We've rented properties in Maine for a number of years, and this was the best yet! Architecturally, the house itself was extremely interesting (a Trelleborg “0-energy” house designed in Denmark and built on-site in 1987), and it has been well maintained. The house was immaculate and very well equipped. The setting was gorgeous, and the view from the huge deck, which overlooks a steep cliff and Muscongus Bay, was stunning. Location-wise, the house is an excellent base for seeing mid-coast Maine, and Friendship itself is a cute little town that lives up to its name. (We especially appreciated Jameson Point Lobster Company, the new seafood restaurant in town!) Perhaps the highlight of our trip was our visit to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (well worth the entire trip just by themselves, especially this year with their display of trolls built along the paths in the wooded part of the property).
Later in the week, we explored the property, which includes water frontage on Forest Lake, where we found a couple of kayaks (noted in the VRBO listing, though we didn’t actually use them). Getting to the lake is a short walk along a well-marked, but somewhat steep path. Along the way, we found several fairy houses (a really nice touch, foreshadowed by two books on the subject that we found in the living room) — yet another magical touch at this enchanting rental.
Donna, the owner, was the most hospitable of the VRBO rental hosts whom we can recall. On arrival at the house, we found an extensive array of welcome gifts, including numerous Maine products, a charcuterie tray, and a bottle of wine, on ice, ready to drink. (The week before, Donna had called to ask just two questions about our upcoming stay: “Red or white? Dry or Sweet?”) No need to cook or go out the first night! We just took the tray out to the deck, where we relaxed, ate, and enjoyed the amazing ocean view. While Donna was on her own vacation during our stay, she did check in with us to make sure everything was going well (which it was, of course). When we departed, we inadvertently left behind a gift we had purchased for a neighbor. Once we let Donna know, she dropped it in the mail and we had it in just a day or two.
All in all, it’s hard to imagine a more enjoyable place to spend a week in Maine. I’m sure that we’ll return soon!