A Prism in the Wood

Mount Desert, Maine
$736 avg/night Minimum Stay 3 Nights
Bed 2

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 4

Max Sleeps

Night 3 nights

Min Stay

A Prism in the Wood is an award winning architecturally designed home nestled in the woods of Mt. Desert, through which passes the constantly changing light of the Maine seasons. The house is a frame of steel tubes completely enclosed in glass with the living spaces within floating like platforms through the grid. A light steel stair reaches up through the steel tubes to the second floor and a further spiral stair connects to the owner’s private quarters on the uppermost level. The levels are also connected by a free-standing glass elevator, the use of which is reserved to people above 21 year-old without children.

The ceilings are of unfinished fir planks and the floors of maple. All materials and finishes are hypoallergenic or chemically neutral.

The structure is anchored at one end by the concrete mass of the fireplace that serves on the outside as a giant scupper carrying off the rainwater from the long sloping roof. Standing on light steel extensions of the interior frame the house floats above the forest floor, visually and physically connected at the entrance by massive slabs of granite. Furniture is of contemporary design, mostly manufactured in Italy and Denmark. Contemporary artworks are hanged on the wall, suspended from the interior frame and free-standing on the floor.

This stunning property has been published several times in architecture magazines, books and on the NYT. It as all you will need for your island visit, the perfect place to relax at the end of and active day in the park. Centrally located in Mount Desert, it lies at about 500 meters from the top tip of Some Sound.

FIRST FLOOR: Enter into a light and modern great room. Comfortable seating by the gas fireplace with a nearby screened in porch. Dining area with a large round table and seating for six. Kitchen with gas stove and spacious pantry. Home office space with access to a large garage with two large floor-to-ceiling windows. Half bath.

SECOND FLOOR: Open, loft style bedroom with Queen bed. Full bath with tub and shower.

THIRD FLOOR: Master bedroom with Queen bed, and full bath including shower and small soaking tub.

BASEMENT with laundry machine and dryer.

EXTRAS: Elevator available for for occupants over 21 years of age. Though a very useful convenience this elevator poses a potential hazard and must be operated with the utmost of caution and at its own risk. Outdoor propane grill. Large garage. NO AIR CONDITIONING.

WARNINGS
Among the complains received are:
1. “The top floor mattress is way too firm”. It is true that it is thin and very firm. But that is the bed where the home owner sleeps, and how he likes it ….

2. No blinds on the bedroom windows. The house configuration, with two full walls of glass, doesn’t allow for it

3. In summer, before the birch trees reach full foliage, early morning sun can be annoying for people lying in bed

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    2 Total Pets Pet Friendly
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

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

    2 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Unit Size: 2260 Sq Ft (210 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee/tea Maker Cookware/dishes/utensils Dishwasher Kitchen Island Microwave Oven Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking Onsite Parking Options Include A Garage Wheelchair-accessible Parking Available
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Garden Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    2.5 Bathrooms Hair Dryer Shower/tub Combination Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • WORKSPACES

    Desk Desk Chair Office
  • THINGS TO DO

    Birdwatching Nearby Cycling Nearby Ecotours Nearby Hiking Nearby Ice Skating Nearby Sledding Nearby Surfing/body Boarding Nearby Swimming Nearby Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Stereo TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Playground
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location Near A Hospital Near The Bay Near The Ocean Near The Sea
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    4 On-site Accessible Parking Spaces Designated Smoking Areas Elevator If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. Note From Host: The Main Sofa Has Several Stains Wheelchair-accessible Parking

CheckIn Check-in : 05:30 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 4

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • Submitted Aug 1, 2021

    Stayed Jul 25, 2021

    The house was amazing. Very unique house which is why we booked it, definately not meant for little kids, stairs and loft areas could be dangerous. Very quiet location in the woods on a private road with great access to Acadia and the quiet side of the island. A small herd of deer patrolled the area daily and coyotes could be heard at night. However, the beds in the upper loft were terrible, my adult children (18, 22 yrs ) had to sleep on the couch. The double bed could use a mattress topper and the foam on the cabinet we put on the floor on top of blankets the first night before my daughter retreated to the couch. The double bed in the middle loft had a comfortable mattress. A few minor inconveniences were that the kitchen sink had some mold in the crevices, and the left side of the stove didn't work. Overall it was a nice place to stay and the owner was friendly and helpful.

  • Keira A.

    Submitted Oct 27, 2025

    Stayed Oct 21, 2025

    This was truly an exceptional stay. The house is an architectural gem built in 1994 allowing nature, light and beauty into the unique structure. Stefano was a perfect and generous host. I would recommend this stay to anyone wanting to be near Acadia but not near the tourism of Bar Harbor. It's truly a secluded, quiet yet convenient location.

  • Eileen B.

    Submitted Oct 23, 2025

    Stayed Oct 17, 2025

    Our stay at A Prism in the Wood was nothing short of extraordinary. This magnificent home is a true masterpiece, blending artistic design with exceptional comfort. The house was impeccably clean and thoughtfully organized. Every amenity we could possibly need was provided. With the fresh scent of pine trees, the unobstructed view of woodlands at every level, and sightings of deer, foxes, we felt like we were one with nature. The location was perfect, tucked away on the quieter side of the island, yet just 10-20 minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia’s highlights, making it ideal for exploring. This home is a treasure, and we can’t wait to return in early spring. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a perfect blend of serenity, style, and convenience.

  • Isolda T.

    Submitted Sep 4, 2025

    Stayed Aug 27, 2025

    Great location

  • Carsten B.

    Submitted Aug 29, 2025

    Stayed Aug 23, 2025

    Wonderful property hidden in the Maine woods. Interesting architecture and excellent kitchen. Very enjoyable.

  • Sparrow H.

    Submitted Jul 30, 2025

    Stayed Jul 26, 2025

    A diamond and a prism - this house was beautiful and so special.

  • Tim B.

    Submitted Jul 28, 2025

    Stayed Jul 19, 2025

    We enjoyed our stay in Prism in the Wood, and it was a great backdrop for our ME experience. We selected the house because it was a destination (my husband's words) itself, not just lodging. It did not disappoint! It was like sleeping in the treetops, with the benefit of glass and roof between you and the outside. The architecture and the amenities, all became curiosities for us to ponder - the European feel, windows open versus closed, stairs versus elevator, with opinions varying on what we would do with such a place, what we liked and what we would adapt. The site was wooded and secluded as promised but we did find the weekday presence of roof repairmen annoying. Fortunately, we were out of the house by eleven each day and they were always gone by dusk. I liked that the owner was generous with what he left for us to use and included plenty of instructions for operating things that were out of our norm. All-in-all our stay was memorable and enjoyable, including the birdsong and the proximity to the SOMES Sound. As an aside, perhaps a few extra pillows and blankets, or a bed topper, would offer an alternative to the (as promised) firm 3rd floor mattress.

  • Jaime L.

    Submitted Jul 19, 2025

    Stayed Jul 11, 2025

    Beautiful home and a great location for all of the exploring we did in Acadia and the surrounding areas.

  • Julee W.

    Submitted Apr 18, 2025

    Stayed Apr 13, 2025

    Our family stayed in the Prism in the woods for a quick weekend family get a way. We felt no big obligation to HAVE to go explore Acadia National Park because we were so surrounded by the woods and were perfectly immersed. One of the neighbors feeds deer, so we could see them daily. We cooked, played games, sat around the fireplace, and truly just enjoyed each others company. There’s a giant foot that our 4 year old thought was the coolest part of the house, except for the elevator. As we pulled out of the driveway my son mentioned he already missed his room where he slept in the trees. The beautiful property had everything we needed and more. We appreciated being able to park in the garage since it rained so much during our stay. It was so great to be able to listen to the rain and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the property.

  • Jeffrey T.

    Submitted Mar 29, 2025

    Stayed Mar 21, 2025

    Excellent place to stay near Acadia

  • Eben D.

    Submitted Feb 6, 2025

    Stayed Jan 16, 2025

    I had so much fun during my first stay at this singular location that I came back a few weeks later. Truly a gem.

  • Eben D.

    Submitted Jan 5, 2025

    Stayed Dec 27, 2024

    Truly a singular property. The prisim in the woods is unlike any place I’ve ever stayed. Our dog enjoyed his time roaming the forest too. We will definitely be back. Stefano is the best host.

  • Terri A.

    Submitted Oct 22, 2024

    Stayed Oct 20, 2024

    When you step out of your car, it smells like a Frazier Fir candle! It was peaceful

  • Tim M.

    Submitted Oct 3, 2024

    Stayed Sep 27, 2024

    We enjoyed a wonderful stay at this architectural masterpiece. Everything was beautifully prepared by the host with no surprises. Property is situated very conveniently near Bar Harbor and Acadia national park. Would certainly recommend to others.

  • Julie W.

    Submitted Aug 13, 2024

    Stayed Aug 10, 2024

    Beautiful and original architecture in a quiet woodland setting. Great location. Great spacial design. Host was lovely to deal with.

  • Kevin J.

    Submitted Jul 23, 2024

    Stayed Jul 15, 2024

    We came to Maine on our mini-moon and the prism did not disappoint. It is a spectacular Vrbo. It is such a fun and beautiful space. The owner makes it clear there is no AC so if the weather is very warm be ready to be a little hot while sleeping, however, the owner did purchase a fan for us to use in the evenings and has ordered ceiling fans for the bedrooms. Most nights the weather was cool enough but it does become a bit damp in the space if it's humid. Either way, the owner makes this clear beforehand and the space is wonderful enough for all of this to be small issues. The elevator worked perfectly and I am missing it a bit back at home! The owner was very responsive and helpful. I would love to come back again and I couldn't have picked a cooler space!

  • Heather F.

    Submitted Jul 1, 2024

    Stayed Jun 21, 2024

    The House was amazing. There was plenty of space for 4 of us—great amenities and thorough check-in and out instructions. Beautiful landscape and a convenient location for visiting Bar Harbor.

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$736+
View details