On waterfront.Stay at this Brooksville cabin and you'll be within 2 miles (3 km) of Great Island and 9 miles (15 km) of Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park. Jonathan Fisher House and Blue Hill Books are within 12 miles (20 km).
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 59 min drive
Restaurants
Bagaduce Lunch - 7 min drive
Pentagoet Inn & Restaurant - 35 min drive
Bayview Market & Take-Out - 18 min drive
T & C Grocery - 35 min drive
Danny Murphy's Pub - 33 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm
Rustic Waterfront Boathouse in Down East Maine An Unforgettable Coastal Retreat Nestled in the heart of a historic coastal community, this unique, rustic, and romantic Boathouse offers an unparalleled waterfront experience. Surrounded by deep water, stunning beachfront views, and the rich history of Acadia, Deer Isle, and Castine, this is a haven for boaters, hikers, foodies, and art, history, and music lovers alike. About the Boathouse A beautifully restored private waterfront retreat, the Boathouse sits right on the water, offering spectacular panoramic views. With high, open ceilings and a cozy atmosphere, it feels like you're floating on the sea while enjoying all the comforts of a charming coastal cottage. Spend your days basking in warm ocean breezes and your nights beneath a star-filled sky, lulled to sleep by the calls of loons and the gentle clanking of boat masts in the distance. Inside, the space is thoughtfully appointed, featuring: A comfortable queen-sized bed A fully equipped kitchen—cook anything, even fresh-caught lobster! A gas stove for chilly nights A shower and composting toilet, supporting the sustainable nature of this special place 5G high-speed WiFi for those who want to stay connected Please Note: This is an off-the-grid-style glamping experience, combining rustic charm with modern convenience. Detailed information about the marine toilet is available on-site. What to Expect Private waterfront access with a deck and small yard fully surrounded by water A location on a historic working wharf, where small boats and fishermen still launch, echoing the days of great clipper ships Spectacular sunsets over Castine, Islesboro, and the Camden Hills Nearby hiking, galleries, and fine dining in Stonington, Deer Isle, and Blue Hill Kayak rentals available for delivery—paddle right from the Boathouse! Getting Here By car: Recommended for exploring the area Nearest airports: Bangor, Portland, Boston Bus to Bangor Additional Details Parking: Daytime parking at the landing, overnight parking in our field at the top of the hill Pets: Dogs may be allowed with prior approval. Pet fee: $30 per day per pet. All pet stays must be prepaid. Service animals require proper documentation. Host Interaction: While we respect guest privacy, we love sharing local insights, helping with beach fires, and even hosting a casual wine or s’mores night when possible. A True Maine Experience This exceptionally unique retreat has been in our family for 200 years, offering a rare glimpse into Maine’s deep maritime history. Whether you're looking for a quiet, cozy getaway or an adventurous coastal escape, the Boathouse is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget.
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)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Property located in a resort
Unit size: 800 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets are welcome
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 1 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.
Spectacular Beach Boathouse Acadia Blue Hill Penobscot Bay House
Spectacular Beach Boathouse Acadia Blue Hill Penobscot Bay
Frequently asked questions
How close is Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm to the airport?
This cabin is 34.5 mi (59-min drive) away from the Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this cabin.
How close is Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm to the beach?
This cabin is 14.2 mi (24-min drive) from Causeway Beach.
Does Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm offer free breakfast?
This cabin does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm?
No, there is no casino at this cabin.
What time is check-in at Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm?
Free parking is not available at this cabin.
Does Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm have a pool?
This cabin does not have a pool.
Does Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this cabin.
How close is Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm to downtown Brooksville?
This cabin is 5.6 mi away from Brooksville.
Coastal Waterfront Boat House on Tapley Farm Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 16 reviews
10 - Excellent
12
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 16 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 16 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 16 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
9.0/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
2/10 Terrible
Matt M.
Jul 31, 2025
Disliked: Cleanliness
Check in horrible, no hot water, screens not attached properly so mosquitos inside constantly. Host said they would credit us for the stay since they knew they had messed up, did not keep their word.
Matt M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
6/10 Okay
Jamie C.
Jun 30, 2025
One week stay in June 2025
A camp style accommodation that was in relatively good clean condition inside and a bit in disarray outside we were told after "lifting the boathouse". The beach side location was peaceful with lots of native flowers and surroundings. Small beach next to property was pretty private and quiet with min visitors during our stay. Owners were present at the main house and checked in a couple times during our stay. Also Blue Hill Peninsula area has a lot of great foodie options and local food producers.A few notes re: the rental- The new cage wire fencing and railings now around deck not so nice and blocks direct view to water which is different then pictures which show it as an open platform porch. And as written by other guests, the composting toilet is an issue you will need to plan on managing daily. It operated the 1st 4 days and required a full wipe down after each flush if not it would send the contents up into top lid and running down the outside leading to a lingering odor and mess on floor unless cleaned thoroughly. Last remaining 4 days we were given a work round for manually flushing when flushing became an issue due to a leak but then that stopped working last day and a half and motor was pinging outside bedroom window all night. We heard from owner the day we departed that they had fixed the non flushing issue which we hope benefits the next guests - think we just were unlucky being their 1st guests of the season.
Jamie C.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sharon C.
Oct 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A Little Bit of Maine Heaven
This is a wonderful property with lovely hosts. Everything we wanted and love in a Maine property. Just our cup of tea. Great decor and a welcome atmosphere. Wish it were mine!!!
Sharon C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kathy P., Port Saint Lucie, FL
Oct 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Unique and Historic
I LOVED this little boathouse. I loved sitting on the deck watching seabirds, boats and seals go by all day. I loved watching the night sky as well. We took walks on the beach as well as the combined walking/driving route near the house. Everybody we encountered was so friendly and helpful. The house is located out of the way so a bit of a drive to anywhere, but that was okay with us. We ventured out every day of the 8 days we were there. Don’t miss the giant trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens even though it is a 2.5 hour drive away in Boothbay. It’s worth it. The boathouse was a bit too rustic for my husband and because it is over 100 years old, it had its quirks. The composting toilet was the biggest surprise. But it had modern electricity and running water. I loved the converted wood burning stove as the source of heat. We had a couple of issues, but when we called the owners, they came immediately to fix the problem. Dick also gave us lots of local info that was invaluable. Oh and the incredible historical value of staying in this over 100 year old boathouse was incredible. Everywhere you turn, there is some antique boating item or book or picture or story or item hanging on the wall. It was like staying in a museum. A very unique experience.
Kathy P.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Curt M., Indianapolis
Sep 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
quiet secluded
very nice and quiet
Curt M.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
SueAnne P.
Aug 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Oasis
My husband and I had a truly magical experience at the boat house. Being right on the water and waking up to the sounds of the water rolling into the beach, the calls of the seagulls and terns and songbirds was heavenly. A perfect spot for a couple to unwind, restore and have some great fun. And the boathouse itself is simply delightfu. Beautifully appointed. You really feel as if you’re in another space and time. And the hosts Carol and Dock are wonderful people. Extremely helpful, knowledgeable and very kind. I can’t speak more highly about this place.
SueAnne P.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Betsy S.
Jun 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Heaven on the Bagaduce
My husband and I spent three weeks in May staying at various places all along the coast of Maine. We loved every place and experience and the people we met, but our personal favorite place was the boathouse on the Bagaduce. The refurbished house was warm, cozy, comfortable and full of history...not to mention the heavenly gas stove on cool nights. The setting was like a picture from an old storybook ...beautiful and so quiet most times of the day and night that you could hear nothing but the sounds of the loons and geese calling or skidding across the water. Occasionally, a local villager would drop his small boat into the water from the landing next to the house to go out clamming or to check his lobster traps. This was such a treat for us to watch and allowed us to meet some very special people who lived on the Blue Hill Peninsula.
The Gregor's were great hosts, very kind...providing us with fresh eggs and most importantly their personal generational stories of the history along the Bagaduce River. Thank you!!!
We thoroughly enjoyed hiking in Blue Hill, seeing the beautiful old elms in Castine, and eating the best lobster of our entire trip in Stonington. Don't miss the mailboat ride to and from Isle Au Haut! The beauty is inspiring.
Simply put, the boathouse on the Bagaduce is a gem truly beyond words. It's allure was magical for us. We hope we have the good fortune of staying there once again.
Betsy S.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
8/10 Good
Melanie M.
Jun 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic stay at Tapley Farms boathouse
Place was charming, gorgeous sunsets, loved waterfront. A few things to know.No hot tub. Couldn't lock door from inside. 'Bedrooms' aren't really rooms. Queen in main area, twin in adjacent nook. Owners okay with mice there. But Well stocked and comfortable.
Melanie M.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie C.
Oct 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Outstanding Boathouse
Loved the experience of staying in a rustic converted boathouse next to the Bagaduce River!
Stephanie C.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
8/10 Good
Christopher P.
Jul 6, 2023
Kit
Nice
Christopher P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
John M.
Oct 3, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
A peaceful, private place to escape.
We came to this beautiful place to celebrate our 40th anniversary and spent two weeks here. What a wildlife paradise. We saw the great blue heron almost daily as well as a pair of bald eagles and harbor seals.
We enjoyed the privacy and magnificent sunsets every night.
This was the most peaceful vacation we ever had. Thank you very much to Dick and Carol. We hope to be back soon.
John M.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2021
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer B., Ancram, NY
Sep 11, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
A TRUE GEM!
What a glorious summer! Thank you Carol and Dick for our wonderful stay in the Boat House. You were warm and generous hosts and the Boat House was a gem, with it’s creative beautiful decor and perfect setting. It was like living in a little maritime museum. We loved all the bits and pieces of Tapley history that you cleverly incorporated into the design. It was rustic in just the right get-away-from-it-all way. Yet still so comfortable, inviting, and creatively beautiful. When we had friends stop by, the first thing they would say was, “Wow, this is great!” And all this was surrounded by the huge sweep of the magnificent Maine coast. The beach, the Bagaduce River, the view across to Castine and the distant mountains down Penobscot Bay. Heavenly! We can’t thank you enough for our lovely and special summer in your extraordinary little Boat House on the shore. See you next summer!
Jennifer B.
Stayed 91 nights in Jun 2021
10/10 Excellent
Joanne H., Colorado, USA
Nov 6, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely private place to stay.
The Boathouse is a very comfortable hideaway. The location is private and quiet with a lovely view. Even though it is small It has everything you need to enjoy a stay there. It made us think about downsizing and living smaller! You can walk the stoney beach when tide is out. We would definitely rent the Boathouse again if we're in the area.
Joanne H.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019
10/10 Excellent
william b.
Aug 12, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness
Great hideaway
A gorgeous vista and crystal clear water in a very private setting, made for an exceptional getaway that will
Take you away from the daily grind and ensure a relaxing vacation!
The sunsets were spectacular and were able to view the local wildlife. Boathouse has lots of amenities. Parking was easy and very accessible. Enjoyed the public landing in that we met other visitors to the area.
Our flight was late and finding the property in the dark and with lots of rain was a challenge but we made and very much enjoyed our stay.
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
10/10 Excellent
Lynn B.
Sep 9, 2018
Perfect, private, quiet, getaway. Cabin was beautifully decorated, with fabulous views and sunsets.
Good location for visiting nearby towns, with good restaurants and shops. Many choices for hiking nearby.