Norris Beach Camp
The camp was built in 1954 as close to the ocean’s edge as common sense and absence of zoning setbacks would permit.
Norris Cottage is a classic beach camp with rustic touches, that include exposed beams and stud walls in places, open concept, half-walls separating sleeping rooms that don’t reach the ceiling, and many 50’s era details. There are three bedrooms--two with twin beds and one w/ a queen. Everything about the camp is funky.
A beach camp: for one thing, the furniture is mismatched, comfy, and old-fashioned. If you bring a pet, you won’t likely harm anything in the house. Some of the light fixtures and other metal materials in the house have rust caused by the humid ocean air. Bookcases are filled with novels left by other guests, some from other islanders or the original camp owners. Decks of cards will likely count to 48 or 60 and you’ll find a new game to play with what’s available. While it’s not nearly new, the mattresses are and with the ocean sounds lead to a restful night away from it all.
Guests Need to Know
Bathrooms
The indoor toilet is an incinolet (instructions posted next to it) and there is also a fully functional, traditional WIFI enabled outhouse, which many guests prefer. There is no flush toilet.
Drinking Water
Can be:
a) brought to the island in one or more 3-gallon jugs,
b) refilled at the Island Bakery or Church or
c) the house tap water is filtered and we have additional ceramic filters that for some people achieve adequate drinking water quality.
Internet and Phones
Cell phones don’t work well until you wander nearer the beach, but there’s WI-FI internet. The house also has a landline for local calls (ordering lobster and arranging transportation) and can receive incoming calls.
Self-Catering Cottages
Our maintenance concept is “housekeeping cottage” or as the British say, “self-catering” and you are on your own and may find you have to improvise. For example: one guest, not locating a spatula in the kitchen since it had migrated down to the beach as a child’s toy, fashioned his own spatula using a flattened aluminum can and a driftwood handle. Read more about our turnover policy.
Bedrooms
The primary is furnished with a queen bed, sunny, facing due East, with a full ocean view. The additional bedrooms have a set of twins in each. A large couch in the living room might allow for another guest.
Food & Kitchen
All food must be brought to the island with you. Odds and ends might be in the kitchen when you arrive, such as salt and pepper. There is no store on the island, but you can order food deliveries via plane in a pinch. Kitchen is fully equipped with pots, pans, dishes, bakeware, coffee maker & toaster.
Lobsta & Island Provisions
You have to do some menu planning as there is no store, just a seasonal bakery and plenty plenty of lobster (sometimes fresh eggs, sometimes halibut). In the summer months there are (bi)weekly markets and you might find sandwiches, jams or other treats for purchase.
Island Deliveries
Every summer there are new ways for island visitors to get provisions from the Mainland. Some we know to be successful are next day orders from South End Grocery and 2-day orders from the Walmart in Thomaston. Others have had success with Doordash orders and Amazon, but we can’t speak to the reliability! Review our recommended packing list to make sure you’re prepared!