One-bedroom cottage rentalEllsworth

Reece Cottage

Reece Cottage: A Private Lakefront Escape in Ellsworth

One-bedroom cottage rentalSolo travelers
a couple of blue chairs sitting next to a dock at Reece Cottage in Ellsworth
a couple of blue chairs sitting next to a dock at Reece Cottage in Ellsworth

Why Stay

Why Reece Cottage

Reece Cottage sits on the water's edge in Ellsworth, a one-bedroom hideaway built on a sloping lakeside lot where the view counts as much as the four walls. It's the kind of place you rent when you've had enough of noise - when you need a full kitchen so you can cook what you want, a private entrance so you don't see another soul, and windows that open onto clear water. The cottage punches above its weight in amenities: new appliances, a sofa bed that turns the living room into a second bedroom, and enough ground-floor accessibility that you're never climbing to get anywhere that matters.

This isn't a hotel with a front desk. It's a rental cottage, which means you're renting a home, not a room. That distinction matters if you're the type who wants to make coffee at 6 a.m., grill on your own schedule, and never hear a neighbor through the walls. The property draws solo travelers and couples looking for a genuine retreat - the kind of trip where "getting away" is the entire point.


Lake views and genuine quiet. The cottage sits right on the water's edge, with a clear view across the lake. One guest called it "postcard-worthy" and noted the water is so clear you'd jump in during summer. It's the view that makes this place work - it's why you're here, and it delivers.

A full, modern kitchen for self-catering. The kitchen was recently renovated with new appliances: a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, oven, stovetop, and coffee machine. If you're planning to cook rather than eat out every night, or you have dietary preferences, this matters. The cottage is set up for people who want to eat in.

Ground-floor accessibility and private entrance. No stairs to the bedroom. The entire unit sits on one level (well, mostly - more on that below), with a private entrance so you come and go as you please. There's a sofa bed in the living room, so the space can accommodate a second sleeper if needed.

Isolation without being stranded. Ellsworth is 18 miles from Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport and sits at the junction of routes toward Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and the Downeast coast. It's close enough to things but far enough from them that you actually feel like you've left.


Rooms

The rooms

Reece Cottage is a one-bedroom rental cottage with an open floor plan that makes the space feel larger than it is. The layout includes a separate bedroom, a living room with a sofa bed, and a front-facing room (sometimes called a sitting room) that also has water views. Because it's a cottage rental, not a hotel, there's only one configuration: the full property rents as a unit.

  • One-Bedroom House - Full kitchen, sleeping and living areas, sofa bed in the living room for a second sleeper, private entrance, lake views from multiple rooms.

A note on layout: the cottage is built on a slightly sloping lot, which means the floor levels step up and down as you move through rooms. If you have mobility concerns, ask about which areas are truly level before booking. For most guests, it's fine; for some, it can be awkward.


At a Glance

At a glance

Best for

Solo travelers, couples, quiet retreats, self-catering stays

Open

Year-round

Guest score

8.0 Very Good

Standout amenities

Private lakefront with clear water views

Details

Ellsworth, ME 04605
Parking: On-site (assumed)

Check-in / out

Check-in15:00 – 22:00
Check-out07:00 – 11:00
ReceptionOpen 24 hours

Amenities

On-site amenities

Outdoors & water access · Private dock or water access (per location) · BBQ/grill · Lake views from multiple rooms

Kitchen & dining · Full-size kitchen with dishwasher, oven, stovetop, microwave, and coffee machine · Dining table · All kitchenware and utensils

Living spaces · Sitting area with flat-screen TV (cable and satellite channels) · Sofa bed in living room · Work desk · Wood stove or heating (season-dependent)

Practical · Washing machine and dryer · Free toiletries · Private bathroom · Ground-floor layout · Smoke-free property · Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detector

Activities · Hiking and cycling nearby · Fishing · Beach access


Seasons

When to visit

Summer (June–August). The lake is warm enough to swim, and the dock becomes the cottage's second living room. Daytime temps in the low 70s, evenings cool down. This is peak season; book ahead. Acadia is crowded but fully operational.

Fall (September–October). Foliage peaks in late September and early October across Hancock County. The lake is still swimmable in early September; by October, it's bracing. Fewer crowds than summer but still popular. One guest visited in late September and regretted not coming in summer for the water.

Winter (November–March). The lake freezes over. The property is heated and available year-round, but you're not swimming or docking a boat. This is quiet-season Maine - minimal tourists, restaurants with limited hours, a genuine solitude. Snowfall is moderate for coastal Maine.

Spring (April–May). Mud season inland; at the lake, it's pleasant. Water is still cold, but the days lengthen and the property's views shine again. Fewer crowds, reasonable temps.


Reviews

What guests say

"This cottage should be on a postcard. The beauty and tranquility... an experience that will be with you forever. The kitchen is large and the appliances are all new."

  • Hosein, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"The water is very clear. I would have liked to jump off the pier in the water."

  • Hosein, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"The property is located right by the lake, which was beautiful."

  • Christine, United Kingdom · Solo traveler · 6/10

One caveat that emerged: a previous guest reported the front door lock was faulty. This is worth confirming with the owner before arrival - security matters. The cottage's layout also involves multiple level changes (steps up and down between rooms), which one guest found awkward; if you prefer a truly open floor plan or have mobility concerns, this is worth discussing before booking.


Location

Things to do nearby

  • Acadia National Park (30 min) - The region's defining draw; hiking, carriage roads, Jordan Pond, and the Park Loop Road.
  • Bar Harbor waterfront (30 min) - Tourist hub with restaurants, galleries, and the ferry terminal to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and the Schoodic Peninsula.
  • Ellsworth itself (10 min) - Local shops, restaurants, and the Woodlawn Museum (a 1900s Victorian mansion with period rooms).
  • Frenchman Bay (30 min) - Kayaking, whale-watching tours, and quieter anchorages than Bar Harbor.
  • Fort Knox State Historic Site (26 min) - A Civil War–era fort you can tour; picnic area overlooks the Penobscot River.
  • Cycling and hiking trails (on-site and nearby) - The cottage has direct access to local trails; the area is flat enough for casual bike rides.
  • Fishing and golf (on-site and nearby) - There's a golf course within 2 miles; the lake supports fishing.

FAQ

Good to know

Is Reece Cottage right on the water? Yes. It sits on the bank of a freshwater lake with direct water views from the living room and front-facing room. There's dock or water access, though details depend on seasonal water levels.

Is breakfast included? No. This is a self-catering cottage rental. You have a full kitchen and are expected to cook or bring your own food. Ellsworth has restaurants within 10 minutes if you prefer to eat out.

Do I need a car? Yes. The cottage is lakeside and somewhat isolated. You'll need a vehicle to reach restaurants, Acadia, or Bar Harbor. There's no shuttle service or public transit nearby.

What's the Wi-Fi situation? The listing doesn't mention Wi-Fi; assume connectivity is spotty or absent. Confirm with the owner before arrival if you need reliable internet.

Are there steps I should know about? The cottage is built on a sloping lot with level changes between rooms. There are steps up and down as you move through the space. It's fine for most people; those with mobility issues should ask the owner for a detailed layout.

Is there air conditioning? The listing doesn't mention A/C. The cottage has heating and likely relies on windows and cross-ventilation in summer. Confirm before booking if you're sensitive to heat.

Can I bring pets? The listing doesn't specify a pet policy. Contact the owner directly.


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