Great Duck Island House is a sanctuary for those who wish to "unplug" in the truest sense. Built in 1986 but styled as a 19th-century Victorian Gothic cottage, the house is perched on a rocky point surrounded by water on three sides. This is a place of dramatic natural theater: you can watch the sunrise from the eastern deck, see seals basking on the ledges below, and fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of the Atlantic surf. There are no stores, no roads, and no distractions. It is a destination for writers, naturalists, and families looking to reconnect with the wild beauty of the Maine coast in an environment shared with bald eagles, guillemots, and hundreds of petrels.
Accommodations & Design The house is a 1,440 sq. ft. open-concept structure designed to maximize views and communal living.
The Living Space: The interior features an "undivided" layout with alcoves rather than traditional closed bedrooms, creating an airy, ship-like atmosphere.
The Primary Suite (Alcove): The premier sleeping area is the second-story queen alcove, which features a private east-facing deck. From the bed, guests have a 270-degree view of the open ocean and the distant mountains of Acadia.
Additional Sleeping: One full bed, one futon couch, and two twin cots are available in various alcoves on both floors.
Design: Victorian Gothic aesthetic with eight gables, steep roofs, and warm wood interiors. Two Jøtul wood stoves provide cozy heat for cool Maine evenings.
Amenities & Inclusions The island operates on a sophisticated off-grid system:
Utilities: A solar electric system (backed by a generator) provides power for lights, laptops, and small appliances. Hot and cold running water is available in the kitchen and bathroom.
Gastronomy: A fully equipped kitchen features a gas stove, oven, and a large refrigerator/freezer. Guests must bring all their own food and supplies from the mainland.
Leisure: A large library of island-themed books, an upright piano, children's games, and a hammock. Outdoor living is supported by a gas grill and two second-story decks for "sunrise to sunset" viewing.
Exploration: Renters have special permission to explore the trails of the surrounding Nature Conservancy sanctuary, which features seaside meadows, spruce forests, and granite cliffs.
How Private Is This Island? Privacy at Great Duck Island is absolute. As the only private home on 250 acres, your group has exclusive use of the northeast point. While College of the Atlantic researchers may occasionally inhabit the southern light station, they are over a mile away, leaving the central forests and beaches entirely to you. Access is restricted to those with private boats or the pre-arranged water taxi, ensuring a secure, water-locked environment. For guests seeking safety and seclusion, the island’s distance (10 miles offshore) serves as a natural barrier, offering a peaceful sanctuary where the only sounds are the crashing waves and the calls of seabirds.
