Southside at Cobb Nob

Southside at Cobb Nob sits on the quieter side of Southwest Harbor, a three-bedroom house with direct beach access and views across the water. It's the kind of place where you can watch the light change on the shore from the deck in the evening, then walk a few minutes into town for lobster. This is a working vacation home - furnishings worn comfortably, kitchen fully functional, no fuss - which means you get space and practicality without paying for a polished resort. Groups and families book it to explore Acadia National Park without being in the thick of Bar Harbor. Solo travelers linger on the deck. Couples come back year after year.

The reviews run 8 to 10, with guests consistently citing the waterfront location and quietness as the draw. This is not a hotel; it's a house where the host answers the phone at night when the lights go out.

The location is the whole story. You're on the water in a quieter pocket of Mount Desert Island, a quick walk from Beal's Lobster Pier and Fish Camp, but removed from the Bar Harbor bustle. Acadia National Park is accessible by shuttle service or a 15-minute drive. Guests call it the perfect home base precisely because it's far enough away to be peaceful, close enough to get anywhere you need.

The house gives you room to breathe. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a dining area mean groups can spread out without feeling cramped. A deck overlooks the beach; a picnic area and barbecue let you cook what you catch or what you brought. A guest who arrived with a dog praised the semi-private beach and garden. Another noted the ample space for sleeping, eating, socializing, and just being.

The kitchen is properly equipped. Dishwasher, full stovetop and oven, coffee machine, all the basics. Guests mention bringing groceries and cooking for themselves - which works here because everything actually functions. One review called the kitchen provisions "perfect"; another said "everything was first class."

The host is genuinely responsive. When a bedroom light stopped working during one stay, the owner answered a call late at night to help troubleshoot. When guests had questions about local spots, they got real answers back. That level of attention matters in a rental home.

It's pet-friendly. Dogs can roam the semi-private beach and garden. One solo traveler specifically highlighted this as a draw.

The house is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom setup designed for groups or families who want to rent the whole place rather than a single unit. Bedrooms are simply appointed with linens provided. The living area includes a dining table, sofa, sitting area, and work desk. Each room has a private entrance and private bathroom. The furnishings are vacation-home traditional - worn in the way a beach house should be, comfortable rather than chic. One guest described them as "old funky, well used but comfortable and totally fit the vibe." This is intentional: the focus is on the setting and the space, not on boutique finishes.

Outdoors & Beach · Beachfront with private beach access · Picnic area · Outdoor dining area · Barbecue · Outdoor furniture · Mountain and sea views from the deck

Activities · Beach and shoreline access · Cycling · Hiking trails nearby · Golf course within 2 miles · Fishing from the property or nearby

For Families · Playground · Children's books, DVDs, and streaming services · High chair and baby safety gates available · Flat-screen TV

Kitchen & Dining · Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, full stovetop, oven, microwave · Dining table · Coffee machine · Kitchenware and utensils

Practical · Laundry facilities · Free toiletries · Work desk · Iron and ironing board · Smoke-free property · Fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detector

June–September (Peak & Shoulder) The house is popular with families in July and August, and with leaf-peepers in late September. Acadia is fully open, restaurants run full hours, and the Cranberry Cove Ferry to Islesford runs daily. Water is coolest in early June and June, warmer by August. Expect more crowds on island roads.

September–October (Fall Foliage) Mount Desert Island is at its most photographed. Guests mention "leaf peeping" as a draw. The water cools down; the light softens. This is prime time here, and the house books accordingly.

May & Early June (Spring) Acadia opens fully, the weather is mild, and the tourist season hasn't peaked. Good for solo travelers or couples who want quiet time with water views.

November–April (Off-Season) The house remains open, but restaurants and attractions on the island operate on reduced schedules. Acadia is accessible year-round, but winter weather on MDI can be severe. Fewer crowds, lower rates, and a genuinely quiet island experience if you're prepared for cold and occasional snow.

"The place is superb. Everything was first class."

• Clive, United States · Group · 10/10

"Perfect location to enjoy the quiet side of Mt Desert Island. A quick walk to Beal's Lobster Pier & Cranberry Cove Ferry."

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

"Right by the water was the best part. We all had ample space to relax, socialize, sleep, and eat. The host was super helpful even answering a call late at night."

• Ashley, United States · Group · 9/10

"Very quiet. Plenty of room. Deck area was great."

• Don, United States · Group · 9/10

"Very spacious and everything working well. Easy walk to Fish Camp and Beal's Lobster."

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

Minor notes: One guest wished there were beach towels and chairs provided. Another noted the house is a bit further from the park's main attractions than some alternatives, though the shuttle helps. These are small friction points in otherwise strong stays; most guests weigh them against the peace and the location.

• 5 min walk: Beal's Lobster Pier - working dock and takeout window
• 5 min walk: Fish Camp - casual waterfront dining
• 15 min drive / shuttle: Acadia National Park main entrance and visitor center
• 4.3 miles: Ship Harbor Nature Trail - loop hike through quiet woods to a rocky shore
• 15 miles: Agamont Park in Bar Harbor - oceanside green space and classic views
• 15 miles: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (main regional airport)
• 13 miles: Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory - if tide-pooling and marine science interest you
• 20 miles: Thunder Hole - the signature Acadia sound-and-spray feature on the east side of the island

Is Southside at Cobb Nob directly on the water? Yes. The house sits beachfront with a private beach area and direct access. You can walk out the door onto sand.

Is breakfast included? No. The house has a full kitchen; guests cook their own meals or grab breakfast in town. Beal's and Fish Camp are both within a 5-minute walk.

How far is Acadia National Park? About 15 minutes by car. A shuttle service also runs to the park from nearby; ask the owner for current schedules and stops.

Is the house pet-friendly? Yes. Dogs are welcome and can use the semi-private beach and garden area. Confirm any breed or size restrictions with the owner.

Can we rent just one bedroom, or is it the whole house? The listing is for the full three-bedroom house. You book all three bedrooms as a unit, not individual rooms.

What's the parking situation? The house has private parking. Guests have noted that the location can be tricky to find at night on first arrival, so consider checking directions and arrival timing in advance.

Are utilities and WiFi included? The kitchen, heating, and electricity are all included in your stay. Confirm WiFi availability with the owner at booking.