Ripley Neck Cottage - on a Bluff overlooking the Bay, islands & Sand Spur

Unbelievable natural beauty with all the needed comforts of home. Cup of coffee and a good book in the morning...watching the tide, the eagles and the swaying trees....and you may find that hours have passed. Mesmerizing! A perfect "time out" and worlds away.

My husband, myself, and my niece stayed at this wonderful cottage in July and we can't say enough good things about this wonderful, peaceful cottage. The view is beyond gorgeous and we were in heaven. The cottage is clean, cozy and just what we wanted for our Maine vacation. The cottage is well appointed and in a serene, beautiful setting. We are already planning our next stay and have such wonderful memories of this gorgeous place. A beautiful, blissful setting...what more could one ask for in Maine? An amazing stay!

If you're looking for a place to completely relax, then Ripley Neck Cottage is for you. We had a wonderful rest far from the noise and voices of the city and our jobs. George was an excellent host, answering the many questions asked, and was very timely in returning our security deposit (something we've had difficulty receiving back in the past with other owners). Ripley Neck was a good home base for day trips. We enjoyed a Puffin Cruise with Robertson Sea Tours, close by in Milbridge. Captain Jamie was very knowledgeable and we spotted not only puffins, but a large variety of other sea birds, seals sunning on rocks and even an osprey in her nest. My husband and I are foodies so we enjoyed visiting Wild Blueberry Land where we learned a lot about the blueberry industry in this area; took a free salt tour and tasting at Maine Sea Salt Company; and enjoyed smoked salmon from Grind Stone Neck of Maine (along with a ride to view the Schoodic Peninsula). Day trips included traveling the Bold Coast trail out to the Quoddy Head Light House and then crossing the bridge onto Campbello Island (bring your passports); collecting sea glass and shells at Roque Bluffs State Park followed by lunch at Helen's Restaurant in Machias (fabulous blueberry pie was taken home as our dinner, yum!) Everything was an easy day trip from Ripley Neck - the days that we hung out at the house either on the beach, on the back porch, or in front of the fire were perfect too. Highly recommend this cottage and look forward to a return trip one day.

We just spent our second summer vacation at Ripley Neck Cottage and really enjoyed our stay. George (the proprietor) is very professional and ensures that all is in order at the property. This spot has so much to offer a couple or small family. The cottage is well-equipped, comfortable and very clean. We found it a great pleasure to spend more time at the property this year, napping on the comfy hammock, but it can also provide a great base from which you can make day trips to Acadia, Campobello Island, or, more locally, the myriad nature preserves with hiking trails galore. There are also trails and roads for biking. From the back yard, you descend the steps to the natural sand bar where you can explore the flats at low tide, comb the beach, listen to and watch shore birds and the occasional bald eagle. If you like to cook, the house has many amenities and outside there is both a gas and charcoal grill (BYO Charcoal). We purchased lobster from local fishermen and they were wonderful. Because the cottage is very secluded, there is some wild life to observe... foxes, porcupines and deer made a showing this year. Honestly though, from the moment the rosy sun hits your eyes at daybreak until close of day, the view out over the bay and to the islands and ocean beyond is breathtaking. The picture windows on the first floor and the screened porch provide a great vantage point and you just feel constantly drawn into the beauty of the place. We have already booked our stay for next year! Thank you, George!

This was my family's first trip to Maine and I have to say we fell in love with Ripley Neck Cottage. The day we were to arrive the owner, George, called us and asked what our arrival time would be. We told him it was probably going to be around 6 or 7pm due to traffic. He told us he would leave a light on at the cottage for us. George was great. Very helpful and easy to talk to. When we pulled down the long driveway we could see the cottage at the end with the warm lights glowing and I commented to my husband that it looked just like something out of a Thomas Kinkade painting! So warm and cozy. Not to mention peaceful! The driveway hosted deer grazing on the edges almost every day. We even had a day where 3 porcupines came to visit us! The cottage had everything we needed. The beds were very comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked with pots, pans, plates, glasses, bowls and silverware. There is also a coffee maker and toaster. Games for us to play, binoculars to watch nature and even a great kite to use down on the beach! My kiddos enjoyed going down to the beach every day to look for shells and play in the surf. We had the entire sandbar to ourselves aside from the occasional clam digger or family walking through. The setting and location of the cottage is perfect. It is far enough away to let you relax and enjoy some peace and quiet without being too far away from local attractions. We took a trip to Bar Harbor and spent sometime shopping there. We also took a trip to Beal's Island and Machias. We highly recommend eating at the takeout stand on Beal's Island. Delicious food! The other great thing about the location of the cottage, is on the end of the peninsula there is a great hike with some beautiful views! Easy enough for a family with kids to do. Took us about 2 hours with time included to stop and take in the views. We all agree that our stay at Ripley Neck was the best vacation we have ever had as a family. I can't decide which part of the cottage was my favorite. Taking in the views from the screened in porch, soaking up the morning sun on the deck, telling stories and eating s'mores around the fire pit and spending time on the beautiful sandbar at sunset all are right at the top of my list. We couldn't have asked for anything more from our stay and will cherish all of the memories we made there. Thank you George for sharing this little slice of paradise with us!

This was my husband and my fourth visit to Maine. 3x in Oct., and this was our first time at the end of summer. We had the perfect weather 8/31-9/2. The cottage is situated on a bluff with the most gorgeous view!! We loved our own private sandy beach. My husband got his saltwater fishing license for $1. Ripley Neck is so quiet and peaceful. A few afternoons we ventured out and biked to the Robert Woodworth Preserve and hiked the 2.4 mi.trail, not too far away. We also drove to Wass Island and hiked the 5 mile trail which was very beautiful. We drove just a bit down the road to the landing and enjoyed Lobster several nights fresh off the boats. And of course a crackling fire in the fire pit under the stars. It was all very peaceful and relaxing. We would definitely return to this lovely little cottage in Harrington.

Enjoyed it

I have been renting this cottage, almost every year since 2009, and every time I arrive and drive down the driveway, it takes my breath away. All stress melts away, and my spirits are lifted. I walked in the door and it was as if I had never left, as if this was my home and I had just run out for groceries. The picture windows frame the view so perfectly and I eagerly await the sunrises so I can run outside, take a picture and then go back to bed and watch it from under the covers. The peace and quiet here is astounding, especially since I live on a busy road. The only traffic you hear are the lobster boats at times. And the only sounds you hear other than that, are the surf, the little red squirrels, birds, gulls, hawks and eagles. The eagles like to fly just above the tree line in front of the cabin and are so beautiful and regal to watch. George was kind enough to arrange perfect weather, perfect tides and a full moon for my stay. Thank you! Every time I have to close the door behind me for another year, I say goodbye to my old friend and promise to return again the next autumn. And I will return. Thank you again George and Gini, for allowing us all to enjoy your special hideaway. I look forward to seeing you next year!

Was a great location , very secluded (that’s what we wanted ) house came with everything you could need and more for a fun vacation!

My family and I spent 2 weeks at this stunning location in July. I had very high hopes for this property and, to our delight, they were surpassed. George was excellent to work with throughout the process answering all questions and providing helpful cottage and location information. If you are looking for peaceful, oceanfront privacy this cottage cannot be beaten. The cottage has all the amenities anyone vacationing on the ocean in Maine could ever want. The fire pit, screen porch, outside dining table, hammock and multiple grills were all enjoyed. We had our 2 younger children with us and to see them unplug (although cell service was excellent) for 2 weeks was a dream come true. We had our own private sand beach with both a cove and ocean side with its own private island at the end! The outdoor fun and activities (clamming delicious) right outside the door were endless. The cottage was at once modern and timeless while being both cozy and roomy. We highly recommend Scovil's as a quintessential Maine dining experience (we went 5 times for breakfast) and be sure to walk the nearby Woodworth Preserve. By the way, because of its location within Carrying Cove, the water was much, much warmer than surrounding water temperatures and very often quite pleasant for swimming. Make sure to bring water shoes and buy or borrow a kayak if possible. Boating in the Cove was simple and beautiful. Also, we lost count of the number of deer we saw, clams we dug up for lunch, times we saw the porcupines and Bald Eagles and lost track of time. Lastly, the stars at night (we were very lucky to have mostly cloud free days) were like a blanket of light. Incredibly beautiful and worth hours of gazing. If you are looking for a Maine (or anywhere really) Ocean Front vacation to slow down and relax there is not a better place than Ripley Neck Cottage. Thank you George

Exceptionally well taken care of property; well-equipped; thoughtful proprietor; dreamy view; perfect getaway spot

We sat transfixed by the stunning sunrises. We walked the sandbar at low tide. We spent happy hour around the campfire. We marveled at the changing fall colors along the roads and shores. We hiked the Frank E. Woodworth Preserve. What a splendid vacation, and what a perfect spot. George was a most attentive and accommodating host, and so responsive to whatever we might need. Really a scenic, private, special place! Thank you!