Noonie's Nest Waterfront Cottage
Noonie's Nest Waterfront Cottage: A Private Retreat on Mount Desert Island

Why Stay
Why Noonie's Nest Waterfront Cottage
Pretty Marsh sits on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island - the side where locals know the best tide pools and the coffee shop closes at three. Noonie's Nest Waterfront Cottage is a two-bedroom holiday home perched on the water's edge, far enough from Bar Harbor's crowds to feel like you've found something private, close enough to slip into Acadia National Park or downtown in twenty minutes. The cottage comes with a full kitchen, a private entrance, and the kind of sea view that justifies your whole vacation budget. It's the sort of place where you cook breakfast in your own space, watch sailboats from the deck, and understand why people keep coming back to Maine.
This is a rental cottage, not a hotel - which means you're getting a full home rather than a single room, but you're also doing a bit more of the logistics yourself. That's the trade-off, and it's one that families, couples on extended stays, and anyone wanting to avoid the Bar Harbor hotel gauntlet should understand upfront. There are no restaurants on-site, no front-desk concierge, and you'll need to plan groceries. What you get instead is independence, full kitchen facilities, and a waterfront location that commands premium pricing for good reason.
The waterfront setting is genuine and walkable. You're not staring at water from a distant balcony. The cottage sits on the shore with direct beach access and sea views built into your morning coffee routine. The private entrance means no shared hallways - just you, the water, and the rhythm of the tides.
Full kitchen independence changes a longer stay. Unlike a hotel room, you have a complete kitchen with dishwasher, oven, stovetop, and full cookware. Stock your own breakfast, prepare dinners at half the cost of eating out, and handle dietary preferences without explanation. Grocery deliveries are available if you'd rather not leave the property.
The location is positioned between quiet and convenient. Pretty Marsh is a working waterfront village - not the tourist-heavy Bar Harbor core - but Acadia's visitor center is eleven miles away, downtown Bar Harbor is twenty minutes by car, and the Frenchman Bay shoreline is minutes on foot. You're close enough to everything but far enough to breathe.
Two bedrooms and a living area give you real space. Families, small groups, and couples wanting to host a friend have room to spread. A private bathroom, sitting area, and dining table make this feel like a home rental, not a hotel unit compressed into two rooms.
Rooms
The rooms
The cottage is a two-bedroom home with a private entrance, full bathroom, and separate living and dining areas. Expect clean, straightforward furnishings and practical layouts rather than design-magazine styling. Linens and towels are provided.
- Primary bedroom - Two occupants, private bathroom access
- Secondary bedroom - Suitable for two additional guests or overflow sleeping
- Living area - Sitting space with flat-screen TV and satellite channels; dining table for six
The cottage is non-smoking throughout, with heating for cooler seasons and air conditioning capability.
At a Glance
At a glance
Best for
Couples, families, extended stays, self-catering travelers
Price tier
Mid-to-upper (waterfront location, full home rental)
Standout amenities
Private waterfront with beach access and sea views
Details
Check-in / out
Amenities
On-site amenities
Kitchen & Dining · Full kitchen with dishwasher, oven, stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, and kitchenware · Dining table · Tea and coffee maker · Grocery delivery service available
Comfort & Convenience · Free WiFi throughout · Free on-site private parking · 24-hour front desk · Tour desk for activity bookings · ATM on-site · Massage services available
Outdoors & Activities · Private beach access · Sea views from the cottage · Barbecue · Windsurfing nearby · Hiking trails within Acadia · Fishing opportunities · Golf course within two miles
Bedroom & Bathroom · Private bathrooms · Bathtub and shower · Hairdryer · Towels provided · Linens included · Iron available
Seasons
When to visit
Summer (June–August) · Peak season for families and couples; warmest water temperatures and longest daylight for beach time and hiking. Bar Harbor and Acadia are crowded; book early. Ferry service to Acadia's Jordan Pond and ranger programs run daily.
Shoulder Season (May & September) · Fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures for hiking (60–70°F), and reliable weather for water sports and windsurfing. Acadia's Loop Road remains fully open; lodging is easier to secure.
Leaf Season (September–October) · Peak foliage draws large numbers, especially mid-to-late September; hiking is spectacular, but roads and trails fill early. Waterfront walks and sea views remain excellent. Some restaurants begin reducing hours by early October.
Winter (November–March) · Quietest season with dramatic coastal weather; heating is available but snow and ice can complicate travel in northern Maine. Many seasonal attractions close; this is for solitude seekers and couples wanting to cook in and rest.
Location
Things to do nearby
- Bar Harbor downtown - 20 minutes by car; restaurants, shops, and the tourist hub of Mount Desert Island
- Acadia National Park Visitor Center (Hulls Cove) - 11 miles; start your park orientation here before driving the Loop or hiking trails
- Frenchman Bay - 11 miles; boat tours, whale watching, and scenic water views
- Pretty Marsh village - Adjacent; local waterfront character, working harbor, and quieter pace than Bar Harbor
- The Abbe Museum - 14 miles; Native American history and artifacts on Bar Harbor's downtown green
- Jordan Pond and Jordan Pond Path - 15 miles; flat, scenic 3.3-mile walk in Acadia with mountain reflections
- Cadillac Mountain sunrise trail - 20 minutes; earliest sunrise point in the continental U.S., with crowds to match
- Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport - 8 miles; regional flights if driving isn't your plan
FAQ
Good to know
Is there a restaurant or food service on-site? No. Noonie's Nest is a self-catering cottage with a full kitchen. You'll prepare your own meals or dine at restaurants in Bar Harbor (20 minutes away) or nearby villages. Grocery delivery is an option if you'd rather not venture out.
Is the cottage waterfront with actual beach access? Yes. The cottage sits directly on the water with private beach access and sea views. It's genuine waterfront, not a distant harbor view.
What's the nearest town for supplies and restaurants? Pretty Marsh village is adjacent with a working waterfront character. Bar Harbor's full array of shops, restaurants, and cafés is twenty minutes by car.
Is this property pet-friendly? Yes, pets are allowed. Confirm specific policies (breed, size, fees) when booking.
Is breakfast included? No. The cottage has a full kitchen and tea/coffee maker; you'll stock and prepare your own breakfast.
How far is Acadia National Park? The visitor center is eleven miles away (about 20 minutes by car). Jordan Pond and most Acadia trailheads are within 15–20 minutes.
Is WiFi included? Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the cottage.













