House Close to Acadia National Park

This isn't a hotel. It's a three-bedroom townhouse designed for groups who want to drop their luggage, spread out across multiple rooms, and actually cook a real breakfast before heading into Acadia National Park. Ellsworth sits just inland from the park's western edge - close enough that you'll be hiking Jordan Pond trails within 20 minutes, far enough that you escape the summer crowds of Bar Harbor. The townhouse itself is newly renovated, meticulously maintained, and laid out in a way that lets six people coexist without stepping on each other. All eight reviews rate it either 9 or 10 out of 10; the property earned a 9.8 overall "Exceptional" rating, with guests consistently calling out cleanliness, space, and the owner's responsiveness.

The appeal here is direct: you want a house, not a hotel room. You're willing to stay slightly outside the park boundary to save money and gain square footage. You're probably traveling with family or a friend group. And you want to wake up in your own kitchen, not in a dining hall.

Genuinely spacious for groups. This is a three-bedroom townhouse, not a condo studio. Reviewers consistently emphasize the scale: "six of us in our group and we had plenty of space," "large kitchen area," and "very spacious" appear across multiple stays. Three bedrooms sleep six to eight comfortably, with a sitting area upstairs and additional living and dining areas downstairs. Families and friend groups aren't stacking luggage or negotiating bathroom schedules at odd hours.

New, spotless, and thoughtfully decorated. Every review mentions cleanliness; several note that the decor is "very beautiful" and the space "new and cool." The owner keeps high standards. Fresh linens, working appliances, an electric fireplace, and furnishings that don't feel dated or worn make a real difference when you're staying three or four nights.

A full kitchen that actually works. Stocked with a dishwasher, oven, stovetop, microwave, coffee machine, and dining table, this isn't a theoretical kitchenette. One guest noted it was "well stocked for use," and another made it a highlight alongside the comfortable beds. You can prep lunch before a park day, grill something simple for dinner, or avoid the restaurant crowds entirely.

The owner responds and genuinely cares. Multiple reviews praise the "excellent communication" and being "very responsive and thoughtful, providing clear instructions." One guest mentioned the host "checking in to make sure everything went smoothly." This level of attentiveness is rarely found at hotel front desks.

Quiet, tree-lined location with free parking. Perched in Ellsworth but set back from main roads, the property offers both privacy and a short drive to major attractions. Free private parking is included - a small thing until you've paid $20 to park in Bar Harbor.

The property is organized as a three-bedroom townhouse with two full bathrooms and a half bath. All three bedrooms are upstairs alongside a shared sitting area, washer/dryer, and laundry space. This layout keeps sleeping and living areas separate, ideal for groups staying multiple nights.

• Three-Bedroom Townhouse: Main accommodation; all bedrooms upstairs, full kitchen and dining on ground floor, electric fireplace, sitting area. Sleeps 6–8.

Caveat: Upper-level bedrooms lack air conditioning, though the ground floor is climate-controlled. This matters most during hot July and August stays; fall and spring visitors rarely notice. One guest brought it up as "FYI" rather than a complaint. Sally's longer four-night stay highlighted that extended guests may want to bring extra toiletries and towels beyond what's provided, though standard linens and basics are stocked.

Kitchen & Dining · Full oven, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine, electric kettle, dining table with seating · Kitchenware, utensils, and a refrigerator ready to use · Toaster and all basics covered.

Living Areas · Electric fireplace in the main room · Sofa and sitting area · TV with flat screen · Multiple spots to gather or separate.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms · Private full bathrooms upstairs and downstairs · Free toiletries, hairdryer, fresh towels, and linens · Wardrobe/closet in each room.

Practical · Free WiFi throughout · Free private on-site parking · Washer and dryer upstairs · Iron and ironing facilities · Private entrance · Carbon monoxide detector for safety.

Summer (July–August): Peak season. Upper bedrooms get warm (no AC upstairs); lower floor stays comfortable. Acadia is crowded but fully operational. Book early; ideal for families. Carriage roads and trails are at their fullest. Plan to spend time in the house kitchen to avoid Bar Harbor restaurant waits.

Shoulder Season (May–June, September–October): Sweet spot. Temperatures mild, crowds thin, foliage starting to turn in fall. Perfect for hiking without summer heat. Most guests in the data stayed in September and October, rating the experience 9–10.

Leaf-Peeping Season (Late September–Mid-October): Trees turn gold and red; Acadia's scenery peaks. Weekends fill up; weekday rates drop. The property reviews from this season are glowing.

Winter (November–March): No reviews provided. Weather is cool and unpredictable. Acadia remains open; some trails may be icy. Check with the owner about heating and snow removal.

"The condo was very spacious and super clean. The decor was very beautiful. Short drive to Acadia Park."

• Gayla, United States · Group · 10/10

"We had a wonderful stay! The home was spotless, comfortable, and exactly as described. The host was very responsive and thoughtful."

• Jeanette, United States · Group · 10/10

"Great location, comfortable. A nice, relaxing and clean place."

• Sally, United States · Group · 9/10

"It is new and cool and decorated well. Kitchen well stocked for use. Fun place with electric fireplace! Three great bedrooms all upstairs."

• Linda, United States · Solo · 9/10

"Location was ideal, spacious, clean and comfortable."

• Anabelle, United States · Group · 10/10

"Very well kept property. The location in Ellsworth was good."

• Sonya, United States · Group · 9/10

All eight reviews mention cleanliness and location as core strengths. The only recurring minor notes: upper bedrooms lack air conditioning (Sonya flagged this as "FYI," not a dealbreaker), and guests on longer stays may want to bring extra coffee and toiletries. These are practical rather than critical - easily managed with advance notice.

• Acadia National Park Visitor Center (Hulls Cove): 17 miles; 25 minutes. Start here for maps, ranger talks, and orientation.
• Jordan Pond & The Bubbles Trail: 12 miles; 20 minutes. Arguably Acadia's most photographed hike - easy 3.2-mile loop with reflections of the mountains in the water.
• Carriage Roads, Acadia: 15 miles; 22 minutes. 45 miles of gravel roads, perfect for biking, hiking, or walking with kids.
• Bar Harbor waterfront: 20 miles; 30 minutes. Shops, restaurants, lobster rolls, and pier walks in Acadia's epicenter.
• Pirate's Cove Miniature Golf: 9.3 miles; 15 minutes. Rainy-day option for kids; retro and fun.
• Ellsworth downtown: 2 miles; 5 minutes. Local restaurants, shops, and a less-crowded alternative to Bar Harbor for dinner.
• Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport: 6.8 miles; 10 minutes. If renting a car upon arrival.

Is this on the water? No. The house is in Ellsworth proper, a few miles inland from the coast. It's within quick driving distance of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor's waterfront, but it's not a beachfront property. The trade-off is quiet, space, and lower cost.

Is breakfast included? No. The townhouse has a full kitchen and stocked basics (coffee machine, toaster, refrigerator). Guests prepare their own meals or eat out in Ellsworth or Bar Harbor.

How far is it to Acadia's main entrance? About 17 miles to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, roughly 25 minutes by car. Jordan Pond trailhead is closer - 12 miles, 20 minutes. Not a long drive, but you'll want a rental car.

Is there parking? Yes. Free private on-site parking is included. This is a major perk if you're used to Bar Harbor's paid parking lots.

Are pets allowed? The listing provided doesn't mention pets. Contact the owner directly to confirm.

What's the WiFi situation? Free WiFi is available throughout the property, suitable for checking email or streaming, though this is meant as a relaxation escape rather than a work base.

Do the rooms have air conditioning? The ground floor and one bedroom have AC. Upper bedrooms are unair-conditioned. Fans are provided. Most comfortable September–October; can be warm July–August upstairs.