Willowbrook: Charming farmhouse close to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor

Mount Desert, Maine
$999 avg/night
Bed 7

Bed

Bath 4

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 12

Max Sleeps

Built in the 1800s for the family of Abraham Somes III, a member of one of the founding families on Mt. Desert Island, Willowbrook offers a wonderful space for a large gathering right in the heart of charming and historic Somesville. Picturesque views of Somes Harbor and Sargeant Mountain greet you from nearly every window. This rambling farmhouse lets you feel as if you stepped back in time without sacrificing comfort. Southwest Harbor’s charming village center is just down the road, as is a freshwater swimming in nearby Echo Lake, Somes Pond, or Long Pond. With its central location on Mt. Desert Island, Willowbrook is within easy reach of Acadia National Park trails and attractions. Bar Harbor’s village center is just 15 minutes from this location.

****PLEASE NOTE: The advertised rental rates are based on 10 people (beginning 2024). A $200 fee will be charged for each additional person up to the maximum occupancy of 12. Pets are subject to a per-pet fee, upon approval. Please, no pets on the furniture. Kindly bring something for your pets to lie on or in.

FIRST FLOOR: Covered porch entrance leads to the eat-in farmhouse kitchen with Laundry Room, back staircase, butler’s pantry, and table that seats six comfortably. Plenty of updated cookware and new appliances will appeal to cooks of all sorts! New heating and A/C systems are available in this room as well as in each bedroom. Pass through a well-stocked Butlers Pantry into a period Dining Room with a table that seats ten to twelve. Large Living Room with fireplace, plenty of comfortable seating, and widescreen TV. A separate parlor/game room provides a quiet spot for reading, puzzle work, or not-so-quiet board games! Two Bedrooms, one with a Queen Bed and lovely water views, and a separate Bedroom with a Double Bed share a Full Bath with a combined “after-thought” shower and claw-foot tub. Note that this sleeping wing can be closed off from the living area.

SECOND FLOOR: Bedroom with Queen Bed and beautiful water views. Across the hall is a Bedroom with a Double Bed. These bedrooms share a Full Bath with a unique walk-in shower and original 1920s shower fixtures that require a little bit of instruction to use (provided), but do in fact function flawlessly! Just down the hall is a Bedroom with Twin Beds and water views. Bedroom with Double bed and separate Single Bed. These two Bedrooms share another Full Bath with a 1920’s walk-in shower. Bedroom with Double Bed enjoys an en suite Full Bath with tub only and back steps that lead to the Kitchen.

OUTDOOR SPACES: The front covered porch overlooks picturesque Somes Pond and Somes Harbor beyond. The back Covered Porch offers comfortable seating. Terrace accessed from Kitchen with outdoor seating, propane grill, croquet court, and attractive yard area. The front yard is fenced along the road for safe play for young children.

HISTORY OF THE HOUSE: Abraham Somes III, grandson, and namesake to the first permanent settler on Mt Desert Island was the original owner of Willowbrook. He lived there with his wife Adeline Freeman Somes. Abraham was a well-respected shipbuilder and traveled to the West Indies, New Haven, Boston, and Portland. This historic home was once rented to the poet Elinor Wylie and also to Thomas Berger, author of “Little Big Man.” Until its recent sale in 2022, the home remained in the Somes family and was well-loved by those who had the fortune of being in residence, either year-round or seasonally.

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

Feature Features

  • PETS

    2 Total Pets Pet Friendly Welcoming Dogs Only
  • BEACH

    Beach Towels Near The Beach
  • 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

    7 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Unit Size: 3024 Sq Ft (281 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Blender Coffee Grinder Dishwasher Microwave Oven Paper Towels Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Near Laundromat Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Firepit Garden Outdoor Furniture Patio Terrace
  • BATHROOMS

    4 Bathrooms Bathtub Or Shower Hair Dryer Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • WORKSPACES

    Desk Desk Chair
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Birdwatching Nearby Cycling Nearby Fishing Nearby Fitness Facilities Nearby Golf Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Mountain Climbing Nearby Rock Climbing Nearby Sailing Nearby Windsurfing Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Games Smart TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Dining Room Fireplace Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Playground
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location In The City Center In The Mountains Near The Ocean Near The Sea Next To A Golf Course On The Lake On The Waterfront
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Area Rugs 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 Smoke-free Property Smooth Flooring In Public Areas Thin Carpet In Public Areas

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 12

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • Earlene B.

    Submitted Oct 18, 2025

    Stayed Oct 11, 2025

    The arrival to the property is so easy from Bangor airport. I have been to Mt Desert Island many times over the last 60 years, so I’ve learned to stay on the Quiet Side. And Somesville is my favorite place on the island anyway! The home is comfortable and seems to lack any essential. With nine of us we provided extra TP and paper towels. We were all comfortable with our chosen bedrooms, and once the showers were figured out all was good. We would most definitely consider renting Willowbrook when we return. Loved it!!! Thank you, owners, for sharing your treasure.

  • Rebecca W.

    Submitted Oct 15, 2025

    Stayed Oct 4, 2025

    The property is beautiful, we loved the historic home! I grew up in a home older than this, so I can appreciate the quirks of an older house. The view from the front porch and windows was amazing, and the famous bridge is right across the road. The kitchen is very well stocked, we had everything we needed and more. I will say, this is not the property for people with mobility issues- the only bathtub/shower on the first floor is difficult to get in and out of and the stairs to the second floor are a bit steep. Most of our party had no issues, just something to be aware of. The living area was large enough for many people to gather, but had only 1 comfortable sofa, the other sofa and chairs were not comfortable at all. The beds were comfortable as well.

  • Amy A.

    Submitted Sep 28, 2025

    Stayed Sep 20, 2025

    Great location to access all areas of Acadia National Park. Wonderful house, great history. Kitchen well stocked.

  • Sandra C.

    Submitted Sep 13, 2025

    Stayed Sep 6, 2025

    Great house . Unexpected plumbing issues were addressed immediately. Pros: Good location and lots of space to spread out (11adults). House was well furnished with needed dishes/ pots/sppliamces. Would definitely stay here again. Cons: Low slanted ceilings resulting in head bumps. Also, shower on main floor not for anyone with mobility issues-need to climb into clawfoot tub.

  • Gary B.

    Submitted Jul 24, 2025

    Stayed Jul 12, 2025

    The roominess of the house and yard served our needs very well. The history of the house made the whole stay very special. The surrounding area was beautiful. Have the free shuttle bus stop right in front of the house was very convenient.

  • Julie C.

    Submitted Jul 6, 2025

    Stayed Jun 28, 2025

    We had a wonderful time at Willowbrook! It was the perfect space for 6 adults, 2 kids and one dog. The location was convenient to everything on MDI. We would stay at Willowbrook again

  • Jennifer S.

    Submitted Jul 1, 2025

    Stayed Jun 21, 2025

    We loved everything except for the bathrooms. I saw that they are planning to update which will be a great improvement.

  • Kris K.

    Submitted Oct 23, 2024

    Stayed Oct 10, 2024

    If you are looking for a stay that is filled with historical significance then Willowbrook is perfect! My family and I enjoyed staying in this home that has stood the test of time and is rich in local history. The location was very picturesque and was perfect for us.

  • Dianne G.

    Submitted Oct 16, 2024

    Stayed Sep 21, 2024

    Family vacation with 10 'senior' adults. The farmhouse was lovely/charming. It reminded us so much of the farmhouse we grew up with in NY.(Including bumped heads on slanted ceilings!;-) The owners have done such a nice job of keeping the setting of this historic house true. The location was perfect for watching the sunrise from the front porch, to walking across the street to the historic garden and bridge. One caveat thought is that because the farmhouse has been kept true to its history, this would not be ideal for anyone with mobility issues. We all agreed we would love to come back again. We loved it

  • Amanda L.

    Submitted Sep 21, 2024

    Stayed Sep 14, 2024

    We loved the location of the house, and its many bedrooms, as we are a diverse group of friends - not lots of couples.

  • Blakely S.

    Submitted Sep 17, 2024

    Stayed Sep 7, 2024

    Great old house with tons of charm. There were so many rooms it took a few days to figure out where everything was! Ample kitchen supplies, nice backyard, great views. We had three cars and were able to park them easily in the yard. Four would probably be doable. Lovely place, we were all satisfied and would happily stay there again :)

  • Mike M.

    Submitted Aug 18, 2024

    Stayed Aug 10, 2024

    Great property and location. Lots of character. It was very cool to realize that it all started there in Somesville.

  • Anne C.

    Submitted Aug 7, 2024

    Stayed Jul 20, 2024

    Delightful historic home with updated, comfortable settings. My family thoroughly enjoyed the beauty and comfort provided by the owners!

  • Norine M.

    Submitted Aug 6, 2024

    Stayed Jul 27, 2024

    Our stay at this property was very nice and was surprised to find its historic importance in the area as it was the home of the Somes family. This home was close to everything we wanted to do, plenty of room for everyone in our family of twelve, 7-78. Grandma and Grandpa remained on the main floor while the younger ones found plenty of beds upstairs to accommodate. My only home suggestion would be new mattresses. The yard was a great place to gather after a busy day, sit around the fire or have dinner from the grill, play games, and roast s'mores. Adirondack chairs would be wonderful around the nice large pit. With the weather so welcoming it was a nightly gathering space. Kitchen worked well with a table and chairs, laundry, all convenient in a busy home. Couldn't ask for a prettier or more convenient area, directly across from bus stop, pond, library and historical society, and just minutes to Acadia National Park, and downtown Bar Harbor. Very pleasant stay.

  • Susan P.

    Submitted Jul 23, 2024

    Stayed Jul 6, 2024

    This house is perfect for a family vacation! It is well preserved with a wonderful historic vibe and yet comfortable and homey. Once we moved a few things to higher shelves we did not have to remind the little ones not to touch! The location is amazing with water views of Somes Sound and an adorable tiny library across the road. The historical society, art gallery and huge back yard gave lots to do without driving. Plenty of access to the park without the crowds of Bar Harbor. Just what we were looking for!

  • Robert M.

    Submitted May 27, 2024

    Stayed May 23, 2024

    Incredible house with lots of room for the whole family. My only complaint was the living room furniture. Not a comfortable place to sit. But the kitchen dining room bathrooms and bedrooms were all perfect and the grounds were immaculate. We will be coming again. Thank you so much

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$999+
View details