Notes from the host
The Red Cottage
The Red Cottage is handicapped accessible { including wheelchairs } . An ELEVATOR enables direct access to a handicapped equipped bedroom on the main floor, providing easy access to the kitchen, dining room, living room and front porch { all access with no stairs}- Central AC . ALL CANCELLATIONS MADE 90 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR RENTAL WEEK WILL RECEIVE A REFUND . The "no refund" clause is computer generated by VRBO as they do not offer a 90 day cancellation policy.
Pets are welcome - $250 , $400 for two , and $500 for three.
Occupancy 12 plus those under 18.
Check in directions are emailed to you the week prior to your arrival { please check "spam" }.
GREAT for a REUNION or WEDDING
September and October are two of the best times to visit Maine. Here is what "Roaming the Americas" says :
"Overall best month to go to Maine: September (after Labor Day) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds"
The Red Cottage is a classic seaside house located on the very tip of Kittery Point , Maine . The cottage is on 3.5 very private acres adjacent to the owner's house . There are over 925' of oceanfront , including a unique and historic natural cove and pebble swimming beach. The setting is perfect for a family reunion ! Wonderful fishing off the docks for the entire family. Of special interest is the squid fishing under the lights from the dock at night---- fun for the entire family .
See COMPLETE "rates " section for more details { including " ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RENTAL RATES " } . Weekly rentals run from Sunday to Sunday unless otherwise arranged { weekly rentals only during the summer from June - September }. The Red Cottage has 5250 sq. feet of living space. The DOCK HOUSE can be included with an additional charge of $575 \week- available from Memorial Day through October. The Red Cottage itself has 6 bedrooms and 5 1\2 baths . Occupancy of the Red Cottage is capped at 12 adults {children under 18 do not count in the total}.
Perched high on a knoll at the very tip of Kittery Point , the Red Cottage circa 1740, is located on 3 1\2 private acres overlooking Portsmouth harbor and the open ocean affording rare privacy . Situated at the end of the point, it is surrounded by water on three sides. Capturing all the charm and privacy of a bygone era , the cottage recently experienced a complete renovation , and while retaining some of the original features which include Indian shutters, wide pine paneling , and match stick moldings, it has been transported into the 21st century with such additions as an elevator, en suite bathrooms, a modern kitchen, and central heating and A\C .
The Red Cottage has a most interesting and historic past. Situated on the same property where the first dwelling in Kittery was erected in 1636 , the cottage has kept vigil throughout the entire course of American history from colonial days to the present. On November 2nd, 1789, George Washington came ashore on the stone pier in front of the cottage to attend the Congregational church at the head of the lane. This same stone pier { still standing today } , had been erected by yet another important figure in American history, Sir William Pepperrell, a prominent merchant and a hero of the siege of Louisbourg in 1758 { during the French and Indian war }. It was here that Pepperrell had command over a fleet of more than 100 sailing ships trading throughout much of the modern world.
During the Civil War the cottage was occupied by Hannibal Hamlin while he was the acting vice president under Abraham Lincoln during the latter's first term as President. Hamlin was stationed at nearby Fort McClary, which was built in 1689, and today remains a State Park and an important historic site.
In 1870 Admiral Farragut visited the Red Cottage while he was vacationing at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard . He died at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital later that same year.
Our great great grandmother, who lived in Portsmouth, N.H., acquired the Red Cottage as a summer residence in 1855, and we purchased it from other members of the family in 1988. The cottage has remained in our family for over 170 years. We have five boys and one daughter, and it is our plan to pass the cottage on to our children .
Located on a private 3 1/2 acre peninsula at the very tip of Kittery Point , with over 925 feet of waterfront , the Red Cottage property itself has a wonderful deep water pier, float system, and dock house. At the face of the floats the depth is 22' at low water.
There is excellent fishing and squiding at night from the pier under the lights . Lobsters are plentiful, and can always be made available for our guests to enjoy for lobster dinners on the dock. The location is very private with ample parking for all guests. The view of the Harbor and light houses is unsurpassed.
The cottage today consists of 5250 square feet , and is comprised as follows: on the ground floor there is a bedroom with a king sized bed, as well as a single bed , and an adjoining bathroom which may be shared with the second bedroom. The second bedroom is furnished with a full sized set of bunk beds { both beds are traditional size double beds }. The two rooms together make an excellent space for children or others who may wish to have privacy from the remainder of the house. A common area in the spacious entry hall just outside these two rooms includes a sink, microwave, and refrigerator\ freezer. The ground floor also includes a two car garage, laundry room with 2 washers and 2 dryers , as well as a spacious entrance foyer leading to the elevator.
On the main floor there is a wheelchair accessible bedroom with a king sized bed and an en suite bathroom { also handicap accessible } . Located just opposite the elevator, this room is very private yet readily accessible to the kitchen, living room, dining room, and front porch.
The tiled chef's kitchen is spacious and includes a 36" Viking Professional gas range , two sinks and work stations , double side by side refrigerator and freezer, as well as seating for 10 - 12 at breakfast. All countertops are granite , and the kitchen cabinets are cherry with leaded glass doors. A door leads to the sun porch directly off the kitchen where meals may be enjoyed outside at tables overlooking the waterfront. The adjacent formal dining room seats twelve , and is enhanced by the original Indian shutters, match stick molding, and fireplace.
A spacious living room is located on the other side of the kitchen and is separated by a central foyer. At the front of the cottage the living room and dining room are connected by a main entrance hallway that houses a powder room as well as the front door leading onto the porch.
The front porch is furnished with classic Woodard wrought iron tables and chairs as well as a full set of Seaside Adirondack outdoor furniture, to include a picnic table, eight chairs , a loveseat, and two chaise lounges . One end of the porch houses a built in outdoor kitchen including a Viking Professional outdoor grill . In addition there is a sink and a series of stainless steel drawers which are built into tiled cabinets with a granite top and backsplash . The views from the porch are spectacular; especially the sunsets!
The second floor includes three bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms and king sized beds. All bathrooms throughout the cottage have granite vanities and fully tiled showers with glass door enclosures. Every room in the house has water views, and all bedrooms have 48" flat screen "smart" TVs { there is a 55" Sony 4K "smart" TV in the living room } , and a desk with WIFI connection. The elevator arrives in a central hall between the bedrooms , and a traditional stairway leads back down to the living room and front foyer.
In addition to the main house there is a classic Maine dock house . A great place for those that want to stay up late to reconnect or to fish off the dock under the lights. The spacious decks adjacent to the dock house are a wonderful spot to have a picnic or lobster dinner at the water's edge .The dock house is only available from Memorial Day through mid October .
Upon entering our driveway there is a wonderful unobstructed view looking out the mouth of the harbor to the open ocean. Fort Constitution Lighthouse (the terminus of Paul Revere's ride) is on the right side of the entrance to the harbor , and Whaleback lighthouse { 1830 } is on the left side . Situated at the very tip of Kittery Point , with views out to sea as well as the whole harbor, guests can enjoy both sunrise and sunset.
Kayaks and a canoe are available for guests' use . In addition we can offer harbor cruises, whale watching , deep sea fishing , and picnics aboard our 32" boat, the "Anna D". We also have a 24' Carolina Skiff center console boat available for rent to qualified guests. Our locally renown lobster rolls, fish chowder, fresh fish, and live lobsters may be ordered in advance. Catered dinners are always available. Award winning pies and cakes homemade on the premises are also available for our guests.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are only 1 1\2 hours away . Nationally famous L.L.Bean and Cabelas are within 45 minutes. Portsmouth, NH, with it's fabulous restaurants, shopping, live theater, beautiful parks and historical sites, is just across the harbor. The famous Ogunquit { Maine } playhouse is twenty minutes distant by car. There are several undiscovered sand beaches right nearby ----- mostly known only to locals --- and the wonderful York beaches and Wild Kingdom are located in the neighboring town of York, Maine.
For rainy days one could consider shopping at the renowned Kittery Outlet Malls. During part of June, July , August, and September rentals are by the week --- from Sunday to Sunday.
Our cancellation policy :
Refund with 90 day advance notice .
