Step into Mount Desert House, a historic gem nestled near Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. This charming retreat offers spacious accommodations with water and mountain views, private entrance, balcony, BBQ grill and canoe. Unwind in the cozy living room by the gas fireplace or enjoy quality time in the fully-equipped kitchen.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10167 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Summer 2026 book now and experience the beautiful views!
Built by Daniel Somes, son of the pioneer, the Mount Desert House is of prime historical interest as an early public house on Mount Desert Island located just minutes from the beautiful Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Come stay where Thomas Cole, principle artist of the Hudson River School, Frederick Church and hundreds of others have stayed while exploring Mount Desert Island.
Your party will be the only guests of the Inn occupying the entire second and third floor of a wing. The second floor consists of the 'Pawn's Room' full bunk bottom with a single top, connecting bath to the 'Knight's Room' (queen ). The 'Bishop's Room' (Queen)has its own private bath.
The third floor known as 'The Castle' consists of a large open living area with beamed cathedral ceiling and a completely furnished large kitchen, (ice-maker, microwave, stove, oven, disposal, refrigerator w/cold water) a living room with table and chairs, gas fireplace, small sleeping loft with queen floor mattress and twin and full bathroom with tub and shower, washer and dryer.
The suite has water and mountain views and a private entrance and balcony.
Comes with all linens, towels, dishes, and kitchen appliances, BBQ grill, canoe. smart TV flat screen TV.
Sleeping arrangement: Bedrooms: Bedroom 1- Queen bed Bedroom 2- double bed w/ single bunk on top Bedroom 3- Queen bed
Loft- Queen bed and one single
Private off street parking.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach towels
Ski
Close to skiing
Internet
Available in the house: 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
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV with cable channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washer/dryer
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
One pet total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a village
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the ocean
On the waterfront
Things to do
Boat
Golf
Kayak
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Whale watching nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours 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)
Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance
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
Access methods
Private entrance
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: 100.00 fee per dog .
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
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
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Somesville, a neighbourhood in Mount Desert, this holiday home is near a water park and on the waterfront. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding. Visit our Mount Desert travel guide
Is Summer 2026 book now and experience the beautiful views! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Summer 2026 book now and experience the beautiful views!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Summer 2026 book now and experience the beautiful views!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Summer 2026 book now and experience the beautiful views!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Summer 2026 book now and experience the beautiful views! located?
Located in Somesville, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Acadia Repertory Theater and 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Acadia National Park. Maine Granite Industry Museum and Long Pond are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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Summer 2026 book now and experience the beautiful views! 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.
We had a great time staying at the Mt Desert House. It is perfectly located right at the center of Mount Desert Island, with easy access to both sides of the island. Bill was a great host as well. We had a minor issue with the door keypad and Bill responded immediately and had it fixed that day. We would definitely stay there again the next time we visit Acadia.
We really enjoyed our stay here for our week of exploring Acadia and MDI! The property is only 10-15 minutes from Bar Harbor and the main part of the park, with even quicker access to the quite side of the island and related Acadia attractions! The house certainly has its quirks given it is a historical house originally built nearly 200 years ago, but that only adds to its charm and feel! Bill and Tina were excellent hosts - top notch communication, very friendly, and quick to answer questions/provide any additional supplies needed.
The historic house is beautifully kept inside with claw-footed tubs and knooky bedrooms. The "Castle" upstairs is open and spacious and comfortable, with everything you need for your stay! The owners, Bill and Tina, were absolutely lovely, and were also very responsive and accommodating. Their lobsterman son was kind enough to bring us home lobsters to feast on! Amazingly kind...and delicious! It was an amazing stay! We highly recommend staying here! We hope to be back someday! Thank you very much, Bill and Tina (and Todd and Murray;)!!
Marty L.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Diane
26 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well equipped in every room including laundry, all kitchen necessities, bedding and towels. Please note that if you have issues with stairs at all this was only down side for one of our family members. Owners very responsive to any questions usually giving answer within minutes. Beautiful outdoor yard with firepit, grill and plenty of seats.
A great place for a family adventure. With Arcadia and Bar Harbor so nearby there's so much to do. Great hiking, great swimming inboth fresh and saltwater, great shopping in bar harbor, and fantastic food. I fully recommend a stay here.
Beautiful, comfortable property in an amazing location. My sons especially enjoyed taking the property kayak and canoe out onto Somes Sound where they were able to see seals.
Bill and his wife were very down to earth, awesome people! My kids loved playing with their dog Murray! Bar Harbor was about 15 minutes away from the home, and everything else was very close to the house as well! Overall great location and stay!!
This is the third time since 2009 that we’ve stayed at the house. It’s so beautiful and peaceful—we’ve made many happy memories there. Bill and Tina are great hosts.
What a great place, location and family! Centrally located, clean, beds are comfortable, kitchen is well stocked, completely private. Family is wonderful!
Clean. Perfect location to reach everywhere on the island. Great communication and very helpful when we had questions. The house felt peaceful and like a cozy home away from home. We would go back again in a heartbeat. Thank you all!!
We had a wonderful time at this rental. It is in a great location with easy access to the park and Bar Harbor. There is great attention to detail and the perfect balance between charm and comfort. The kitchen was well stocked and had everything we needed. The upstairs lofted living space is a wonderful space to eat and relax. Overall we had plenty of room to spread out. Communication with the hosts was easy and quick. Murray the dog is so cute and friendly. We all enjoyed saying hi to him when we on our way to our outdoor adventures. We hope to come back Thanks for having us!
We had the most fantastic stay at The Mount Desert House! Bill and Tina’s home/property was perfect for our family vacation to the Bar Harbor area. The kids were able to play in the yard with their awesome German shepherd, Murray. The outdoor/cookout area was perfect for hamburgers on the grill followed by an evening fire in the fire pit. Bill and Tina were the kindest and most courteous hosts we’ve ever come across in all our years of vacationing. They truly made our stay remarkable! The home had plenty of room to spare for a family of five and it was fully stocked with all the kitchenware essentials, quality bedding, and everything else we possibly could have needed. We were able to spend the day zipping around the local area and then spend very comfortable evenings relaxing in a home that is meant for comfort and enjoyment. Many thanks to Bill and Tina for making our experience in Maine one we will never forget! Cheers!The Peters family-Jon, Amber, Violet, Gibson, and Hazel
We really enjoyed the stay here in Somesville for our weeklong vacation. The historical home was perfectly located at the center of the island for our family’s various excursions. Everything was only minutes away and we could always stop back to the property between activities. The owners were great and coordinated fresh lobsters via their son. Overall a great stay.
Our family of 10 thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this VRBO. The location was perfect. The hosts were kind and very helpful and the inn was clean and well provisioned.
As soon as we walked into the house; our 4 teenage boys exclaimed their love of the house! It was honestly perfect, the Reiff's are so wonderful and the quintessential hosts to boot. They guided us around during our stay and the location of the house was perfect. We hiked Acadia and fished and visited around the Soutwest Harbor and Bar Harbor. After visiting in the town of Bar Harbor we were so happy we stayed a few miles away in Somesville. The house is a gorgeous historic home/inn; super homey yet still chic, and very well cared for! The house contains all the amenities you would want. You will love it! Thank you Tina and Bill! Much love!
Tina and Bill were great!
The house was conveniently located to Acadia National Park (10 minute drive) and local restaurants/eateries. Carriage trails and water activities were within walking distance.
Tina and Bill's son (Marshal) provided us with fresh, local lobster...yum!
My only criticism would be the air conditioning. It was unseasonably warm during our stay and the unit seemed unable to really keep up. Fans were located throughout the house when we arrived keeping the air moving.
I would definitely recommend this place over a hotel if you're looking for a little more elbow room to relax after hiking, biking, swimming, etc.
I would stay here again!
Thanks,
Greg
Much is covered in other reviews and the place deserves its high marks! The place was an easy and fun home base for our week in Acadia over July 4th. We loved it and when in the area again, we’ll definitely stay here.
It’s next to Somes Sound, we paddled daily in the canoe & kayaks and would see seals and porpoise. A few fresh water ponds and lakes were close for swimming. We biked to a nearby farm for fresh produce & bakery. Bill & Tina are awesome hosts. And, the lobster from their son’s boat was amazing! We hiked & biked all over mount desert island, but found so much fun close to this place! We’ll be back!
The renters went out of their way to make us feel welcome and to make sure we had what we needed. All of us including our kids loved staying here. We would stay here again next time we come no doubt.
The property is old, but so cute and has so much charm. We had coffee every morning at the patio table and chairs, very nice! We saw deer, a weasel and many birds right on the property, very cool! It’s so close to Acadia National park, maybe a 10-15 min drive. We were able to use the kayaks and canoe in the bay across the street and saw seals, porpoise, and eagles. The boys had fun fishing from the dock area. At low tide you will find crabs at the shore. Lots of fun right at the property!
Tina answered every question we had right away and we even got fresh lobster from her son who has a lobster boat! She helped us boil the lobster and we had a great meal at the property! Their dog Murray is SO CUTE and such a good boy, we all loved playing with him.
The property was stocked with everything you need, the beds were comfy and there were plenty of places to sit and relax in a quiet spot. We had young adult sons who are very tall, plus teenagers and we all fit just fine! Beautiful property!
The perfect location. Bar harbor is over priced and over populated, while Somesville just 15 minutes or less away, is the perfect combination of all we come to Mt Desert for: hiking, great food (Sips restaurant), Ebike rentals, sunrise and sunsets from the house! Kayaking and our dog had many energetic romps with Murray.
We really enjoyed our week at Bill and Tina's lovely, historic home. Somesville is the perfect location for getting around MDI to access all that Acadia offers, and the other towns on the island. We especially recommend this rental if you are traveling with a dog. Murphy is a wel-coming playmate, and fresh lobster is available from Tina and Bill's son who is a lobsterman. The house is well-equipped and Tina and Bill are excellent hosts!
This was the perfect landing spot for our mixed group of adults & kiddos. Easy access to everywhere we wanted to be! Owners were beyond lovely and the property/house was very accommodating- we especially loved the stocked fire pit in the evenings after long days of hiking ;)