The Evans House

Just under twenty miles from Bar Harbor and its crowds, The Evans House sits on the quiet side of Hancock County - a one-bedroom, two-bath cabin anchored by lake views and the kind of outdoor space that rewards a fire-building mood. It's the sort of property that appeals to people who'd rather spend an evening watching the water than scanning a hotel lobby, and who don't mind solving a puzzle to find the place. The cabin is fully equipped, genuinely private, and built for staying put rather than leaving.

Reviewers call it exactly what it is: cozy. One solo traveler gave it a 9 out of 10 after three nights, noting the lake view sealed the deal. The Evans House isn't trying to be fancy. It's trying to be quiet and functional - and it mostly succeeds.

Lake views that don't require a splurge. The property faces the water with sight lines from the main living area and outdoor spaces. Mountain views layer in on the other side. This is why people rent cabins instead of booking hotel rooms, and The Evans House delivers on that promise without the premium pricing of lakefront resorts closer to Bar Harbor.

A fully functional kitchen for longer stays. The cabin includes a stovetop, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, and all the everyday cookware. A dining table and coffee machine are standard. If you're planning to cook one or more meals - pasta, a simple breakfast, coffee without leaving the property - you can do it here.

Outdoor gathering space with a fireplace. An outdoor fireplace anchors the back area, flanked by seating and a picnic table. Wood isn't mentioned in the booking notes, so confirm availability with the property management before you book, especially in shoulder seasons.

Self-check-in and no-fuss privacy. This is a vacation rental, not a hotel. You arrive on your own schedule, enter with a code (entry was flagged as "complex" by one recent guest but resolved quickly by the property manager), and answer to no front desk.

Close to major attractions without being in the middle of them. The Hulls Cove Visitor Center for Acadia National Park is 1.2 miles away. Frenchman Bay and Ix Center are reachable day trips. Bar Harbor proper is a 20-minute drive, so you can play tourist without staying tourist.

The Evans House is a single one-bedroom rental, not a multi-room property. The main living area features a sofa, dining space, and sitting area oriented toward the water view. One bedroom sleeps however many your group is; the two full bathrooms mean you won't queue for a shower.

• One-Bedroom House - Lake view, outdoor fireplace, private beach access, fully equipped kitchen

The cabin is built around privacy rather than amenities density, so expectations should match. This isn't a resort with daily housekeeping. It's a functional home away from home.

Outdoors - Outdoor fireplace · Private beach area · Picnic area with table · Patio seating with views · Barbecue

Kitchen & Dining - Full kitchen with stovetop, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave · Coffee machine · Dining table · Kitchenware and utensils provided

Living Space - Sofa · Sitting area · Desk · Flat-screen TV with streaming access (Netflix, etc.)

Practicalities - Washing machine and dryer · Iron and ironing board · Private entrance · Heating · Smoke-free property

Safety - Fire extinguishers · Smoke alarms · Carbon monoxide detector

Fall (September–October) - Peak foliage season for the region. Lake views are framed by red and gold shoreline trees. Weather is cool but clear; outdoor fireplace becomes genuinely useful. Book early.

Summer (June–August) - Warmest water temperatures for swimming and beach use. Acadia draws crowds, but Ellsworth itself remains quieter. Best season for kayaking and water-based day trips.

Spring (April–May) - Moderate crowds. Wildflowers bloom around the property. Shoulder-season pricing applies. Water is still cold; outdoor activities lean hiking over swimming.

Winter (November–March) - Quiet and contemplative. Lake views are unobstructed by foliage. Heating is essential. Many outdoor attractions operate with reduced hours; confirm before booking.

"The entire experience was great! Cozy cabin with a great lake view. What more can you ask for."

• Judith, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

One recent guest noted a minor issue with water pressure that affected bathing comfort; the property manager responded and resolved the entry complexity the guest initially encountered. Both are worth asking about during booking.

• Hulls Cove Visitor Center - 1.2 mi; the main gateway to Acadia National Park
• Bar Harbor waterfront - 18 mi; shopping, restaurants, and classic Maine village atmosphere
• Frenchman Bay - 30 mi; whale watching and sea kayaking outfitters
• Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport - 18 mi; direct flights to Boston
• Ix Center - 24 mi; cultural events and performances
• Jordan Pond - 25 mi; Acadia's most photographed pond, ideal for a day hike
• Collins Center for the Arts - 29 mi; university theater and music venue in Orono

Is there a private beach? Yes. The property includes a private beach area facing the lake, separate from the cabin's outdoor sitting spaces.

Is the kitchen fully equipped? Yes. Full-size appliances (stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator), coffee maker, and all cookware and dishes are provided.

Is entry straightforward? Recent guests found check-in "complex," though the property manager resolved it quickly. Ask for detailed entry instructions and photos before arrival.

Is there a problem with water pressure? One recent guest reported low water pressure affecting shower comfort. Confirm current water pressure during booking or ask for a recent guest review on this point.

What's the nearest town with restaurants? Ellsworth proper is a short drive; Bar Harbor (18 miles) has full dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Can I have a fire in the outdoor fireplace? The outdoor fireplace is available, but confirm whether wood or propane is provided, and whether there are seasonal fire restrictions with the property manager.

Is this pet-friendly? The listing does not indicate pet policies. Contact the property manager directly to confirm.