Matinicus Island Rentals

Cottages for rent on Matinicus Island, Maine

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We have two cottages available for weekly rentals from June through September. See below for descriptions of each cottage as well as general information about Matinicus Island.

Click on the photo of each cottage at the left for a link to the photo gallery.

Please contact me with any questions, available dates, or to book a rental for 2011:

Megan Cafferata
sisterssoap@roadrunner.com
207-236-2176

Matinicus Island General Information

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Matinicus is a small, spruce-clad island of some 720 acres, approximately two miles long and a mile wide. It is located at the entrance to Penobscot Bay, twenty miles south of Rockland, Maine. In recent years the winter population has dwindled to 50 or less, but in summer it increases to about two hundred. Primarily a fishing community rather than a summer resort, it has no hotels, theaters, gift shops or clubs. The island’s uncrowded sandy beaches, quiet woodland trails, rocky shores, and flowering fields appeal to nature lovers and artists. A stay on Matinicus is much like going back in time; it is not the place for those who cannot entertain themselves.

The island has a post office (zip 04851) and microwave telephone service. It has its own power company. Rates are very high but service is dependable and allows the islanders to enjoy all modern conveniences. There is a nondenominational church for which the Maine Seacoast Mission provides summer ministers. There is no island doctor, but there are EMTs in residence. Rapid emergency service to the excellent Penobscot Bay Medical Center is assured. There is usually a nurse on the island to consult in a non-emergency situation.

There are no food stores or restaurants, so most food will need to be brought with you. However, there is a local baker for breads and desserts beginning late June, and chowder and fresh lobster are available from several locals. The Fisherman's Wife is a lovely gift shop located near the harbor, featuring original art and many crafts created by locals. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the Marketplace at the Congregational Church offers hand-crafted items, freshly made sandwiches, coffee, baked goods, and occasionally fresh produce. Crab meat and fresh fish are sometimes available. Wild berries are plentiful in season.

Besides bird watching, Matinicus is an ideal place for studying wild flowers, ferns, and shrubs; gathering wild mushrooms and berries; stargazing (occasional aurora borealis), and beachcombing. It is an ideal place for painters, writers, and photographers alike. And it is becoming popular for kayakers, too. Sunrises and sunsets can be fabulous. We do, unfortunately, have voracious mosquitoes (bring your bug-dope!), and a certain amount of fog is to be expected.

For more information, and some history of the island, see:
The Islands of Maine, by Hazel Young
The Coast of Maine, by Louise Dickenson Rich
The Maine Islands, by Dorothy Simpson
Matinicus Isle, Its Story and Its People, by Charles A.E. Long
The Salt Book, ed. by Pamela Wood
Portrait of Maine, by Berenice Abbott
Islands Down East, by Charlotte Fardelman
Well Out to Sea, Eva Murray

Islands of the Mid-Maine Coast: Blue Hill and Penobscot Bays, by Charles B. McLane

Matinicus and its neighbor, Criehaven, are the setting for many Elizabeth Ogilvie novels; her popular trilogy High Tide at Noon, Storm Tide, and Ebb Tide in particular.

A note to those with babies or toddlers: We request that you bring cloth diapers (unless you want to take your dirty disposables home with you). You may use my washing machine, but there is no place to get rid of “disposables”. Also a baby backpack is advisable: the dirt roads and woodland paths are not ‘stroller friendly’. Be prepared to separate your trash. We compost all organic waste, and Matinicus has an excellent recycling program.

Don’t forget to bring flashlights, camera and binoculars, if you have them.

Boat trips require warm and waterproof clothing.

If you bring your dog, remember that Maine has a leash law. Your pet must be under your control at all times. Proper disposal of pet waste is expected, especially around your cottage, for the sake of the next tenant.

MODES OF TRANSPORTATION:
Water Taxi:
George Tarkleson
207-691-9030 (cell)
603-237-8954 (home #NH)
www.matinicusexcursions.com
Call for reservations and rates
(2011 rate, $55 per person, dogs free)

Plane:
Penobscot Island Air
www.penobscotislandair.net
207-596-7500
Rates, one way (subject to change):
$90 individual (ask to share a flight if you are alone)
$55 each for more than one passenger

Matinicus can be an expensive and sometimes difficult island to get to. The flying service cannot fly if it’s foggy or too windy.
George Tarkleson keeps a regular schedule, and is very dependable, but advance reservations are required, as he is limited to a certain number of passengers per trip (though he often makes multiple trips in a day)

Call us for an update
207-366-3663 (after June 1st)
or 207-236-2176

Studio Cottage on the beach

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The Studio is a cozy one-room dwelling with a sleeping loft overlooking South Sandy Beach. It is very private and quiet. Perfect for a romantic get-away. The windows and deck command a magnificent view. The house offers glorified camping: it has no indoor plumbing. Fresh, cold, great tasting water is provided by a well in the yard. There is a small refrigerator with freezing compartment and a gas stove for cooking. A Franklin stove provides warmth and cheer. Dishes and pots and pans are provided as are mattresses and pillows. Bring sleeping bags (or sheets) and towels. Several blow-up mattresses are also available. There are several choice spots to set up a tent if more room is needed (or for the kids). Flashlights are essential for getting about after dark; binoculars and camera are desirable; a portable radio and alarm clock useful. The ‘facilities’ include an outhouse with a view and a solar (bag) shower, gas and electric lights.

Note: there is no phone. You may use ours but please bring a prepaid calling card. Unfortunately, cell phones do not very well work from the island.

Note: the loft is served by a ladder. If you have a dog, he/she will have to sleep downstairs, probably.

Available June through September
Rates:$550/week plus tax (total $588.50)

Off-season inquiries welcome

A-Frame Cottage

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The A-frame is in a quiet and private location with a spectacular view of neighboring islands and the sea. It is just a short walk to, but is not directly on, a long sandy beach - ideal for basking and swimming, though the water is a bit chilly.

The cottage has hot and cold running water; no indoor bathroom, but rather an outside (hot) shower and an outhouse. Other creature comforts electricity, refrigerator with freezer, gas stove with oven, and a Franklin stove for warmth and cheer.

The downstairs is one large room with a window wall, serving as living/dining/kitchen area. There is a sleep-sofa plus an outside deck for lounging.

The upstairs is divided into two sleeping areas; one with a double bed, the other with two cots. It also has a deck, great for watching birds, passing boats, stars and sunrises. A child-size A-frame nearby sleeps one or two or may be used as a studio or play space.

NOTE: the stairs are steep; most dogs will not climb them (should you have a dog who sleeps with you).

The kitchen is equipped with all the necessary pots, pans and dishes. While we provide pillows and blankets, there may not be enough to fit your individual needs. You may wish to bring sleeping bags to supplement or simplify. We do ask that you bring your own sheets and towels.

Arrangements can be made for a telephone. Please bring a prepaid calling card with you for off-island calls. Unfortunately, cell phones do not work well on the island.

You will not find T.V., stereo, radio or alarm clock. There is an eclectic collection of books, puzzles and games. You will need flashlights for getting about after dark, warm clothes for boat trips, wet weather gear, a knapsack for trips to the shore and picnics and (0ptional) binoculars, camera & film, and radio.

Pets and children are welcome. Available June through July.
Rates: (includes utilities) $875/week plus tax (total $936.25)

Current available dates for 2011:

July 2-9, July 9-16, July 16-23 (Saturday to Saturday)

Off-season inquiries welcome