The Cottages at Cabot Cove

7 South Main Street, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, 207-967-5424 cabotcovecottages.com

"Harbor" cottage

Two summers ago we vacationed, for the first time, in coastal Maine. I'd done extensive research on all the quaint inns and B&B's in the area and we settled on Captain Jefferd's Inn. A close contender though was the Cottages at Cabot Cove. We loved the look of them and the reviews on Trip Advisor were good. But we were slightly concerned that each cottage was independently owned and we might not have anyone to talk to about problems. So we chose the inn and were reasonably pleased.

This summer, when we decided to head back to the area, we revisited our search to if anything had changed. We were, once again, struck by the beauty of these cottages. And when we learned that there was a resort group that managed all the cottages and grounds, we were sold!

Each cottage has its own merits but we couldn't resist either the size or the location of the Harbor Cottage (#10). It is the most expensive one but we don't regret our decision. Beautifully situated at the end of a sea shell lane, it is the largest cottage at 400 square feet and has a sweeping view of the cove.

The cottage includes a living room, separate bedroom, bathroom and small kitchen complete with refrigerator, microwave/convection oven, dishwasher and cabinets well stocked with plates, glasses, utensils and even a blender. Each cottage is professionally decorated in a different style and ours was done in a pretty nautical, beachy motif.

An air conditioner in the bedroom and ceiling fans in both rooms kept the cottage cool and comfortable. Two televisions and plush living room furniture provided the comforts of home. Patio furniture and outdoor lounge chairs facing the water provided a stunning place to have an afternoon cocktail while making plans for dinner.

The grounds themselves are perfectly manicured and professionally tended. Neatly mowed grass, trimmed hedges and flower beds are delightful to look at and the office provides beach towels and bicycles.

Each cottage has a coffee maker but, in addition, every morning around 8:00 am, a little tote bag is left on cottage doorknobs containing breakfast for two. There was always juice, fruit, yogurt and some kind of pastry. On our first morning we were treated to hard boiled eggs and bacon scones.

Other breakfasts we received included chocolate chip muffins, ham and cheese croissants and, our personal favorite, a warm French baguette and a hunk of brie cheese. Yum! Our cottage had a comfortable little dining table and two chairs where we could sit and enjoy our breakfasts before heading out to sight see.

The highlight of the little cottage enclave is definitely the little cove that feeds into the Kennebunk River. The cottage fee includes complimentary use of kayaks and rowboats and the office provides life jackets and a tidal schedule.

For us, though, the Harbor Cottage provided our favorite highlight in the form of a giant wall of French windows and doors that overlooked the water. Our view was spectacular and an interesting little hidden table and chair area just a few steps from our door. It made for a delightful spot to sit and sip a refreshing frozen daiquiri.

In addition to the private patio furniture outside every cottage, there are also chaise lounges overlooking the water for everyone to enjoy.

Hadley, enjoying the grounds outside our cottage

Although dogs are not allowed in the cottages, we checked with the manager ahead of time and were told that our little fur ball was welcome to visit if she stayed on the grounds outside. We also took her recommendation for a great place to board our doggie at night and it worked out perfectly.

The view overlooking the cove from the office

Housekeeping is provided for each cottage and we were delighted to return to our cottage and find that even the dishes had been done. The office is managed between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm by a delightful woman who was happy to help in any way she could.

Complimentary bicycles for guests

The only issue we ran into is that the curtains on our huge wall of French windows were really only small panels that remained on the side and left the room, and us, on full display. We addressed it with the manager the following morning and she said she knew and had made the cottage owners aware but they were not inclined to change the situation. But we were adamant that we were not paying an exorbitant rate for a cottage with no privacy. She assured us that something would be done that day. And when we returned to our cottage in the late afternoon, we found that she and her staff had replaced the curtains in our cottage with larger panels that would allow for full privacy. We appreciated that she not only acted swiftly but overruled the wishes of the cottage owner in favor of the guest's wishes. And that, after all, is the benefit of a resort company managing the facility. We were very pleased.

A private outdoor dining nook

And so we spent a few delightful days in this magical spot. We rose every day around 8:00 as our breakfast bag was dropped off. We'd sit at our little table by the sunny window and enjoy our morning treats as we planned out our day. We'd get ready, drive the few miles to pick up our pup and head off for a day of sightseeing, local attractions and day trips to nearby capes and beaches. We'd return for a late afternoon round of cocktails by the water and then dress for dinner at one of the great nearby restaurants.

A plaque in our cottage that expressed how we felt

As we and several other cottage occupants were checking out that Sunday morning, we overheard one couple say they were "sadly" checking out of their cottage. And that's just how we felt. We paid, were handed a complimentary goodie bag for the long drive home and were not the least bit excited to get there. In fact, we'd already scoped out all the other cottages to make sure we still wanted to rent "Harbor" the following year. We do.