PRIVATE OCEANFRONT RETREAT - enjoy the peace and quiet of an historic Maine home

HISTORIC ISLAND COTTAGE
Built in 1918, The Gills is an original summer cottage perched above the sea at the very end of Bailey Island. Secluded far from the road, nestled in a grove of pine and spruce, the house is pure tranquility. Each beautifully appointed room is both comfortable and authentic.

Enjoy naps on the porch swing or walk to nearby beaches, restaurants and shops. Explore tide pools along the rocky coastline. Go sailing or kayaking. Fish for striped bass from the rocks, just steps from the porch. Enjoy fresh lobster pulled from the ocean that morning by one of the local lobstermen.

Whatever you choose to do, it all comes back to the view. Clear and calm one day, misty and grey the next. Sit back and watch the sea and sky change with the weather. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Always beautiful. Always different.

The Gills will give you the opportunity to slow down, and remember how good it feels to do nothing at all, surrounded by friends and family.

THE GILLS sleeps 6 - with two queen beds and two twin beds.
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THE GILLS GROUP

THE GILLS GROUP is a collection of oceanfront cottages that can be rented together for larger groups or intimate events. The cottages are adjacent, each with its own spectacular ocean views.

For larger groups - please check out the other GILLS GROUP cottages (Jaquish Lane and The Red House).

Jaquish Lane sleeps 12 (VRBO property # 733483) and The Red House sleeps 4 (VRBO property # 1063510). Renting two (or more) of THE GILLS GROUP cottages together is the perfect way for larger groups to be “together” while still having a space of your own.
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BAILEY ISLAND

25 minutes from Brunswick and Bowdoin College. 40 minutes from Freeport and L.L.Bean. 50 minutes from Portland - Bailey Island is the perfect place to unplug, relax and recharge.
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THE OWNER
My name is Carter Smith and I am the owner of THE GILLS GROUP (The Red House #1063510, Jaquish Lane #733483 and The Gills). I was born on Bailey Island and after traveling the world I know that this little island is special. As both a photographer and filmmaker, I travel quite a bit and I've furnished the houses with things I've collected from around the world (and around Maine). These are not just "rental properties"to me . These are houses I've designed and furnished with love and attention to detail - places where I spend time with family and friends whenever I get the chance. Places that I love sharing.
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FROM THE GUESTBOOK

"We fell in love with the cottage as soon as we climbed the steps to the porch and saw the expansive ocean views."
Julia K.

"You have created a beautiful retreat that captures a time when life was slower and the focus was on what is truly important - those we love."
Cynthia M.

"Walking into The Gills was like taking a step back into another time. Every room feels like it has a story to tell."
Alison C.

"There are special touches in every room, and the owner has gone above and beyond with great mattresses, linens and towels"
Aja M.

"We loved starting each day on the porch with our coffee - watching the lobster boats, seabirds, and the changing colors of the ocean"
Kelly B.

"The location is breathtaking, with wonderful sunrises and sunsets."
Kim F.

"This place has stolen our family's hearts."
Michelle K.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
This cottage is perfect if you're seeking an authentic Maine experience and love historic homes - BUT - The Gills is over 100 years old and has all of the quirks of an old home. There are changes in the level of the floor at several of the thresholds between rooms. The original horsehair plaster in the upstairs bedrooms and hallway is intact - and imperfect in places. The original canvas floor runner on the stairs is still in place - and shows it's age with the wear of the many people who have enjoyed this magical cottage. As the owner - and lover of historic homes - I have chosen to keep these original details intact. If you are expecting something glossy and perfect and new - then The Gills is probably not the cottage for you. If you love the authentic charm of a truly historic home - the quirks and odd details that can't fully be shown in a photograph - then you just may fall in love. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact our property manager David Johnson - Dave@thegillsgroup.com


Keywords: Private, Oceanfront, Family, Cottage

This cottage offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Bailey Island cottage is smoke free.