Trade Tourist Traps for the Island’s Original Soul

Curated by Acadia’s Edge, Mullein Hill Cottage is a genuine 1870s treasure held by the Somes family for six generations.

Stay in Somesville—the connoisseur’s choice for Mount Desert Island—just a 1/2 mile stroll from the famous arched bridge. Nestled between the crystal waters of Long Pond, the granite shores of Somes Sound fjord, and the rugged trails of Beech Mountain, our storybook pioneer home offers a bug-free screened barn room. Live the legacy of the island’s first settlement.

Authentic, Historic, Unforgettable: A Founding Family Legacy in the Heart of the Island’s Most Iconic Village.

Mullein Hill Cottage is a two-story historic treasure built by pioneers that invites you to slow down and experience Maine as it used to be. The layout remains true to its 1870 roots, giving you a cozy, lived in atmosphere that feels like you’re stepping into a bygone era. Unlike modern open concept homes, here you’ll find spaces filled with traditional charm and plush, inviting furnishings, making it the perfect retreat after a day of rugged exploration.

So, whether you are sipping coffee in the sun-drenched sitting room or relaxing in the screened porch, you’ll feel the relaxation and homely charm that comes from staying in cottage that has been cared for by the same family for six generations.

LIVING AND ENTERTAINING

The sitting room is the soul of the cottage—a space designed for the slow stay. Three large windows flood the room with the soft, ethereal light unique to coastal Maine, highlighting the home's historic textures and lived-in warmth. It is a room that practically demands you curl up with a book or gather for a quiet evening of conversation after a day on the trails. While the atmosphere is purely 19th-century, we’ve discreetly integrated modern essentials: high-speed Spectrum internet and a Smart TV allow you to stream your favorite films while tucked away in the peaceful heart of Somesville history.

KITCHEN AND DINING

Experience the honest charm of a traditional Maine kitchen, fully equipped for real island living. While it retains its historic character and classic fixtures, you’ll find everything needed to prep a local feast—from a coffee grinder for quiet mornings to the essential oversized lobster pot for a backyard bake. The adjacent dining room is the home’s nostalgic heart, featuring a beautiful antique oval table set against warm yellow walls and lace curtains. It is a timeless, sun-drenched setting perfect for long breakfasts, coastal storytelling, and evening board games.

BEDROOMS AND BATHROOM

The owners have recently updated the bedrooms to a Tempurpedic Queen bed in the primary and a full in the guest room. This was done to make sure our guests have the best sleeping arrangements possible during their stay

Located on the upper level, the bedrooms capture the classic cottage feel with sloped ceilings and cozy spaces. The primary bedroom features a queen sized bed and blackout shades to ensure a restful sleep. The second bedroom offers a full bed, making it an ideal setup for small families or two couples and also on the second level, the full bathroom comes stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash and plenty of soft fluffy towels.

THE SETTLER’S SIDECAR (Screened Barn Room)

A standout feature of the property is The Settler’s Sidecar; a spacious screened retreat built directly into the side of the original 1870 barn. We named it for its unique position—a secret, protected sanctuary tucked away from the world.
Outfitted with a cooling ceiling fan, a classic rocking chair, and a large picnic table, it is your private, bug-free outpost for experiencing the Maine outdoors in total comfort. This is the quintessential spot for fresh-air connection, whether it’s a spirited family board game or a quiet afternoon soaking in the coastal breeze. It’s where heritage meets modern relaxation—the perfect place to enjoy the quiet rhythms of the island’s first settlement.

LAUNDRY AND UTILITIES

For your convenience, the cottage includes a laundry area with a stacked washer and dryer, and an iron tucked in the closet. Everything you need to refresh hiking gear and beach towels mid-stay so you can pack light and keep your focus on the trails.

OUTDOOR SPACES
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Outside, the cottage is every bit as charming as it is inside with white clapboard, charcoal shutters, and a gabled roof that looks exactly as it has for over a century. A gas grill is ready for warm summer evenings and the quiet off street parking area gives you parking for two or three vehicles comfortably. The neighborhood is peaceful enough that the loudest thing you're likely to hear is the wind through the trees, so all that’s left to do is unpack and make yourself at home.