Firehouse Cottage

If you're planning a week on the Midcoast and want a rental that feels less like a temporary place and more like a second home, Firehouse Cottage delivers. This three-bedroom vacation home sits in the heart of Boothbay Harbor - close enough to walk to shops and restaurants, quiet enough that you'll actually relax. It's the kind of property where you arrive intending to explore and end up spending half your time on the patio with a book and a coffee.

The cottage gets its name honestly: it was once the town's firehouse, and that history shows in the architectural bones. The place has been thoroughly updated with modern kitchen appliances, full heating and cooling, and streaming services, but it hasn't lost its character. Families, couples, and groups all show up here, and that mix tells you something - this is a property that works for different kinds of trips.

The location is genuinely walkable to the harbor and local shops. You're steps from Boothbay Harbor's working waterfront, restaurants, and gift shops - close enough that you don't need to drive for coffee or a lobster roll, but the cottage itself sits on a quiet side street. Guests consistently mention this balance: access without noise.

The living spaces are genuinely large, not vacation-rental "cozy." The downstairs opens up with a proper sitting area, a full dining table, and enough room that three couples or a family of six won't feel on top of each other. The fireplace works, the sofa is real furniture, and there's a desk if someone needs to handle work emails.

The kitchen and outdoor grill setup makes cooking from the cottage viable. This matters if you're staying a week. Full dishwasher, refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and kitchenware mean you can actually prep meals rather than eating out for every dinner. The outdoor dining area and working grill extend that: you can char fish or vegetables while overlooking your own space.

It's genuinely pet-friendly, with nearby quiet walking routes. You can bring your dog, and the surrounding streets are low-traffic enough for real walks - not just bathroom breaks on a busy road. Past guests have appreciated the secluded yard space and lack of foot traffic.

The firehouse heritage and decor give the place personality. Unlike generic vacation rentals, this cottage has been thoughtfully decorated. The bones are interesting, and guests notice. It doesn't feel like staying in a furnished apartment; it feels like occupying a real house with character.

Firehouse Cottage is a three-bedroom vacation home split across one main floor with clear separation between living and sleeping areas. The upstairs contains the bedrooms; downstairs is living, kitchen, and dining space. All rooms are in the Three-Bedroom Vacation Home category.

• Primary bedrooms (two) – Central to the home with access to the full bathroom
• Guest bedroom – Additional sleeping space for larger groups
• Shared bathroom – Private, fully equipped with shower, toiletries, and towels

One practical note: the shower is compact. If you're tall or have mobility concerns, that's worth knowing. It's functional and clean, but tight. The staircase lacks a banister, which families with young children or anyone with balance concerns should consider.

Outdoor & Dining · Full barbecue grill · Outdoor dining area with patio · Picnic area · Private entrance

Kitchen & Appliances · Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, refrigerator, stovetop, oven, and microwave · Dining table · Coffee machine and toaster · All necessary kitchenware included

Living & Comfort · Wood-burning fireplace · Spacious sitting area and sofa · Flat-screen television with cable and satellite channels · Streaming services (Netflix and similar) · Work desk and ironing facilities · Full heating throughout

Practical & Safety · Washing machine and dryer · Private bathroom with shower · Smoke alarms · Carbon monoxide detector · Fire extinguishers · Smoke-free property

Activities & Recreation · Hiking trails accessible nearby · Fishing opportunities · Golf course within 2 miles · Pet-friendly grounds with quiet walking routes

Summer (June–August) Peak season for families and groups; Boothbay Harbor buzzes with tourists, galleries and shops operate full hours, and the outdoor grill gets heavy use. The patio is at its best. Book early.

Early Fall (September–October) The sweet spot for many. Kids are back in school, crowds thin out, and the Midcoast weather is still warm enough for evening fires and outdoor dining. Foliage arrives by late September. This cottage fills fast during this window.

Late Fall & Winter (November–March) Quieter, more affordable, but Coastal Maine Botanical Garden scales back hours and some local restaurants operate limited schedules. The fireplace and indoor space shine. Good for couples seeking isolation.

Spring (April–May) Shoulder season; unpredictable weather and spring openings of waterfront attractions. Fewer crowds, lower rates, but plan for rain and variable heating needs.

"The property was light and airy with very spacious living areas."

• Carrieann, France · Solo traveler · 10/10

"We loved the closeness to main spots, cuteness, and comfort. We would stay there again in a heartbeat."

• Patty, United States · Group · 10/10

"Nice location close to the Harbor but very quiet. Great outdoor grill and spacious living area. Places for the dog to walk on secluded streets."

• William, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

"Location, size, kitchen size, patio, and grill were exceptional."

• Brittany, United States · Family · 8/10

"Comfortable and welcoming, everything well thought out."

• Arguin, Canada · Family · 10/10

"Adorable firehouse with lots of space downstairs and excellent location."

• Ann, United States · Group · 10/10

The minor criticisms: one guest found the code-based door lock confusing on arrival (worth clarifying with the owner ahead of time). The booking description previously mentioned an on-site playground that doesn't exist - confirm exact amenities when booking if that matters to your group. The shower is snug, and the staircase lacks a handrail, so this isn't ideal for very young children unsupervised or guests with mobility concerns.

• Boothbay Harbor village center – 5-minute walk; galleries, restaurants, ice cream shops, and the working harbor
• Coastal Maine Botanical Garden – 1.9 miles; 20+ acres of gardens, walking trails, and seasonal exhibits
• Southport – 10-minute drive; quiet village with antique shops and coastal scenery
• Ocean Point – 8 miles northeast; rocky headland, lighthouses, and coastal drives
• Damariscotta – 12 miles; river town with farm-to-table restaurants and a farmers market (summer weekends)
• Boot Head – 3 miles; kayaking, fishing, and access to local water sports rentals
• Golf course – Within 2 miles; Boothbay Harbor Country Club for casual rounds

Is Firehouse Cottage right on the water? No, it's on a quiet street within walking distance of Boothbay Harbor village and the waterfront, but not oceanfront. You can walk to the harbor in under five minutes.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, pets are welcome. The surrounding streets are quiet and good for dog walks, and the property has outdoor space. Confirm any breed or size restrictions with the owner.

Is the kitchen fully stocked for cooking? Yes. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, full refrigerator, stovetop, oven, microwave, and all cookware and utensils. Bring or ask about staples like salt and oil.

Is there parking? The listing doesn't specify. Confirm parking availability - street or on-site - when you book, especially for groups with multiple cars.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms exactly? Three bedrooms and one full bathroom. The bathroom is small, and the shower is compact, so plan accordingly for larger groups.

Can I rent this year-round? The cottage appears to accept bookings year-round, though late fall and winter may have limited availability. Confirm your dates directly with the owner.

Is breakfast included? No, this is a self-catering vacation home. You cook your own meals or eat out at local restaurants. The grill and full kitchen are designed for self-sufficient stays.