The Anchorage

About this space
The Anchorage is a six-bedroom summer home with water views and loads of charm. It's located 10 miles from Blue Hill and one hour from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. People love this house for family reunions (both kid and dog friendly) and artist hangouts/retreats.
The space
**UPDATE for the 2023 Season**

I am only booking weekly (and longer) stays, from Sunday to Saturday. Saturdays are blocked off to give my cleaner time to make the house ready for new guests.

Thus, guests will check in Sunday and check out Saturday.

The rate from June 4 to July 8 is $1500 per week.
The rate from July 9 to September 2 is $2000 per week.
The rate from September 3 through September 30 is $1500 per week.

There is an additional discount for monthly stays.

I can probably be more flexible about dates during the off season, including Labor Day weekend. Please reach out to me with all inquiries and questions, and I'll get right back to you!


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THE ANCHORAGE

The main house was built in 1812 by Samuel Billings, the son of one of the Blue Hill Peninsula's original land grant settlers. Billings was a master carpenter by trade, and the Anchorage is widely regarded as his greatest achievement. Among its notable features are the original central chimney, wide-plank flooring, hand-painted fireplaces, diamond-paned windows with leaded glass, and gothic arches.

From the late nineteenth century until just a few years ago, the Anchorage belonged to two friendly Pennsylvania families who summered on the Blue Hill Peninsula. The property passed from one family to the other in the 1920s. The second family is responsible for adding the west wing master suite, the east wing, and some of the most fanciful bathrooms you will ever see. The Anchorage was much loved and cared for during their 90-year tenure, and their artistic and eclectic touches truly make it a magical place.


THE LAYOUT

In addition to the living room, a formal dining room with seating for 10-12 people, a child's play area, and a kitchen, the Anchorage has six bedrooms located in four distinct zones.

1. The west wing suite, perfect for families with children, has a large master bedroom with a queen and toddler bed and an attached bathroom. There is an additional small bedroom with a double bed. Both bedrooms open into the playroom, and the suite has its own separate entrance.

2. Two upstairs bedrooms share a sink and toilet. These are my favorite bedrooms in the house; they have beautiful southern exposure and great views of Eggemoggin Reach. One room has a double bed, and the other contains two twins.

3. The east, or "blue," wing bedroom, with its painted double bedstead, has a screened door that opens on to a private porch. This wing has the only full bathroom in the house, with a clawfoot tub, a separate shower, and painted wall murals.

4. The Estemere, or back bedroom, contains a large double bedroom with a sink. Outside the room is another sink, a fabulous shower, and the "Throne" -- a toilet you access via a short flight of stairs. This is a great spot for a couple who wants privacy from the rest of the group. It has not one, but two separate entrances.

The property is available from June through September.
Guest access
The whole house is yours. Enjoy drinks on the wraparound porch, where you can watch distant boats on Eggemoggin Reach and catch glimpses of the Deer Isle Bridge. Kids will love exploring the barn or hiking through the 20 acres of woods and fields behind the house up to a four-acre blueberry field loaded with delicious organic berries.
Other things to note
This house is priced well below comparably sized houses due to its rusticity, so please keep that in mind when you book. If you are looking for a luxury property, this is not it. It is comfortable and well stocked (read the reviews), but it is not luxurious. Think traditional summer house (which it was for over 90 years) rather than hotel.