The Rice Andrews House

The Rice Andrews House is a standalone one-bedroom apartment housed in a structure dating to 1762, located in Wiscasset, one of Maine's most photogenic riverside towns. This isn't a hotel with shared hallways; it's a private rental with its own entrance, full kitchen, and river views. It appeals equally to couples seeking a quiet getaway, small families wanting kitchen facilities, and travelers with pets who need flexibility.

The property sits within walking distance of downtown Wiscasset's antique shops, galleries, and waterfront. The Sheepscot River runs nearby, and the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden is 11 miles south. For anyone wanting to base themselves in midcoast Maine without the constraints of a hotel room, this apartment offers the independence and workspace that a longer stay demands.

A fully equipped kitchen lets you cook like a local. The apartment includes a stovetop, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and full set of kitchenware - plus a coffee machine and toaster for mornings. This matters in a rural Maine town where restaurant options thin out after 8 p.m., and where a lobster roll at a local dock costs less than hotel room service.

River views from your private outdoor space. The property features a patio and picnic area with outdoor furniture and a dining table, positioned to catch light off the Sheepscot. A barbecue grill lets you cook supper outside and eat under the trees, which is what visiting Maine in summer is actually about.

Private entrance and genuine privacy. You're not checking into a front desk or sharing corridors. The apartment is entirely yours, with a private bathroom and entrance - the difference between a hotel and a home away from home matters more than most booking sites acknowledge.

Pet-friendly without apologies. Traveling with a dog or cat? The property welcomes pets. No negotiations, no extra fees buried in fine print - just bring them along.

The Rice Andrews House offers a single spacious one-bedroom layout. The bedroom is outfitted with quality linens. The main living area includes a sitting area with a desk (useful if you're working remotely for a few days), and a separate dining area overlooking the river. The full kitchen is open to the living space, which works well for couples or small families who want to stay together while one person cooks.

A few practical notes: This is a 1762 structure - expect authentic period character alongside modern updates. The bathroom is private, with a bathtub, shower, and full amenities (hairdryer, towels, free toiletries). Heating is available for shoulder-season stays.

Outdoor spaces · Barbecue grill, picnic area with dining furniture, patio with river views

Kitchen · Full stovetop and oven, microwave, refrigerator, complete kitchenware, coffee and tea maker, toaster

Creature comforts · Streaming service (Netflix), television, ironing facilities, safe, heating

Safety · Carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers

Spring (April–May). Wiscasset's gardens and tree canopy come alive. The river thaws and becomes a focal point for walks. Weather is cool enough to justify the wood stove, but afternoons can be pleasant for outdoor dining. Peak foliage is still weeks away.

Summer (June–September). The river-view patio becomes the primary living space. This is peak season for Boothbay and the surrounding coast, so book early. Long daylight hours (sunset is near 9 p.m. in July) mean extended outdoor time. Inland Wiscasset sees fewer tourists than nearby seaside towns, making it a quieter alternative.

Fall (October–November). Foliage peaks in early to mid-October. Mornings and evenings turn cool, making the apartment's heating useful. Restaurants begin reducing hours after Columbus Day. This is an excellent time to visit if you want solitude and color without summer crowds.

Winter (December–March). The Sheepscot can freeze. The picnic area is snowbound. This rental works for a winter escape, but outdoor activities are limited. Heating is essential; confirm operation before booking. Most regional attractions have reduced hours or are closed entirely.

• Downtown Wiscasset - 0.5 mile · Galleries, antique shops, and the iconic red footbridge
• Sheepscot River waterfront - Walking distance · Views, river access, and riverside picnic spots
• Coastal Maine Botanical Garden - 11 miles south in Boothbay · 270 acres of themed gardens, sculptures, and meadow walks
• Castle Tucker - 1 mile · A restored 1807 mansion with period rooms and river views, run by the National Trust
• Alna meetinghouse - 4 miles · One of Maine's oldest wooden churches, built in 1789
• Reid State Park - 11 miles south in Georgetown · Sandy beaches, dunes, and coastal walking trails
• Old Fort Western - 24 miles west in Augusta · The oldest wooden fort in the United States, with period interpreters and living history programs

Is the apartment truly private? Yes. The Rice Andrews House is a standalone rental with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. You're not sharing walls with other hotel guests or checking in through a front desk.

Can I cook full meals, or just microwave dinners? Full cooking. The kitchen has a real stovetop and oven, not a kitchenette pretending to be a kitchen. You can prep lobster, roast vegetables, bake bread - whatever you'd do at home.

Is breakfast included? No. This is a self-catering apartment. The included coffee machine helps with mornings; local bakeries and cafés in downtown Wiscasset are 10 minutes away on foot.

Is the apartment pet-friendly? Yes, pets are welcome. Confirm any specific restrictions (size, species) with the host before booking, though the listing shows no such limitations listed.

How close is the river, and can I swim? The apartment overlooks the Sheepscot River. Swimming depends on water quality and season; river swimming in Maine is generally safe in summer but cold year-round. The river itself is a tidal estuary, not a warm pool.

Is there air conditioning? Not listed. Maine summers are mild, and river-adjacent locations catch breeze. If July heat is a deal-breaker, confirm with the host. Most midcoast visitors find fans sufficient.

How far is it to restaurants and shops? Downtown Wiscasset is walkable - less than a mile. Bigger grocery stores and chains are 10–15 minutes by car in neighboring towns. Dining options are casual (lobster shacks, pizza, sandwich shops) rather than fine dining; plan accordingly or cook at home.