Shore Path Cottage, Bar Harbor, Maine

The Shore Path Cottage, a lovely, graciously aged house serving as a charming downeast Bed & Breakfast, is on the ocean and just a short walk into town via the famous Shore Path. Family owned and operated for 30 years by the Chester family, the painting of Shore Path Cottage at the top of this page is lovingly rendered by artist Kate Chester. She and her siblings grew up in the cottage, and the rooms are named for them. From your window you can look across our wide lawn, past a field of wild flowers, and through the trees to Frenchman's Bay and the spectacular Porcupine Islands.

We offer a hearty, homemade breakfast (you'll leave the table feeling healthy, not guilty) together with suggestions for making your visit to Mt. Desert Island wonderfully memorable. We provide maps, guide books and privileged information based on our own personal experience and explorations of the Island. Have breakfast in the dining room, on the porch or on the lawn, and participate — if you wish — in a lively interesting conversation.

Our common rooms, including our large wrap around porch are spacious and inviting; for many summers and through the Fall our guests have enjoyed the the star-bright sky, the smell of the sea, and sitting beside the fire on cool evenings. Our guest rooms (all have private baths, a few with claw foot tubs) are named for the children who grew up here. Tastefully furnished, some with fireplaces and ocean views, each room is large and airy with high ceilings and generous windows.
Several of our rooms can function as suites for families and friends traveling together. All have either queen or king beds (converting to twins) and most have private baths. Our rooms feature oriental rugs, paintings, many books (from Shakespeare to shiatsu) and many amenities Roberta has collected from worldwide travels. Whether you watch the splash of a brilliant sunrise across the horizon, or the sunset over the Porcupine Islands or wake to the call of the gulls, you will appreciate your proximity to nature. Even during the hottest days, the Shore Path Cottage is cooled by ocean breezes.

Local alternatives