Spruce Island, a private island, perfect for gatherings large and small.

Colie was amazing. What a great property owner. It was our second time because we love it so much!

After 13 years, our family was able to make the trip back to Spruce Island (with more generations in tow). It was as magical as the first time. Everything was fantastic…our host Colie was incredible and so very accommodating to our needs.Spruce Island is such a special space and the kids are already begging for a return to their “private island”.

Paradise!

Spruce Island is an idyllic place and our host, Colie, a wizard. The magic began when Colie picked us up In the SeaLegs and transported us to the granite Main house. We opted for the full package, including having Colie as our Captain for the week. Days were spent exploring Spruce and nearby Buckle Island; wading through tidal pools; going fishing for mackerel; hiking the trails and discovering the quarries at nearby Green and Russ Islands; biking at Isle au Haut; and boating to Bar Harbor in incredible weather. In addition, Colie gave us lessons in using the boats. He taught 4 of us to sail. Colie was a wonderful teacher: patient, kind, and did not hover over us as we were learning. He stayed a respectable distance behind, allowing us to figure things out as we went, but close enough that he could lend a helping hand when needed. The kids had a wonderful time playing on the beaches, dressing in pirate regalia, and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. The murmur of waves lapping against crushed shells amidst the giggles of children will not soon be forgotten. It was the kind of vacation we hope our grandchildren will tell their grandchildren about someday.

After our first day, the twelve of us decided to list anything we thought might be improved. By the time of our leaving we had identified four small brackets on the swing as candidates for improvement. Absolutely everything else, including Colie, could not have been changed for the better.

From the moment we stepped off the Sealeg (which in itself was a cool experience to go from land to water to land) we knew that we were in a special place. The ride from Stonington to Spruce Island is about 20 minutes and you get a chance to see some pretty scenery along the way. At the island we got a short ride from the landing to the house where 14 of us congregated in celebration of a 60th birthday. 14 adults is not a small crowd and yet the houses and the island make it really easy to have group time or quiet time. The rooms in the guest house are spacious (with private bathrooms) and most have views of the water. The bedroom in the main house is a bit smaller than the rest. We took advantage of campfires on the beach, we swam, we played games, we kayaked, we ate well, and we explored the island. The geography of the area is a bit different than other parts of Maine. Spruce Island is a beautiful island with large smooth granite surfaces and large boulders. You can walk around the island in just a couple of hours and when the tide is low you can walk across the flat to Buckle Island, an adjacent island. If you choose not to walk around the island you can simply chill on the deck or in the living room of the main house. We never turned on the projector to watch a movie, but there is a large screen that is available to those who want to hang out and enjoy a movie on a rainy day. Honestly, this place is fantastic. You have the entire island to yourself. Food available on the island is what you bring. Just make sure you don't forget the beer on your first day!

Paradise has not been lost, we found it right here! An incredible experience marred only by the fact that we had to leave after a week. Colie is an incredible host, kind and anticipatory of the needs of his guests with a deep love and understanding of the island that shows in the care he takes of it. Not only do I intend to return for another vacation one day, I intend to tell everyone I know that they should be considering Spruce Island for their vacations as well.

Truly an amazing experience. Colie, the owner, has thought of everything, and, over the years, has created (and perfected) a unique vacation experience for groups of all sizes. During our week-long island get-away, we could not have asked for a more thoughtful host. For those wanting to experience Maine like never before, we highly recommend this property. Five stars!

If anything, the pictures don't even convey how beautiful Spruce Island is. Walking up the wide path from the beach, through the mossy woods fringed with blackberries and raspberries, to the huge stone house is always such a delight. This was our third year and as usual we spent part of our time just wondering how Colie gets so much comfort and elegance on this off the grid island in the sea. Spruce Island is not like any other holiday we have had. We kayaked, swam around the smaller island, hiked, and had delicious dinners (great kitchen), and sing-a-longs around the campfire. We go as a group of about sixteen-- three sets of parents and a bunch of young adult cousins and the occasional significant other. All the bedrooms are equally lovely and comfortable. The owner is incredibly helpful and responsive, goes way above and beyond.

We visited this property 3 years ago and the only thing missing was we did not bring enough people to enjoy this amazing venue! We fixed that this year and it was as good or better than 3 years ago and we are looking forward to visiting again in a few years. My personal favorite was taking a boat into Stonington daily to get ice cream with the kids and sitting around the campfire at night and the morning. Ron W