Built in 1911, this is a large classic Maine summer cottage with nostalgic Down East charm and perched on a rocky bluff practically overhanging the Atlantic Ocean.
Enter through the front door and magically you're in classic Down East Maine. This cottage has it all! The large picture window in the center of the living room will draw you irresistably to the breathtaking view, one of the best views on the coast of Maine! You have not only a grand vista and panorama but the foreground is filled with numerous points of interest. Looking South, Rutherford Island extends to a point on your right; in the distance is the open sea. Front and center is The Thread of Life, a channel of water formed by a string of islands to the east,(left). It is about two hundred yards wide and a mile long. It's a spectacular view! At night, with the moon out, moonlight will sparkle off the waters fluoresence, like stars dancing on the water, up and down the Thread in a magical manner that can never be forgotten. In daylight and in season, the water will be filled with hundreds of colorfull lobster buoys bobbing in the water; this is one of the premium lobstering grounds on the Maine coast. Your view is framed in the foreground by Crow Island, about two hundred yards to the east from the window. It is brush covered with a few trees. Extending directly south from Crow is Materhorn Rock, then Needle Rock. Next comes a little open water called The Needles Eye, a small navigable passageway leading from the Thread to Johns Bay. Next are a couple grass covered islands, (nesting islands), and finally a larger tree covered island, Thrumcap which curls around to the west. Completing the view are the White Islands in the medium distance and Turnip Island, a scant 50 yards off Rutherford Island point. Through the french doors is the sunroom. This is the East view, great for sunrise. In the foreground is Crow Island, beyond that is Johns Bay and then Pemaquid Peninsula extending south about even with Rutherford Point. The famous Pemaquid Lighthouse, (featured on the Maine state quarter), is just out of view although the flashing light is visible at night. In the distance southeast of Pemaquid point is Monhegan Island, home to a summer artist colony includeing Andrew Wyeth. Monhegans' lighthouse light can also be seen at night.
To get to the cottage , you will exit route one at Damriscotta/Newcastle, pass over the Damriscotta river, (which due to the high tides will flow backwards twice a day.) Damariscotta is a small historic town with many interesting shops and restaurants. It remains little changed for decade following decade. Head south on route 129 generally following the Damriscotta river to it's mouth. Fifteen minutes will bring you to the working harbor of South Bristol bursting with lobster boats, fishing trawlers and other craft. Cross over the most commonly used swing bridge in the United States and you are now on Rutherford Island. A couple minutes and your first view of Christmas Cove harbor will appear on your right to the north.. This harbor is one of the best hurricane harbors on the Maine coast and was first visited by Captain John Smith on Christmas day in 1614. In season, it will be filled with numerous sailboats and other pleasure craft used by the summer residents. Another minute will bring you to a view of the east side of the harbor. Quickly you will pass the tennis courts on the right and momentarily, there will be a brief view of Johns bay to the left. Come to a fork in the road: take the left fork. You are now on a one way road so drive slowly. It's a narrow road and a few branches may brush your car as you pass. Continue to the end, we are the last cottage on the left. Park at the bottom of the hill. Walk up the stone path to the top and there the cottage sits. Enter and magically, you're in Down East Maine.
Dining- The cottage has a full service kitchen stocked with all cooking utensils and dinnerware. Locally is the Harbor Cafe,(a small grocery) minutes away in South Bristol, with a very economical cafe. Also in South Bristol, The Island Grocer, a gourmet shop/deli. For fresh lobster, possibly caught in the thread, The South Bristol Lobstermans' coop or Osiers' Wharf Store are both good choices. A little farther away is the Pemaquid Lobstermans' Coop and Shaws Lobster Wharf in New Harbor. In Damariscotta are a great variety of good restaurants and pubs. Especially reccomended is Salt Bay Cafe.
Local Activities and Attractions Include- Pemaquid Lighthouse, Pemaquid Beach (sandy), Fort William Henry, (first built in 1692), Whale watch cruise, puffin watch cruise, Monhegan cruise, Fishing, Kayaking, The Wyeth Museum in Rockland,(1 hr), Mount Battie in Camden, (1 hr), and of course no trip is complete without a visit to Boothbay Harbor, (1hr). Antique shops abound in all directions. There is shopping in Damariscotta and for the complete shopaholic L. L. Bean is an hour away in Freeport with rows of outlet stores.
Wildlife Viewing, etc. from the cottage- Foremost, usually an osprey nest on Crow Island; Watch the parents feed the babies. Harbor seals, frequently on Needle Rock or the Ledges east of Thrumcap. Lobsterman, (20 plus fish this ground), hauling in their traps all around the Thread. Shag, (Great Crested Cormorant, diving birds), sea ducks in and around Crow Island, Seagulls of course, the occasional dolphin, (or whale) in Johns Bay. Fishing and Swimming,(very cold), off the rocks. Kayaking, (not provided). Exploring the rocky beach below the cottage. Reading from the adirondack chairs in the front yard while watching sailboats sail down the thread.
Keywords: Cottage
