Oar Island

Overview

Cottage -

3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom , Sleeps 8

Bremen, Maine

Oar Island is one of the thousands of islands, large and small, that fill the rugged ocean coast of Maine. Formed and folded by continental collision, metamorphosis, and glacial scouring, the Maine coast is now a wonderful labyrinth of inlets, bays, islands, rivers, hills, and even fjords, mostly densely wooded with forests of spruce, pine, oak, maple, and birch. No wonder the Maine coast has been a prime vacation attraction for 150 years, favorite destination for Rockefellers, Cabots, Lodges, Bushes, and many others.

One of the most picturesque islands in Muscongus Bay, Oar Island can be found midway along Maineâ€™s coast, about 1 Â¼ hour drive east of Portland. It covers about 42 acres.

On the entire island there only 2 houses â€“ rentable by the week either together or separately. It is completely wooded, though with fine views of Mu... Read more

Oar Island is one of the thousands of islands, large and small, that fill the rugged ocean coast of Maine. Formed and folded by continental collision, metamorphosis, and glacial scouring, the Maine coast is now a wonderful labyrinth of inlets, bays, islands, rivers, hills, and even fjords, mostly densely wooded with forests of spruce, pine, oak, maple, and birch. No wonder the Maine coast has been a prime vacation attraction for 150 years, favorite destination for Rockefellers, Cabots, Lodges, Bushes, and many others.

One of the most picturesque islands in Muscongus Bay, Oar Island can be found midway along Maineâ€™s coast, about 1 Â¼ hour drive east of Portland. It covers about 42 acres.

On the entire island there only 2 houses â€“ rentable by the week either together or separately. It is completely wooded, though with fine views of Muscongus Bay and its many other islands to the south, or of the Camden Hills many miles to the northeast. It has about a mile of ocean frontage, most of it deep water even at low tide, an all-tides boat landing, trails, coves, wildlife, free seafood to gather, and above all complete privacy. When you occupy Oar Island, you have an entire domain to yourself. Nobody can disturb you. You have crossed the moat and pulled up the drawbridge behind you.

Although relatively small, Oar Island was once owned by the famous Samoset, one of the two Indians who welcomed the Pilgrims -- in English! -- at their Plymouth settlement in March, 1621. In 1625 Samoset sold the Pemaquid peninsula, including Oar Island, to an English settler named John Brown.

Over the years Oar Island has seen several interesting milestones. During the Revolution a gang of self-described pirates, led by a Nathanial Palmer, camped on the Muscongus Bay islands while preying on local shipping. 'Commodore' Samuel Tucker, who captured more British ships than any other American privateer, later settled next door to Oar Island. In the nineteenth century Oar Island was owned for many years by the family of the uniquely-named Capt. Abdon Keene, Samuel Tucker's neighbors. In 1907 the island just to the south, Hog Island, was bought by Mabel Loomis Todd, the first publisher of the collected poems of Emily Dickinson and the adulterous lover of Emilyâ€™s brother, Austin. It is now the Audubon Society's Todd Wildlife Sanctuary. In the same year Oar Island was bought by a New Yorker, Van Buren Hagerman, the first to live there full time, who continued to own it until 1948. The present red Cottage was built by Van Buren Hagerman. And in the 1970's more modern pirates, Colombian drug smugglers, were arrested coming ashore at the local lobster pound.

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Listing #FKN3873570

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The Jones Family

MA

Reviewed 12 February 2011

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Date of stay: July 2009

Lisa

mass

Reviewed 9 December 2010

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Date of stay: June 2009

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A FlipKey verified reviewer

Indianapolis

Reviewed 9 December 2010

Date of stay: June 2007

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Amenities

Blender
Boat Available
Books
Cable/satellite TV
Cooker
DVD Player
Full Baths (1)
Grill

Internet Access
Microwave
Paper Towels Provided
Playground
Porch
Refrigerator
Soap/Shampoo Provided
Stereo System

Suitable For Children Under 5
Telephone
Toaster
TV
VCR
Waterfront
Water Views

House rules

Kid-friendly

Ask about pets

Smoking not allowed

Check in: 3:00 PM

Bathrooms

1 Full bath

Availability

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Rates

Rates are calculated based on the latest information provided. Please contact the manager/owner to confirm actual rates for your requested dates.

Please contact the manager for complete rate information.

Additional Rate and Availability Information

Outboard skiff is available for $350 per week, one-person kayak for $150 per week.
Security deposit of $500 for the house, $200 for the boat. Security deposit is fully refunded if there is no damage or loss after your departure.

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