Seaside Cottage

Wells sits at the sweet spot of Maine's southern coast - quiet enough for a real vacation, close enough to Portsmouth's restaurants and shops. Seaside Cottage is a three-bedroom holiday home that feels less like a rental property and more like borrowing a friend's place on the water. The main draw isn't luxury; it's space, full kitchen access, and the freedom that comes with renting a whole house instead of a hotel room.

Guests consistently praise the property for being exactly what it promises: comfortable, clean, and genuinely welcoming. Two of three reviewers gave it a 9 out of 10. One visitor from Canada called it a "super chalet," while a U.S. guest noted it had "all the comforts of home" with a peaceful, unhurried vibe. This is the kind of place where families cook breakfast together, kids watch movies on rainy afternoons, and everyone gathers around the outdoor dining area at sunset.

The location is unbeatable for exploring the southern Maine coast without the bustle of Ogunquit or the tourist density of Old Orchard Beach. 8.7 / 10 Excellent from 3 reviews · 9.0 / 10 from groups

A full kitchen means you can eat like a local. No relying on restaurants for every meal. Cook fresh lobster rolls, prep picnic lunches, or simply enjoy coffee on the outdoor furniture while planning the day. The kitchen is thoroughly equipped - oven, stovetop, dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine. Families particularly value this for breakfast and casual lunches.

Three bedrooms and two bathrooms suit groups and multi-generational trips. This is the major advantage over traditional hotels. Everyone has their own sleeping space; nobody's sharing a bed with a stranger. The house sleeps multiple families comfortably, making per-person costs reasonable for larger parties.

Outdoor spaces dominate the property. A dedicated picnic area, barbecue facilities, and outdoor dining setup mean your meals and downtime happen outside when the weather cooperates. In August and early September, that's almost always. Bring steaks or grilled vegetables; the setup is ready.

Activities are built into the landscape. Horseback riding, hiking, cycling, fishing, and golf courses within two miles. You're not stuck on the property waiting for entertainment. The Maine coast here offers genuine outdoor options without the packaged-tour feel.

It's smoke-free and well-maintained. Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors are in place. One reviewer noted the property was exceptionally clean and smelled fresh - a small detail that matters enormously in shared vacation spaces.

The property is a three-bedroom house, not a traditional hotel. This layout works best for families, groups, or extended stays. One guest noted that wood paneling in one bedroom had dust and a spider web on initial inspection (since cleaned), a minor detail in an otherwise spotless space. The rooms come with linens, and bathrooms include towels, free toiletries, and hairdryers. A work desk is available if you need to handle email during a longer stay.

• Three-Bedroom House: Three separate bedrooms, two full bathrooms, full kitchen, living area with sofa and seating. Private entrance, ironing facilities.

Outdoor & Entertainment: Barbecue facilities · picnic area · outdoor dining space · outdoor furniture · streaming services (Netflix-style) · TV with cable and satellite channels

Kitchen: Fully equipped with dishwasher, stovetop, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee machine, toaster, kitchenware, and dining table. Perfect for self-catering families.

Comfort & Cleanliness: Private bathrooms · washing machine and dryer · laundry service available · linens and towels provided · iron and ironing board · free toiletries

Activities & Recreation: Nearby horseback riding · hiking trails · cycling routes · fishing · golf courses within two miles

Practical: Private entrance · work desk · smoke-free property · safety features (fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detector)

Summer (June–August): Peak season for Maine's coast. Drakes Island Beach is warm enough for swimming. Outdoor dining at the cottage is at its best. Expect higher rental rates and book early. This is when families school is out of session travel.

Early Fall (September–early October): Fewer crowds, still-warm ocean water through mid-September, and early foliage beginning in inland areas like Mount Agamenticus. Locals consider this the sweet spot for comfort and reasonable pricing.

Shoulder Season (May, October): Quieter, but ocean water is cold for swimming. Hiking and cycling are excellent. Some nearby restaurants and attractions reduce hours or close entirely.

Winter (November–April): The property is likely closed or available for extended monthly rentals only. Verify availability directly. The Maine coast is beautiful in winter but raw - frequent storms and short daylight hours.

Everything was fantastic. If I had to name just one negative, the wooden wall in one bedroom had some cobwebs and a dead ladybug. Everything else was spotless and smelled fresh!

• Francine, Canada · Group traveler · 9/10

The seaside cottage was so welcoming and peaceful, with all the comforts of home.

• Deborah, United States · Group traveler · 9/10

The three-review sample size is small, but the consistency is striking: two nines and an eight. Visitors consistently value the space, cleanliness, and atmosphere. No recurring complaints emerged. The one mention of a minor cleanliness issue was already addressed by the time it was posted and shouldn't factor into expectations now.

• Drakes Island Beach: 1.1 miles away. Small, family-friendly beach with softer sand than some of Maine's rockier shores.
• Mount Agamenticus: 6.8 miles. Highest point in southern Maine (680 feet) with hiking trails, views to the White Mountains on clear days, and a scenic auto road for non-hikers.
• Marginal Way Walk: 7.5 miles in nearby Ogunquit. One of New England's most famous coastal walks - 1.2 miles of rocky coastline and tide pools.
• Old Orchard Beach: 15 miles. Classic Maine beach town with a historic pier, amusement park, and sand beaches stretching for miles.
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire: 26 miles. Vibrant downtown with galleries, craft breweries, upscale restaurants, and the historic Strawbery Banke Museum.
• Kennebunk & Dock Square: 12 miles. Picturesque village with boutique shopping, lobster rolls, and a working fishing dock.
• Local golf courses: Two within two miles of the property. Ideal for a non-beach day.

Is Seaside Cottage actually oceanside, or just close to the ocean? It's in Wells, 1.1 miles from Drakes Island Beach. Not directly beachfront, but a quick drive or short bike ride away. You have the space and quiet of a cottage without beach-hotel foot traffic.

What's included in the rental price? Full kitchen access, all utilities, linens, towels, free toiletries, washing machine, and dryer. Streaming services (Netflix-style) and TV are available. No hidden fees for basic amenities.

Is breakfast included, or do I cook it myself? You cook. The fully equipped kitchen is the major advantage here for families. Buy local supplies at nearby markets and eat on your own schedule.

Can we rent this for one night, or is there a minimum stay? Booking.com typically shows availability; check directly. Short-term rentals in Maine often have two- to three-night minimums in peak season, but this may vary.

Is there a hot tub or pool? No. The property offers outdoor dining, picnic areas, and barbecue. Nearby beaches and hiking trails are your main recreation.

Are pets allowed? The listing doesn't specify. Contact the property owner directly through Booking.com before booking if you're traveling with a dog.

How far is it from Portsmouth International Airport? 26 miles, roughly a 40-minute drive. Rental car is practically necessary for exploring the area.