Perfect Family Retreat
Submitted: July 13, 2011
Stayed: July 2011
Our family of five rented this house the week of July 4th. It is a spacious, solid farmhouse with loads of charm and history. The 42 acres of private wooded trails is wonderful for exploring. But the real gem is the backyard; a 1 acre open field bordered by a thick, seemingly endless grove of pink and white rose bushes, through which a small trail takes you out to a long stretch of sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean. We spent much time exploring the private beach and the nearby rocks, collecting crab shells, clam shells and polished sandstones. As the days unfolded, we ventured out to hike along the wooded trails and along the coastline. We also visited nearby retaurants and gallaries in surrounding towns. Within the town of S. Addison we found our way to the local pier just as the daily catch was being brought in by the lobsterman. Ruthie, the owner of the operation came out to greet us happily and gave us a tour of all the goings on, giving the kids a tutorial on lobsters and the economics of market prices. We bought lobsters right from the dock (only $5 per lb!), brought them back and cooked them in a pot of boiling water over a fire on the beach. The kids delighted in their first lobster dinner. At night, when we weren’t cooking smores by the campfire, we were playing board games or chess in the game room/sun room of the house. In the morning, the kids’ favorite activity was drawing, coloring, or writing by the huge floor to ceiling bay window in the living room, which overlooks the ocean and Sheep Island. Speaking of Sheep Island, it is located about ½ mile from shore and is an easy row with the ’12 aluminum boat found in the shed (life preservers can be found in the loft above). It took me about ½ hour to reach the island with two of the kids in tow, and was well worth it. Exploring the deserted island for starfish, sand dollars, and the abundance of drift wood was a Robinson Crusoe-like experience that the kids and I will never forget. When we got back, Mary had the fire going on the beach and we cooked hotdogs on a stick. Perhaps the best part of the whole vacation was the fact that we brought the dogs with us. Our newfoundlands felt like they had come home, they simply loved everything about Cape Split. They stayed by our side the whole time everywhere we went. We exclaimed several times on the ride home that it was one of, if not the best vacation we have ever had. We are already on the schedule for two weeks next year.
Recommended for:
Pet-friendly,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Tom and Mary have described beautifully the unique experience that awaits you at Cape Split. It is a "one of a kind property". There's no more relaxing place to visit. The isolation of the property, the natural beauty of the surroundings, and the charm of a house filled with nostalgia from the Maine of yesteryear is very seductive.
Helpful votes: 3/3
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