This cottage was conceived as a place for play and rest, for reading, dreaming, doing projects, cooking and eating, and playing on the grass in the summer sunshine after the long New York winters. Its close proximity to the shore is protected by large offshore islands which make the bay unusually protected and peaceful. Its tidal nature keeps out boats, and the changing tidal landscape turns everyone into birdwatchers. The uncluttered interiors of the rooms allow the light and sea views to be part of every moment spent here.
The property actually consists of two separate houses (the larger, main cottage and the smaller house) located next to each other in a single property on the edge of a quiet tidal bay in mid-coast Maine. The houses are architect-designed renovations of existing old buildings that function independently but are designed to be enjoyed together. Both houses share the same spectacular views of the sea and offshore islands and direct access to the water for swimming, fishing and kayaking.
The design is classic seaside elegance – cool, whitewashed and bright, with a breezy and serene charm. The sea-facing porch and comfortable day-beds inside the houses invite guests to curl up with a good book – they have a great selection for book-lovers – or just look out over the bay where sea birds forage at low tide. We love the juxtaposition of vintage pieces like the American blue jelly cupboard with contemporary art and lighting, and quirky found objects.
The cottage and guest house are located close to each other across the lawn. They offer privacy and shared facilities for two families sharing a vacation or for a couple with teenagers, grandparents or friends accompanying them. The guest cottage is also a great place to work on a project or take a nap while others are busy playing.
The larger house has a second-floor master bedroom, bathroom and full laundry, and downstairs, an open-plan living room and large gourmet kitchen with dining table. The guest house has two bedrooms, a bathroom, open living area and smaller kitchen. Both have wood-burning, free-standing fireplaces, as well as outdoor showers.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The main kitchen has soapstone counters, a Gaggenau gas stove, electric oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer and a dishwasher. Appliances include a Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Cuisinart food processor, blender, Dualit toaster, professional cookware, baking pans and cook’s tools. The guest house kitchen has a small refrigerator, toaster oven, electric toaster, electric cordless kettle, and coffee maker.
There is a laundry room with washing machine and dryer, a telephone, hairdryers, a CD Player, a DVD player with large screen TV, books and games, and off-street parking for two cars. The garden has a Weber charcoal grill and a picnic table with benches that comfortably seats eight.
AROUND
The property is located between two classic Maine villages. The area is wonderful for bird watching. In summer, guests can swim off the rocks in front of the house, and launch a kayak from the front lawn. There is direct access to the water for swimming and kayaking, and a kayak and paddles are provided (guests must supply their own life vests). Fishermen have been known to catch sea bass off the rocks.
Martinsville is located on a small bay between Port Clyde and Tenants Harbor on the St George peninsula, and around its protected shores are houses, small farms, lobster shacks and historic waterfront homes. Locals picnic and swim at low tide on the sand flats nearby Drift-Inn Beach, and kayak and canoe on the waters of the bay. There’s a lively local marketplace at Hedgerow where guests can stock up on groceries and catch up on news.
LOCATION
Martinsville, Maine, USA. Nearest airport: Knox County Regional Airport (16 miles). Portland Jetport, (PWM) Portland Maine.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Year round. The property is well located for skiing, skating and cross-country sports in winter, as well as swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, nature walks, bird-watching and boat trips to nearby islands in summer.
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