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Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

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Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine (Franklin)
Outdoor dining - Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine (Franklin)
Beach nearby, sun-loungers, beach towels - Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine (Franklin)
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine (Franklin)
Smart TV, books, printers - Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine (Franklin)
The Pond House is located on the shores of a serene Maine lake, offering a tranquil retreat with two kayaks and a dock for your enjoyment. Unwind in the comfy living room with lake views or cook up fresh lobster in the fully equipped kitchen.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6149 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine

Located on one of Maine's most pristine lakes this brand new cottage features 2 bedrooms, on the main level (with queen-size beds). A comfy living room (with a view of the lake) complete the picture.

The Pond House has a fully equipped kitchen. The kitchen is an open concept, complete with a five burner gas stove, dishwasher refrigerator and a complete assortment of pots and pans. If the mood hits you... there are also baking supplies. A large island for cooking or dining make meals enjoyable and fun. Many guests dine on the deck and feast on freshly cooked lobster.

Dock and two kayaks available for your enjoyment. Fire Pit, Hammock, two decks and a gas grill. (all with a view of the lake). only 35 miles from beautiful Acacia National Park. Hiking, Kayaking and Swimming are located steps from the cottage. Enjoy kayaking and swimming during the day and sleep to the sounds of the loons at night. It's a wonderful place to relax... you won't want to go home.
At night light a fire in the fire pit, sit back and relax.
New this year -- improved landscaping and a beautiful rock fire pit. Summer in Maine -- it's wonderful, fall in Maine it's beautiful.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Printer

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping on request
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking 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

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,600 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Located in Franklin, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Catherine Hill Winery and Seacoast Fun Park are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Downeast Scenic Railroad and Rooster Brother Coffee Roasters. Wild Acadia Fun Park and Bar Harbor Whale Watching are also worth visiting. Kayaking and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby. Visit our Franklin travel guide
View more Cottages in Franklin
Map
Franklin, ME

What's nearby

  • Acadia National Park featuring forest scenes, a lake or waterhole and wetlands
    Acadia National Park
    41 min drive - 42.8 km
  • 0_02b2d3a5-2ca1-4427-beed-32aa9a37aec5_raw
    Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
    55 min drive - 59.3 km
  • Donnell Pond
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum
    60 min drive - 62.9 km
  • West Street Historic District
    60 min drive - 63.2 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    39 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Galley
    22 min drive
  • Project Mayhem, Waltham Division
    22 min drive
  • Sullivan Harbor Cafe
    19 min drive
  • Chester Pike's Galley
    20 min drive
  • Downeast Cheesecakes
    13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Donnell Pond and within 12 miles (20 km) of Black Beach and Wild Mountain Man Ray's Chainsaw Show. Sullivan Harbor Farm and Tidal Falls are also within 12 miles (20 km).

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Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrew W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic! The lake it beautiful. We loved the yard, kayaking, and fishing. The park is close is enough for day trips, which we liked. The Pond House was clean, well equiped, and comfortable. The views were spectacular.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

art R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was everything we were hoping for. Access to lake was great. The house itself was very clean and everything was very thought out in terms of what was supplied. Would stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doris D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family of four had a wonderful time at the Pond House! Modern, comfortable, convenient and all the small, thoughtful touches made our stay feel extra special. Our host was responsive and helpful, and the location was perfect for relaxing and as a base camp for fun on Mount Desert Island. The ultimate recommendation came from our two teenagers, who gave it five gold stars. They loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janelle H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection and beauty

This anniversary getaway was absolutely perfect due to this amazing home. The views from the backyard was full of spectacular. All the essentials of home provided to make it a wonderful stay
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ken K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect quiet getaway in Maine

Great place to stay in Maine. Clean, comfortable beds, and everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. Perfect setting on the "pond". Made full use of the 2 kayaks and stand up paddle board, swimming in the lake and the fire pit. Perfect location to be off the beaten path when you want or take the short drive into Acadia which we did often. When we come back to Maine we will definatley stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An amazing week at Pond House!

We LOVED everything about the property! The view was amazing, we spent every morning on the dock listening to loons. The house was very clean and had everything we needed and even some things that most rentals don’t have. Paula was very responsive. We made a ton of memories and hope to come back again in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Pond House

We thoroughly enjoyed our time on Donnell pond. While the drive to the main part of Acadia was a bit long (but as described, so no surprise), we loved hiking Schoodic mountain, and biking the one way lightly travelled road around the Schoodic Peninsula. We would return happily and recommend to anyone who wanted to stay on a pond and be in the area around MDI.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aly R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular nature getaway

Genuinely one of my new favorite places to be! We got emotional leaving because it is such a special place. The lake is gorgeous, and we even had two days of rain and it was no issue or detraction from the serenity of the pond house. The host Paula was exceptionally nice and accommodating, always available if you needed help and provided an abundance of resources for the area. Ellsworth itself is so very cute and you’re only about 45-50 mins from Acadia- we went three out of our four day trip and the drive was pleasant! I can’t recommend staying here enough- I know there are a lot of options to choose from but you definitely won’t regret staying here!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ted T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Immaculate, fantastic, perfect

We wanted something near the tourist sites that would still let us do some glamping on a lake/ocean/waterfront. It was this and more. It was extremely easy to find. It was beautiful inside and the host thought of everything. Dishes, cookware, assorted spices, utensils, even left candy. The outside was gorgeous. The grill had utensils, we had a couple campfires, and we thoroughly enjoyed breakfast at the upper level deck. Roughly equal distance drive to Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Schoodic (Winter Harbor). Quoddy was slightly farther but still an easy drive. Other reviews have cited the owner (Paula) as being terrific, and they were completely accurate. We absolutely had a fantastic time at the Pond House and would definitely go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

עדן ד.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing house and location. The pond is wonderful, and we loved the kiaks. Very quiet place. Paula, the host, was great and very thoughtful.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garrett P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was our second visit, and we had a wonderful time! It was a joy to wake up every morning to the beautiful foliage and calm pond. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at this property! The sunrise over the water was absolutely breathtaking one of the highlights of our trip. The location is peaceful and beautiful, with easy access to the Schoodic Peninsula, which I highly recommend visiting. It’s also an easy drive to Bar Harbor and Ellsworth, making it a perfect spot for exploring the area, especially in the fall. The setting was ideal for our family getaway, and we left with so many special memories.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was wonderful! There wasn’t one thing that wasn’t thought of, we had more than everything we needed. The view was amazing and the house was very clean and comfortable. We will definitely be back. Thanks for making our first trip to Maine an amazing experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake Life

We had a blast staying at the pond house! We really enjoyed staying there.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kendra D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Maone Get Away

This was exactly what we were looking for in our first time to Maine. It was peaceful and quiet and a great place to unplug.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dustin V., Crandall, in

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private - yet still close enough to everything

The pond house is beautiful, private and very well stocked. The host communication could not be better. Perfect stay. You won’t regret this one.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is a gem! Wonderfully clean and comfortable property with direct lake access and plenty of parking. Meal prep was simple in the well designed and fully stocked kitchen that included quality cookware. The open concept floor plan allowed for everyone to interact while cooking, assembling a puzzle, or playing one of the may games available. The bathroom was a nicely sized and included an updated tiled shower. We made full use of the 2 Kayaks and SUP. Paula was prompt, responsive, and easy to communicate with. The property is about 45 minutes from Bar Harbor, but the short ride was worth it to enjoy the quite lake and beautiful mountain views from it.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot for a Maine vacation!

We had a wonderful stay at the Pond House. The property was clean, well organized, and cozy. We loved having the pond right outside the back door to fill in those lazy moments between excursions to Acadia, Bar Harbor, and the surrounding area. Communication with the host was great, and we would absolutely stay here again. If you are willing to venture off the beaten path, and if your tastes lean more towards outdoor adventures, it’s a great base for a Maine vacation.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Fei R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you for a enjoyable week

This is a very cosy place to stay for families. The entire house is vey clean with everything you needed and beyond. There is a dock for fishing, boating, and swimming. Unfortunately there it rained 5 out of 7 days. Fortunately there is also a fire pit that brought warmth in unseasonably cold weather. If you come in a warm, sunny week, it would be even better.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Pond House was very well stocked and accompanied for our week stay! Pictures don’t do it justice- the view of the lake and outdoor living are glorious. The lake is so peaceful and quiet. I’m an open water swimmer, and that’s the clearest water I’ve seen in a lake. Sleeping arrangements were great for our family of 5. There is a single air conditioner in the main living area, so if you are used to central AC (like we are) it can be a little warm some nights in the bedrooms. We cooked dinner most nights (bought our groceries in Ellsworth and Bar Harbor). We made day trips to Acadia/Bar Harbor and Schoodic Point. Everything was about an hour each direction from the house, and we didn’t mind the drive. 5 stars all the way around!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect week

The pond house was a relaxing escape from the Texas summer heat. All amenities were available, including games that we played after dark. Although we toured Acadia NP for a short day, we had more enjoyment paddling at Donnell Pond, taking a small puffin tour out of Steuben, and heading up the coast for nature areas with few people. We loved our visit to Maine. The pond house was a great location. We also easily rented two extra kayaks from Water’s Edge so we could paddle as a family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathy E., Brooklyn, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Modern and comfortable place!

Pond House is a Great Lake rental. I especially loved the super well-stocked kitchen and expansive area for food prep. Paula is the most responsive host ever. We had a bit of a hard time getting in the lake because it’s very rocky (large rocks) and in no time she had a ladder installed at the end of the dock, which really helps. There are some lily pads to swim through but you get through them quickly. The kayaks are smallish and plastic but with the shoreline I think those are the best (only?) choice, and they work fine. The living room is comfortable and has a nice view. Be sure to drive to Schoodic Beach for an amazing swim (takes about 30 minutes to get to that part of Donnell Pond due to the roundabout driving route). Our friends rented Memory Cove next door, which makes for an awesome “compound” vacation!
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tom H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation paradise

Our family of five stayed At the Pond House for a much needed family vacation. We can’t say enough good things about the Pond House and Donnell Pond. The house was located about 20 minutes from Ellsworth the nearest large town on Donnell Pond. The house itself was beautiful, clean and had all the amenities you could possibly want on a vacation. We use the kitchen every day to cook, and spent many days in or on the lake using the kayaks and the floating dock. My three teenagers Were able to spread out in the house but mostly wanted to sit down by the lake or be on the hammock. My husband and I are avid runners and cyclists and went to Schoodic point, about 30 minutes away a few times to cycle and run. We highly recommend the Pickeled Wrinkle restaurant for their delicious food and craft beer. We spent three days at Acadia which was about a 50 minutes drive. Honestly the drive was very easy and we didn’t mind as we loved being able to go back to the pond house at the end of the day. The Pond House is a true gem and Paula, the owner was an incredible host. We would highly recommend this property and can’t wait to plan our next vacation to go back!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan C., Linden

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Getaway

Paula has a lovely home on Donnell Pond with beautiful views. The area is a bit remote, but so serene and beautiful. We enjoyed eating in the town of Ellsworth. The home is a perfect base for exploring Bar Harbor and Acadia. We wouldn’t change a thing!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patty P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall re-energizing getaway

We enjoyed the tranquility of Donnell Pond and were also able to explore Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Beautiful accommodations and a thoughtful host made for a great week!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022