Escape to Your Own Private New England Isle

SAMPLE ITINERARY
Aug 25
5 min read

THE LOCATION: House Island, Maine

Welcome to House Island, a storied hideaway in the heart of Casco Bay—just six minutes by water taxi from downtown Portland, yet a world apart. Hosted by Maine Harbor Club, this is where iconic Maine meets your next elevated escape.

Claim a gracious oceanfront home or take the entire island for yourself—12 private acres of rugged beauty, salty air, and unmatched intimacy.

Private beaches double as jaw-dropping backdrops for anything worth celebrating—from destination weddings to milestone moments to “just because.” And when you're ready to dip back into the city, Portland’s culinary buzz, indie shops, and cultural edge are right across the bay.

THE STAY: Choose from Multiple Homes or Secure the Entire Island for Yourself The BellMoor

Sleeps 14 Guests | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Baths

BellMoor isn’t just a beach house. It’s a grand, gray-shingled beauty with serious presence—perched at the island’s edge, facing the open Atlantic like it owns the place (because it sort of does). With five generous bedrooms and a warm, modern coastal interior, it’s tailor-made for group getaways, family gatherings, and milestone moments where space, comfort, and style matter.

The Outside:

Classic New England architecture with a stately, symmetrical façade, BellMoor greets you with wraparound lawns, water views in every direction, and front-row seats to golden hour. Out back, a stone patio stretches toward the bay with a long dining table and room to lounge, linger, or launch cocktails into sunset.

The Inside:

The interiors strike that sweet spot between polished and playful—crisp beadboard walls, driftwood tones, leather seating, and curated coastal accents. Two cozy lounges offer room to sprawl out or settle in, with smart TVs, books, and puzzles for slower-paced island days.

The kitchen is bright, open, and built for feeding a crowd. Double islands, a deep farmhouse sink, and plenty of prep space make it easy to go full lobster-bake or laid-back bagel brunch. A separate dining room with seating for 10+ gives big family dinners the space they deserve.

Sleeping Spaces:

BellMoor is built for togetherness, but when it's time to turn in, everyone gets their own corner of calm:

– Bedroom 1: King suite with serene tones and lots of natural light

– Bedroom 2: Second king suite, equally spacious and well-appointed

– Bedroom 3: Queen suite with classic Maine cottage vibes

– Bedroom 4: Another queen suite, perfect for guests or couples

– Bedroom 5: The bunkroom—6 twin beds (2 with pull-out trundles), ideal for kids, cousins, or the young-at-heart

Wi-Fi, air conditioning, thoughtful details, and just the right amount of nautical flair round out the BellMoor experience.

The WatchHouse

Sleeps 9 Guests | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths

Set high on a sun-drenched slope, The WatchHouse is the kind of Maine escape that looks straight out of a film—weathered shingle siding, broad sky views, and a wraparound sense of stillness. This four-bedroom gem is built for laid-back luxury, with interiors that whisper New England heritage through a crisp, modern lens.

Exterior:

Perched with presence and privacy, The WatchHouse overlooks sweeping lawns and the shimmering edge of Casco Bay. The classic wraparound porch—complete with wicker chairs, lemonade pitchers, and salty breezes—is made for slow mornings and sunset toasts. It’s that timeless kind of porch-sitting that turns hours into whole afternoons.

Interior:

Step inside and everything just...exhales. Think curated restraint: light-washed floors, layered textures, stone fireplaces, and just enough vintage charm to ground the clean lines. The living room is anchored by soft neutral tones, plush seating, and a gas fireplace wrapped in natural stone—equal parts cozy and coastal cool. Nautical nods, custom art, and curated shelf moments bring personality without ever trying too hard.

The kitchen is classic New England: a farmhouse sink, open shelving, crisp beadboard, and filtered natural light that makes everything feel freshly baked. A nearby dining nook and sitting area offer gathering spaces that feel intimate, never cramped.

Sleeping Spaces:

With four bedrooms, The WatchHouse easily balances privacy and togetherness:

– Bedroom 1: King suite with high ceilings, cozy lounge chairs, and calm, coastal tones

– Bedroom 2: Queen suite with airy elegance and clean symmetry

– Bedroom 3: Another queen suite—chic, simple, and deeply restful

– Bedroom 4: A tucked-away top-floor retreat with 3 twin beds, playful textures, and timeless Maine camp energy

The primary bath is a stunner—clawfoot soaking tub, glass-walled shower, river rock floors, and double windows offering leafy, light-filled privacy.

Little Blue

Sleeps 8 Guests | 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom

Little Blue is pure Maine nostalgia—with a glow-up. This classic summer cottage sits on a generous lawn that rolls straight down to the island’s largest beach. It’s relaxed, refined, and ready for anything.

Outside, you’ll find:

– A spacious stone patio with a BBQ grill for serious summer spreads

– An elevated dining deck strung with bistro lights (because ambiance matters)

– A fire pit for late-night stories and s’mores (firewood not included—BYO kindling vibes)

Inside:

A fully renovated interior with breezy coastal design and central A/C throughout. The kitchen is smartly stocked with labeled drawers, a spice rack, and a lobster pot—because if you’re not boiling lobsters, are you even in Maine?

Living & Sleeping:

The living room brings the cozy: a plush sofa, lounge chair, desk, smart TV, puzzles, and strong wifi. Rainy days don’t stand a chance.

– Primary Bedroom: Full-size bed with memory foam mattress + Cuddledown topper for cloud-level sleep

– Second Bedroom: Two queen-over-twin bunks + an extra twin—perfect for a full crew or a sleepover-style vibe

Kick back, beach out, and let Little Blue do the heavy lifting.

Rent the Entire Island!

Sleeps 31 Guests | 11 Bedrooms | 9 Bathrooms

Why share paradise when you can experience the whole thing? Renting House Island means claiming all of it—every beach, trail, fire pit, and view. Three stunning coastal homes. Twelve raw, windswept acres. Zero interruptions. This is your full-on private island takeover.

Perfect for multi-generational escapes, next-level celebrations, or off-the-wall retreats, the full-island rental includes The BellMoor, The WatchHouse, and Little Blue—each with its own vibe, style, and space to breathe.

Whether you're hosting 30 for a lobster bake or vanishing with your favorite few, House Island flexes to fit the story you’re here to write.

ACTIVITIES

At House Island, boredom isn’t on the guest list. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or chasing sunsets, the island and Casco Bay deliver it all—on your terms. The team’s locked in and ready to custom-build a stay that fits your energy, your rhythm, your rules. Here are just a few of the activities to get excited about.