THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate luxury cottage w massive oceanfront steam room

Harpswell, Maine
$712 avg/night Minimum Stay 3 Nights
Bed 2

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Cottage

Property Type

Sleep 6

Max Sleeps

Night 3 nights

Min Stay

THE RED HOUSE
The 116 year old Red House at the head of Mackerel Cove was built when most of Bailey Island was wild and undeveloped - and once you've spent time here it's clear why this spot was chosen to build. You FEEL the ocean just steps away wherever you are on the property - and each night the sun sets directly in front of you across the water.

This place is magic.

A house where no matter what you are doing - cooking dinner with loved ones - reading a book on the porch - spending a lazy day in bed - the sea is always present - steps away or right outside your window.
*
*
*
THE BEACH
The private pebble beach is the perfect place to launch kayaks at any tide. Exploring from the water is one of the best ways to experience Casco Bay. The tide pools in front of the house are something kids (of all ages) love.
*
*
*
THE VIEW
Spending time here always comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Watch the sea and sky shift with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different.
*
*
THE BIRDS
From heron and gulls to Eider and even bald eagles, this sheltered spot is a birdwatchers dream. I watched a pair of sea ducks guide their ducklings along the shore. Herons fishing in the tide pools at low tide. A bald eagle at the end of the wharf. Whatever you see, you can be sure that it's going to be beautiful.
*
*
*
NEW OWNERSHIP
The Red House is now owned by Little Harbor Properties and managed by Safe Harbour Property Management - Safe Harbour is the same management team that you had when The Gills Group owned The Red House so please expect the same great service. This also means THE GILLS GROUP still has a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together with The Red House if available for larger groups or hosting intimate events. The cottages are all a short walk from each other and are the perfect place to be away while still being together.

THE GILLS GROUP cottages are Jaquish Lane (VRBO 733483) which sleeps 12 and The Gills (VRBO 318909) which sleeps 6.
*
*
*
EVENTS
The Red House with spectacular sunsets on the west can be booked with THE GILLS GROUP cottages, JAQUISH and THE GILLS offer the ability to host events such as weddings etc. and can be booked with THE RED HOUSE when available as an lodging accommodation for wedding guests etc. Event fees vary depending on the size of the gathering and number of guests at JAQUISH and THE GILLS. Contact the property manager for more information.
*
*

*
*
*
LOCATION
Mackerel Cove - Bailey Island - Harpswell - Maine.
There are many other properties in the area - but there are very few that rise above the (sometimes crude) comfort that passes for acceptable in a summer island cottage.


BAILEY ISLAND
20 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 55 minutes from Portland.


PETS
Pets are welcome at The Red House and will incur a fee of $60 per night per pet. This is non-negotiable. Everyone says, My pet would never damage anything, but sadly, experience has proven that's not always the case.

BOOKING
A booking using the ONLINE BOOKING feature is ONLY considered confirmed once you have communicated with the property manager.

Read More Expand
  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    1 Total (up To 50 Lbs Per Pet) Pet Friendly Welcoming Dogs Only
  • BEACH

    Beach Towels On The Beach
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    2 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Unit Size: 1186 Sq Ft (110 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Blender Coffee Grinder Coffee/tea Maker Microwave Oven Paper Towels Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Near Laundromat
  • PARKING

    Car Recommended Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Garden Outdoor Furniture Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    1.5 Bathrooms Hair Dryer Shower Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • WORKSPACES

    Desk Desk Chair
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Cycling Nearby Fitness Facilities Nearby Golf Nearby Golfing On Site Hiking Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Kayak On Site Marina Nearby Power Boating Nearby Swimming Nearby Whale Watching Nearby Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books Games Stereo Smart TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Dining Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Heating
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    Near A Health Or Beauty Spa Near A Hospital Near Outlet Shopping Near The Bay Near The Ocean Near The Sea On The Waterfront
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Area Rugs In Public Areas Hardwood Flooring In Public Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. No Elevators Note From Host: 500$ Fee If Cleaner Thinks Indoor Smoking Occurred Smoke-free Property Stair-free Path To Entrance Thin Carpet In Public Areas Upper Floors Accessible By Stairs Only

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 6

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Andrew H.

    Submitted Oct 15, 2025

    Stayed Oct 9, 2025

    My partner and I desperately needed a full reset getaway and this couldn't have fit the bill more. We also had our dog with us. This was (as described and intended) isolated and quiet and tranquil. The house is also incredibly designed on the interior. At first blush, you could look past it, but every inch of this home is designed with intention and mindfulness to the vibe: oceanside, secluded, rustic, authentic. It's awesome. Highly recommend.

  • Elizabeth M.

    Submitted Sep 18, 2025

    Stayed Sep 4, 2025

    No complaints. As advertised. Rustic, immaculate, beautiful home, with a view to die for. Locals are friendly and wildlife is abundant. Will be returning!

  • Natalie M.

    Submitted Jul 2, 2024

    Stayed Jun 23, 2024

    This was our 3rd vrbo stay in Harpswell and our first on Bailey Island. We went for part of the week on our own and cousins joined us there for a couple of days. We were thrilled to bring our Boston Terrier along, too! The house is rustic yet elegant in some ways (amazing steam room, well equipped kitchen, comfortable beds & bedding). Like many other reviewers, we spent tons of time on the lovely porch relaxing and enjoying the always beautiful view of the water, birds, boats, and sunrises and sunsets. When we did venture out, we loved eating at Sundrenched on Bailey Island, buying yummy treats at the Wild Oats Bakery in Brunswick, enjoying lobster rolls from Bailey Island General Store, or walking for 5 minutes to Lands End and Bailey Island Beach. The house was pleasant and comfy and had everything we needed. We really appreciated that the owner cared about the environment (unbleached paper towels, recycling, encouraging water conservation, use of Mrs. Meyer's soap). The neighbors and property managers were nice and helpful, too. We were sad to leave but were so happy we chose somewhere so amazing to stay. Bailey Island had a lovely magic of its own, and seemed to stay cooler with a pleasant breeze most of the time than some other parts of Harpswell! Thanks for sharing this lovely home with our family!

  • Michelle H.

    Submitted Jun 24, 2024

    Stayed Jun 20, 2024

    Beautiful views from a charming cottage with kind neighbors. Eclectic styled home which we enjoyed. Would stay again!!

  • Matthew M.

    Submitted Oct 16, 2023

    Stayed Oct 14, 2023

    We were sold on the Dog Friendliness of this property but we will be coming back for the views. This is literally a slice of heaven. We stayed with our two labs and our 3 year old son and everyone had a blast. The house is beautifully renovated to fit the modern lifestyle with the quaint beach house theme. The dogs were able to run free on the beach front and roll in the tall grass. The lack of television was the best pet of the trip. Games, books, music and conversation fill the space and allow you spend time with the ones you love. Highly recommend this home to anyone looking to visit Maine.

  • Aloise L.

    Submitted Aug 20, 2023

    Stayed Aug 12, 2023

    What a lovely home and stay! Beautiful view. Beautiful location. Home had everything we needed. One funny thing: I guess I didn’t read the home details clearly because we found the second bathroom 3 days in. :) highly recommend visiting the driftwood inn. Enjoy!

  • Jenn P.

    Submitted Jul 30, 2023

    Stayed Jul 15, 2023

    We couldn’t wait to return to this home for our second trip to Bailey Island. The home is very comfortable with everything you could need, including books, games, and every necessary kitchen gadget. We spent every evening watching the sunset from the porch and had a wonderful time exploring the bay in our rented kayak. We also took advantage of the amazing steam shower. The property manager was very responsive and friendly. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to spend the week!

  • Danielle C.

    Submitted Jul 19, 2023

    Stayed Jul 1, 2023

    This is a stunning place to stay. Every detail has been well thought out and you cannot beat the view. The cottage is a great balance of luxury and rustic charm and we so enjoyed our stay.

  • Matt B.

    Submitted Jun 20, 2023

    Stayed Jun 16, 2023

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Bailey Island! The house was perfect for our trip. We loved the unique characteristics of the home and the steam shower was an added bonus. Our son had fun looking for sea glass and exploring. We could have stayed on the back porch the whole trip. We recommend checking out Giant’s Stairs Trail, Lands End, Stover’s Beach, and Portland Lighthouse. Fishnet Cafe, The General Store, Cook’s, Salt Cod Cafe, Dolphin Marina & Restaurant, & Royal River Grillhouse all had great food. We can’t wait to come back!

  • Sue Ellen S.

    Submitted Oct 17, 2022

    Stayed Oct 8, 2022

    A perfect holiday. Stunning. The Red House must be seen to be believed. Unbeatable on the water location with views to die for.

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$712+
View details