Two-bedroom vacation home rentalMount Desert Island

Pretty Marsh

Pretty Marsh: A Quiet Vacation Rental on Mount Desert Island

Two-bedroom vacation home rentalCouples
a living room with a couch and a tv at Pretty Marsh in Pretty Marsh
a living room with a couch and a tv at Pretty Marsh in Pretty Marsh

Why Stay

Why Pretty Marsh

Pretty Marsh is a two-bedroom vacation home on Mount Desert Island, positioned for travelers who want a self-contained base near Acadia National Park without the hotel-room feel. The property sits in a peaceful pocket of the island, roughly ten miles from the park's main visitor center and eight miles from Bar Harbor Airport - close enough to access the park's best hiking and cycling trails without the village crowds.

The rental works best for couples, small families, or solo travelers who plan to spend their days exploring rather than lounging by a pool. You'll find a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace for cool evenings, and outdoor space for morning coffee or evening grilling. It's the kind of place where you leave your keys and disappear into the woods each morning.

Proximity to Acadia without the Bar Harbor hustle. The rental sits less than ten miles from Acadia's Hulls Cove Visitor Center, making it easy to hit the park's loop road, carriage trails, and summits early in the day. You're far enough from the tourist core to avoid the shoulder-season gridlock on Main Street.

Full kitchen and living space for flexibility. Unlike a hotel room, you have a stove, oven, dishwasher, and dining table - ideal for preparing a simple breakfast before a hike, or grilling fresh lobster rolls on the back patio. The fireplace means cozy evenings without leaving the property.

Outdoor space for morning and dusk routines. The property includes an outdoor fireplace, picnic area, and patio seating. Bring a book or coffee and sit outside before the day heats up; come evening, light a fire and watch the woods settle.

Hiking and cycling trails nearby. Frenchman Bay is eleven miles away, and the surrounding area offers immediate access to cycling routes and forest trails - perfect if you want a quieter alternative to Acadia's most popular carriage roads.

Rooms

The rooms

The rental is a two-bedroom house with a private bathroom. Both bedrooms include fresh linens. The living area has a sofa and desk, making it comfortable for a short work stay if needed. One guest noted that the beds were uncomfortable and creaky - this is worth considering if sleep quality matters for your trip. The kitchen is spacious and well-equipped; however, lighting in that space has been reported as inadequate in the past.

At a Glance

At a glance

Best for

Couples, small families, self-sufficient travelers seeking Acadia access

Price tier

Mid-range vacation rental

Open

Year-round (verify heating in winter)

Guest score

6.0 Pleasant

Standout amenities

Full kitchen · outdoor fireplace · proximity to Acadia · hiking trails nearby

Details

Pretty Marsh, 04660, Mount Desert Island

Check-in / out

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

Amenities

On-site amenities

Outdoor living. Fireplace with seating area · BBQ and grill · Picnic spot · Patio with outdoor furniture · Bathtub and shower.

Kitchen and dining. Stovetop and oven · Dishwasher and microwave · Coffee machine and tea maker · Full set of kitchenware · Dining table and separate living area.

Laundry and utilities. Washing machine and dryer (located in basement; note the basement lighting is limited) · Iron and ironing board · Heating · Smoke-free property.

Entertainment and connectivity. Flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels · DVD player · Note: Wi-Fi was reported as unreliable during one recent stay, and cellular coverage in the area is spotty.

Seasons

When to visit

Summer (June–August). Peak season for Acadia and the island. Days are long, all facilities are fully operational, and the weather is reliable. Trail conditions are excellent. Expect higher rental rates and busier park roads during peak summer.

Fall (September–October). Crisp mornings, clearer skies, and fall foliage beginning mid-September. The property is comfortable for leaf-peeping trips. One recent guest visited in late October and found pleasant conditions, though they noted that maintenance concerns became more apparent during a longer stay.

Late spring (May) and early fall (September). Sweet spot for fewer crowds on Acadia trails while temperatures remain mild. The outdoor fireplace is nice for cool evenings. Ask ahead about any seasonal closures or maintenance work.

Winter (November–March). The rental is available but not heated for cold-weather comfort - verify heating capacity with the owner before booking. Trails may have snow or ice. Good for a quiet, solitary retreat if you're prepared for the season.

Reviews

What guests say

"Pleasant location with new towels and linens. Good starting point for Acadia trips."

  • France, France · Solo traveler · 6/10

Location

Things to do nearby

  • 8.1 mi to Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport
  • 9.9 mi to Acadia National Park Visitor Center at Hulls Cove
  • 10 mi to downtown Bar Harbor and the park's loop road
  • 11 mi to Frenchman Bay for kayaking, sailing, or scenic views
  • 14 mi to Agamont Park in Bar Harbor (waterfront promenade and easy strolls)
  • On-site access to cycling trails and hiking routes through local forests
  • 2 miles to nearby golf course if you want to step away from nature for an afternoon

FAQ

Good to know

Is there reliable internet and cell service? Wi-Fi has been reported as unreliable, and cellular coverage in Pretty Marsh is spotty. If you need to stay connected for work, contact the owner beforehand to confirm current connectivity status.

What's included in the rental? Fully equipped kitchen with cookware, utensils, and appliances. Linens, towels, and basic toiletries. Outdoor furniture and BBQ grill. TV and DVD player.

Is the property suitable for families? Yes, with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and outdoor space. However, review the maintenance concerns noted by recent guests - specifically, bed comfort and lighting in key areas - before booking with children.

How far is it to the nearest restaurant or market? Pretty Marsh is a residential area. The nearest shops and restaurants are in Bar Harbor, about ten miles away. Plan meals accordingly, or use the full kitchen to self-cater.

Can I use the outdoor fireplace year-round? The outdoor fireplace is available, but fall and spring are most comfortable seasons. Winter use is possible but requires planning. Check with the owner about seasonal availability.

Are pets allowed? The listing does not specify a pet policy. Contact the owner directly to confirm whether dogs or cats are permitted.

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