Cottage in Bailey Island, ME
6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
About this cottage rental
THE RED HOUSE
The 116 year old Red House at the head of Mackerel Cove was built when most of Bailey Island was wild and undeveloped - and once you've spent time here it's clear why this spot was chosen to build. You FEEL the ocean just steps away wherever you are on the property - and each night the sun sets directly in front of you across the water.
This place is magic.
A house where no matter what you are doing - cooking dinner with loved ones - reading a book on the porch - spending a lazy day in bed - the sea is always present - steps away or right outside your window.
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THE BEACH
The private pebble beach is the perfect place to launch kayaks at any tide. Exploring from the water is one of the best ways to experience Casco Bay. The tide pools in front of the house are something kids (of all ages) love.
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THE VIEW
Spending time here always comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Watch the sea and sky shift with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different.
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THE BIRDS
From heron and gulls to Eider and even bald eagles, this sheltered spot is a birdwatchers dream. I watched a pair of sea ducks guide their ducklings along the shore. Herons fishing in the tide pools at low tide. A bald eagle at the end of the wharf. Whatever you see, you can be sure that it's going to be beautiful.
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NEW OWNERSHIP
The Red House is now owned by Little Harbor Properties and managed by Safe Harbour Property Management - Safe Harbour is the same management team that you had when The Gills Group owned The Red House so please expect the same great service. This also means THE GILLS GROUP still has a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together with The Red House if available for larger groups or hosting intimate events. The cottages are all a short walk from each other and are the perfect place to be "away" while still being "together".
THE GILLS GROUP cottages are Jaquish Lane (VRBO 733483) which sleeps 12 and The Gills (VRBO 318909) which sleeps 6.
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EVENTS
The Red House with spectacular sunsets on the west can be booked with THE GILLS GROUP cottages, JAQUISH and THE GILLS offer the ability to host events such as weddings etc. and can be booked with THE RED HOUSE when available as an lodging accommodation for wedding guests etc. Event fees vary depending on the size of the gathering and number of guests at JAQUISH and THE GILLS. Contact the property manager for more information.
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LOCATION
Mackerel Cove - Bailey Island - Harpswell - Maine.
There are many other properties in the area - but there are very few that rise above the (sometimes crude) comfort that passes for acceptable in a "summer island cottage".
BAILEY ISLAND
20 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 55 minutes from Portland.
PETS
Pets are welcome at The Red House and will incur a fee of $60 per night per pet. This is non-negotiable. Everyone says, "My pet would never damage anything," but sadly, experience has proven that's not always the case.
BOOKING
A booking using the "ONLINE BOOKING" feature is ONLY considered confirmed once you have communicated with the property manager.
The 116 year old Red House at the head of Mackerel Cove was built when most of Bailey Island was wild and undeveloped - and once you've spent time here it's clear why this spot was chosen to build. You FEEL the ocean just steps away wherever you are on the property - and each night the sun sets directly in front of you across the water.
This place is magic.
A house where no matter what you are doing - cooking dinner with loved ones - reading a book on the porch - spending a lazy day in bed - the sea is always present - steps away or right outside your window.
*
*
*
THE BEACH
The private pebble beach is the perfect place to launch kayaks at any tide. Exploring from the water is one of the best ways to experience Casco Bay. The tide pools in front of the house are something kids (of all ages) love.
*
*
*
THE VIEW
Spending time here always comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Watch the sea and sky shift with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different.
*
*
THE BIRDS
From heron and gulls to Eider and even bald eagles, this sheltered spot is a birdwatchers dream. I watched a pair of sea ducks guide their ducklings along the shore. Herons fishing in the tide pools at low tide. A bald eagle at the end of the wharf. Whatever you see, you can be sure that it's going to be beautiful.
*
*
*
NEW OWNERSHIP
The Red House is now owned by Little Harbor Properties and managed by Safe Harbour Property Management - Safe Harbour is the same management team that you had when The Gills Group owned The Red House so please expect the same great service. This also means THE GILLS GROUP still has a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together with The Red House if available for larger groups or hosting intimate events. The cottages are all a short walk from each other and are the perfect place to be "away" while still being "together".
THE GILLS GROUP cottages are Jaquish Lane (VRBO 733483) which sleeps 12 and The Gills (VRBO 318909) which sleeps 6.
*
*
*
EVENTS
The Red House with spectacular sunsets on the west can be booked with THE GILLS GROUP cottages, JAQUISH and THE GILLS offer the ability to host events such as weddings etc. and can be booked with THE RED HOUSE when available as an lodging accommodation for wedding guests etc. Event fees vary depending on the size of the gathering and number of guests at JAQUISH and THE GILLS. Contact the property manager for more information.
*
*
*
*
*
LOCATION
Mackerel Cove - Bailey Island - Harpswell - Maine.
There are many other properties in the area - but there are very few that rise above the (sometimes crude) comfort that passes for acceptable in a "summer island cottage".
BAILEY ISLAND
20 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 55 minutes from Portland.
PETS
Pets are welcome at The Red House and will incur a fee of $60 per night per pet. This is non-negotiable. Everyone says, "My pet would never damage anything," but sadly, experience has proven that's not always the case.
BOOKING
A booking using the "ONLINE BOOKING" feature is ONLY considered confirmed once you have communicated with the property manager.
Amenities at THIS IS THE PLACE - Intimate cottage with oceanfront views and AC!
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Bailey Island, ME
Ratings and reviews
10 / 10Outstanding·Oct 2025
My partner and I desperately needed a full reset getaway and this couldn't have fit the bill more. We also had our dog with us. This was (as described and intended) isolated and quiet and tranquil. The house is also incredibly designed on the interior. At first blush, you could look past it, but every inch of this home is designed with intention and mindfulness to the vibe: oceanside, secluded, rustic, authentic. It's awesome. Highly recommend.
10 / 10Outstanding·Sep 2025
No complaints. As advertised. Rustic, immaculate, beautiful home, with a view to die for. Locals are friendly and wildlife is abundant. Will be returning!
10 / 10Outstanding·Jul 2024
This was our 3rd vrbo stay in Harpswell and our first on Bailey Island. We went for part of the week on our own and cousins joined us there for a couple of days. We were thrilled to bring our Boston Terrier along, too! The house is rustic yet elegant in some ways (amazing steam room, well equipped kitchen, comfortable beds & bedding). Like many other reviewers, we spent tons of time on the lovely porch relaxing and enjoying the always beautiful view of the water, birds, boats, and sunrises and sunsets. When we did venture out, we loved eating at Sundrenched on Bailey Island, buying yummy treats at the Wild Oats Bakery in Brunswick, enjoying lobster rolls from Bailey Island General Store, or walking for 5 minutes to Lands End and Bailey Island Beach. The house was pleasant and comfy and had everything we needed. We really appreciated that the owner cared about the environment (unbleached paper towels, recycling, encouraging water conservation, use of Mrs. Meyer's soap). The neighbors and property managers were nice and helpful, too. We were sad to leave but were so happy we chose somewhere so amazing to stay. Bailey Island had a lovely magic of its own, and seemed to stay cooler with a pleasant breeze most of the time than some other parts of Harpswell! Thanks for sharing this lovely home with our family!
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2024
Beautiful views from a charming cottage with kind neighbors. Eclectic styled home which we enjoyed. Would stay again!!
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Top rated by guests
10Outstanding
(57 Ratings)
"My partner and I desperately needed a full reset getaway and this couldn't have fit the bill more. We also had our dog with us. This was (as described and intended) isolated and quiet and tranquil. ..."
Andrew H.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
