Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond., beachfront wedding venue in Southwest Harbor, Maine
Sun room dining area. at Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond
Exterior detail at Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond
North side of living room with access to deck. at Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond
Beautiful views overlooking Southwest Harbor and the eastern mountains of Acadia at Incredible views overlooking Southwest
Sun room dining area. at Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond
Exterior detail at Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond
North side of living room with access to deck. at Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond
30+

Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond.

Maine, Southwest Harbor · Southwest Harbor, ME9.9ExceptionalView all 25 reviews
Attendees: 20Sleeps: 14Beds 7Baths 6+4,400 Sq Ft
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPet FriendlyFireplace

The Home

Incredible views overlooking Southwest Harbor and beyond.

The views from Island Watch are spectacular. To the northeast is the fjord of Somes Sound, and further south is a more intimate view of Southwest Harbor and several of the offshore islands, all with Acadia National Park's mountains as a backdrop.

Island Watch sits on a ridge above the village of Southwest Harbor and has a vista that is as unique as any on the Maine coast, yet is removed from the busier, in-town atmosphere. We are a bit more secluded, but we do have our own private path that will take you into the center of Southwest Harbor. From there you can board the free Island Explorer bus, wander through an art gallery, have a gourmet dinner, or just have an ice cream at the local café. We are only minutes away from some of the least used and most scenic trails in Acadia National Park.

Formerly run as a Bed and Breakfast, Island Watch is now available to rent on a weekly basis. The seven bedrooms of the main house each have their own bathroom. The suite on the lower level has a complete kitchen and fireplace. The main deck area provides a relaxing gathering area for your entire group, where you can kick back and watch the boating activities below. We also have a separate efficiency apartment rental unit, called the Bird's Nest (651708), over the detached garage on the same property.

The views are spectacular from the decks at Island Watch. Sit and relax in the quiet splendor of the Maine woods while taking in the panoramic beauty of the islands, mountains, harbors and the village of Southwest Harbor!

You're within walking distance to the local restaurants, bike rentals, sailing, boating, an ice cream parlor, and exclusive shops. Some of our local establishments are Beal's Lobster pound, Rogue Cafe, Sawyer's Market, Red Sky Restaurant, and the Wendell Gilley Museum.

You will enjoy spectacular ocean and mountain views, beautiful sunrises, quiet times, and the many activities in nearby Acadia National Park. The Rockefeller family constructed beautiful carriage roads throughout the park in which you can enjoy on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage, or by bike.

Come and stay at one of the most beautiful places in the Maine. Experience a quiet family vacation or one with friends. Be active or just kick back, read a book, work on a jigsaw puzzle, or paint a picture — all while enjoying the fresh air and pristine views.

Southwest Harbor has an active marine industry base of boat builders, marinas, and lobster and sail boats.

Island Watch watches all of this from its peaceful perch above the harbor. It is the Real Maine...Simple! “The way Life Should Be!”

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Home Features

What's Included

  • Wireless internet
  • Free wifi
  • Internet
  • Printer
  • Towels provided
  • Linens provided
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Basic soaps
  • Iron & board
  • Heating
  • Fireplace
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Amenities & Features

Kitchen

  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Stove
  • Oven
  • Grill
  • Kitchen island
  • Dishes & utensils
  • Dining table
  • Coffee maker
  • Coffee grinder
  • Kettle
  • Blender
  • Ice maker
  • Toaster
  • Lobster pot

Outdoor

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Beach towels
  • Boat
  • Kayak/canoe
  • Golf

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Books
  • Television
  • Smart TV
  • DVD player
  • Video library

Laundry

  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Parking

  • Parking

Safety

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Exterior lighting
  • Fire station contact
  • Police contact

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible

Area Guide

Neighborhood, Southwest Harbor

Located in Southwest Harbor, this vacation home is in the city center. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Traveling with kids? Consider Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's Nearby

  • Wendell Gilley Museum11 min walk
  • Acadia National Park3 min drive
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watching24 min drive
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center26 min drive
  • Cadillac Mountain29 min drive

Restaurants

  • Beal's Lobster Pier - 6 min drive
  • Archie’s Lobster - 9 min drive
  • Nor’ Easter Pound & Market - 24 min drive
  • Thurston's Lobster Pound - 12 min drive
  • Circle K - 4 min drive

Getting Around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 22 min drive

Bedrooms

Chart Room

1 Queen Bed

Helm

1 King Bed

Lighthouse Room

2 Twin Bunk Beds

Midship

1 Queen Bed

Mizzen

1 Queen Bed

Tiller

1 King Bed

Bathrooms

Chart Room bath

Towels provided, Toilet, Shower only, Hair dryer

Helm bath

Towels provided, Toilet, Shower only, Hair dryer

Lighthouse Room bath

Towels provided, Toilet

Midship bath

Soap, Towels provided, Bathtub or shower, Toilet, Shampoo, Hair dryer

Mizzen bath

Towels provided, Toilet, Shower only, Hair dryer

Tiller bath

Towels provided, Toilet, Shower only, Hair dryer

Spaces & Areas

Deck or patioPorch or lanaiKitchenOfficeBalconyOutdoor play areaGardenDining area

House Rules

check in

  • Check in after 4:00 PM

check out

  • Check out before 10:00 AM

minimum age

  • Minimum age to rent: 21

Children

  • Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

  • Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties

Pets

  • Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)

Smoking

  • Smoking is not permitted
  • Pre-approved pets only. $75 per pet.

Policies

Damage Policy

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important Information

You need to know

  • Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20 Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

  • A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this venue pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at this venue?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at this venue?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is this venue located?

This family-friendly Southwest Harbor vacation home is located in a rural location, within 2 mi (3 km) of Wendell Gilley Museum and Acadia National Park. Long Pond and Flying Mountain Trailhead are also within 3 mi (5 km).

How many guests can this venue host for a wedding?

It can host up to 20 guests for a ceremony and reception, and sleeps up to 14 overnight.

Can I hold both the ceremony and reception here?

Yes — there is space for both the ceremony and reception.

Can the wedding party stay overnight?

Yes, it sleeps up to 14 guests across 7 bedrooms, so the wedding party can stay on-site.

More wedding venues in Maine

The Paddle House: Riverfront, Rafts, Ultimate Game Room, Hot Tub, Yard Games!The Paddle House: Riverfront, Rafts, Ultimate Game Room, Hot Tub, Yard Games, photo 2The Paddle House: Riverfront, Rafts, Ultimate Game Room, Hot Tub, Yard Games, photo 3The Paddle House: Riverfront, Rafts, Ultimate Game Room, Hot Tub, Yard Games, photo 4
The Paddle House: Riverfront, Rafts, Ultimate Game Room, Hot Tub, Yard Games, photo 2
The Paddle House: Riverfront, Rafts, Ultimate Game Room, Hot Tub, Yard Games, photo 3
The Paddle House: Riverfront, Rafts, Ultimate Game Room, Hot Tub, Yard Games, photo 4
50

The Paddle House: Riverfront, Rafts, Ultimate Game Room, Hot Tub, Yard Games!

5.0

Maine

The Paddle House: Riverfront, Rafts, Ultimate Game Room, Hot Tub, Yard Games! Stunning custom post and beam home that sits on the edge of the Androscoggin River in Bethel. This private retreat offers an array of unparalleled amenities, ensuring your vacation is filled with endles…

2165+8000 ft²
HEATED SALTWATER POOL, Pickleball. Higgins Beach Estate~sleeps 32.  12 min to DTHEATED SALTWATER POOL, Pickleball. Higgins Beach Estate~sleeps 32. 12 min to DT, photo 2HEATED SALTWATER POOL, Pickleball. Higgins Beach Estate~sleeps 32. 12 min to DT, photo 3HEATED SALTWATER POOL, Pickleball. Higgins Beach Estate~sleeps 32. 12 min to DT, photo 4
HEATED SALTWATER POOL, Pickleball. Higgins Beach Estate~sleeps 32. 12 min to DT, photo 2
HEATED SALTWATER POOL, Pickleball. Higgins Beach Estate~sleeps 32. 12 min to DT, photo 3
HEATED SALTWATER POOL, Pickleball. Higgins Beach Estate~sleeps 32. 12 min to DT, photo 4
90

HEATED SALTWATER POOL, Pickleball. Higgins Beach Estate~sleeps 32. 12 min to DT

4.9

Maine

HEATED SALTWATER POOL, Pickleball. Higgins Beach Estate~sleeps 32. 12 min to DT 5600 square foot Higgins Beach Estate: POOL opens In June. ***NEW HEATED SALTWATER POOL ***New PICKLE BALL and BOCCE ball court***. HOT TUB+ HUGE PROPANE FIRE PIT*** 7 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms-Sleeps u…

2784+5600 ft²
Spectacular Salt Water Farm on Penobscot BaySpectacular Salt Water Farm on Penobscot Bay, photo 2Spectacular Salt Water Farm on Penobscot Bay, photo 3Spectacular Salt Water Farm on Penobscot Bay, photo 4
Spectacular Salt Water Farm on Penobscot Bay, photo 2
Spectacular Salt Water Farm on Penobscot Bay, photo 3
Spectacular Salt Water Farm on Penobscot Bay, photo 4
37

Spectacular Salt Water Farm on Penobscot Bay

Maine

Spectacular Salt Water Farm on Penobscot Bay Classic salt water farm situated on 85 acres with 1500' of spectacular Penobscot Bay shorefront. Includes dock, 18th century barn, shorefront cottage, manicured gardens, walking trails, gym, fast internet and modern amenities. Our…

401476+7500 ft²
Steps to Wells Beach! Booking June, Summer 2025, Fall, Thanksgiving,KPortPreludeSteps to Wells Beach! Booking June, Summer 2025, Fall, Thanksgiving,KPortPrelude, photo 2Steps to Wells Beach! Booking June, Summer 2025, Fall, Thanksgiving,KPortPrelude, photo 3Steps to Wells Beach! Booking June, Summer 2025, Fall, Thanksgiving,KPortPrelude, photo 4
Steps to Wells Beach! Booking June, Summer 2025, Fall, Thanksgiving,KPortPrelude, photo 2
Steps to Wells Beach! Booking June, Summer 2025, Fall, Thanksgiving,KPortPrelude, photo 3
Steps to Wells Beach! Booking June, Summer 2025, Fall, Thanksgiving,KPortPrelude, photo 4
64

Steps to Wells Beach! Booking June, Summer 2025, Fall, Thanksgiving,KPortPrelude

Maine

Steps to Wells Beach! Booking June, Summer 2025, Fall, Thanksgiving,KPortPrelude Brand New in 2014. Custom, Owner Built and Design Construction!! Seven Bedrooms. Five Baths. Sleeps 20. Steps to Beautiful Wells Beach!! CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM!! Brand new Hot Springs Flash…

2073+3338 ft²
INDOOR POOL, 10BR, sleeps 38, 3 hot tubs, theater, roof deckINDOOR POOL, 10BR, sleeps 38, 3 hot tubs, theater, roof deck, photo 2INDOOR POOL, 10BR, sleeps 38, 3 hot tubs, theater, roof deck, photo 3INDOOR POOL, 10BR, sleeps 38, 3 hot tubs, theater, roof deck, photo 4
INDOOR POOL, 10BR, sleeps 38, 3 hot tubs, theater, roof deck, photo 2
INDOOR POOL, 10BR, sleeps 38, 3 hot tubs, theater, roof deck, photo 3
INDOOR POOL, 10BR, sleeps 38, 3 hot tubs, theater, roof deck, photo 4
12

INDOOR POOL, 10BR, sleeps 38, 3 hot tubs, theater, roof deck

Maine

INDOOR POOL, 10BR, sleeps 38, 3 hot tubs, theater, roof deck Welcome to Ski-Esta! a luxury rental home designed for large, extended family vacations, located in the beautiful mountains of the Sunday River area of Maine. Whether you come to ski, snowmobile, hike, fish, mountain bi…

381012+1 ft²
Wow!! Newly Renovated Main Kitchen, Common Areas, Bathrms.  Three Kitchens!!Wow!! Newly Renovated Main Kitchen, Common Areas, Bathrms. Three Kitchens, photo 2Wow!! Newly Renovated Main Kitchen, Common Areas, Bathrms. Three Kitchens, photo 3Wow!! Newly Renovated Main Kitchen, Common Areas, Bathrms. Three Kitchens, photo 4
Wow!! Newly Renovated Main Kitchen, Common Areas, Bathrms. Three Kitchens, photo 2
Wow!! Newly Renovated Main Kitchen, Common Areas, Bathrms. Three Kitchens, photo 3
Wow!! Newly Renovated Main Kitchen, Common Areas, Bathrms. Three Kitchens, photo 4
64

Wow!! Newly Renovated Main Kitchen, Common Areas, Bathrms. Three Kitchens!!

Maine

Wow!! Newly Renovated Main Kitchen, Common Areas, Bathrms. Three Kitchens!! NEWLY RENOVATED!! Spacious, comfortable, and relaxing 100+ year-old beach house. Includes THREE kitchens!! Two on ground Floor. Main Kitchen Open Concept. Master Craftsmanship. Custom Cabinets with Restor…

24943900 ft²
the orchards restored mansion over 10,000 sq ft on 6 acres on the york river.the orchards restored mansion over 10,000 sq ft on 6 acres on the york river, photo 2the orchards restored mansion over 10,000 sq ft on 6 acres on the york river, photo 3the orchards restored mansion over 10,000 sq ft on 6 acres on the york river, photo 4
the orchards restored mansion over 10,000 sq ft on 6 acres on the york river, photo 2
the orchards restored mansion over 10,000 sq ft on 6 acres on the york river, photo 3
the orchards restored mansion over 10,000 sq ft on 6 acres on the york river, photo 4
74

the orchards restored mansion over 10,000 sq ft on 6 acres on the york river.

Maine

the orchards restored mansion over 10,000 sq ft on 6 acres on the york river. the orchards once the B F Goodrich estate over 600 ft water frontage just restored in 2023 over 10,000 sq ft with views from every room.on over 6 private acres to much to list this 1905 mansion total&qu…

801873+8500 ft²
LUXURY BEACHFRONT ESTATE - Private Heated PoolLUXURY BEACHFRONT ESTATE, photo 2LUXURY BEACHFRONT ESTATE, photo 3LUXURY BEACHFRONT ESTATE, photo 4
LUXURY BEACHFRONT ESTATE, photo 2
LUXURY BEACHFRONT ESTATE, photo 3
LUXURY BEACHFRONT ESTATE, photo 4
44

LUXURY BEACHFRONT ESTATE - Private Heated Pool

Maine

LUXURY BEACHFRONT ESTATE - Private Heated Pool This luxurious stunning waterfront estate with 220 feet of ocean frontage with PRIVATE rocky beach offers all you need for a luxurious, relaxing seaside vacation. Spectacular ocean views from every room. Enjoy barbecuing by the heate…

2515657000 ft²