The Birch Perch in Harpswell

The Birch Perch is a quaint traditional bay-side cottage on Basin Cove in Harpswell.  This is a great place to just relax and enjoy summer on the Maine coast:  kayaking or tubing on the cove, swimming, birding, fishing, stargazing, watch the beautiful sunsets.

The Birch Perch is a comfortable two bedroom cottage with an extra loft that is great for kids.  The cottage is quaintly decorated with a nautical theme and includes a complete kitchen and dinning nook.  Conveniently located only 12 miles from downtown Brunswick, it is a world away on Harpswell Neck's
Basin Cove. The cove is a calm and quiet cove that opens onto Casco Bay through the unique reversing falls.  The Birch Perch is a quiet place off the
beaten path where you can have an affordable, quiet and relaxing vacation and enjoy the Maine coast.  Relax on the deck, have a picnic under the birches on the picnic table or take nap in the hammock under the shade of the gently swaying birch trees. Go kayaking or tubing on the bay. Watch the eagles and great blue herons. Play frisbee with the kids on the lawn.

Harpswell is only 3 hours from Boston, 45 min from Portland, 20 min from Freeport, 90 min from Boothbay.  The cottage is located directly on the shore of Basin Cove.

The cottage has two full bedrooms each with full beds.  There is a loft above the kitchen that kids just love -- it is their own private world up the ship's ladder to the loft.   We prefer groups of up to two couples with some children or one couple and two or three or four children.  Linens are not normally provided but are available at an additional charge. There is one full bathroom which includes a shower.  There is an eat-in kitchen with a dinning nook.  The kitchen is equipped with a microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator, electric stove and all the dishes and cooking utensils you will need.  The living room and enclosed front porch look out onto the cove and include a large sleeper couch, several chairs, tv, books and maps. The large lawn is complete with a small picnic table and there is a deck with chairs off the enclosed porch on the cove side.

The renter must provide their own bed linens, bath and beach towels, kitchen towels etc. unless special arrangements are made prior to arrival. No smoking of any kind is allowed inside the cottage. 

This is an older cottage that was built by our family in the 1940's as a summer camp.  It was converted to an all-weather camp about 20 years ago.  The cottage has an abundance of charm.

While Harpswell is pretty close to civilization, it is a very rural and quiet area. There are no large grocery or chain-type stores in town; only some small convenience and specialty shops.   You will probably want to stock up on groceries for your stay as you pass through nearby Brunswick.

The Birch Perch is a perfect getaway cottage for you and some friends or for you and the kids. The cottage is very comfortably furnished and suitable for children. You'll love the large lawn, deck and very calm cove salt water. If you feel like exploring there are lots of bigger sandy beaches nearby such as Popham State Beach (45 minutes away) and Cedar Beach or Stover's point only 1/2 mile away.

The cottage is at the mid-point of a loop road that begins and ends on Basin Point Road so there is virtually no traffic or noise. There is a mix of summer and
year round folks... some retired, some with kids, some with pets...and everyone is friendly.

For an active vacation the kayaks are ideal...you can shoot the famous reversing falls right at the end of the cove! The quiet lanes are perfect for jogging or cycling. Harpswell has many beautiful land trust properties for day hikes. If you are a boater, feel free to bring your boat.  There is plenty of room for your boat and trailer. There are many well maintained free public launches within a few miles, or you can rent a mooring or slip down the road at the Dolphin Marina or launch your boat there for a fee. A boat is wonderful for exploring the many islands of Casco Bay. 

For cultural activities, Brunswick (only 12 miles away) is the home of Bowdoin College and its summer music and theater festivals as well as a number of museums, wonderful art galleries, craft shops, great restaurants and brew pubs.  For serious shoppers...Freeport, LLBean and the outlets are only 30
minutes away.  The cottage is only about a mile from one of the local
lobster co-ops. You can pick out your own lobsters and buy them direct from
the boats at wholesale prices so low you can have some everyday!  

2010 rates
May: $650/week
June through the end of September: $950/week

Rates include all utilities and cable TV.

Security Deposit required. Cleaning fee deducted if not left in as-found condition! If staying more than a week please inquire about discounts or mid-stay cleaning services.  Linens can be provided for an extra fee. Well-behaved pets will be considered, pet security deposit required.
No smoking inside the cottage!