Chanterelle Island

Chanterelle Island is a private 12-acre island on the Damariscotta River. Because the river is actually a long bay off of the Altantic, the island has the best of two worlds. It's surrounded by the rugged beauty of Maine's coast and has deep water access for boats. It also has the peacefulness of flat calm water in the mornings and evenings, with a rare sand beach. The West Side offers expansive views of the gorgeous Maine sunsets.

On the island is a 'croquet court' that can be used for croquet, badminton, volleyball, yoga and chasing kids. A footpath goes all the way around Chanterelle for views in every direction. There are canoes and kayaks for exploring the nearby public-access conservation properties - one of which is home to a pair of nesting bald eagles - and for visiting the nearby seal colony.

The cottages are spread out near the center of the island and afford a total of eight bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths:

• The Gardners' Cottage has two bedrooms (four twins) and a bath
• The Sisters' Cottage has two bedrooms (two twins and a queen) and a bath
• The Honeymoon Cottage has one bedroom (two twins convertible to a king) and a bath
• The Coop has two bedrooms (two twins and a queen), bath and kitchen/dining/living area
• The Fish House - which is right on the beach - has one bedroom (one queen) and a half-bath.
• The Bath House is a standalone full bath and the Chanterelle Historical Society is a standalone half bath.
• The Big House is a large (25x46) room with kitchen, dining and living area. The dining room table seats 14 comfortably and 16 in a pinch. The deck of the Big House overlooks the croquet court and the river and soaks up the morning sun.

The cottages were originally built between 1900 and 1930 but were rebuilt in the last twenty years to include higher ceilings and skylights. Four of them now have wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.

Chanterelle does not have electricity but it does have full kitchens, grills, hot showers and plentiful mounted latterns all powered by propane. Solar power keeps the stereo powered up - and your cell phones, if you can't bear to give them up.

Ideally, you should bring a boat to ferry yourself back and forth from the mainland property (a few-minutes hop, depending on the boat) and to run around in but we will make sure that you have a ride out and back, and for emergencies. We can help you with additional boat arrangements, should you want them.

We can also help you with finding a cook (and grocery shopper), masseuse, yoga instructor, art instructor/therapist (kids and/or adults) who would all come to the island. We can even help you put together your own lobster bake.

The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Monhegan Island Ferry, Camden and Boothbay are all between 20-60 minutes away. But, if you're like most folks, you'll never want to leave Chanterelle once you get there!