Cow Palace - ocean-front family gathering place near Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor

*****

We had a very memorable vacation here.

Beautiful spot with fantastic views and yard and sunsets. The backyard and water made for hours of fun for the kids which allowed us parents to just let them run around and relax instead of being on the go all day. The house is convenient and close to bar harbor and Acadia and easy to go for daily trips. The size and spacious layout made for a great spot to entertain 2-3 families with kids. We had a very memorable vacation here. - (Sep 2020 - ABNB)

*****

This was a wonderful place to stay.

The photos don't do it justice! Full of anything you might need. At high tide you can even swim off the stairs and at low tide you can explore the shoreline. We loved that it's just 4 miles from Acadia. We went three generations of a family and had a great week! - (Sep 2020 - ABNB)

*****

Beautiful location that's isolated and remote

Great, spacious house. Beautiful location that's isolated and remote, but also provides extremely convenient access to everything you would want to do in the area 
James User Profile 
James, Smithtown, NY - (Sep 2020)

*****

We went three generations of a family and had a great week!

This was a wonderful place to stay. The photos don't do it justice! Full of anything you might need. At high tide you can even swim off the stairs and at low tide you can explore the shoreline. We loved that it's just 4 miles from Acadia. We went three generations of a family and had a great week! - (Aug 2020)

*****

Cow Palace was worth every penny!

Our stay at Cow Palace was amazing. The house is nestled in the woods with spectacular views of the water. Both the sunrise and sunset are beautiful. My family enjoyed being able to walk down to the beach anytime they wanted. We were welcomed with a surprise "Maine" treat when we arrived. (.,.won't spoil the surprise.) The kitchen was fully stocked with every kitchen tool imaginable. There was so much space each with a beautiful view. We all enjoyed working on puzzles in the corner room. At night we enjoyed the fire pit in the backyard. Great location as well. Just a few minutes from Acadia National Park and the town of Bar Harbor. Nearby we would recommend visiting the winery and the Atlantic Brewing Company. Great lobster at C-Rays and the barbeque at Mainly Meats was delicious. Acadia Cottage Rentals was a pleasure to work with. They were only a phone call away and always very helpful with any questions we had. Cow Palace also provided all paper goods and some cleaning supplies. 
Left on Aug 10, 2016 for a stay in Jul 2016 - (Aug 2017 - Previous)

*****

Outstanding venue for family reunion--many wonderful memories

This was a wonderful experience. We rented this house and another; There were as many as 20 people on occasion--many lived in Bangor area and could come and go depending on schedules. We took advantage of the many varied activities that could be done on Mt. Desert Island. It was magical for us--grandfather and significant other, five children with spouses, and 9 grandchildren. 
Left on Nov 2, 2015 for a stay in Aug 2015 - (Aug 2017)

*****

Awesome Place "palace"

This house had plenty of space for our extended family to spread out. There was card room, puzzle room, sitting room and large family room. But the best part was the kitchen. It is HUGE! Easy to prepare, clean up and eat with large family!!! The views were unbelievable and kayaking in the bay was great. We plan to return. 
Left on Aug 12, 2014 for a stay in Jul 2014 - (Aug 2014)

****

Great residence, unbelievable coastal frontage, but

I have been to Maine during the summer 3 times. Twice I have stayed at the Cow Palace. The people are good, the location amazing and the house and grounds very, very nice. The residence is large and well stocked with almost anything you might need during your visit. My only problem is one which is common in Northern environments, that is there is no air conditioning. The first time we stayed at the Cow Palace, the weather was great and the heat was not a problem. This last visit however, the heat was abnormal and certain days were miserable within the house. It was almost impossible to take a nap during the day, and despite having the windows open, you sweated during the night, which made sleeping more difficult. My 70 year old mother in law was miserable almost the entire trip. As I said this is not a problem exclusive to the Cow Palace, most residences do not have air conditioning. My first vacationing visit to main was to the Portland area and there was an extraordinary heat wave. We stayed in a hotel, which had no air conditioning, and were miserable. This from someone who lives in central Florida and camps throughout the year. As you can see I still give the Cow Palace 5 stars. If the fluctuating patterns of heat in the North can be an issue for you. I would look into a house with air-conditioning. Since I have been told that excessive heat is rarely a problem, it may be something you do not need to be concerned. I love the house, the family, the location and the amazing outdoor recreation and site seeing opportunities in the area. The only reason I give it a 4 for comfort is again the heat issue. 
Left on Mar 31, 2014 for a stay in Jul 2013 - (Mar 2014)

*****

Privacy and location cannot be beat!

Great home - spread out and quite large - almost too large for the 6 of us! Access to the bay was amazing, easy 5-10 minutes into town and to acadia National park, quiet road; very private location. Pet friendly and cozy enough for movies on the couch for those dastardly rainy days. 
Left on May 29, 2013 for a stay in Jul 2012 - (May 2013)