The Beached Whale

The Beached Whale is not a boutique inn or a chain resort - it's a vacation rental built for people who want room to spread out. Three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a wraparound patio mean families and small groups can actually relax here without stepping on each other. Located in a quiet corner of Wells, just 1.4 miles from Moody Beach and within striking distance of Ogunquit's galleries and restaurants, this property delivers on the promise of a proper seaside getaway.

The house itself feels lived-in - in the good way. Parquet floors, a sofa that invites lingering, and a dining table that can handle both breakfast and board games. You get fast WiFi, streaming services, a full kitchen with a dishwasher (nobody comes to the beach to hand-wash), and a grill ready for the catch of the day or Saturday night steaks. Private parking and private check-in mean no desk clerks, no key cards, no small-talk - just your group and the coast.

At 9.9 / 10, The Beached Whale ranks among the highest-rated properties in the Wells area.

Space and independence. This is a full house, not a room. Three separate bedrooms let families assign sleeping arrangements without negotiation, and two bathrooms mean actual hot showers for everyone. The living room has a sofa and sitting area; the dining table seats a real group dinner. You're not eating on a balcony or making coffee in a closet-sized unit.

Fully functional kitchen. The kitchen is genuinely equipped - refrigerator, oven, stovetop, dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine, electric kettle. This isn't a vacation rental with a mini-fridge and a hot plate. Cook breakfast, pack picnic lunches, grill dinner on the back patio. It's the difference between a hotel stay and actually living somewhere.

Outdoor living. A patio with furniture, a picnic area, and BBQ facilities mean you're not confined indoors on a beautiful day. Fire up the grill while kids chase the lawn, or set up the picnic table for a casual dinner as the sun sets over the trees.

Quiet neighborhood, close to everything. Wells' quieter blocks feel a world away from Ogunquit's crowds, yet you're minutes from beaches, restaurants, and galleries. Moody Beach is a short drive; Marginal Way Walk and Perkins Cove are under five miles. Portsmouth's dining and shopping are 22 miles north.

The Beached Whale is organized as a three-bedroom house. Bedrooms feature linens and private entrances; the bathrooms include full showers or tubs, towels, and free toiletries. Hardwood and parquet flooring runs through the living areas, giving the space an open, airy feel. Each room gets heating, air-conditioning, and a ceiling fan.

• Master Bedroom: largest of the three; anchors the main living wing
• Guest Bedroom 1: separate private space, ideal for couples or children
• Guest Bedroom 2: additional space for larger groups or extended family

Kitchen & Dining: Full oven and stovetop · dishwasher · refrigerator · microwave · coffee machine and electric kettle · dining table and dining area · cleaning products provided

Comfort & Climate: Air-conditioning and heating · ceiling fans throughout · parquet and hardwood flooring · linens included

Laundry & Housekeeping: Washing machine and dryer · iron · free WiFi (250 Mbps) · board games and puzzles for rainy afternoons

Outdoor Living: BBQ grill · patio with outdoor furniture · picnic area · outdoor dining table

Safety & Practical: Private parking · non-smoking property · fire extinguishers and smoke alarms · carbon monoxide detector · private check-in/out (no front desk)

The standout feature for group stays is the outdoor setup. A furnished patio, picnic table, and full BBQ facilities mean summer evenings don't require restaurant reservations. Seating and dining areas are stocked with outdoor furniture; the property provides everything needed for casual entertaining. On clear nights, this is where memories happen - cold drinks, someone grilling, laughter carrying across the quiet yard.

Summer (June–August): Peak season. Beaches are warm and crowded; Ogunquit Playhouse is in full swing. Moody Beach fills on weekends. Patio and grill get daily use. Book well ahead.

Shoulder Season (May & September): Water temperature rises to swimmable; crowds thin considerably. Pool facilities at nearby resorts may still be open. Fall foliage begins creeping in by late September. Excellent for families with school schedules.

Fall (October–November): Leaf-peeping season brings day-trippers to Mount Agamenticus and the back roads of southern Maine. Fewer overnight visitors means better availability. Mornings are crisp; evenings demand a sweater on the patio.

Winter (December–February): Quietest season. The coast is dramatic and moody. Many restaurants and attractions operate on reduced hours. The house is heated; outdoor grilling is still possible on clear days. Best for groups seeking solitude.

• Moody Beach: 1.4 mi · walkable stretch of sand and families; quieter than Ogunquit proper
• Ogunquit Village & Dock Square: 3 mi · galleries, boutiques, casual restaurants, and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art
• Marginal Way Walk: 3.7 mi · iconic 1.3-mile clifftop trail between Ogunquit and Perkins Cove; bring a camera
• Perkins Cove: 4 mi · working fishing harbor with waterfront dining; postcard-worthy
• Ogunquit Playhouse: 4.5 mi · Tony Award-winning regional theater; catch a summer show
• Mount Agamenticus: 3.7 mi · scenic 692-foot summit with trails and a fire tower; short drive from Wells
• Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge: 8 mi · salt marsh trails and bird-watching; bring binoculars
• Portsmouth, NH: 22 mi · historic downtown, waterfront restaurants, and Strawbery Banke museum

Is there a full kitchen? Yes. The Beached Whale includes a complete kitchen with a full-sized oven, stovetop, dishwasher, refrigerator, and coffee machine. You can prepare any meal; many guests cook breakfasts and pack beach lunches to save on restaurants.

Is breakfast included? No. The kitchen is self-catering, so you'll shop and cook your own meals or eat out. This gives flexibility: grab pastries from a local bakery, make coffee at home, or dine out whenever you like.

Are there beaches within walking distance? Moody Beach is 1.4 miles away - a short drive or a 25-minute walk via roads. Other beaches in Ogunquit and the broader Midcoast are 3–8 miles away by car. A personal vehicle is practically essential in this area.

Is parking included? Yes. The property includes free private parking. You won't search for street spots or pay additional fees.

What's the WiFi speed? Fast free WiFi at 250 Mbps supports streaming, video calls, and large downloads. Reliable for remote work.

Can we use the grill? Yes. A full BBQ setup is available. Guests commonly cook dinners on the patio; the property supplies the grill and outdoor furniture. Bring or buy charcoal or propane locally.

Is this a good fit for families with young children? Yes. The multiple bedrooms, full kitchen, washing machine, and board games support families well. The outdoor space is safe for kids. Moody Beach and nearby attractions are family-oriented. No pool on-site, but beaches and water access are close.