Gull's Rest

For those seeking an authentic Maine vacation experience, far from the hustle and bustle of conventional hotels, Gull's Rest on Orr's Island offers a unique and memorable escape. As a distinctive offering within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, this charming cottage provides a secluded and picturesque retreat at 18 Ferris Rd, Orr's Island, ME 04066, USA, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Maine coast.

Gull's Rest is nestled in a quiet, desirable summer community on Orr's Island, part of the scenic Harpswell peninsula. This location is a significant draw, offering breathtaking ocean views and a genuine sense of solitude. Guests consistently highlight the "great views" and the "solitude" as key aspects of their stay. The property boasts a small path leading directly down to the water, providing intimate access to the shoreline and opportunities for exploration of tide pools. The "smell of the sea" and the "feel of refreshing ocean breezes," and the sounds of "lobster boats at work and seagulls at play" are part of the immersive coastal experience. The peaceful neighborhood is ideal for leisurely walks, offering even more scenic vistas and a chance to truly unwind.

While offering a tranquil environment, Gull's Rest is not isolated. There are "plenty of restaurants and stores close drives away," ensuring convenience for dining and supplies. Local favorites like The Dolphin Marina & Restaurant and Erica's Seafood are just a short 10-minute drive from the cottage. For broader selections, Brunswick, approximately 12 miles away (a 23-minute drive), provides a bustling Maine Street with a variety of fine dining options, food trucks, charming shops, a farmer's market, and grocery stores. Freeport, home to L.L. Bean's Flagship Store and numerous outlet stores, is just a 35-minute drive. Even the vibrant Old Port in Portland, with its array of restaurants and shopping, is less than an hour south. To the north, guests can explore Bath (22 miles) with its charming Main Street and Maine Maritime Museum, Boothbay Harbor (45 miles) and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and Rockland (66 miles) and the Farnsworth Art Museum. Scenic Popham Beach State Park and Reid State Park, both approximately 36 miles away, offer the closest sandy beaches. This balance of secluded charm and accessible amenities makes Gull's Rest an ideal base for exploring Midcoast Maine and beyond.

Gull's Rest is a quintessential seaside cottage, described as "older but awesome" and "charmingly renovated." It is typically offered as a self-catering vacation rental, providing guests with the privacy and amenities of a home. Based on available information, the cottage aims to offer everything needed for a comfortable stay:

• Accommodations: Gull's Rest is typically listed as a 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, comfortably accommodating up to 6 guests. The bedrooms are located on the second floor and are often named for nearby islands: Eagle Island Room (queen bed), Haskell Island Room (two twin beds), Pinkham Island Room (ocean view twin bed), and Bailey Island Room (ocean view full/double bed). The interior has been freshly painted and lovingly decorated to reflect its coastal charm. The first floor features a living room, a dining room with seating for 4-6, and a small but fully functional kitchen. There is an updated bathroom with a walk-in shower on the first floor. A second bathroom may be present depending on renovations (some listings indicate two bathrooms).
• Kitchen Facilities: The cottage features a well-equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer to cook or save on dining out. While older information suggests no dishwasher, more recent listings indicate some renovations, and some suggest no dishwasher is present. A regular drip coffee maker is typically provided, and a gas grill with propane is available for outdoor cooking. Guests can source fresh ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The kitchen also includes a lobster pot.
• Comfort and Entertainment: The cottage emphasizes relaxation with ocean views from various points, including a covered wrap-around porch and a deck. Inside, there's a living room for reading or simply enjoying the views. While there is no cable TV, a Smart TV is typically available in the living room and potentially in the primary bedroom for "Streaming Only" entertainment. Free Wi-Fi (Xfinity Cable Internet) is provided, ensuring connectivity. Although no formal heat source is present, safe-touch space heaters are provided in every room for cooler seasons. There is no air conditioning, but refreshing ocean breezes are a natural cooling source. Ceiling fans may also be present.
• Outdoor Spaces: A large, expansive deck is perfect for enjoying ocean views and dining alfresco. The property features water frontage and a small path down to the water, allowing for exploration of the shore. While there is no direct sandy beach access, Pott's Point Preserve is just a 0.5-mile walk away, offering additional shoreline for exploration. Guests can enjoy the sounds of lobster boats at work and seagulls at play, and perhaps even spot marine wildlife. There is no outdoor firepit.
• Conveniences: Essential amenities like a washer and dryer are typically included, which is very convenient for extended stays. Linens and bath towels are usually provided, with beds made prior to guest arrival and towels in sanitized packaging. Parking for 1-2 cars is available on-site. Trash removal is included. The water source is well water with a filtration system, and bottled drinking water is recommended. A bubbler is available in the kitchen for 5-gallon water jugs.

The defining features of Gull's Rest are its authentic Maine cottage charm and its idyllic, tranquil, waterfront location. It offers a genuine "step back in time" experience, blending rustic appeal with modern comforts. The direct access to the water, though via a small path rather than a sandy beach, is a highly valued feature, allowing for immediate engagement with the coastal environment. The stunning views and the "solitude" are consistently praised by guests, emphasizing the peaceful and private nature of the property. Its appeal lies in being a "perfect Maine vacation" spot for those who appreciate quiet relaxation and the natural beauty of the coast. The convenience of having everything needed "right at hand" or just a short, scenic drive away, contributes to a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. Guests repeatedly express their desire to "be back," highlighting the memorable and satisfying experience the cottage provides.

Unlike a traditional hotel, Gull's Rest offers a personalized, home-like experience, which is ideal for families or couples seeking more space, privacy, and the flexibility to self-cater. The "cute little cottage" ambiance, while older, is viewed as part of its charm rather than a drawback, indicative of a well-maintained and cared-for property. The neighborhood is described as "nice" for walks, adding to the overall pleasant environment. The property is often professionally managed, offering prime properties and personalized service with local expertise, ensuring a smooth and pleasant stay for guests.

As a private vacation rental rather than a traditional hotel, Gull's Rest does not have a typical "phone number" for direct booking inquiries in the same way a hotel does. Instead, it is managed through vacation rental platforms or local property management companies. These platforms are where potential guests would find availability, pricing, and specific booking policies. Guests interested in booking Gull's Rest should search online using the address (18 Ferris Rd, Orr's Island, ME 04066, USA) or the name "Gull's Rest Orr's Island" on popular vacation rental websites such as Vrbo, Airbnb, or through local Maine rental agencies like MaineStay Vacations or Your Island Connection. These platforms will provide the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, minimum stay requirements (which are often weekly, typically Saturday to Saturday, during peak seasons), and booking terms.

Promotional offers might be tied to off-season rates or longer stays, but specific discounts are typically determined by the property owner or management company and advertised on the booking platforms. Reviews from "real customers" serve as the primary promotional tool, highlighting the exceptional views, quiet setting, and comfortable, well-appointed nature of the cottage. The consistently positive feedback about the "great views," "small path down to the water," and the convenience to local attractions reinforces its appeal. The cottage is particularly suitable for those who prioritize a serene, authentic coastal Maine experience over the amenities of a large hotel, making it a highly recommended choice for a unique and memorable vacation.