Steamboat Landing is a large cottage overlooking the Sheepscot River on Southport Island. Hosted by Of Sea and Pine; Maine Vacation Rentals, the cottage is located between Sheepscot Bay and Booth Bay, Southport Island is connected by a swing bridge to the town of Boothbay Harbor. Southport Island is a little known island oasis offering the best that Maine has to offer without the hustle and bustle of busier tourist towns. This little island community offers a slower, quieter pace where you will find classic Maine coastline views, friendly locals and fresh seafood.
Water views (no direct water access)
4 bedrooms - all on second floor
2 full bathrooms (1 downstairs, 1 on second floor)
Fully stocked kitchen
Dining table seats 8
Air conditioning
Washer/Dryer
Private outdoor space & grill
Walking distance to beach and general store
Close to many popular Maine destinations, including Boothbay Harbor (10 minutes away)
Full description:
Steamboat Landing is the perfect family getaway. The cottage sleeps 8 ( 4 bedrooms/ 2 full baths with laundry) and is located at the end of a dead end road, it is a safe area for children to play and ride their bikes and the town beach is just a 15 minutes walk (or 3 minute drive) away. Pack a picnic or grab lunch from the General Store (near both the beach and the cottage) and head to the beach for an afternoon of sun, swimming, playing in the sand and finding sea shells and crabs. The island school has a playground that is open to the public when school is not in session or visit the local library to check out the children's area or enjoy a book in one of their cozy rooms. End the day by going to Robinson's Wharf for dinner, a restaurant and working wharf just a 7 minute drive away, where the seafood you order for dinner was caught that morning by a local fisherman.
Looking for more to do? Boothbay Harbor is an easy 12 minute drive away where you will find a charming downtown boasting many shops and restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Visit the Boothbay Harbor footbridge to see beautiful boats and yachts up close, ride the trolley for an easy tour of the area or go whale watching and spot a humpback whale.
Other nearby attractions include the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, The Maine State Aquarium, the Railway & Village Museum & Boothbay Harbor Country Club. A complete guidebook will be provided with suggestions for these and other area attractions.
Southport Island also boasts an intriguing history, The Abenake people that originally inhabited the island called it Capanewagen, thought to mean "Place where there is a swift current." Early European fishermen came to call it Cape Newagen, which is now the name of the southern most tip of Southport Island. The first European settlement was established in 1623 and Southport became incorporated as a town on February 12, 1842.
Famous people who have lived on Southport Island include Margaret Hamilton, wicked witch of the west in The Wizard of Oz, who summered in a cottage on Cape Island located just off the tip of the tiny village of Cape Newagen. Rachel Carson, marine biologist, writer and conservationist, also lived on Southport Island. It is said that the Maine coast particularly inspired her work; she loved being surrounded by the mystique of the sea and its creatures captivated her at an early age.
Steamboat Landing is named after the steamships that used to deposit summer visitors on the big rock that is at the end of what is now called Dogfish Head (named more recently after the brewery of the same name). Steamboats were an essential part of the region's transportation network, sailing on the Sheepscot and Kennebec Rivers until 1920, bringing visitors to Maine each summer. Where the cottage stands is said to have once been the location of the ticket office.
Cottage Layout: The downstairs is open concept with the living room and dinning room flowing into each other; the kitchen is located in the back of the cottage; there is also a full bath downstairs with laundry. Large windows allow plenty of light and a spectacular view of the water. Two sliding glass doors allow easy access to the wrap around deck. The deck has an outdoor eating area and an outdoor couch plus other chairs for enjoying the view. Upstairs there are four (4) bedrooms and a full bath.
Stairs/Mobility: There are multiple stairs (10+) leading up to the property as well as uneven ground leading to the deck stairs. The ground may be slippery if the rocks are wet. There are no bedrooms on the first floor and another set of VERY steep stairs (10+) up to the second floor. This property may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Neighborhood: The cottage is located in a neighborhood. The position of the cottage (built on a ledge) does allow for some privacy but there are other cottages very near by. This is not a private setting. It is generally a quiet neighborhood but you will hear children, dogs, & cars and will see the neighbors out in their yards. There is no direct water access.
Parking: Please note there is a STRICT two vehicle maximum. The driveway is shared with the neighbors and no additional cars can be accommodated.
