Rustic Oceanfront Cottages on an Island in Maine.

Matinicus is extraordinary, but not for everyone.

To experience the traditional New England seashore, Matinicus is one of the last best places. If you would like to visit an island that is remote, a bit rustic, and that requires a sense of adventure, tolerance, independence, and humor from its visitors READ ON.

The Boston Globe travel writers call Matinicus "rugged, but beautiful, with sweeping ocean views and sandy beaches...one of the last places in Maine where the old Down East lifestyle survives in anything like its pure form... unspoiled and unpretentious." If this is what you want, we want you to come visit. The Globe was back to visit us again in 2008 and travel writer Jonathan Levitt stayed in our Norris Cottage. His article on Matinicus appeared in the Sunday travel section August 10, 2008 entitled "Roaming In Ghostly Seaward Maine".

Our two homes are distinguished by their private location, proximity to a lovely sandy beach near the harbor and shore, and by the outstanding view of the ocean. The location of these homes with their waterviews would make a list of the very best spots on all the Maine Coast. Guest's expectations are usually exceeded. The ocean views are spectacular and practically unequalled anywhere you might choose to visit on the Atlantic Coast.

These houses are the best rentals available on the island.

Who will like Matinicus - This is our belief.

Artists

With a tradition extending back to George Bellows, Matinicus attracts more and more artists working in media including paint, photography, and found object sculpture.

Excellent art supply stores in Rockland and Rockport combine with frequent plane flights to Matinicus to supply an extended stay. The serenity of the setting promotes productivity. The visual interest of ocean panoramas, the harbor devoted entirely to fishing, pristine and weathered structures and island residents offer inexhaustible subject material.

Many family reunions take place on Matinicus. Two houses to rent makes it possible for an extended family group to take both and accommodate 15 people or so in six bedrooms with two kitchen facilities.

Families

Escapees from Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and especially, Nantucket.

People say that Matinicus today is like Nantucket in the 1940’s and 1950’s or the way they remember their childhood Nantucket summer vacations. The Cape and Islands, have become over the past twenty years, very busy, bustling, crowded, even uptight these days, and everything "costs a million dollars." Who can possibly afford a house to own or even rent right on the water? Matinicus on the other hand, hasn’t changed. Matinicus' seclusion, privacy, vistas and sand beaches, unspoiled by tourists, rival what Nantucket had.
“Nantucket refugees should visit Matinicus” is what one guest says.

Those who want to see life as lived in a simpler time.

Without the automobile organizing every activity.
With the freedom to walk virtually anywhere on unspoiled pathways along the water.
Without the press of commerce.
With the sound of the ocean waves washing the shoreline calming you at night.

People who would enjoy gazing at the ocean all day long.

The location of the houses is right on the water. The ocean is hypnotizing. You can watch for hours.

"Our last day here and we hate to leave. It's so unusual to find a place where the land still belongs to itself and not to people. Thank you Matinicus for two weeks of freedom."

— Lynn and David W.

Ready to vacation at Matinicus?