Perfect Family Weekend Portland Getaway

Mike (Boston)
Review submitted: April 16, 2013   Date of arrival: April 12, 2013

Two blocks from the beach, the Birdhouse was a terrific location for our family getaway. We went off season, it was cold, but the beach was still perfect. We brought our dog who loved playing with other dogs, and our 2 year old loved the playground located on the beach. We spent one day in Portland, a quick 10 minute drive from the house, and one day in Kennebunkport which was a 30 minute drive. Everying was close. The house had everything we needed: enclosed yard for our dog and toddler to chase her around, lobster pot which we took advantage of, plenty of room for the family to sprawl out. Highly recommend Thai taste of Maine located close by as well as Taco Trio which was amazing (try their goat). Oh, and Scratch Bakery really is amazing.

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

A most memorable Thanksgiving

Review submitted: December 10, 2012   Date of arrival: November 18, 2012

We had a most memorable Thanksgiving week at the Birdhouse. It was perfect for us. Empty nester Mom, Dad and a 20 lb. cockapoo needed a place to stay to meet and spend Thanksgiving with our daughter's fiancé’s family. The fenced back yard provided secure outdoor space for the pooch for short trips out to relieve himself. This was especially appreciated for the last trip before bed. (no leash, no walk after dark required). The beach provided all the entertainment and exercise all three of us needed. What a place for dogs and what a dog show! (If you are a dog lover who enjoys watching well behaved dogs play, the show we saw should not be missed) Even for non-dog lovers the beach provides plenty for the eye to feast on. Freighters, tugs, ferries etc. headed into/out of Portland pass right in front of the beach a mile or so out. We were able to watch lobsterman haul pots just off the beach. (take binoculars for that). The seascape panorama is magnificent. The house is all that is represented in the publicity and more. We were charmed and looking forward to our next visit. The Birdhouse provided us with a most memorable week in Maine. Susan and Tony run a classy operation! Sign us up again please!

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Great place for relaxing vacation!

Julie (Boiling Springs, PA USA)
Review submitted: October 30, 2012   Date of arrival: October 20, 2012

Wonderful cottage. It was just as described. Everything was very clean and well maintained and stocked with most everything you would need. The owners were very good at answering any questions you may have had and even called once to make sure everything was as expected. (which it was...actually even better!) Great neighborhood close to the beach, fabulous bakery and ice cream shoppe. Several lighthouses close by. Everyone we met was very friendly and helpful. I would without hesitation recommend this property to anyone who is looking for a relaxing, scenic place to take a vacation. You can't go wrong if you rent this property. I just wished I had a dog to take along since it is a great place for them also!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Cozy cottage by the shore

Gary M. ()
Review submitted: October 14, 2012   Date of arrival: October 10, 2012

We really enjoyed our stay in the Birdhouse. It was wonderfully decorated and fully equipped. We enjoyed the quiet location which was steps away from walks along the beach, and close to two scenic lighthouses. Our first outing each morning was a short walk to the bakery for coffee and fresh goodies. We also enjoyed (probably too much for my waistline) the nearby ice cream shop and restaurants that were closeby. The weather turned cool during our stay, but the heating system was easily up to the task of keeping the house cozy and warm.

Thanks for making our stay in Maine authentic.

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Great llocation

Hannah E. ()
Review submitted: September 19, 2012   Date of arrival: September 3, 2012

We enjoyed this house very much. The location is great and the neighborhood is friendly and cute. The house was clean, fully stocked and had instructions on everything you need.

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

The Birdhouse in August

Joan M. ()
Review submitted: August 28, 2012   Date of arrival: August 18, 2012

The owners Tony and Susan are very cordial, friendly people. They really want you to have a good time at their cottage. I have to agree with the other reviewers, it's a great house, in a great spot, in a great comminity, in a great town. You really can't go wrong. We had spectacular weather so we were lucky in every way. You should rent this house with complete confidence if it suits your needs - you won't regret it. Everything was perfect.

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Perfect getaway cottage

Brent B. ()
Review submitted: August 20, 2012   Date of arrival: August 11, 2012

Great place. Perfect small cottage for a small family or couple. House, beach and Portland very dog friendly. Willard beach is a dog paradise in the mornings and evenings as the locals bring their dogs to the beach to play together in the surf and sand. Our dog Jake was in heaven. Cottage is in a nice quiet neighborhood, and the neighbors were all very friendly and accomodating. Loved how close we were to the beach without having to pay the waterfront premium. 10 minutes from downtown Portland. We would gladly stay here again, and may, if our travel plans bring us back to Maine.

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Very Comfortable!

Heidi S. ()
Review submitted: August 12, 2012   Date of arrival: August 4, 2012

We truly enjoyed our stay at the Birdhouse! The house was very comfortable and well maintained. Our dogs dogs were (still are) exhausted from their twice a day walks on the beach! The location was convenient for our trips to both Freeport and Kittery for outlet shopping. Enjoyed the pizza and other baked goods from Scratch Baking Company. Ice Cream was also good at Willard Scoops. Would certainly consider staying at the Birdhouse again.

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Relaxing spot for adults as well as families

Wendy O. ()
Review submitted: August 10, 2012   Date of arrival: July 28, 2012

My husband and I wanted a vacation spot where we could both relax as adults and would also provide convenient amusements for our young son. The Birdhouse did not disappoint in either regard. The neighborhood is a homey place without a tourist feel; we had many people stop and say hello while we were enjoying the outdoor space. Others have mentioned the tasty bakery and ice cream shop in Willard Square - we'll agree.

The house itself is homey and has the feel of a beach house. The master bedroom was large enough to move around easily even with our suitcases on the floor. We gave our son the small second bedroom on the first floor, which was just enough room for him. We didn't need to use the second bedroom upstairs but it was easily large enough for two additional people. The enclosed porch was nice to sit on at night and smell the sea air. The back deck was lovely to enjoy a quiet lunch on.

The beach was a very short walk away (I could easily carry my 2 1/2 year old son and all his beach toys without getting winded). I didn't have to worry if I needed to run back home if we forgot something or wanted to bring back a picnic lunch. My son loved playing in the sand, especially at low tide when there was hundreds of feet of wet sand filled with tidal pools to explore.

Having lived near Portland for several years we can also attest to the variety of things to do nearby if you want a break from the beach or there is a rainy day. There are many other local outdoor amusements - try Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth or taking the ferry to Peaks Island. For adults, there are countless restaurants in Portland as well as shopping and museums. For kids, there is a great children's museum downtown.

It is obvious that Tony and Susan have spent considerable time trying to make their renters comfortable and anticipate what they would need during their stay. Anything we could have needed in the house was provided, including night lights, window fans and even directions to the supermarket. The lines of communication were very open throughout the entire rental process. Tony even gave me a call during our stay to ensure everything was going smoothly, which was very kind.

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Ideal location and wonderful people

Jennifer H. (Philadelphia Main Line)
Review submitted: August 7, 2012   Date of arrival: July 21, 2012

We loved our time at the Birdhouse! Susan and Tony made everything easy and comfortable. Willard Beach is mere steps away and we spent part of each day there with our dogs. The house was comfortable and well-appointed, providing everything we could imagine needing. The fenced yard and deck were perfect for everyone in the evenings. Willard Square provided fabulous ice cream, a wide range of top-quality baked goods, wine, cheese, and more. The beautiful Portland Head Light is right down the road, and the Lobster Shack at Two Lights provided several wonderful meals. We have visited this area many times before, and the Birdhouse is definitely where we will plan to stay in the future.

Recommended for: girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing

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Helpful votes: 2 / 3

Great Place for Kids!

Rachael W. ()
Review submitted: July 24, 2012   Date of arrival: July 14, 2012

We had a wonderful time and totally fell in love with the Willard Beach neighborhood. The house was adorable and had everything we needed. My kids loved being able to walk to the bakery and ice-cream shop. It was great to be so close to the beach and all that Portland has to offer, the best of both worlds!

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Birdhouse Cottage

judy F. ()
Review submitted: July 8, 2012   Date of arrival: June 16, 2012

The Birdhouse cottage on Willard Beach,South Portland Maine, was everything
we expected it to be and more. Comfortable, clean, charming and cozy.The owners
really took pride in restoring this vintage cottage into an ideal vacation home.
You won't want to leave. The Willard beach neighborhood is quiet and welcoming.
You will love cooking in the gourmet kitchen and sitting on the front porch watching
the locals stroll by. Make sure you walk down to Scratch bakery for one of their
famous "cracked apple cookies" Ask a neighbor how to get to the fisherman shacks,sit on the bench and breathe the Maine sea air! Enjoy!!!

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Helpful votes: 1 / 1

Great location and all the comforts of home

Mary H. ()
Review submitted: December 22, 2011   Date of arrival: November 25, 2011

I recently had the great pleasure of staying at the Birdhouse at Willard Beach, and I can, without reservation, recommend this cozy cottage as an ideal spot to stay if you're in the Portland area. The neighborhood couldn't be friendlier, the 2-minute walk to the beach is so convenient, and the nearby bakery is fantastic. The Birdhouse is a great place to visit if you have a dog. Not only do the owners allow them, but they have a fenced in yard, and the beach is a great place to walk your dog. The bird houses adorning the backyard tree are worth the visit all on their own! I loved my first visit to the Birdhouse and I will return often!

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Helpful votes: 13 / 13