Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at the property?
The property is waterfront so technically you can swim right from the front yard. There is a grassy, tidal 'beach' (NOT SAND) that is the access to the water. However the water between the house and island is very shallow and the water is very cold (rarely gets higher than the 50's). Nearby Roque Bluffs State Park may be a better bet for actual swimming - they have both a sandy beach AND a warmer, fresh water lake.
Is the property private?
Featherbed Island House is located at the very end of a 1/4 mile small country road. There are four other houses on the road, but only one is visible down the driveway. One side of the property is water and, except for the driveway, the remaining three sides are all woods. The road is narrow, but paved up to our dirt driveway. Machias, with a grocery store, restaurants (in other words - civilization!) is four miles away.
Do you provide canoes or kayaks?
We would love to, but our current insurance coverage won't allow us (but we're working on it for, perhaps next year). You can rent both from Sunrise Canoe and Kayak. Check with them for their policy, but traditionally they will deliver right to the property. If you bring your own, you can moor them on our floating raft.
How far is Featherbed Island House from Bar Harbor/Acadia?
It takes about 90 minutes to get from Machiasport to the Bar Harbor area. There is no superhighway, only winding country roads through picturesque coastal towns.
How many people does the cottage sleep?
The house has three bedrooms - a queen, double, and twin. There is also a pull out sofa in the great room and a non-pull out sofa in the den. Even though, technically, you could squeeze in a lot of people, the total occupancy is capped at a maximum of SIX total (adults and children). There is plenty of room inside to spread out - the great room, tv room/den and a library.
Is the house suitable for older folks?
We certainly think it's a great house for everyone but we want you to be able to make an informed choice. All three bedrooms are upstairs. The staircase is "average" - no steeper than average. The bottom 4 steps have no handrails, however the upper part of the staircase has a handrail on both sides. We also have a pull-out sofa and a non-pull-out sofa and 3/4 bath (shower) on the first floor. There are between 2-3 steps to enter the house.
What about kids?
Featherbed Island House is a great house for kids with it's rolling lawns and island to explore. However, the house has not been childproofed and kids must be supervised. Potential obsticles for small children include the loft window from the second floor to the first, a drop from the front lawn down to the water, the pond (and the bay itself) for non-swimmers, steep basement stairs (the basement door can be locked by guests) and garage (which is off-limits to guests anyway).
Do the rates include everything?
The prices on the website do not include the $100 cleaning fee, a nominal fee for damage insurance and 8% Maine state lodging tax. For those with dog family members, there is a $100 per week pet fee.
When can we check in?
Our changeover day is Sunday (no, sorry it can't be changed due to our cleaner's availability). Check in is at 4pm (check out is at 9am). If the house is ready to go before 4pm, we're happy to let you in earlier, but it depends on our cleaner's schedule.
What does the damage insurance cover?
The damage insurance covers any accidental breakage. We anticipate that you will treat our home as it is your own and leave it exactly as you found it. We also realize that sometimes things just "give out" from normal wear and tear. If you find something not working properly, or something has broken, PLEASE let us know as soon as possible so we can have it replaced. And don't worry about it -- the insurance will cover it. (And, if you are concerned, you are usually not involved in the insurance claim process unless the insurance company has a question that I can't answer).
What is there to do in downeast Maine?
If you don't know, then you'd better come and find out! Machiasport and downeast Maine is a nature lover's paradise! So many things to do in the area, you'll want to stay longer! Whale watching... trips to Seal Island to see the Puffins... hiking the Bold Coast trail... biking the Sunrise Trail... Roque Bluffs State Park for swimming at the white sand ocean beach or in the 20 acre lake... the Pirate festival in August and September in Eastport and Lubec... Summerkeys... Band Concerts... Fourth of July Boat Parades.... Spectacular Jasper Beach in Machiasport...Sunset Cruises.... Shopping in Bar Harbor....Eat a lobster...Canoe and Sea Kayak trips...Visit the Fort O'Brien Historic Site....visit the lighthouses... Blueberry Festival...and on and on. Whether you are 8 or 80, there will be things downeast to keep you busy. No wonder Maine is Vacationland.
Sounds great! How do we book our vacation?
Great question! You can contact us through this website - we're happy to send you our rental agreement and/or pet waiver in advance for your review. The reservation is not confirmed until we have the deposit AND signed rental agreement. Click here and we're happy to process your reservation. Please remember to include preferred dates of stay plus number in party. We accept e-checks (preferred) and credit cards. Rates subject to change until reserved.
