can I hold both the ceremony and reception here?
Yes — there is space for both the ceremony and reception.
Can the wedding party stay overnight?
Yes, it sleeps up to 14 guests across 7 bedrooms, so the wedding party can stay on-site.
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