Newly Renovated Condo Near Sunday River

Three minutes from the Sunday River lifts is not hyperbole - it's the entire point. This one-bedroom condo on Cherry Lane in Bethel is built for skiers and families who want to ditch the resort corridor and settle into actual living space: a full kitchen, a fireplace, a terrace overlooking the mountains, and the kind of quiet that makes you remember why you came to Maine in the first place.

The condo has been refreshed with new furnishings and a fully equipped kitchen. A couple from Switzerland called it "lovingly furnished." A family from the US said the space, size, and cleanliness were "excelente." That's not marketing; that's the consistency you hear across 19 guest reviews.

Couples especially light up about the location and the value, particularly outside ski season. The condo is best suited for two people or a small family willing to share a bedroom and living room - not a sprawling estate, but smartly laid out and genuinely comfortable for short stays or even a week-long season rental.

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Three minutes to Sunday River's base lodge. The proximity is real and saves you 20 minutes each way compared to downtown Bethel lodging. Park outside, use your door code, and you're on the mountain before the crowds. Skiers and snowboarders call it "perfect location" repeatedly.

A full kitchen and fireplace that actually work. This isn't a kitchenette. You have a dishwasher, stovetop, oven, coffee maker, and dining table. The fireplace is functional, not decorative - guests mention curling up by it on shoulder-season stays. One couple from Australia noted the kitchen was "well equipped," and families say they can prepare real meals rather than relying on takeout.

Mountain views and genuine quiet. The condo sits surrounded by Bethel's mountains with a terrace and garden. One guest described it as "so peaceful and in the middle of everything" - a rare balance. Reviews use "quiet" more than any other single descriptor.

Welcoming to families and groups. A one-bedroom with a sofa bed and streamlined layout works for small families (two adults and a child or two) and groups sharing. Multiple families return to this exact unit; one group stayed 14 consecutive nights. Kids can fish nearby, and the hiking and mountain biking are minutes away.

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The condo is a single one-bedroom unit with a living area that includes a sofa bed, sitting area, and fireplace. The bedroom has a queen or full bed (reviews don't specify which), and the whole space has hardwood or parquet floors, a private entrance, and plenty of storage.

• One-Bedroom Apartment - Sleeps 2–4 depending on sofa-bed use; full kitchen, living area with fireplace, mountain views from terrace

Honest context: A few families with young children noted that linens and towels are minimal - bring extras or plan to do laundry mid-stay if you're staying longer than three nights. The condo is clean and well-maintained, but it's also not a hotel; owners aren't restocking linens every day. One guest mentioned the lack of complimentary coffee and tea, though the coffee maker and filters are there.

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Kitchen & Dining · Fully equipped with dishwasher, stovetop, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, electric kettle, toaster, and kitchenware · Dining table for meals

Living Spaces · Fireplace · Sofa and sitting area · Streaming services (Netflix) and cable TV · Flat-screen TV

Bedroom & Bath · Private bathroom with shower and bathtub · Hairdryer · Linens provided (though minimal for long stays) · Socket near bed

Outdoors & Views · Terrace with outdoor furniture · Garden · Picnic area · Mountain and garden views · BBQ facilities

Practical · Free WiFi · Free parking outside unit · Private check-in/out with door code · Air conditioning and heating · Non-smoking property · Carbon monoxide detector

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Winter (December–March) - Peak season for skiers and snowboarders heading to Sunday River. The condo is three minutes from the lifts, making early morning runs easy. Expect higher rates during holiday weeks and weekends. Mountain views are crisp and snow-covered.

Spring (April–May) - Shoulder season brings smaller crowds, lower rates, and the chance to hike nearby trails as snow melts. The Androscoggin River and local ponds warm up enough for kayaking. Leaf-out is beautiful but brief.

Summer (June–August) - Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and canoeing season. Downtown Bethel comes alive with farmers markets and outdoor concerts. The terrace and garden are at their best. Reviews from summer guests praise the quiet and mountain setting.

Fall (September–October) - Leaf-peeping season brings crowds and higher prices, but the foliage around Bethel is exceptional. The mountain views from the condo's terrace and garden are stunning. Cooler evenings make the fireplace appealing again.

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"Quiet, clean, easy to find, solid value especially for this time of year, and comfortable."

• Mark, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Everything. It was so peaceful and in the middle of everything."

• Shawna, United States · Couple · 10/10

"A clean and spacious one bed condo with a well equipped kitchen only a short drive from downtown Bethel."

• Hannah, Australia · Couple · 9/10

"The space, size, comfort, and cleanliness were excellent."

• Maurizio, United States · Family · 10/10

"Close to everything and perfect location for Sunday River."

• Kurt, United States · Family · 10/10

"Very clean, comfortable bed, excellent WiFi and cable options, and surrounded by mountains."

• Luis, United States · Solo traveler · 7/10

Minor notes from guests: A handful of reviews mention minor maintenance items - a loose kitchen sink faucet, a wobbly floor lamp - but note that the owner responds promptly to messages. One family wished for more towels and extra blankets for the sofa bed; another mentioned that the trash dumpster is outside (not a dealbreaker, just context). These are maintenance quirks in a vacation rental, not structural issues.

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• Sunday River ski area: 3 minutes by car
• Downtown Bethel shops and restaurants: ~8 minutes; includes the Bethel Village, galleries, and local breweries
• Grafton Notch State Park hiking trails: ~20 minutes; includes Old Speck Mountain and scenic picnic areas
• Androscoggin River: ~5 minutes; fishing, canoeing, and summer swimming
• Sunday Pond: ~15 minutes; quieter water access for kayaking and family outings
• Mount Success Trail: ~30 minutes; intermediate day hike with summit views
• Local brewery and farm-to-table dining: ~10 minutes walk or short drive to Bethel's growing food scene

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Is the condo really only 3 minutes from Sunday River? Yes. The condo is in Bethel, a short drive from Sunday River's base lodge. The exact distance and drive time vary slightly by traffic, but guests consistently confirm it's one of the closest private rentals to the lifts.

Is breakfast included? No. The condo is a self-catering rental with a fully equipped kitchen. Coffee maker, filters, and utensils are provided, but you'll need to bring or buy groceries. Several guests appreciated the full kitchen for this reason.

Can I book this for a longer stay (a week or more)? Yes. One group stayed 14 consecutive nights in May. The condo is available for flexible check-in and check-out with a door code. Longer stays may qualify for better rates; contact the owner directly through Booking.com.

Is there parking? Yes. Free parking is available directly outside the unit. You can park and walk to your door easily - important for ski trips with lots of gear.

Do I need a car? Yes, for most practical purposes. The condo is rural and doesn't have walkable access to grocery stores or restaurants. There is a brewery within walking distance, but you'll want a car for dining and supplies.

What if something breaks during my stay? The owner is responsive. Multiple guests mention that the owner replied to messages about minor issues (a loose door handle, a loose faucet). Private check-in/out means you can resolve things efficiently.

Is the sofa bed comfortable for adults? Reviews don't specifically address this, but sofa beds are generally tighter than proper beds. One family with young children didn't flag it as a problem; couples on short stays don't mention it either. If you're staying more than 2–3 nights, prioritize the bedroom for better sleep.

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