Highland Holiday Cottage

Highland Holiday is the kind of place where a week isn't enough. This three-bedroom beachfront cottage sits directly on Highland Lake, the second-largest lake in Maine, offering guests unfiltered access to the sort of slow mornings - coffee on the deck, loons calling across the water - that make you forget what day of the week it is. The cottage sleeps up to ten, making it ideal for extended family reunions, multi-couple getaways, or anyone who needs both space and proximity to the water. The kitchen is fully outfitted for cooking, there's a barbecue for lakeside dinners, and the whole place has the ease of a summer home you've borrowed from friends.

The location hits the sweet spot between accessibility and seclusion. Bridgton itself is a genuine working town - not a resort village - with a good diner, local grocery, and the sort of practical services that matter when you're self-catering for a crowd. The lake itself is the real draw: clean, deep enough for swimming and fishing, and ringed with mountains that turn every season into something worth watching.

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Direct beachfront access with genuine sand and water. Most lake cottages claim a dock and call it waterfront. This one has actual beach - the kind where kids build castles and you can wade in without rocks. The water here is cool and clean; the lake is spring-fed and shallow near shore, safe for families with younger children.

Space to spread out without resort-style crowds. Ten-person capacity means you can bring the whole extended family or two couples without feeling squeezed. Three separate bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a sitting area, and a dining table large enough for real group meals - not a cramped efficiency where everyone's stepping over each other.

A fully equipped kitchen for doing your own thing. The cottage comes with a stove, oven, microwave, toaster, full cookware, and dining table. For groups on a budget or with dietary preferences, this beats restaurant hopping every night. The barbecue extends the cooking to the deck overlooking the lake.

Fishing and beach activities without leaving the property. Highland Lake is stocked with bass and perch. Guests can fish directly from the beach or dock. For non-anglers, the sandy shore works for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply sitting with a book while the water laps away the afternoon.

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The cottage is organized around one main living and sleeping footprint: three bedrooms spread across the structure, two full bathrooms (important when ten people are trying to get ready in the morning), a combined sitting and dining area, and a kitchen that overlooks the water. The bedrooms vary in size - expect some rooms to feel snug while others offer more breathing room - a typical trade-off in older lakefront properties built in eras when "cozy" was the aesthetic. Windows throughout capture the lake view; you'll wake to water-light even on overcast mornings.

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Beach & Water · Sandy beachfront access · Barbecue area · Fishing opportunities directly from the beach · Lake views from the cottage

Kitchen & Dining · Fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, and microwave · Dining table for the full group · Tea and coffee maker · Full cookware and kitchenware included

Comfort & Convenience · Free WiFi · Free parking · Private bathroom for each bedroom area · Sitting area with TV · Non-smoking throughout

Pet-Friendly · Dogs and pets welcome (confirm details when booking)

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Summer (June–August). Peak season. The lake is warm and swimmable, the beach is in full use, and the surrounding towns buzz with activity. Days are long; evening light on the water lingers past 9 p.m. Expect other cottages and boats on the lake. Ideal for families and groups wanting full lake amenities and good weather.

Shoulder Season (May & September–October). The lake is cooler but swimmable for hardy swimmers; the crowds thin significantly. May brings wildflowers and warming days perfect for hiking and fishing. September and early October deliver brilliant foliage and comfortable temperatures. Barbecue season extends through both months.

Fall (October–November). Leaf-peeping territory. The mountains ringing Bridgton turn gold and red by mid-October. The lake can feel empty and contemplative. Some days are genuinely warm; others require layers. Better for quiet retreats than active water time.

Winter (December–March). The lake freezes solid, opening ice-fishing season. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing around Bridgton are excellent. The cottage works for winter getaways if you're prepared for cold. Confirm heating and utilities before booking in deep winter.

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• Bridgton village center: 2 miles - local shops, Bridgton Pharmacy diner (famous for breakfast), and a working waterfront with boat rentals
• White Mountain National Forest: 19 miles - hiking, picnic areas, and mountain views; excellent for a full-day excursion
• Shawnee Peak (Bridgton ski area): 8 miles - operating winter and summer with lift-access hiking and scenic chairlift rides
• Kahuna Laguna water park: 24 miles - family-friendly splash park with slides and lazy river, worth a day trip with kids
• Sebago Lake State Park: 12 miles - larger public beach, campground, and lake access if you want to explore beyond Highland Lake
• Story Land Amusement Park: 30 miles - storybook-themed rides and attractions for young children
• Portland International Jetport: 41 miles - about an hour's drive for arrivals and departures

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Is the cottage right on the water? Yes. The cottage sits directly on Highland Lake with sandy beach access. You can walk from the cottage deck to the water in seconds. This is genuine beachfront, not across-the-road waterfront.

Is WiFi reliable? Free WiFi is included, though speeds depend on your provider and distance from the nearest tower. Cell service in Bridgton is adequate but not always strong directly on the lake. Confirm before booking if consistent connectivity is essential.

What's included in the kitchen? The kitchen is fully equipped: stove, oven, microwave, toaster, refrigerator, full cookware, dishes, glasses, utensils, and a dining table. You're set for cooking multiple meals per day for a large group.

Is the barbecue included? Yes. A full barbecue is available on the property for grilling lakeside dinners. Propane or charcoal supply (check terms when booking) lets you cook fish you catch or just grill burgers.

Are pets allowed? Yes, the cottage is pet-friendly. Confirm any size, breed, or additional-fee policies when booking. Having pets on a lake property comes with responsibility for wildlife and neighboring properties.

How far is this from Portland? Portland International Jetport is 41 miles away, roughly a one-hour drive. Portland's Old Port and downtown dining scene are within striking distance for an evening out if needed.

Is this suitable for large groups? Yes, the ten-person capacity makes it one of the better options for extended families or multi-couple reunions. Two bathrooms is the limiting factor; confirm the bathroom layout suits your group before booking.

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