The Badger Den
The Badger Den: A Spacious Waterfront Retreat in Boothbay Harbor

Why Stay
Why The Badger Den
The Badger Den isn't a hotel - it's a three-bedroom house that belongs to you the moment you unlock the private entrance. Perched with sea views overlooking Boothbay Harbor, it's the kind of place where families scatter across the property and everyone finds their corner: kids chasing games on the lawn while you nurse coffee by the outdoor fireplace. Two recent guests gave it perfect scores, and both mentioned the same thing: this place just works.
Summer families pack these weeks tight along the Maine coast, and most choose hotel corridors and front desks. The Badger Den is different. You get a full kitchen (properly equipped, not a kitchenette), outdoor dining, space to sprawl, and the freedom to exist on your own schedule.
Sea views and location are why people stay here twice. Guests called out "great location to see many attractions" on their recent visit - not just the water but proximity to Boothbay's restaurants, shops, and jumping-off points for day trips. The view alone sets the tone.
The outdoor space is real. An outdoor fireplace, picnic area, and substantial furniture mean you're actually using the outside. One family praised the "great outdoor space" in their perfect review. This matters when you're renting for three days.
The kitchen is fully functional. Stovetop, oven, refrigerator, coffee machine, microwave, dishwasher - the works. Self-catering families note this immediately. One recent guest did mention she'd have appreciated a few extras (foil, plastic wrap, dish cloths) to round things out, but the bones are solid.
Comfortable beds and linens. "Comfortable beds" appeared in the recent reviews. Nobody rents a house and wants to sleep poorly.
Accessibility is built in. Lowered sink, raised toilet, and full facilities for disabled guests mean this home works for multi-generational trips or visitors with mobility considerations.
Rooms
The rooms
The Badger Den is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a private entrance and sea views. Rooms feature linens and air-conditioning. The layout spreads bedrooms across the home, giving families genuine privacy - not the shoulder-to-shoulder feeling of neighboring hotel units.
- Three-Bedroom House: Sea-view home with two full baths, suitable for 4–6 guests depending on bed configurations.
A minor note: one family suggested the property would benefit from standard kitchen supplies like plastic wrap and sandwich bags - the kind of thing you might grab from your kitchen at home and forget you won't have. It's worth packing or asking about before you arrive.
At a Glance
At a glance
Best for
Families, multi-generational groups, self-catering vacations
Price tier
Mid to upper-mid (typical house rental pricing for coastal Maine)
Guest score
10.0 Exceptional
Standout amenities
Sea views · full kitchen · outdoor fireplace · accessible design
Details
Check-in / out
Amenities
On-site amenities
Outdoors & Views · Outdoor fireplace with seating, picnic area with tables, substantial outdoor dining and lounging furniture, unobstructed sea views
Kitchen & Dining · Full-size refrigerator, stovetop, oven, microwave, dining table, coffee machine, toaster, kitchenware, dryer
Living & Work · Shared lounge/TV area with satellite and cable channels, sofa, sitting area, desk, DVD player
For Families & Recreation · TV, fishing access, hiking nearby, smoke-free property
Safety & Practical · Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detector, CCTV outside property and in common areas, heating, ironing facilities
Seasons
When to visit
Summer (June–August): Peak season. Boothbay Harbor thrums with tourists, restaurants are fully open, whale-watch boats run multiple trips daily, and the Botanical Garden is in full bloom. Expect crowds and higher visibility for everything. Water temperature hovers around 60°F.
Shoulder Season (May and September): Quieter than summer but still pleasant. Weather is reliable, attractions remain open, and you can actually get reservations at popular restaurants. The Botanical Garden transitions between spring blooms and fall foliage. Water is still cool.
Fall (October): Leaf-peeping season draws crowds mid-month, but early October is underrated. Days shorten, temperatures drop into the 50s, but the light is perfect. Many attractions stay open through October.
Winter (November–March): Properties often close or go quiet. Weather is unpredictable. Most boat tours and seasonal attractions shut down. This rental likely operates year-round, but verify before booking.
Reviews
What guests say
"Clean spacious great location to see many attractions. We made every day fun."
- Denice, United States · Family · 10/10
"It was clean, had great outdoor space, comfortable beds, well-equipped kitchen."
- Mabel, United States · Family · 10/10
Both recent guests were families with multi-generational groups, and both gave perfect scores. One family mentioned wishing for a few kitchen supplies like foil and plastic wrap - a practical note if you're planning to cook extensively. Otherwise, the feedback has been straightforward: cleanliness, space, and comfort.
Location
Things to do nearby
- Grimes Cove Beach - 1.2 miles: small, sheltered beach ideal for families with young children
- Downtown Boothbay Harbor - 2 miles: restaurants, galleries, lobster shacks, and the working waterfront
- Coastal Maine Botanical Garden - 6.2 miles: 270 acres in nearby Boothbay: walking trails, sculpture gardens, seasonal plantings
- Cap'n Fish's Whale Watch - 2.5 miles: boat tours departing daily in summer
- Owls Head Light State Park - 20 miles: scenic lighthouse on the Midcoast, easy walk, dramatic ocean views
- Pemaquid Point Light - 18 miles: red-and-white beacon, beach access, museum in Damariscotta area
- Boothbay Railway Museum - 3 miles: vintage train rides through coastal forests (seasonal)
- Local kayaking and water sports - 1–3 miles: several outfitters rent kayaks and paddleboards from the harbor
FAQ
Good to know
Is The Badger Den directly on the water? It has sea views and is in Boothbay Harbor, but it's not a waterfront property with direct beach access. Grimes Cove Beach is 1.2 miles away, and the harbor itself is 2 miles down the road.
What's included in the kitchen? Refrigerator, stovetop, oven, microwave, coffee machine, toaster, full kitchenware, dining table, and dish dryer. One guest noted the lack of foil and plastic wrap - items worth packing or requesting in advance.
Is there a washer and dryer? Yes. The property has a washing machine and dryer, essential for longer stays or family trips where laundry piles up fast.
Is breakfast included? No. This is a self-catering house rental. You cook your own meals or eat out in Boothbay Harbor.
Is the property accessible for guests with mobility challenges? Yes. The home features a lowered sink, raised toilet, and full facilities for disabled guests. There's a private entrance and no stairs to navigate the main floor.
How far is it from Augusta State Airport? 41 miles, roughly a 50-minute drive. Most visitors fly into Portland International (90 minutes south) for more direct service.
Can I have a bonfire or use the outdoor fireplace? The outdoor fireplace is available on-site. For open-fire pits or bonfires, check local burn ordinances in Boothbay Harbor - coastal Maine has seasonal restrictions.
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