My family of four had a delightful stay. The owners are a lovely couple who are available if necessary but are themselves busy with their own concerns, leaving us to feel perfectly at ease and at home.

It felt as though we were staying in a friend's family vacation home. The rental house isn't modern in its arrangement and appliances but it is charming and very comfortable. It is bright and sunny and had everything we needed: washer/dryer, two bathrooms (bathtub and shower stall), a spacious kitchen, the living area wasn't large but it was just fine for us, and heat when the nights were cold.

With only two bedrooms (each with two twin beds), four people is probably ideal for the house. Pushing together the two twin beds in the larger bedroom, might then fit two adults and a small child and still have two twin beds in the second bedroom.

We loved the deck that is accessible through sliding glass doors in the living room. From inside, the living room view is of lawn and trees but outside on the deck is a view of the peaceful, beautiful harbor-not a sweeping view but all the same, a lovely view. We sat there every morning with our coffee and a book. The house faces west, into the beautiful sunsets. Our children (8 & 5) played in the lawn.

Days and nights are quiet and peaceful. There are neighboring homes and businesses so we didn't feel isolated. The Ravenswood woodcarving studio was next door. A convenient and tiny post office was obscured through the trees in the back. Down the long driveway across the street is a local seafood restaurant and a four minute walk brings you to a more casual restaurant. Within walking distance is a ferry to Swans Island and the Bass Harbor Cruise Company. Folks are free to walk on the nearby docks and enjoy the view of the harbor and mountains. There is a fun fireworks display once a week during the summer.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse is nearby and it's a quick drive to Southwest Harbor where there are many restaurants and shops. Take the scenic route to Southwest Harbor and stop at the Seawall, a spectacular rocky shore open to the sea which is magnificent and almost terrifyingly beautiful. It's a twelve minute drive to freshwater Echo lake (part of Acadia National Park) for a swim or to hike, etc.. Away from the crowds in Bar Harbor (25 minute drive), this part of Mount Desert Island is ideal for a quiet, beautiful Maine experience.

We had a lovely stay and hope to return in the future.