Periwinkle Cottage
Periwinkle Cottage: A Quiet River Retreat on Westport Island

Why Stay
Why Periwinkle Cottage
Periwinkle Cottage sits on Westport Island as the kind of place where email feels unnecessary and your phone's notifications seem like an intrusion. This one-bedroom house trades the bustle of a front desk for solitude and river views - the sort of rental where you actually use the word "peaceful" and mean it.
The cottage attracts a specific traveler: couples seeking a weekend away from noise, solo guests on retreat, people who come for the fishing or hiking and stay for the morning coffee ritual on the porch. It's not a boutique hotel with a concierge and turndown service. It's a clean, well-equipped home where the view of eagles fishing outside your window arrives as part of the deal.
River views and morning wildlife encounters. The cottage overlooks the river, and guests report waking to bald eagles fishing while they have coffee on the porch. This isn't a promise the property makes - it's what actually happens here, and reviewers mention it specifically enough that it's worth planning your schedule around dawn.
Complete privacy and quiet. Periwinkle is genuinely isolated. No other cottages visible, no road noise, no ambient hum of a busy property. Solo travelers and couples alike cite the peace as the main draw - this is where you go when you need to disappear for a few days.
Self-sufficient setup with everything stocked. The kitchen is fully equipped: stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine, kettle. Linens and towels are provided. Reviewers specifically mention the cottage being "well stocked," which means you're not arriving to an empty pantry and hunting for basics.
River access for fishing and hiking. The property sits on the water with direct outdoor space, and the facilities support fishing and hiking - real activities, not just amenities listed on a brochure. This appeals to guests who want to actually do something with their time, not just sit by a pool.
Rooms
The rooms
Periwinkle is a one-bedroom cottage with a single layout. The bedroom has linens provided. The private bathroom includes a shower, towels, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. The living area spreads across a dining area, sofa, sitting area, and desk - useful if you're staying longer than a weekend or need a workspace.
One-Bedroom House – River views, private entrance, full kitchen, washer and dryer in unit.
A practical note: one reviewer flagged that blackout options are limited (early-morning light was an issue in summer), and bedding is either heavy or light - a middle-weight blanket in the linen closet would help. The property replies promptly to feedback, and these are the kinds of details worth mentioning to the hosts when you book.
At a Glance
At a glance
Best for
Couples, solo travelers, writers, fishing enthusiasts
Price tier
Mid-range vacation rental
Open
Yes, though peak season is June–October
Standout amenities
River views · eagle sightings · complete privacy · full kitchen
Details
Check-in / out
Amenities
On-site amenities
Kitchen & Cooking · Fully equipped with stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee machine, electric kettle, toaster, and kitchenware · Dining table for meals · Outdoor barbecue for grilling
Living & Comfort · Private entrance · Sofa and sitting area · Flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels · Streaming service access (Netflix available) · Work desk · Heating
Laundry & Practical · Washer and dryer in unit · Laundry service · Free toiletries in bathroom
Outdoor Space · Outdoor furniture and seating area · River views · Direct access to outdoor grounds for fishing and hiking
Safety & Security · Smoke-free property · Smoke alarms · Carbon monoxide detector · Fire extinguishers
Seasons
When to visit
Summer (June–August) – Peak season, especially mid-July through Labor Day. River is warmest, eagles actively fishing, hiking conditions excellent, and wildflowers in bloom. Early mornings are prime time for wildlife viewing. The cottage is popular with families and couples during school breaks.
Fall (September–October) – Leaf-peeping season draws visitors throughout Maine, but Westport Island's riverside setting is particularly striking as maples turn. Weather is still warm enough for hiking and time on the porch. September stays are notably praised in reviews - fewer crowds than summer but steady river activity.
Spring (April–May) – Mud season upstate, but the coast wakes quickly. River thaws, birds return, wildflowers emerge. Lodging is quieter and rates drop. Good for solo travelers seeking solitude.
Winter (November–March) – Limited availability and colder river views, though the property maintains heat and remains open. Best for hardcore retreats and writers seeking isolation.
Reviews
What guests say
"Wonderful isolated cottage in Maine! It was very clean and well stocked. We loved waking up and watching the eagles catching fish while we drank coffee on the porch."
- Rice, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10
"Amazing views, private, peaceful."
- Carrianne, United States · Couple · 10/10
"Overall clean and beautiful location, so quiet and peaceful - just a perfect place to rest."
- Ellen, United States · Solo traveler · 8/10
"Adorable cottage with stunning views. It was so quiet and peaceful - just a perfect place to rest and renew."
- Catherine, United States · Couple · 10/10
One genuine caveat worth noting: early-morning light can be an issue if you're a light-sensitive sleeper. The cottage is equipped with a heavy comforter and sheets, but guests sometimes need a mid-weight blanket, which isn't always in supply. Contact the owners before booking if blackout conditions are essential. One summer reviewer also found the soap dispenser empty in the shower - the property's response was prompt, and this appears to be a stocking issue rather than a pattern.
Location
Things to do nearby
- 2 miles – Westport village center, where you'll find a general store and local restaurants
- 8 miles – Boothbay Harbor, a working fishing village with galleries, shops, and waterfront dining
- 12 miles – Montsweag Preserve, a 72-acre property with river trails and bird-watching (bald eagles common)
- 15 miles – Botanical Gardens at Boothbay, with 300 acres of garden rooms and woodland paths
- 18 miles – Popham Beach State Park, a barrier beach with swimming and excellent clamming access
- 20 miles – Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, a major regional attraction with 220 acres of formal and naturalized gardens
- 25 miles – Brunswick and Bowdoin College, home to museums, galleries, and the Bowdoin College Museum of Art
FAQ
Good to know
Is Periwinkle Cottage directly on the river? Yes. The property overlooks the river with direct outdoor seating and access. The water views are part of the appeal, and eagle sightings are common, especially at dawn.
Is breakfast included? No breakfast is provided. The cottage includes a full kitchen with coffee machine, kettle, toaster, refrigerator, and stovetop, so you can prepare your own meals. Nearby Boothbay Harbor has several cafés and restaurants within 8 miles.
Can I fish or kayak from the property? Fishing is listed as an available activity, and the outdoor setting supports it. Contact the owners directly about kayak launch conditions and any required permits. Nearby Montsweag Preserve has formal boat access.
What's the cancellation policy? Booking.com's standard policies apply. Note: one reviewer had difficulty with Booking.com's check-in process and recommended direct contact with the owners if possible.
Is there a washer and dryer in the cottage? Yes. Both are in-unit, which is a major convenience for longer stays. Laundry service is also available.
How private is the location? Entirely private. You have your own entrance, and no other cottages are visible from the property. It's secluded enough that quiet and wildlife viewing are defining features.
What's the nearest town for groceries and restaurants? Westport village is 2 miles away with a general store. Boothbay Harbor (8 miles) has restaurants, shops, and galleries.
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