Enjoy views of Acadia National Park when you stay at “Ferncrest.” As a former Park Ranger, I’ll tell you about my favorite walks: one for a foggy morning, another for that crystal-clear, blue-sky afternoon. A quiet retreat perfect for for exploring Acadia National Park during its 108th year. – Bruce Jacobson

2 beds | 3 guests | WiFi | entire apt.

This guest apartment is the second floor of an extended New England style house. Enjoy views from the windows of open fields and the mountains of Acadia National Park. There is a private entrance and off-street parking. You will find lots of extra detailing and an attractive, compact layout. Lithographs and prints of local scenes from Mount Desert Island are featured on the walls.

Located in Seal Cove, Maine (04674), at the Long Pond entrance to Acadia National Park. “Ferncrest” is on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, near Pretty Marsh. It sits on the edge of a field overlooking Western Mountain. Two ponds are within walking distance. A short drive on unpaved roads brings you either to the ocean or the largest lake in Acadia National Park.

Your Stay

I will greet you upon arrival and give you an orientation to the apartment and the area. Current tourist materials will help with planning your visit. The bustle of Bar Harbor is about 20 minutes away. The islands, mountains, oceanfront, ponds, trails, motor roads, and carriage roads of Acadia National Park are the biggest attraction in the area. Some of that beauty is right out the door of this guest apartment; the rest is close by.

Closets and dressers are in each private bedroom; reading lights at each bed. The library includes classic fiction, mysteries, and nature books. The linen closet has all the sheets and towels you will need during your stay. The kitchen is stocked with dishes, flatware, cookware, and some basic condiments. A washer and dryer are adjacent to kitchen.

A vehicle is pretty much a necessity when staying at “Ferncrest.” While seasonal shuttle buses serve Acadia and Mount Desert Island (May-Oct.), the closest stop is several miles away. Nearby convenience stores are located in Bernard and Somesville; grocery and other shopping can be found in Southwest Harbor and Bar Harbor.

Acadia’s gravel roads are great for wide-tire bicycles. Local roads are not suited for biking, and I discourage bicycles as the primary means of transport for guests. It is too dangerous. Several local shops rent bikes suited to the park’s roads.

Scroll 67 reviews.

					We loved staying at Bruce’s apartment in the Quiet Side of the park.  He is a very welcoming host.  He met us when we arrived and gave us an orientation of the area.  Bruce’s knowledge of the area is outstanding, as he gave us excellent recommendations for hikes and activities, depending on if the day was sunny or cloudy.  It was nice to come back to the cozy apartment and relax after a day of hiking or sight seeing in Bar Harbor.     Bruce is very flexible and and easy to communicate with. We would definitely stay here again as we have thoroughly enjoyed the apartment and Acadia National Park.  Highly recommend!
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Amy
2023-09-16
					Bruce was responsive and communicated quickly when we reached out. He met us when we arrived and oriented us to the area and shared suggestions of hikes and best swimming ponds. We didn’t have a lot of contact with him if he didn’t happen to be outside when we were coming and going but he was clear about how we could reach him if we had a need. He is very knowledgeable about the area and takes good care of his property. We loved staying on the quiet side and would definitely stay there again. It is a tranquil spot, often no traffic on our way to local hikes or ponds. If you want restaurants you have to drive but we mostly ate simply at home . Bruce told us where to get groceries on our way there which was helpful. The refrigerator is not full size and has limited freezer space so keep that in mind when shopping and shop again if needed . Bruce’s place is a good value for the area.
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Deborah
2023-09-09
					We loved our stay at Ferncrest. Bruce was very responsive and had great local recommendations. The house was extremely clean and exactly as pictured. We thoroughly enjoyed staying on the quiet side and found it to be very peaceful. I fully recommend staying here.
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Lauren
2023-08-19
					I had an absolutely amazing stay at Ferncrest hosted by Bruce. The space was cozy and comfortable, and the area (which is on the quiet side of the island) is peaceful and beautiful. Bruce was an awesome host! He gave great recommendations for restaurants and hiking trails, and was always responsive to any questions/concerns. I would highly recommend staying here if you play to stay on Mount Desert Island.
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Caleb
2023-08-05
					My husband and I had a wonderful time staying at Bruce's place near Acadia National Park for our wedding anniversary. The area is beautiful are Bruce gave helpful recommendations for things to do in the park.
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Cassandra
2023-07-15
					We've now stayed at Ferncrest 2 years in a row. Need I say more?
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Laura
2023-07-01
					Bruce’s place is as described in the Airbnb site.  It’s cozy, relaxing and charming in a rustic manner.   If you are looking to get away from everything this could be the place for you.  It is a cute place in a somewhat remote spot on Mt Desert Island.   It’s a 20 to 25 min. ride to Acadia Park or Bar Harbor.  Bruce provides excellent information on local places to visit, and things to do while vacationing on Mt Desert Is.
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Susan
2023-06-10
					A beautiful apartment in Acadia with rolling views over the meadow.

Bruce was an excellent host, with a wealth of knowledge on the area, and always available to help if needed.

Highly recommend!
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Nick
2022-09-10
					Bruce's place is a phenomenal stay! In my opinion, this west side of Mount Desert Island is the place to be during peak season because the east side is way too crowded and touristy. The most amazing perks of Bruce's place are: 



Bruce's book collection on Acadia and Maine - in the apartment you will find just about every book every printed on the history of the park, as well as trail guides, park geology, etc. We enjoyed coming home each afternoon and reading about the geology and history of each place we had visited. Some of these books and magazines seemed like antiques or out of print -- so be gentle with them!



Location - Bruce's house abuts park land, and there is a beautiful view out the windows of the kitchen and living room looking over the beautifully landscaped backyard, across a meadow of flowers, to a misty mountain. The sun rises out these windows as well! The yard and house are peaceful and beautiful for relaxing. Seal Cove itself was a good home base -- there were plenty of hikes and lakes that were 12-16 min away, and Hodgdon's Seafood and the Beech Hill Farm stand (organic) were close by. You can buy fresh fish to cook at home or order a restaurant meal at the seafood place, and the farm stand has not only fruits and vegetables but also scones, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee, as well a granola, meats, dairy, and more organic groceries. 



Some of the park attractions that we enjoyed on the west side of the island near Bruce's house include: Flying Mountain, Beech Mountain, Acadia Mountain hikes; Wonderland and Ship Harbor walks with fun rocky beaches to scramble on; Bass Harbor lighthouse, Echo lake beach, Long Pond (swimming), and National Park Canoe and Kayak Rental right off 102 near Bruce's, which also has a small beach play/swimming for kids.



Bruce was also very friendly and helpful with any questions we had. He has lived on the island for a very long time and knows everything about the park and different places to go. 



Bruce's wifi worked great. 



Enjoy your stay at Bruce's!
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Joyce
2022-08-27
					Great location- quiet and peaceful, with a great host
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Carol
2022-08-20
					Ferncrest is a gem. A peaceful spot on he quiet side on Acadia- convenient to serve as a base to explore the park and also to discover some hidden spots away from the crowds. Bruce is very helpful and knowledgeable yet unobtrusive. We enjoyed our week very much.
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Samantha
2022-08-13
					I am so happy for whoever is blessed to stay at Bruce's wonderful house.  We found his apartment so comfortable and clean and peaceful and homey and cozy and convenient and relaxing.  It totally fit our style and what we were looking for to have a beautiful place to stay as we visited Acadia.  The appreciation of the area and nature and Maine was generously shared with us by staying at Bruce's lovely accomodation and learning from him and his wonderful library.  We felt like we got to live in Maine and within walking distance to Acadia.  One of the best Airbnbs we have ever stayed at.  Thank you Bruce!
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Aliza
2022-07-30