Waterfront Maine Island Cottage, Brand New poutres et poteaux!

Vinalhaven is a wonderful setting...an island off the coast of Maine reachable only be a 75 minute ferry ride. Joel and Julie’s waterfront cottage is well appointed, clean and comfortable. They made sure we were comfortable and secure but were totally non intrusive. We enjoyed bike riding around the island as well as participating in activities of this very welcoming community. A great place to spend a week ( or longer).

This was easily the best HomeAway experience we’ve ever had (and we’ve had some other really great ones)! Joel and Julie made it feel almost like a Bed and Breakfast with all the personal attention they gave (always available to help or give recommendations, but respectful of our privacy to enjoy our family vacation) and the care with which they manage the property...Julie planted a fresh herb garden for us while we were there, for heaven’s sake!!!

This is a meticulously maintained, comfortable cottage with a well-equipped kitchen, STUNNING views, and an absolute feeling of serenity - all day, every day. We spent hours just relaxing on the deck - watching Bald Eagles soaring, Blue Herons fishing, Osprey diving, fish jumping, Hummingbirds hovering, and Red Squirrels frolicking. The kayaks, hiking trails, swimming holes at the quarries, and fantastic restaurants were a pleasure as well. Vinalhaven is a treasure.

Just make sure you understand what you need to do to get your reservations for the ferry if you’re bringing your vehicle. It can be VERY tricky to manage, but Joel can help you figure it out, and it is DEFINITELY worth the trouble!

We arrived to a beautiful cottage on the water's edge and as can happen socked in by grey skies. Did that matter? NO! the living area was comfortably furnished with a wall of windows overlooking Vinal Cove and it felt like the outside was inside. We were treated to constantly changing landscape and the ebb and flow of the tides. Joel and Julia were such wonderful and helpful "landlords" in our case going above and beyond the call of duty ie changing a flat tire on my car. Joel a avid gardner was often busy planting for next year so I am sure his garden will be a further delight to renters. The house was clean and inviting with a deck which we might have put to use if the weather had been more obliging. Joel is a talented photographer and such an interesting person. Check out his photography page. All in all our hosts and their cottage get a 20 star rating.

We had no idea what to expect other than serenity and peace. What we found was community. Joel's cottage is picture perfect in every way. Great location not too far from town, beautiful sunrises, lovely tidal changes, stunning colors at sunset. Well appointed kitchen, with everything needed to make the cottage your own. The living room has fantastic light and great breezes due to the abundance of windows. The beds are comfy. The gardens are beautiful. Kayaks are convenient and a fun way to explore. We in turned loved everything about Vinalhaven. Some restaurants and businesses were closed for part of the week as the proprietors had to take a breather after a busy summer. No matter. I can't say enough about how kind the business owners are, and how much fun we had tasting the local fare, especially the fresh lobster, which we both cooked at home and had at the restaurants. As for the host, well Joel is just incredible. We were fortunate enough to meet him and some of his friends (his home is next door). Their hospitality was unbelievable, and honestly we wished we had more time with Joel (and Julie). We enjoyed reading The Wind (the local paper) as well as a few of the local books Joel had at the cottage (Away Happens is hilarious). One really got a sense of the history and the island's uniqueness, and appreciate the hardworking lobstermen and their families.

If you're looking for a lovely cottage with a beautiful view of the tidal cove, this is the place to be. Peaceful is the single word description. Joel and Julie live in the cottage next door and are available for questions but are mindful of guests' privacy. The cottage is well supplied with dishes, cookware and small appliances for those who enjoy cooking in. The windows facing the cove are awesome and you must catch at least one sunrise. Spectacular site. Joel will guide you with the ferry process but if you've never taken your car over on one, it's a pleasant adventure. The ride to and fro was beautiful. Would recommend this place to anyone wanting to kick back and bike, kayak or read. Thank you Joel and Julie!