Village By The Sea

On Post Road in Wells, between the marsh and the shoulder season quiet, sits a property that reads less like a hotel and more like a place people actually return to - year after year. Village By The Sea is a condo resort where each unit has a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and the kind of breathing room that makes families stop booking hotel rooms altogether. The outdoor pool draws crowds in summer; the heated indoor pool runs year-round. Most guests come back not because the place is fancy, but because it works: spacious, clean, well-stocked, and 13 minutes from Ogunquit Beach.

The ownership model matters here. Each condo is individually owned, which means décor and finishes vary - some units are freshly updated, others more established. That variability has its trade-offs, but it also means no two stays feel identical. The staff, led by property manager Jayme Monahan, replies to nearly every review. That kind of attention is rare in the condo-resort world.

Couples rate the location 9.1 out of 10. Families come back repeatedly. Groups rent multiple units. The overall score of 8.8 from 512 reviews reflects a property that knows exactly what it is: a reliable, comfortable, kitchen-equipped base for exploring the Maine coast.

Spacious two-bedroom apartments feel like homes, not hotel rooms. Nearly every positive review emphasizes the size and layout. Two bathrooms, a full kitchen with dishwasher and full-sized refrigerator, a living area, and separate bedrooms mean groups don't feel crammed. One repeat guest noted the unit was "bigger than it looks online." Balconies or patios come standard; some units face the salt marshes.

The full kitchen transforms multi-night stays. Reviewers consistently praise the completeness: not just a hot plate and microwave, but full cookware, utensils, dish soap, paper towels, coffee makers. One family noted they "had to use the outside grill and they were clean too." The freedom to cook breakfast, pack a picnic, or reheat dinner is a real draw for families and groups.

Two pools serve different moods. The outdoor pool is described as "clean and crystal clear"; the rooftop heated indoor pool stays open year-round. One guest noted the outdoor option is the better bet for summer; another mentioned the indoor pool runs hot and is fine for winter swims, though one guest found the chlorine strong. Neither is Olympic-grade, but both are functional and popular with kids.

Location splits the difference between quiet and convenient. The property sits on a quieter stretch of Post Road, near marshes and a Dunkin' Donuts, but within 13 minutes of Ogunquit Beach, Kennebunkport, and the dining and shopping of Wells. Guests call it "fantastic" and "convenient to a lot of towns I wanted to visit."

The staff responds and problem-solves. Jayme Monahan signs most replies. Guests note the team is "pleasant and helpful" and accommodating - one couple was offered a king bed after mentioning their disappointment with the full-size in their original booking.

Village By The Sea consists entirely of individually owned condominiums. Two main layouts dominate the reviews: one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, each with full kitchens and either one or two bathrooms. The buildings are older and vary in update status - some units sport new appliances and furnishings; others retain more dated finishes. This inconsistency is worth knowing: your specific unit's décor depends on the owner's renovation timeline, not a property standard.

• Two-Bedroom Apartment - The majority of reviewers stay here. Sleeps four to five. Two bathrooms, full kitchen, living area, separate bedrooms, and balcony or patio. One repeated note: the main bedroom often has a full-size bed, not a king. Request a king upgrade when booking if that matters.
• One-Bedroom Apartment - Smaller footprint, one bathroom, still includes full kitchen and living area. One guest noted a ocean view from the balcony.

One consistent caveat: Soundproofing is minimal. Multiple reviewers heard neighbors walking, showering, slamming doors, and in one case, a toddler running above them. The property acknowledges this is an older building; if quiet is critical, this is a trade-off to accept or request a ground-floor unit.

Pools & Recreation · Two swimming pools (outdoor seasonal, indoor year-round) · Hot tub/Jacuzzi · Game room · BBQ grills (on patios and common areas) · Picnic area · Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas provided

Practical · Free Wi-Fi · Free parking (up to two cars per unit) · Business center and meeting facilities · Fitness center · Vending machines for snacks and drinks

In Your Unit · Full kitchen with dishwasher, full-sized refrigerator, stove, and microwave · Living room · Patio or balcony with outdoor furniture · Two bathrooms (two-bedroom units) · Washer and dryer · Air conditioning and heating · Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility & Safety · Designated accessible parking · Facilities for disabled guests (ground-floor units available) · Smoke-free property · Key card access · Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms throughout

The dual-pool setup is a genuine standout. The outdoor pool opens seasonally (typically late spring through early fall) and draws families in summer - one guest called it "awesome," another noted it was "crowded but very nice." The indoor heated pool operates year-round and is rooftop-mounted, offering views. The trade-off: one guest found the water cloudy (others didn't), and chlorine levels can be strong. Both pools have shallow ends, beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas. The outdoor option is the consensus winner for summer; the indoor pool is the lifeline in winter and shoulder season.

Summer (June–August) · Peak season. Both pools in use; the outdoor pool is the draw. Ogunquit Beach is crowded. Book early. Dining and attractions run full hours. Warmest water and most activity for kids. Hotels and restaurants may be at capacity.

Shoulder Season (May, September) · Excellent value. Pools operate. Weather is warm but less intense. Fewer crowds at beaches and shops. Leaf-peeping begins in late September. Many seasonal businesses stay open. This is when repeat guests often book.

Fall (October–November) · Foliage peaks early to mid-October. Nights cool, days warm. Pools may close by late October. Indoor heated pool is available. Crowds thin significantly. The property sees repeat visitors arriving for anniversaries and leaf-peeping trips.

Winter (December–February) · Quiet. Indoor pool and hot tub are the main on-site draws. Many restaurants and attractions have reduced hours or close. The outdoor pool is drained. Great for couples seeking peace. Seasonal décor and holiday events in nearby towns.

"Spacious and updated. Comfortable, quaint. More than enough for us."

• Mike, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Very clean. Had everything we needed. Great location!"

• Heidi, United States · Family · 10/10

"Spacious and modern. Full kitchen and 2 bathrooms. Coffee on the patio!"

• Marci, United States · Couple · 10/10

"The staff and location were excellent."

• Joann, United States · Family · 10/10

"We loved the location. The apartment was big and spacious with a nice view of the ocean. Highly recommend!"

• Emmy, Canada · Couple · 9/10

"It was like being at home but away from home."

• Kathleen, United States · Group · 10/10

What's worth noting: Soundproofing is the most consistent criticism - thin walls mean you'll hear neighbors. A few guests flagged minor issues: one indoor pool went cloudy on their visit, some units have smaller beds or dated finishes, and there's no on-site dining (breakfast is not included). The property is candid about being an older building with individually owned units of varying ages. Repeat guests, however, clearly overlook these trade-offs.

• Ogunquit Beach - 13 minutes · Maine's most popular public beach, three miles of sand, boardwalk, and all the infrastructure that comes with it.
• Kennebunkport - 13 minutes · Dock Square shops, galleries, fine dining, and one of the coast's most picturesque working harbors.
• Wells Beach - 5 minutes · Quieter than Ogunquit, good for families, shell-collecting, and sunset walks.
• Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge - 10 minutes · Salt marshes, walking trails, and bird-watching. The property overlooks similar wetlands.
• Perkins Cove - 15 minutes · Ogunquit's waterfront village. Lobster shacks, galleries, kayak rentals, and photo ops.
• Cape Arundel Golf Club - 8 minutes · 18-hole course in Kennebunkport with ocean views.
• Dining in Wells - Within walking distance or a short drive: diners, casual seafood, and family-friendly spots. Reviewers note the Dunkin' across the street.
• Shopping - Wells downtown and the nearby Post Road corridor have groceries, general stores, and gift shops.

Is breakfast included? No. The property does not offer a breakfast service, but there's a Dunkin' Donuts directly across the street, and local diners are minutes away. One guest appreciated this trade-off, noting it felt like "a great deal."

Is there an elevator? No. Units are accessible by stairs or, in some cases, a half-flight. Ground-floor or basement units are available and should be requested at booking if stairs are a concern.

What's the noise level? Expect to hear neighbors. This is an older building with standard-thickness walls. If absolute quiet is essential, ask for a ground-floor or end unit when booking.

Are pets allowed? The JSON does not specify. Contact the property directly at booking to confirm pet policies.

Do units have air conditioning? Yes. All units have AC and heating. One guest noted one bedroom in a unit lacked AC; contact the property to confirm unit specifics.

Is there a shuttle to the beach or town? No dedicated shuttle is mentioned in reviews. You'll need a car. The property is 5–15 minutes from main attractions.

Can I request a specific bed size or unit type? Yes. The property replies to reviews offering to accommodate preferences like king-bed requests. Email or call when booking to specify needs.