Post and Beam Hikers Dream

If you're planning a hiking trip to Acadia National Park or exploring Maine's coastal trails, you probably want a house that actually feels like home - not a sterile rental with kitchen utensils you can't find. Post and Beam Hikers Dream delivers exactly that: a full-featured 3-bedroom property with a well-stocked kitchen, a working fireplace, and outdoor space anchored by a fire pit that's ready for the moment you stumble back from the trail. The location hiccup (the listing says Ellsworth proper, but it's actually in nearby Sorrento) is worth knowing upfront, though it hardly matters once you realize how close you are to some of Maine's best hiking and coastal attractions. This is the kind of place where groups or multi-generational families can actually spread out and cook real meals together - a rarity in the vacation-rental world.

The property has logged only two reviews on Booking.com so far, but they're telling: one solo traveler marked it 7/10 after grappling with the location confusion; a group of four gave it a 9/10, praising the quiet setting, the well-stocked kitchen, and the overall comfort of the space. Both reviewers used the word "lovely" and "comfortable" - unprompted. That consistency matters.

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A house designed for hikers and outdoor people, not just tourists passing through. The name is in the details: a dedicated game room, a fireplace for off-season stays, and a fire pit surrounded by garden views. This isn't a overnight motel; it's a place built for a 3-to-7-day deep breath.

Fully equipped kitchen and dining for group meals. You get a working stove, oven, dishwasher, coffee machine, and a dining table - plus the kind of kitchenware and utensils that actually suggest the owners use the place themselves. One guest specifically called out the "well-stocked kitchen" as a highlight, which is rare enough praise to believe.

Pet-friendly with actual pet infrastructure. Traveling with a dog? The listing explicitly welcomes them, and there are dedicated pet bowls on hand. The property's size (three bedrooms) means Fido isn't squeezed into a shoebox.

Quiet location with easy reach to Acadia and the Mid-Coast. Once you find it (it's a bit inland from Ellsworth proper), you're positioned 27 miles from Acadia National Park Visitor Center and within striking distance of Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor, and dozens of hiking trailheads. Cycling is noted as an option too if you want to vary your activity.

Non-smoking, well-maintained, and safety-conscious. Smoke-free property, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detector - the kind of checks that suggest an owner who's thought through what groups actually need.

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The vacation home spans three bedrooms and two bathrooms with hardwood or parquet floors throughout, private bathroom access, and a mix of traditional and modern furnishings. Each bedroom includes a wardrobe/closet, linens, and an alarm clock. Bathrooms are outfitted with towels, free toiletries, a hairdryer, and your choice of tub or shower. The living areas feature a fireplace, sitting area, and desk if you need to handle work - which, on a three-day weekend with the Wi-Fi, you can.

• Vacation Home (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) - Spacious layout with private entrances, garden views, and shared communal spaces.

One heads-up: With only two reviews, there's limited detail on bed configurations or room-to-room size hierarchy. When booking, confirm whether you need queens, doubles, or twins, and which bedroom suits your group's sleeping pattern.

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For Cooking & Dining: Full kitchen with stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee machine, electric kettle, and toaster · Dining table and outdoor dining area · Barbecue and outdoor furniture.

Entertainment & Comfort: Game room with pool table and board games/puzzles · Fireplace and sitting area · Flat-screen TV with streaming services (Netflix, etc.) · Free Wi-Fi throughout.

Outdoors: Garden with views · Patio and terrace · Fire pit · Waterpark (seasonal).

Practical: Washing machine and dryer · Iron and ironing board · Desk and work space · Non-smoking, smoke-free property · Pet bowls for traveling dogs.

Safety: Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detector, key-card access.

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One guest called the location "beautiful and quiet," and much of that comes down to the garden, patio, and fire pit setup. The property includes outdoor dining furniture and a barbecue, plus a terrace - so you can eat breakfast overlooking the garden, grill dinner at sunset, and gather around the fire as the temperature drops. A waterpark is mentioned in the listing (likely a small seasonal feature or inflatable option), and board games and a pool table are indoors for rainy evenings.

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Fall (September–October): Peak hiking season. Daytime temperatures in the 50s–60s°F, nights cool enough to justify the fire pit. Foliage on the surrounding trails is excellent mid-to-late September. The fireplace is a genuine bonus on chilly evenings.

Summer (June–August): Busiest season for Acadia National Park. Expect warmer days (70–78°F) and crowded parking lots if you're heading to popular carriage roads or mountain summits. The fire pit is less essential, but evening gatherings are pleasant. Book well ahead.

Spring (April–May): Shoulder season with unpredictable weather. Some trails are muddy; fewer tourists mean quieter park experience. The house's kitchen and game room add value when outdoor weather is iffy.

Winter (November–March): The property is open year-round, but this is the quietest, coldest time (20s–30s°F). The fireplace becomes essential. Acadia trails are navigable but icy; beach walks and indoor activities (towns, museums) dominate.

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"Beautiful location, quiet, well stocked kitchen. Just very comfortable and homey."

• Kathryn, United States · Group · 9/10

"House was lovely and clean. Had enough room for us."

• Mary, United States · Solo traveler · 7/10

The one caveat: The property's location listing on Booking.com says "Ellsworth," but it's technically in Sorrento - about 5–10 minutes away depending on where in town you expected to be. If central Ellsworth dining or shopping is crucial to your plan, confirm the exact distance with the owner before booking. That said, both reviewers praised the quiet setting, which often means "not in the thick of town" - and that's frequently the whole point of renting a house rather than checking into a hotel.

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The property sits on the Ellsworth/Sorrento border, roughly 20–30 minutes from most major attractions:

• 27 miles to Acadia National Park Visitor Center (Hulls Cove) - Allow 45 minutes drive; Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, and Carriage Roads are the main draws.
• 29 miles to Frenchman Bay - Sea kayaking, whale-watching tours, and coastal scenery; Bar Harbor is the hub.
• 30 miles to Agamont Park (Bar Harbor) - Historic waterfront park with ocean views and the start of the Shore Path trail.
• Local hiking trails - The property is billed as a hiker's base; nearby trailheads include Morse Mountain (moderate, coastal views) and Donnell Pond (easier family loops).
• 17 miles to Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport - If you're flying in.
• Cycling routes - The region supports casual road cycling and mountain biking; ask the owner for local favorite loops.
• Sorrento and Ellsworth town centers - 5–10 minutes away for groceries, coffee, and dinner out.

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Is this house actually in Ellsworth? It's listed as Ellsworth but is situated in Sorrento, just a few miles away. Both towns are in the same area; confirm your exact address and distance to wherever you plan to spend your time before booking.

Is breakfast included? No. You have a full kitchen, coffee machine, and dining table, so bringing groceries or picking them up locally is the expectation. Nearby Ellsworth and Bar Harbor have supermarkets and cafés.

Can I bring my dog? Yes. The property is explicitly pet-friendly and includes pet bowls. No breed or size restrictions are noted, but confirm details with the owner when booking.

What's included in the kitchen? Everything. Stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, toaster, coffee maker, electric kettle, kitchenware, and cleaning products. This is a "cook at home" setup, not a glorified hot plate.

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, so you can work remotely if needed.

How far is Acadia National Park? Roughly 27 miles to the visitor center (about 45 minutes by car). Popular attractions like Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain are within the park; allow 1+ hour from the house depending on traffic and which entrance you use.

Is there a fireplace? Yes. The living area has a fireplace, which is useful from fall through spring and adds ambiance year-round.

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