Elegant Boothbay Waterfront Estate-15 acres/Gardens, Trails, Wildlife
About the property
- Estate3500 sqft
- Bedrooms5
- Sleeps11
- Bathrooms5
- Half Baths0
- Mininum Stay3 - 5 nights
5 bedrooms, 5 full, private baths, sleeps 11 in beds
Come away from it all....catch your breath.
Six miles from the bustle of Boothbay Harbor is a peaceful waterfront retreat, set among rolling fields, meandering stone walls and richly colored perennial gardens........imagine a place that evokes your fondest memories....and brings your vacation dreams to bold colorful life....
The estate consists of four New England-style buildings: Farmhouse and historic, 200 year-old Homer Jones barn; a charming garden shed; a renovated 1800s Cape and the Gallery Barn.
The Farmhouse combines new convenience with historical flavor, with exterior porches and dormers, and a new deck with fabulous river views, all surrounded by gardens.
Inside, the first floor holds a large, fully-equipped kitchen, dining area and Great Room, built and furnished with 200 year-old barn-boards and timbers. These rooms face the river, the sunsets and the pond. A cozy media room with current technology and a handicap-accessible King bedroom and bath face the courtyard. On the second floor are four additional bedrooms with private baths; two facing the courtyard, two facing the river, and a Gathering Room above the Great Room.
Wake to birdsong in the apple trees and early morning fog on the Back River....then make yourself delicious coffee and a hearty, healthy breakfast in the fully-equipped kitchen in the elegant Farmhouse.
Wander 15 acres of gardens and woodland trails....borrow a sit-on-top kayak or an inflatable boat to paddle with local seals....enjoy games, ride bikes, meet our friendly bald eagles and other critters.....watch the Maine painted turtles or listen to frogs on the freshwater pond......wander the park-like grounds.....take a cool dip or a sail on the river....
Refreshed, venture out into the Boothbay region to join a tour boat to see whales or puffins, or to go lobstering, shop, view our many art galleries, try some local restaurants and generally have a memorable visit. The Coastal Maine Botanical Garden is only 4 miles away! So is the world-class Boothbay Harbor Country Club golf course! Or try hiking at any of the 13 preserves within 10 miles of this home.
At the end of the day, imagine coming ‘home’ to a snack and drink on the front or new back deck....a good book in the hammock.....a sunset through the windows....and a long, delicious sleep in one of your five lovely bedrooms with private bath, colorful bedding, paddle fans, cable TV, WiFli.
Renewed again, live your bold and colorful life! Both buildings (the charming historic Cape and the elegant Farmhouse) are available year-round.
When the buildings are not rented to Homeaway guests, they are offered in the B&B style...in either case, it's the perfect destination for a personal retreat, family or school reunion, wedding or other gathering event. See more by googling Bold Colorful Life Estate and Retreat Center.
Owner
Melissa Thornton, Owner
- Response rate:
- 100%
- Response time:
- within a few hours
- Speaks:
- english
- Calendar last updated:
- Apr 17, 2018
About Melissa Thornton, Owner
I’ve been saving for my ‘dream house’ for 40 years....and I fell in love with kayaking about 12 years ago. After a five year search through waterfront properties in CT, the Adirondacks, MA, NH and finally ME, this was the property that offered the combination of things I'd been seeking. And it was perfect for building vacation rentals so that the awesome environment could be shared. The setting is idyllic...with fields, woods, many perennial gardens, apple trees, lilac trees and old stone walls wandering down to the Back River. There are 15 acres of land, facing west for sunsets, on the protected waterfront of Maine and with a big freshwater pond and woodlands. The whole estate sits atop Maine ledge, which is sculpted to fall gently towards the water. It's in an area where I am able, in the 'off-season', to offer weekend and week-long retreats that combine personal growth, spirituality and 'back to nature' events, including hiking, paddling and exploring the nearby Botanical Gardens. And I want to share this beauty with as many people who love Nature and the wild, wonderful aspects of Maine as possible...so vacation rentals are the perfect answer.
Melissa Thornton, Owner purchased this Estate in 2006
Why Melissa Thornton, Owner chose Boothbay
Mother Nature has shaped this property to be both elegant and beautiful...the buildings are on the plateau at the top of the estate and the lawns and gardens, stone walls and woodlands slope gently down and down to the Back River. A great Blue Heron often visits the freshwater pond; then flies off towards the river. Our local pair of bald eagles are seen wheeling overhead regularly as the tides change. A huge porcupine was seen at the south end of the property recently and we have visits from foxes and deer, ospreys and hawks. The property has a healing energy which most people feel the moment they step onto it. A visit here fills the vision with color, the spirits with hope and the body with calm and peace.
What makes this Estate unique
The Boothbay peninsula offers the perfect getaway. The area is naturally breath-taking, with forests and fields, farms and gardens, brash rocky coastline and gentle coves and lakes. Boothbay Harbor is a charming town with lots of engaging activities and it’s just six miles down the road. This is the area to go shopping, visit galleries and craft fairs, sample local fare at great restaurants, enjoy deep water activities like whale watching and lobster-boating. And there are natural bonuses: 13 nature preserves for hiking within 10 miles---5 within 5 miles---one within 1/2 mile; a world-class Botanical Garden within 4 miles; kayaking possibilities in rivers and lakes and the Atlantic. We also have a world-class golf course 4 miles away. The Rockland/Camden area and Freeport shopping are within an hour's drive in either direction; and my favorite Maine park, Acadia National Park is just under three hours away. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward island, both favorite parts of Canada, are nearby too… The Bold Colorful Life Estate is also a Retreat Center in the off-season, so plan to join us for a Retreat for personal growth, renewal and spiritual centering...The Bold Colorful Life Gallery offers colorful elegant jewelry, stunning natural photographs, and dramatic works of art in oil and pastel to our rental guests...when it's open.
Amenities
- Internet
- Air Conditioning
- Accessible
- Heater
- Fireplace
- Satellite or Cable
- Kids Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- Parking
- TV
- No Smoking
Bedrooms
- 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 11
- Bedroom 11 king, Malachite.Handicap-Accessible
- Bedroom 21 queen, 1 twin/ single, Lapis Lazuli
- Bedroom 31 queen, Watermelon Tourmaline
- Bedroom 41 double, Amethyst
- Bedroom 51 queen, Tangerine Citrine
- The Watermelon Tourmaline room & the Tangerine Citrine room, on the second floor of the farmhouse, look south over the front porch, across the courtyard to the Cape & barn, & across Back River road into nine acres of woods & wood trails.They are blessed with morning sun & bird calls. The Malachite room, on the first floor of the Farmhouse, does as well. It is handicap-equipped throughout. The Lapis Lazuli & Amethyst rooms, also second floor, face northwest to Back River, with a sweeping view of the river & the cove at the bottom of the property, & out over the back porch and new back deck, towards the apple orchard & the freshwater pond. Spring & Summer nights, the air is filled with the sound of peepers & frogs. Amenities in bedrooms include a paddle fan; Cable TV access in all rooms; one movable TV; WiFli; room-darkening shades; colorful linens.
Bathrooms
- 5 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1toilet, shower, Handicap-Accessible
- Bathroom 2toilet, combination tub/shower
- Bathroom 3toilet, combination tub/shower
- Bathroom 4toilet, combination tub/shower
- Bathroom 5toilet, combination tub/shower
- All four regular bedrooms have private bathrooms with shower/tubs (we have a handicapped shower with seat in the Malachite King room), pedestal sinks, comfort height toilets and space for toiletries and cosmetics. Towels are plush and colorful. Fans quietly remove excess humidity. These bathrooms provide a private sanctuary.
Location Type
- Near The OceanSix miles from this property, the tidal Back River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. On the way, you'll pass the amazingly beautiful Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens...located right on the Back River!
- RiverAt low tide, you will often see dozens of birds on the uncovered islands & day or night you might hear the haunting call of the loons. There are half a dozen seals who like to play in our cove.
- WaterfrontThe estate has 300 ft of water frontage on the river, which empties & refills every six hours & wildlife is profuse. At half & high tide, you can swim, paddle, canoe, fish or just sit & admire views.
- WaterfrontA pair of bald eagles are nesting at the northern end of Tibbetts I (1/8 mi down river) & they regularly swoop overhead, looking for lunch. Enjoy your own lunch, on our picnic tables, with river views
Theme
- Adventure
- Away From It All
Meals
- Guests provide their own meals
General
- Laundry Soap
- Activities Guide
- Alarm Clock
- Basic Soaps
- Ceiling Fans
- Clothes DryerThere are two clothes dryers:one is a front loader, large-sized dryer...and the other a standard front loader.
- FireplaceThere is a see-through gas fireplace between the dining room and the Great room, which adds warmth and ambiance, in season.
- Firewood
- Fitness Room / EquipmentWork out at the local YMCA.
- Hair Dryer
- Heating
- Internet**WiFli is short for 'When It Feels Like It'...our WiFi works wonderfully about 90% of the time, but we are on a peninsula which juts out into the ocean, so Mother Nature rules, at times.
- Iron & Board
- Air ConditioningWindow air conditioners are rentable...for $50 per week or per visit.
- Linens ProvidedThe bedrooms are 'dressed', with full linen sets-sheets/towels/robes-on arrival. Guests are asked to wash, dry & fold the linens before departure..bring your own if you'd like to avoid that last chore
- Living RoomThe Great Room is 26 feet high and built with 200 year old timbers around new structural panels.
- Local Activities Guide
- Local Maps
- Local Restaurant Guide
- Paper Towels
- Parking
- Parking Off Street
- Sofa Bed
- Toilet Paper
- Towels ProvidedTowels are provided, but we ask that you bring your own beach towels.
- Washing MachineThe washing machine is a front loader, large-sized washer.
- Wireless Internet**WiFli is short for 'When It Feels Like It'...our WiFi works wonderfully about 90% of the time, but we are on a peninsula which juts out into the ocean, so Mother Nature rules, at times.
Kitchen
- Lobster Pot
- Blender
- Coffee MakerThis kitchen has two coffee-makers.
- Cooking UtensilsKitchen drawers are full of cooking utensils.
- Dishes & UtensilsPantry and kitchen cupboards are full of dishes and utensils.
- Dishwasher
- Freezer
- KitchenThe kitchen has a double sink in the window counter and another, single sink in the island counter.
- Coffee Grinder
- MicrowaveThere are two microwave ovens in the pantry.
- OvenThe stove and oven are restaurant sized (6 burners and a good-sized oven), and gas-fired.
- Pantry ItemsThe pantry is stocked with two microwave ovens, two blenders, two toasters, a toaster oven, a Kitchenaid food processor, iced tea maker, ice cream maker, coffee grinder, waffle maker, crepe maker, etc
- RefrigeratorStandard refrigerator in the Pantry.
- StoveThe stove and oven are restaurant sized (6 burners and a good-sized oven), and gas-fired. It comes with a 4 burner griddle, for those Sunday morning brunches!
- Stove
- ToasterThis kitchen has two toasters.
Dining
- DiningThe dining room table is a 200 year-old barn door, finished for dining. It seats 20 intimately; 18 with elbow-room. There are 5 raised stools at the kitchen island, as well.
- Dining Room
- comfy seating for 18 people
Entertainment
- Radio
- BooksHundreds of books for loan while on site, in the Great Room library.
- Books for Kids
- DVD PlayerFound in the Media Room...first floor.
- GamesFound in the Media Room...first floor.
- Games for Kids
- Piano
- Books for Adults
- Satellite / CableThere is a large, flat screen TV in the Media room and another TV that can be moved throughout the building...all bedrooms have cable hook-up.
- StereoIpod dock in the dining room also entertains the new back deck.
- TelevisionThere is a large, flat screen TV in the Media room and another TV that can be moved throughout the building...all bedrooms have cable hook-up.
- ToysChildren's toys are located in the sports equipment deck box, behind the Gallery Barn.
- VCR
- Video LibraryFound in the Media Room...first floor.
Outside
- Large Cooler
- BicyclesRent bicycles in downtown Boothbay Harbor.
- BoatFour sit-on-top kayaks, plus life jackets are complimentary. There are also local rental places for sea kayaks.
- Boat with Paddles
- Deck / PatioA brand new deck has been added for spectacular river and sunset views...as well as card games, tea chats and dinner for 18.
- GolfGolf at the nearby world-class Boothbay Country Club.
- Golf Clubs
- Kayak / CanoeRent sea kayaks in Boothbay Harbor. There are four sit-on-top kayaks, for your use.
- Binoculars
- Lawn / GardenSee all the lovely lawns on our website...boldcolorlife.com.
- Outdoor GrillThe gas grill is on the back porch, near the deck box with grill accessories.
- Outdoor Grill Gas
- Porch / VerandaThe Farmhouse has a SE facing front deck & porch, with 3 rocking chairs and 2 patio tables w/chairs; and a NW facing back porch & new deck, with 2 large tables & a smaller table w/ chairs.
- TennisPlay tennis at the local YMCA.
- Unscreened Porch / Veranda
- Walkway to Water
- Water Sports GearSee above.
Suitability
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- Low Allergen Environment
- suitable for elderly or infirm
- wheelchair accessibleSee our information on ADA access, on the Malachite bedroom web page.
Attractions
- library
- arboretum
- bay/sound
- botanical garden
- churches
- cinemas
- coin laundry
- festivals
- forests
- autumn foliage
- live theater
- marina
- museums
- playground
- pond
- recreation center
- restaurants
- theme parks
Leisure Activities
- paddle boating
- antiquing
- bird watching
- eco tourism
- horseback riding
- horseshoes
- outlet shopping
- beachcombing
- photography
- scenic drives
- sight seeing
- sledding
- walking
- whale watching
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- Babysitter
- fitness center
- groceries
- hospital
- laundromat
- massage therapist
- medical services
Sports & Adventure Activities
- ice skating
- basketball court
- deepsea fishing
- equestrian events
- fishing
- fly fishing
- freshwater fishing
- golf
- hiking
- hunting
- cycling
- mountain biking
- pier fishing
- rafting
- sailing
- skiing
- snorkeling
- sound/bay fishing
- swimming
- tennis
- water skiing
Notes
- Air conditioners are available for ‘rent’. Since they are not ‘green’, there is a $50.00 fee for the week or the visit.
House Rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Cancellation Policy
Canceled bookings will not receive a refund
54 Reviews
Latest reviews
Perfect reunion getaway
It is one of our greatest delights to host reunions of all kinds...and this particular reunion guest group was a joy. Six women from a college 'a cappella' group reunite once or twice a year to enjoy each other's company, explore a new area together, rehearse favorite songs from their college days and learn new songs for their next college reunion. They've been doing this for over forty years! Each guest was kind and thoughtful and they obviously cared for each other and for their 'getaways'. They enjoyed the Great Room and sang around the piano, fixed meals in the Farmhouse kitchen, played card games around the 'barn door' dining room table, wandered the grounds and nearby Boothbay peninsula, sampled various restaurant meals and hiked some of the Land Trust hiking trails. We hope to see this group again and again!
Great for a family gathering, awesome owner!
Wonderful, off the beaten path
Dear Beth,
Thanks so much for your review! It was wonderful to have your large, fun-loving group here...and I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay. It was a pleasure to have you and we thank you for taking such good care of the house! I do hope you journey back this way and be our guests again!
Warmly, Melissa
Big, Spacious - Perfect!
Dear Brian,
What a wonderful, detailed review. Thanks so much for sharing the many favorite parts of your stay. You know, our big ‘season’ kicks off at Memorial Day and your family group was a perfect beginning to the season...you set the scene for a wonderful summer...hope yours has been memorable. Your upbeat energy, interest in all sorts of things to do, and appreciation for the house and property was outstanding. It was a delight to have you here…do come back again!
Warmly, Melissa
Family reunion at The Farmhouse and The Cape
Dear Pat (and all),
I probably can't find adequate words to tell you how honored I am that you chose this property for your family reunion and tribute to your dear Mother. Each time we were in contact as you planned the visit, you were a delight...and when you arrived, every family member was friendly, fun and positive. It is an awesome family group...I'm sure your Mother was superbly proud of you all.
And the children exploring the property were a great addition...such wonder...such camaraderie...such energy...such life force. It was a joy to observe them whenever we were here at the same time.
Also, I thank you for taking such good care of the house...as though it were your own. It would be a pure delight to have you return for another gathering some time soon.
Warmly, Melissa
Georgia Dawgs
Every now and then a guest group comes along who bring the spirit of caring with them...and this family did just that. From the moment they arrived, it was clear that they cared about each other, about their vacation, about reconnecting in a wonderful, relaxed way and about finding new adventures in the Boothbay area, a destination that they visit every year. In addition, they cared for the house in the most meticulous way...they treated it as though it were their own. I look forward to seeing this extended family again and again!
Location
Come away from it all....catch your breath. Wander 15 acres of estate gardens and woodland trails....borrow an inflatable boat to paddle with local seals....meet our friendly bald eagles and other critters....listen to the loons on a River View bench...play croquet or badminton on the many lawns....watch the Maine painted turtles or listen to frogs on the freshwater pond....wander the park-like grounds....take a cool dip or sail on the river...enjoy a book in a hammock. Refreshed, venture out into the Boothbay region. Close proximity to ocean, restaurants, golf, mini-golf, boating, world-class golfing, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and every kind of shopping and gallery. There are 13 hiking preserves within 10 miles, freshwater swimming and ice fishing at Knickerbocker Lake, 3 miles down the road. There are small Maine beaches within 10 miles and large ones within an hour's scenic drive. Other Activities: Shopping, Kayaking, Boating, Snowboarding, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Health/Beauty Spa, Horseshoes, Mini Golf, Antique museum and Railway Village, State Aquarium, tours to see islands, puffins, whales and lobster boats. There's a year-round Opera house; playhouse, movie theatre and Historical Society. And did we mention the local restaurants and shops??? The Bold Colorful Life Gallery offers colorful elegant jewelry, stunning natural photographs, and dramatic works of art in oil and pastel to our rental guests....when it is open. The Bold Colorful Life Estate is also a Retreat Center, so plan to join us for a Retreat for personal growth, renewal and spiritual centering...
Rates & Availability
Additional information about rental rates
All guests are required to fill out, sign and send a contract for the rental terms. The address is 802 Back River Rd., Boothbay, ME 04537 Rates are subject to change until reservation is confirmed.