Updated Historic Water Street Apartment

On the easternmost edge of Maine, where the Atlantic's energy and a working fishing town's rhythm collide, Water Street in Eastport runs narrow and purposeful. The Updated Historic Water Street Apartment sits in the thick of it - ground floor, sea-facing, close enough to downtown that you can grab coffee, dinner, or fresh lobster without loading the car. This is not a hotel room playing house. It's an actual two-bedroom, two-bath rental with the kind of details that matter when you're staying put for a few days: a full kitchen stocked with equipment, laundry, a hot tub, and enough space that a family or group doesn't feel stacked on top of each other.

What reviewers return to again and again is the cleanliness, the location, and the sense of home - not the corporate-sanitized version, but the real thing. People rave about waking early to watch the sunrise from the deck, about cooking a proper dinner, about having their dog welcomed without fanfare. A couple who stayed for seven days in late September called it "incredibly clean and well equipped." Another reviewer, a father, praised "the unit was absolutely beautiful" and "the kitchen was super clean and provisioned." The attention shows.

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The location is unbeatable for exploring Eastport proper. A five-minute walk puts you at the downtown core - restaurants, the ferry terminal, the harbor, and the historical society museum. You're steps from water views but lodged in a quiet, low-traffic neighborhood that's perfect for an early morning dog walk or a contemplative coffee on the porch.

The space genuinely functions as a home, not a box. Two separate bedrooms and two full bathrooms mean no negotiation over shower timing. A living room to spread out in. An actual kitchen - not a kitchenette - with a dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, oven, stovetop, and counter space to prep a meal. Free laundry and dryer. Streaming services and board games. One guest who loves to cook noted the "amazing" kitchen would shine on a longer stay.

The aesthetic is thoughtful and well-maintained. Nautical woodwork, down comforters that reviewers described as "to die for," plenty of towels and dishes, beautiful decor, and two decks with ocean views and seating. One couple specifically mentioned the porch rockers and views. The apartment feels curated, not generic.

Hosts are responsive and accommodating. Multiple guests noted the owner's flexibility - early check-in, pet-friendly policy, and quick answers to questions. The complimentary fresh-ground coffee and coffee grinder signal the kind of detail-focused management that keeps people coming back.

The hot tub and outdoor space elevate a short trip. After a day of hiking or touring, a soak in the spa tub is available. The outdoor dining area and barbecue are functional, and the deck is genuinely inviting for an evening wind-down with a view.

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The apartment is a ground-floor, private unit with private entrance - a layout that appeals to guests who value accessibility and a sense of separation from other renters. The building itself is historic, and the interior has been updated while preserving character. Two bedrooms, both with comfortable bedding, are separated by a full shared living space. Both bathrooms are private (one attached to the larger bedroom, one to the smaller).

• Two-Bedroom Apartment - Ground-floor layout with private entrance, living room, two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and outdoor deck access.

One honest note: A few guests flagged bed comfort as inconsistent. One couple mentioned one bed had a soft, rolling-toward-center issue; another noted springs that felt "terribly uncomfortable" on their mattress. If sleep comfort is critical to your trip, confirm the current bed situation with the host before booking. The main bed reviews are generally positive, but the secondary bedroom bed appears to be the occasional sticking point.

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Kitchen & Dining · Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, oven, stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, electric kettle, toaster, coffee machine, and complete kitchenware · Outdoor dining area with barbecue · Private entrance

Comfort & Wellness · Spa tub/hot tub in master bathroom · Two full bathrooms with private facilities · Laundry and dryer · Heating · Linens provided

Entertainment & Connectivity · Free WiFi (292 Mbps) · Streaming services (Netflix-style access) · Board games and puzzles · Flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels · Desk for work

Outdoor & Access · Two decks with views and seating · Garden and outdoor furniture · Sea views · Ground-floor location with no stairs · Parking on-site

Pet & Family Friendly · Pet-friendly (dogs welcome) · Family rooms · Smoke-free property

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The spa tub in the master bedroom is frequently mentioned as a highlight - one guest called it something to be "enjoyed" - though there is a quirk: the drain stopper is on the opposite side from the entry, so you'll need to climb in twice (once to start, once to finish). It's functional but not intuitive. The outdoor setup includes two decks with furniture, a working barbecue, and garden space. Multiple guests specifically praised the porch rockers and sea views from the seating areas.

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Summer (June–August) - Peak season. Warmest weather, all restaurants and attractions open, busy harbor activity. The Downeast Sunrise Trail is fully operational and popular with cyclists and hikers. Sea views from the decks are at their best. Book early; availability is tight. Expect crowds in downtown Eastport during July and early August.

Fall (September–October) - Shoulder season with cooler, clearer days and fewer visitors. The apartment receives plenty of afternoon sunshine through the windows. Fall foliage peaks in mid-to-late September inland and extends through early October on the coast. Excellent time for hiking and photos. Multiple guests stayed in late September and early October and raved about the serenity and comfort.

Winter (November–February) - Quiet and cold. The apartment is heated and works for a restorative retreat, but many local restaurants and attractions operate on reduced hours or close entirely. The ferry to Campobello may have wind-related delays. One family stayed in late December and had a positive experience, but check ahead on seasonal closures.

Spring (March–May) - Transition season. Weather is unpredictable; daylight extends quickly. Some facilities and tours begin to reopen mid-April through May. Fewer tourists, lower rates, but plan around potential rain and cool temperatures.

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"Everything was so clean from top to bottom. Plenty of room in the kitchen to make a meal or sit around the table for dinner. The nautical decor and woodwork was beautiful!"

• Karen, United States · Group · 10/10

"Spacious, comfortable home in perfect location. The little outdoor deck overlooking the water was lovely. Highly recommend this lovely home 5 min from beautiful downtown Eastport!"

• Mary, United States · Group · 10/10

"I was able to reconnect with my students from 49 yrs ago. Very good proximity to downtown."

• David, United States · Couple · 9/10

"What did we like? Everything! Best apartment I've had on booking.com. Location was amazing. The house was comfortable and kitchen was fully stocked, great free coffee. The spa tub was enjoyed, the bbq was clean, plenty of games for the kids."

• Trevor, United States · Family · 10/10

"Very comfortable, absolutely spotless and great location."

• Dave, United States · Couple · 10/10

"It was incredibly clean and well equipped."

• Mary, United States · Couple · 10/10

Minor criticisms centered on small maintenance details rather than fundamental problems. A few guests mentioned sticky or noisy doors, one noted a slow shower drain and one mentioned that replacing the bedroom couch or upgrading certain bed mattresses would improve comfort. One guest wished for a simple Keurig instead of the more complex coffee grinder. A handful flagged that a printed guide to local restaurants and activities would be helpful. These are the kinds of refinements a responsive host can address.

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• Downtown Eastport: 5-minute walk - restaurants, shops, historical society museum, and harbor views.
• Eastport Ferry Terminal: 5-minute walk - gateway to Campobello Island and New Brunswick, Canada.
• Old Sow: 15 minutes by car - the Western Hemisphere's largest tidal whirlpool; best viewed at certain tidal windows.
• Downeast Sunrise Trail: 10-minute drive - 32-mile multi-use trail for biking and hiking, with trailheads near Eastport.
• Campobello Island: 20-minute drive (including ferry) - home to Franklin D. Roosevelt's summer cottage, dramatic coastal cliffs, and East Quoddy Head Light.
• Quoddy Head Light: 25 minutes - Maine's most iconic lighthouse, located in Lubec with rugged coastal trails.
• Bold Coast: 30 minutes - wild, cliff-lined shoreline between Eastport and Machias with hiking and kayaking.
• Cutler: 45 minutes - gateway to Cutler Holden Research Forest with pristine inland and coastal trails.

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Is the apartment right on the water?
It's on Water Street with sea views and decks overlooking the harbor, but it's not beachfront. You're steps from the water conceptually - an easy walk to the shore and ferry terminal - rather than directly waterfront.

Is breakfast included?
No, but complimentary fresh-ground coffee and coffee-making supplies are provided. The full kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, and downtown restaurants are a five-minute walk.

Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Multiple guests specifically praised the pet-friendly policy and noted it's a quiet neighborhood good for dog walking.

Is there free WiFi?
Yes. Fast free WiFi at 292 Mbps is included.

Is there free parking?
Yes. Free on-site private parking is available, and several guests mentioned convenient street parking right at the door.

What's the cancellation policy?
Check the current booking.com listing, but most private apartment rentals offer flexible cancellation during shoulder seasons and stricter policies during peak summer.

How far is the nearest airport?
Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport is 103 miles away (about 2 hours by car). Most guests fly into Bangor and drive east along Route 1A.

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