Park Cottage is a very large Victorian house that was originally part of the famous Emerson Hotel in the village of York Harbor, Maine. Guests rented suites of rooms for their family and servants during the Golden Era that began in the late 19th Century. Today Park Cottage is a classic example of interpretive historic preservation, blending modern conveniences and materials with timeless architectural detail, both inside and out. Set in a beautiful neighborhood close by the sea, with an outstanding beach, it is as perfect for a vacation as it was when guests arrived in horse drawn carriages. Our luxury condominium in Park Cottage can be rented as a 3 BR configuration with 2-1/2 baths, sleeping six.
Sea, Sun and Sand: We have a great beach a short walk down Fishermen's Path that becomes a wonderful expanse of hard sand at low tide. We play bocce ball on it, fly kites and generally run the grandchildren ragged. The water slopes out gently and there is rarely much surf. Since parking is very limited, there is never a great crowd either.
For more adventurous souls, you can surf on a section of Long Beach, a short ride up Route 1A. This is the next beach up the coast in York and it is about 2 miles long. Sometimes we go there for a walk up and back, stopping at the Sea and Surf for breakfast. Although busy, it is a lovely strand of sand and salt water.
A hop over the Nubble (where the famous lighthouse is) you will find York's third beach, Short Sands, complete with an arcade, salt water taffy and the York Wild Kingdom Park with its carnival rides and animal attractions.
Walking Around the Neighborhood: In addition to our fabulous Harbor Beach, there are great walks out the back door. By stepping down to the Fishermen's Path, you can go 'upriver or downriver.' Upriver takes you along the Harbor, up by the 'Wiggly Bridge,' a footbridge that connects to the Steedman's Woods, a wildlife reservation with beautiful paths. You can continue out the other side of the Steedman Woods to the George Marshall Store at the edge of the York River, next to John Hancock's Wharf. This historic location now houses a terrific gallery featuring regional artists in rotating collections, managed by the York Historical Society. To complete the walk, you can go by the golf course and back up to York Village for lunch and some tours of historic buildings before returning.
If you walk downriver, you skirt the Harbor and can either cross to the beach or visit one of several great restaurants. There is a very pretty walk along the Cliff Path above the ocean if you need to build up your appetite.
A Few Other Things We Do: On the walk down to our beach, you can stop at Bill Coite's house and buy some lobsters or ask him to take you fishing for stripers on his boat. He runs small charters and can take you spin casting or fly fishing for striped bass in and around the York River, one of the best locations in the world for this sportfish.
Across the street from us or in a number of other places nearby, you can have friends come to stay for a night or two at a bed and breakfast. Sometimes we play softball in the park next door to our neighbor, St. Georges Church. On the other side of the street from the park is the York Art Association building.
There are lots of church suppers, clambakes and festivals nearby in the summer, plus a variety of music and professional theater. Reservations for golf, fishing, kayaking, clambakes, boating and other attractions can made easily. York Harbor has been a summer resort destination for over 150 years for good reason. You have plenty of options.
