Experience the warmth of The Sumner McFarland House, a charming historic cottage in South Bristol. With multiple picture window views of the harbor, enjoy your morning coffee on the sun deck or relax in one of two living spaces.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms3 bathrooms177 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.
Waterfront Cottage in South Bristol w/ private dock and lobster boat views
This is a charming, light filled historic cottage on the "Gut" in South Bristol. Minutes from the summer community of Christmas Cove.
The Sumner McFarland House is three stories and boasts porches on two floors. The large eat-in galley kitchen has multiple picture window views of the harbor. There are 3 bedrooms on the second floor and a larger bedroom on the third floor. There are bathrooms on each floor. There is a private driveway and parking next to the house. The true front of the house faces the water, and slopes to a large dock with a picnic table, a ramp, and float to tie up your boat, or to launch your kayaks and paddle boards.
Our second floor has four small rooms: 1st bedroom with full size bed and views of the trees Bathroom with clawfoot tub and shower 2nd bedroom with full size bed and views of the harbor 3rd bedroom with a pair of twin beds and views of the harbor and river There is also a sun deck to sit and enjoy your morning coffee or your afternoon book and wine.
On the third floor, there is a bedroom suite with a queen-sized bed, kitchenette, half+ bathroom, and a reading nook to sit and view the water.
The living room is bright with picture window views of the water. There is also a second living space for watching TV (or the water if you prefer). The covered porch is the perfect place to escape and relax and enjoy the salty breezes.
Live or cooked lobsters are walking distance away at the Fishermen's Co-op. You can also walk to Osier's for fresh off the boat fish or a quick lunch. Ask for the Fisherman’s catch. During the summer season you may pick up fresh baked goods at Kneaded Provisions.
The public boat launch is next to the Co-op, and you have a choice of Bittersweet Landing Boatyard or Gamage Shipyard for your boating needs.
Kayak and paddle board rentals are available and can be delivered by Mitch at Midcoast Kayak.
Watch the boats, the gulls, the seals, the morning mist rising off the water. Paddle or motor to the neighboring islands and ocean.
Washer and dryer are on the first floor.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2.5 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
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
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
Near a hospital
Near the marina
Near the sea
On the waterfront
Things to do
Golf
Kayak
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Ice skating nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks 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)
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
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please do not put sharp knives (steak knives, Kitchen knives) in the dishwasher, it dulls the blades.
Please wash the towels and start them to dry before. you leave.
You only need to strip the beds that were used. You may choose to wash and dry the sheets but the cleaning person can do the laundry.
You may leave food items that you think others would choose to use (spices, staples, unopened drinks, eggs, etc.). Please throw or take away anything else.
Take trash to Transfer station.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Note from host: Please, no pets.
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 and a first aid kit
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 South Bristol, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Boothbay Region Land Trust and Boothbay Harbor Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Pemaquid Craft Co-op and Penobscot Marine Museum. Opera House at Boothbay Harbor and Dolphin Mini Golf are also worth visiting. Kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and mountain biking nearby. Visit our South Bristol travel guide
Is Waterfront Cottage in South Bristol w/ private dock and lobster boat views pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Waterfront Cottage in South Bristol w/ private dock and lobster boat views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Waterfront Cottage in South Bristol w/ private dock and lobster boat views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Waterfront Cottage in South Bristol w/ private dock and lobster boat views?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Waterfront Cottage in South Bristol w/ private dock and lobster boat views located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Fort Point and within 12 miles (20 km) of La Verna Preserve and Pemaquid Craft Co-op. Biscay Pond and Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site are also within 12 miles (20 km).
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Waterfront Cottage in South Bristol w/ private dock and lobster boat 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.
This cottage is the perfect, family-friendly year-round rental. It is very comfortable and the location is beautiful. Natalie is extremely communicative, kind and accommodating. The house had everything we needed and more. We will definitely be coming back!
We stayed at the property for two nights for a family getaway after the holidays. The house was in a great location, beautiful views, spotlessly clean, and very well equipped. We loved waking up to the light hitting the water and being able to explore the beautiful peninsula. Great hikes a short drive away. We would gladly stay again!
Natalie's home and property was beautiful. Everything was clean and neat. We loved having our morning coffee on the back porch with a stunning vorw. It was very easy to communicate with Natalie. We would definitely dtay there again.
Our family loved our stay! The home is close to everything and well appointed with a fabulous kitchen and water views from most of rooms. The back porch was our favorite place to hang out and enjoy the stunning views of the harbor. We will be back!
We traveled from VT to Bristol for a family wedding. The house perfectly accommodated three adult couples. The location was very calming. I only wish we had a few more days to spend there relaxing.
This home was perfect for our family to relax and get a taste of amazing fresh lobster! It was so awesome to see the boats head out in the morning and have the tranquility of a small coastal town. The nearby pemaquid lighthouse and fort was a great stop. The house had everything needed to make us feel right at home!
This house was beautiful! High up on a hill looking over looking lobster boats! A million dollar view!
The house had everything you need, beautifully decorated, very comfortable furniture and beds.
It was fun going to Booth Bay Harbor. What a nice stay!
Perfect get away!
This home was simply gorgeous. It has an amazing kitchen that is stocked with everything you need to prepare a gourmet meal. Every room had unbelievable water views. This home is s very thoughtful and comfortable one. Getting fresh lobsters a quick walk down the road …..
Our second summer staying in Natalie’s cottage, and we’ve booked for next summer. The house is exactly as described….wonderful harbor view, marvelous porch, private dock, large kitchen overlooking the harbor, excellent kitchen equipment….and just a short walk to the lobster coop! We think it’s perfect!
Natalie was super sweet and promote to answer any questions. The home has wonderful views and is fully equipped with everything you would need to cook, enjoy and relax. We had 2 children who loved the yard and the hiking trails that were all close by.
We enjoyed our stay in South Bristol. All the windows gave us great views from every room. The front porch overlooking the water was our favorite place to sit and relax with family and friends. The house was well cared for and fully-equipped for a comfortable stay. We appreciated Natalie's attention to all our needs.
Not only is the house lovely, ample and well-provisioned, the location right on the little working harbor was magical, all day but especially at sunrise and dusk. the lobster coop is just a short walk. The host was very responsive though we needed little once we settled in. We hope to return. Thank you.
The house is lovely! Spacious and has everything you need for a pleasant stay. Natalie was very helpful, responsive and accomodating.I have to say, if it was a hotel, I'd probably give the property itself 3 stars - bathrooms have obvious water damage on the floor, the house itself is worn. It didn't take away from the cozy feel and if it's someone's house and they don't mind those things, then so be it! If it was a hotel, I'd expect management to take care of those issues and keep the property in good shape. But the house is really cute, it's in a great location, and the owner is very nice!!
This summer my husband and I spent almost 5 weeks at this South Bristol cottage. We love the house and invite family and friends to join us in enjoying our Maine time. The dock allows us to dock our boat, and then in minutes be on the water enjoying the wildlife and fishing. My favorite places in the home include the kitchen table where I enjoy having my morning coffee and watching the lobster boats head out for their daily catch. The upper deck is also amazing; a place to sit and read in the afternoon, and enjoy a cocktail in the early evening. The hostess is so easy to deal with. I simply need to send her a text, and she quickly replies. There are plenty of bedrooms for friends and family to visit us and they all can't wait to get back for some Maine time. This is our "happy place."
This home was my grandparents when our cousins and I were growing up! We decided to start getting together more often and came up with the idea to have a cousins weekend and discovered the owners rented it out! It’s a beautiful house all though it has changed a bit and has been renovated still brought back some wonderful memories. The view is fabulous and we all stated how we used to take it for granted. This time of year (may) is quite and we walked around the island and enjoyed the weather and views! You won’t go wrong with a stay in this home!
We had a wonderful vacation and were fortunate to stay at this property, and I would not hesitate to go back to the same spot. Natalie is a wonderful host and made the entire process very simple from start to finish with clear instructions and recommendations for our stay. The house is charming and tastefully furnished in a quiet area right on the water which is very relaxing and away from the busier touristy parts. It is far enough away to be nice and quiet but not so far away that you can't get to things easily. In fact, there was tons to do all within 15-20 minutes (or further if you want to venture more). The scenery can't be beat, the freshest lobster is literally a 2 minute walk away and even the neighbors were outgoing, friendly and inviting. Truly an A+ experience - if you have the opportunity to stay here, book it! You won't be disappointed.
For over 40 years, our group of women—friends who worked together and have stayed close ever since—has made it a tradition to reconnect and spend quality time together. Three years ago, we discovered this house, and it has quickly become our go-to spot. Every visit feels like coming home.
The house is spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed, making it perfect for a group like ours. We especially love the fabulous kitchen and eating area and all the wonderful views. Living areas are full of art and tastefully decorated. The location is ideal, allowing us to enjoy being together and taking walks in the beautiful area, Close beaches and a lighthouse are a plus too.
Each year, the host goes above and beyond to ensure everything is just right, and her attention to detail makes us feel so welcome. This place has become more than just a vacation rental—it’s a part of our tradition and memories.
We can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone looking to create lasting memories with friends or family. We’re already counting down to our next visit!