The Jarvis Homestead

The Jarvis Homestead is a ten-bedroom, five-bathroom property built for one thing: gathering. Situated on East Main Street in Ellsworth, this full-house rental reads like the kind of place where three generations actually fit comfortably - not awkwardly squeezed into a hotel floor plan. There's a games room, an indoor play area, multiple fireplaces, a seasonal pool, and enough kitchen infrastructure that someone can cook while others play tennis or soak in the hot tub. It's the anti-hotel: you rent the whole thing, stock it however you want, and the building itself becomes part of the experience.

The location matters too. Ellsworth sits at the gateway to Acadia National Park, about 18 miles south. Bar Harbor is 30 minutes away by car. You're within striking distance of the quiet end of the Maine coast - Frenchman Bay, hiking, fishing - but far enough inland that you're not paying oceanfront prices or fighting peak-season crowds. The property works for large extended families, milestone reunions, or small groups who want a private base rather than a hotel lobby.

---

A whole house, not divided rooms. This is a vacation home rental, which means you get the whole building. No shared lobbies, no checkout time pressure, no listening through walls. Ten bedrooms and five bathrooms give genuine breathing room for families or groups of 12–20. The living spaces - multiple family rooms, a games room, dining area - feel like a lodge designed for actual use, not hotel efficiency.

Pool, hot tub, and outdoor fireplace in one yard. The seasonal outdoor pool and heated hot tub are set on the grounds with patio furniture and beach loungers. An outdoor fireplace gives you something to gather around even in shoulder seasons. For families, there's also an indoor play area and outdoor play equipment, which means on a rainy Maine day you're not confined to your rooms.

Full kitchen for groups. Rather than ordering room service, you have a complete kitchen with dishwasher, full stovetop, oven, and all the small appliances - coffee machine, toaster, kettle, microwave. For a week-long stay or a holiday with extended family, this saves money and adds flexibility. You can cook breakfast together or pick up lobster rolls from a local vendor and eat them on the patio.

Outdoor and active amenities nearby. The property lists access to tennis, archery, bike tours, hiking, skiing (in winter), and fishing. While some of these are regional rather than on-site, Ellsworth and the surrounding area genuinely offer all of them. The location is genuinely positioned for guests who want to do things, not just rest.

---

The Jarvis Homestead is a single ten-bedroom property, not a hotel with room variations. Most guest reviews and descriptions list the property as a "Vacation Home," which is the accurate classification. The building has hardwood and tile floors, private bathrooms, linens, and standard bedroom furnishings - wardrobes, beds that sleep groups. A few rooms may have views or be positioned differently in the mansion layout, but the JSON doesn't break out specific room types in the way a traditional hotel would.

For a house this size, layout and view matter more than category. Before booking, request a floor plan from the owner to understand which bedrooms suit which guests (families with children often prefer rooms closer to bathrooms, for instance).

---

Outdoor & Grounds: Seasonal outdoor pool · Heated hot tub · Outdoor fireplace · Tennis court · Picnic area · Patio with outdoor furniture · Barbecue facilities

Family & Entertainment: Games room · Indoor play area · Outdoor play equipment · Board games and puzzles · Flat-screen TV with streaming service · Movie nights

Kitchen & Dining: Full kitchen with dishwasher, stovetop, oven, and microwave · Dining table · Coffee machine · Electric kettle · Kitchenware provided · Dining area with seating

Practical: Free parking · Free WiFi · Air conditioning and heating · Pet friendly · Laundry facilities (washing machine and dryer)

Safety: Fire extinguishers · Smoke alarms · Carbon monoxide detector

---

The outdoor swimming pool is seasonal (typically open May through September in Maine), heated, and stocked with pool toys and loungers - practical for families. The hot tub is a year-round amenity, which makes winter or shoulder-season visits pleasantly viable for groups that want to soak outdoors in the cool air. Both are part of what makes this property function as a retreat rather than just a rental.

---

Summer (June–August): Peak season. The pool is open and heated. Days are long and warm. This is the busiest time for Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, so book early. Ideal for families who want outdoor swimming and hiking.

Shoulder Season (May & September–October): Fewer crowds at Acadia. The pool remains open through September; water temperature is cooler but still swimmable. October is spectacular for foliage if you're in Maine for a fall gathering. Weather is unpredictable - bring layers.

Winter (November–March): The pool closes, but the hot tub stays open. Skiing is available in the region. Ellsworth itself is quiet, which appeals to groups seeking privacy. You'll need winter coats and may encounter snow, especially after January.

Spring (April–early May): Mud season. Many trails are boggy, but migrating birds arrive and wildflowers start to bloom. Fewer tourists. The pool doesn't open until late May in most years.

---

"Perfect setup for a family reunion. The games room and multiple living spaces meant everyone had somewhere to go without feeling cramped."

• Jay, United States · Family · 6/10

---

• Acadia National Park Visitor Center Hulls Cove: 18 miles south. Start here for orientation, trail maps, and ranger programs before heading into the park proper.
• Frenchman Bay: 19 miles south. Kayaking, scenic cruises, and whale-watching tours depart from Bar Harbor on the bay's eastern shore.
• Agamont Park, Bar Harbor: 21 miles south. Waterfront green space in the heart of Bar Harbor's downtown, with views of Frenchman Bay and close to shops and restaurants.
• Hiking on the Acadia National Park trail system: Jordan Pond, Beehive, Dorr Mountain, and Carriage Roads are all within 25 minutes' drive. Most trails suit families.
• Fishing (lake and river): The rivers and lakes within a 20-mile radius of Ellsworth are stocked. Local guides and charters operate year-round for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
• Downtown Ellsworth shops and restaurants: Walking distance from the property. The town has cafes, galleries, and local vendors for picking up supplies.
• Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport: 7.5 miles away if you're flying in, though most visitors drive.

---

Is the property suitable for very large groups? Yes. Ten bedrooms and five bathrooms comfortably sleep 20–25 people, depending on bed configurations. For groups smaller than eight, a hotel or inn may be more practical.

Is breakfast included? No. The property includes a full kitchen, so you prepare your own meals or dine out locally. Many guests shop at nearby stores or order prepared foods.

Is it pet friendly? Yes. The property lists pet-friendly accommodations, though policies around pet fees and specific restrictions should be confirmed with the owner directly.

What's the cancellation policy? Rental cancellation policies vary. Review the specific terms at booking, as they differ from hotel standard cancellations.

Is there WiFi and phone service? Free WiFi is provided. Mobile phone service is standard in Ellsworth, though coverage may vary in remote parts of Acadia.

How far is the nearest town? Downtown Ellsworth is walking distance. Bar Harbor (with more dining and shopping variety) is 30 minutes by car.

---