At A Prism in the Wood, you can look forward to a garden, a playground and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 42260 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
A Prism in the Wood
A Prism in the Wood is an award winning architecturally designed home nestled in the woods of Mt. Desert, through which passes the constantly changing light of the Maine seasons. The house is a frame of steel tubes completely enclosed in glass with the living spaces within floating like platforms through the grid. A light steel stair reaches up through the steel tubes to the second floor and a further spiral stair connects to the owner’s private quarters on the uppermost level. The levels are also connected by a free-standing glass elevator, the use of which is reserved to people above 21 year-old without children.
The ceilings are of unfinished fir planks and the floors of maple. All materials and finishes are hypoallergenic or chemically neutral.
The structure is anchored at one end by the concrete mass of the fireplace that serves on the outside as a giant scupper carrying off the rainwater from the long sloping roof. Standing on light steel extensions of the interior frame the house floats above the forest floor, visually and physically connected at the entrance by massive slabs of granite. Furniture is of contemporary design, mostly manufactured in Italy and Denmark. Contemporary artworks are hanged on the wall, suspended from the interior frame and free-standing on the floor.
This stunning property has been published several times in architecture magazines, books and on the NYT. It as all you will need for your island visit, the perfect place to relax at the end of and active day in the park. Centrally located in Mount Desert, it lies at about 500 meters from the top tip of Some Sound.
FIRST FLOOR: Enter into a light and modern great room. Comfortable seating by the gas fireplace with a nearby screened in porch. Dining area with a large round table and seating for six. Kitchen with gas stove and spacious pantry. Home office space with access to a large garage with two large floor-to-ceiling windows. Half bath.
SECOND FLOOR: Open, loft style bedroom with Queen bed. Full bath with tub and shower.
THIRD FLOOR: Master bedroom with Queen bed, and full bath including shower and small soaking tub.
BASEMENT with laundry machine and dryer.
EXTRAS: Elevator available for for occupants over 21 years of age. Though a very useful convenience this elevator poses a potential hazard and must be operated with the utmost of caution and at its own risk. Outdoor propane grill. Large garage. NO AIR CONDITIONING.
WARNINGS Among the complains received are: 1. “The top floor mattress is way too firm”. It is true that it is thin and very firm. But that is the bed where the home owner sleeps, and how he likes it ….
2. No blinds on the bedroom windows. The house configuration, with two full walls of glass, doesn’t allow for it
3. In summer, before the birch trees reach full foliage, early morning sun can be annoying for people lying in bed
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Wheelchair-accessible parking available
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2.5 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shower
Shower/bathtub combination
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Stereo
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Office
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
4 accessible parking spaces
Lift
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Designated smoking areas
Note from host: The main sofa has several stains
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the ocean
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Ice skating nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: There is a pet fee. Make sure you select it.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Guests expressed concerns for too young children
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
The main sofa has several stains
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Located in Somesville, a neighbourhood in Mount Desert, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the ocean. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, ice skating and sledging. Visit our Mount Desert travel guide
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at A Prism in the Wood?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A Prism in the Wood?
Check-in begins at 5:30 PM.
What time is check-out at A Prism in the Wood?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is A Prism in the Wood located?
Located in Somesville, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Acadia Repertory Theater and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Acadia National Park. Maine Granite Industry Museum and Long Pond are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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A Prism in the Wood Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
This was truly an exceptional stay. The house is an architectural gem built in 1994 allowing nature, light and beauty into the unique structure. Stefano was a perfect and generous host. I would recommend this stay to anyone wanting to be near Acadia but not near the tourism of Bar Harbor. It's truly a secluded, quiet yet convenient location.
Our stay at A Prism in the Wood was nothing short of extraordinary. This magnificent home is a true masterpiece, blending artistic design with exceptional comfort. The house was impeccably clean and thoughtfully organized. Every amenity we could possibly need was provided. With the fresh scent of pine trees, the unobstructed view of woodlands at every level, and sightings of deer, foxes, we felt like we were one with nature. The location was perfect, tucked away on the quieter side of the island, yet just 10-20 minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia’s highlights, making it ideal for exploring. This home is a treasure, and we can’t wait to return in early spring. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a perfect blend of serenity, style, and convenience.
The House was amazing. There was plenty of space for 4 of us—great amenities and thorough check-in and out instructions. Beautiful landscape and a convenient location for visiting Bar Harbor.
We enjoyed a wonderful stay at this architectural masterpiece. Everything was beautifully prepared by the host with no surprises. Property is situated very conveniently near Bar Harbor and Acadia national park. Would certainly recommend to others.
We had a remarkable time at Prism in the Woods. You literally felt like you were in the middle of Acadia National Park. It was quiet, great places to walk, close to fun sites and eateries…nothing but beautiful memories!
Truly a singular property. The prisim in the woods is unlike any place I’ve ever stayed. Our dog enjoyed his time roaming the forest too. We will definitely be back. Stefano is the best host.
A Prism in the Woods is a destination in and of itself, but also served as an amazing home base for our Acadia adventures. We have been to MDI multiple times previously and this is truly one our favorite travel experiences. Thank you Stefano for being so helpful, accommodating and accessible!
Our family stayed in the Prism in the woods for a quick weekend family get a way. We felt no big obligation to HAVE to go explore Acadia National Park because we were so surrounded by the woods and were perfectly immersed. One of the neighbors feeds deer, so we could see them daily. We cooked, played games, sat around the fireplace, and truly just enjoyed each others company. There’s a giant foot that our 4 year old thought was the coolest part of the house, except for the elevator. As we pulled out of the driveway my son mentioned he already missed his room where he slept in the trees. The beautiful property had everything we needed and more. We appreciated being able to park in the garage since it rained so much during our stay. It was so great to be able to listen to the rain and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the property.
The location is well situated for tackling both sides of MDI/Acadia National Park yet feels beautifully remote. The house itself is like living within an inspired piece of modern art, both architecturally and in its interior design and furnishings. Interestingly, not withstanding the expanses of glass and metal, it was also very comfortable. The baths and kitchen are ready for a facelift, and the homeowner confirmed that those are in the works as we write this. That will only add to what is already a magical space.
If you want to explore Acadia National Park and return to a home that is private, quiet, and relaxing, yet also capable of generating new energy and inspiring your own creativity, this is your destination.
We came to Maine on our mini-moon and the prism did not disappoint. It is a spectacular Vrbo. It is such a fun and beautiful space. The owner makes it clear there is no AC so if the weather is very warm be ready to be a little hot while sleeping, however, the owner did purchase a fan for us to use in the evenings and has ordered ceiling fans for the bedrooms. Most nights the weather was cool enough but it does become a bit damp in the space if it's humid. Either way, the owner makes this clear beforehand and the space is wonderful enough for all of this to be small issues. The elevator worked perfectly and I am missing it a bit back at home! The owner was very responsive and helpful. I would love to come back again and I couldn't have picked a cooler space!
We enjoyed our stay in Prism in the Wood, and it was a great backdrop for our ME experience. We selected the house because it was a "destination" (my husband's words) itself, not just lodging. It did not disappoint! It was like sleeping in the treetops, with the benefit of glass and roof between you and the outside. The architecture and the amenities, all became curiosities for us to ponder - the European feel, windows open versus closed, stairs versus elevator, with opinions varying on what we would do with such a place, what we liked and what we would adapt. The site was wooded and secluded as promised but we did find the weekday presence of roof repairmen annoying. Fortunately, we were out of the house by eleven each day and they were always gone by dusk. I liked that the owner was generous with what he left for us to use and included plenty of instructions for operating things that were out of our norm. All-in-all our stay was memorable and enjoyable, including the birdsong and the proximity to the SOMES Sound. As an aside, perhaps a few extra pillows and blankets, or a "bed topper", would offer an alternative to the (as promised) firm 3rd floor mattress.
This home was a lovely refuge for our family, and we enjoyed having it as a home base to explore the hikes on that side of the island. Highly recommend the Beech Hill Farm Stand, as well as the Acadia Mtn/St. Sauveur trails.