Ladyslipper Cottage

There's a particular kind of silence that comes with a lake at dusk - the kind you can only really find when you're far enough from the highway that car noise becomes an abstraction. Ladyslipper Cottage, tucked on the shores of a calm Maine lake in Somesville, delivers exactly that. This three-bedroom house works equally well for a couple seeking solitude or two small families who want room to spread out without noise bleeding between bedrooms. The lake itself is the main character: there's a dock for watching ducks, canoes parked in the garage, and enough quiet to actually hear yourself think.

The cottage sits about ten minutes from Acadia National Park and close enough to Bar Harbor for a 20-minute drive to shops and restaurants, but far enough removed that you feel genuinely removed. It's one of those rentals where the location does most of the work - the house itself is straightforward, comfortable, and unadorned. Guests consistently return to two things: how beautiful and unexpected the lake view is in person, and how much their kids loved the dock and water access.

---

The lake and dock are the real star. Photos don't quite capture how close the water is or how accessible it feels. Kids can safely play at the dock watching waterfowl; adults bring coffee down at sunrise. One family brought two young children and found the dock became the highlight of their entire week.

Three bedrooms mean real space. Bunk beds in at least one room work beautifully for kids; couples appreciate having an entire floor's worth of privacy. Two families have stayed together without the usual rental friction.

Canoes are included, parked in the garage. This isn't a theoretical water-access property - paddles are waiting. A solo traveler from Switzerland specifically mentioned the canoes as a highlight, suggesting they're well-maintained and genuinely available.

Central location without the central-location noise. Everything on Mount Desert Island is roughly 20 minutes away: Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, hiking trailheads, the visitor center, restaurants. You trade zero driving time for the ability to sleep without street sound.

Ground-floor accessibility and sensible layout. The entire unit is on one level, and the floor plan lets people move without bumping into each other.

---

The cottage contains one three-bedroom house with a living area, dining space, and full kitchen. Bedrooms are straightforward and linked by hallways that give families real separation. Expect firm mattresses and traditional furnishings; the aesthetic leans toward timeless lake-house rather than recently renovated. If you're sensitive to very firm beds, bring an extra mattress topper - two guests flagged mattress firmness as something to know before arriving.

• Three-Bedroom House - fits two families or a multi-generation group; includes bunk configuration for children

---

Outdoors & Grounds · Picnic area · Outdoor dining area · Barbecue with full facilities · Outdoor furniture · Dock access · Canoes · Lake view from multiple angles

Kitchen & Food · Full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, stovetop, oven · Coffee machine · Dining table · Kitchenware provided

Entertainment & Media · Flat-screen TV · Streaming services (Netflix) · DVD and CD players · Books and games for children · Video games · Radio · Telephone

Practical · Washing machine and dryer · Iron and ironing board · Private entrance · Sofa bed in living area · Heating · Free toiletries · Smoke-free property

Safety · Fire extinguishers · Smoke alarms · Carbon monoxide detector

---

The water is the property's main amenity. A dock extends into the lake with clear sight lines for swimming or simply watching wildlife. Two canoes sit ready in the garage; guests report them as genuine attractions rather than decorative props. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are all realistic activities from the property. One international guest spent much of the stay paddling; a family's children became dock regulars, watching ducks and playing safely on the water's edge.

---

Summer (June–August) - Peak season. Lake is swimmable; dock activities in full swing. Acadia's carriage roads and trails open; restaurant hours extended. Somesville itself is quiet even as Bar Harbor fills with tourists. Expect higher nightly rates.

Fall (September–October) - Ideal timing for many guests. Water still warm enough for canoes and adventurous swimmers; foliage peaks late September through mid-October. Fewer day-trippers, shorter lines at Acadia. Both three-star reviews came from September and October stays.

Winter (November–March) - Cottage open year-round but rarely booked; lake freezes; heating essential. Good for silence-seeking solo travelers who don't need water access. Northeast Harbor and Bar Harbor quiet but many restaurants and attractions operate on reduced hours or close entirely.

Spring (April–May) - Unpredictable weather; lake still cold. Useful as a shoulder-season alternative to summer crowds. Acadia trails become muddy; carriage roads dry slower.

---

"The location is even more amazing than the photos show. The lake is just beautiful. Our kids loved going down to the dock and watching ducks."

• Annalise, United States · Family · 8/10

"We loved the location and the quiet. We love preserved properties from any decade."

• Raske, United States · Couple · 8/10

"Die einsame, ruhige Lage am See, die Kanus in der Garage, das Deck mit Blick auf den See." (The solitary, quiet location on the lake, the canoes in the garage, the deck with a view of the lake.)

• Irina, Switzerland · Solo traveler · 9/10

A note on cleanliness: Two guests mentioned that the house would benefit from more frequent deep cleaning before arrival. The property management has acknowledged this feedback. If cleanliness is critical to your stay, requesting a deep clean in advance is worth a direct conversation at booking.

---

• Acadia National Park Visitor Center (9.9 mi) - start here for trail maps, orientation, and ranger programs
• Bar Harbor (12 mi) - downtown harbor, whale-watching tours, Mount Desert Island Museum, shops, and restaurants concentrated in walkable area
• The Abbe Museum (9.9 mi) - Native American history and artifacts central to Mount Desert Island
• Agamont Park (11 mi) - waterfront green space in Bar Harbor for post-dinner walks
• Jordan Pond Path (11 mi) - paved carriage road loop with Tetons-like mountain views, family-friendly
• Northeast Harbor (6 mi) - quieter village with galleries, the Asticou Azalea Garden, and local restaurants
• Somes Sound (4 mi) - the only fjord on the East Coast, gorgeous for scenic driving or paddling
• Hiking from Acadia carriage roads (10 mi) - dozens of trails start within 15 minutes; bike rentals available in Bar Harbor

---

Is the lake swimmable? Yes. Guests report the water is clean and swimmable June through October; water temperature peaks in August. Canoes are always available in the garage regardless of season.

Is breakfast included? No. The cottage is self-catering. A full kitchen with dishwasher, refrigerator, and stovetop allows cooking for multiple families. Groceries are closest in Somesville, Bar Harbor, or Northeast Harbor.

How far is it to Acadia National Park? About 10 miles to the visitor center; roughly 15 minutes by car. The park's main attractions - Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, carriage roads - are all reachable in a 10–20 minute drive.

Is there parking? Yes. Private parking is assumed, given the rural lake setting and the mention of a garage housing canoes.

Can I bring pets? Yes. The property is pet-friendly, which is unusual for Maine lake rentals. Confirm any size or breed restrictions directly with the owner.

Are linens and towels provided? Yes. Linens come with the bedrooms; towels and free toiletries are included.

What's the nearest town? Somesville itself is a tiny village on the way to Bar Harbor. Northeast Harbor (6 miles) has galleries and a quieter harbor vibe. Bar Harbor (12 miles) is the commercial hub.

---