Chef's House at Cook's Cove is an inspiration for the passionate home cook or professional chef! Equipped with a modern commercial kitchen, entertainment/movie center, sauna and ample parking, this is the perfect vacation spot for serious foodies! Designed with gatherings in mind, you’ll find this home to be a perfect spot for a corporate retreat, reunions, dinner parties, wine tastings or the vacation home you and your family return to year after year.
As you near your vacation destination you won’t help but be able to appreciate the winding roads and you’ll likely be envisioning your family taking leisurely strolls or bike rides to take in the scenic views. Perhaps you’ll picture ending up at Village Ice Cream enjoying a cone, maybe a picnic at the Marshall Point Lighthouse, or the Drift Inn Beach only a short bike ride away. The possibilities are endless!
Upon arrival at your new home-away-from-home you’ll pull into a wraparound driveway, where there is ample parking for any additional guests you have invited as well as a 4-car garage. If you’ve had a long drive, your first stop may be the carpeted patio area located near the driveway entrance, a quiet stop to take in the sounds of the ocean and the wilderness view from the back of the house. Complete with a table and chairs, you may find yourselves enjoying an outside meal here during your stay. It is also an ideal place to watch family and friends play yard games such as croquet, bocce ball, ladder ball or beanbag toss (all provided as part of your rental). Artists and photographers will be inspired. This is a village that naturally brings out the desire to create, and to capture the wonders of ocean life and the fishing community. The boathouse across the way is an added bonus for those intrigued by how things work. When in residence you can catch fishermen doing gear work and other prep before going out to haul.
As you walk inside, the entryway provides a place for your coats, hats, and umbrellas. In the next room, the large Viking kitchen immediately greets you. There are both conventional and convection ovens, two large stoves, refrigerator, two dishwashers, microwave, toaster and even a lobster tank on the counter. You’ll also note the standard coffee maker, Keurig, blender, and all the accessories and kitchen gadgets you can think of. Dinner service for 24 is in the cupboards above the stainless steel counters. The connected bar has seating for 8 people who might want to watch the family chef in action. There is also a dining room table with additional seating for six. The phenomenal view of the harbor will make this a favorite spot to dine. Adjacent to the entry into the kitchen you will note the bar area. There is a wine fridge, sink, counter area, cutting boards, paring knives, glassware and everything you need to imbibe in style (except the alcohol). No worries on that front as both local general stores are state liquor agencies so you’ll find a wonderful selection available. In the connecting hallway is a half bath, which is perfect for touch-ups during your get-together. It has a toilet, sink, and vanity.
Off the dining room is the sitting room facing the water. Decorated to capture the high-end, styles of old, the furniture will make this a popular room in which to socialize with guests. There is a loveseat, two gliders, and two cushioned chairs. It’s not difficult to envision a lively cocktail-hour discussion taking place here, though it would be an equally relaxing place to enjoy a quiet afternoon.
Next, you move into the media room. Equipped with a 60” flat screen Google-ready smart TV, DVD/Blu-ray player and cable you’ll enjoy the leather couch and chairs as you catch up on your favorite shows, a family movie or the world news.
The next room, as you come full circle downstairs, has a weight bench, chaise lounge, and a sauna. There is also a washer and dryer in this room.
On the second floor there are two bathrooms, each with a toilet, shower and vanity sink. There is ample counter space for those who enjoy the extra area for their beauty regimen.
The first bedroom has a queen-size bed with a harbor view. It has a night table with lamp, closet and 3 cushioned chairs perfect for reading or relaxing while taking in the view. If you crack your window at night the sounds of the water will lull you into a wonderful night’s rest.
The second bedroom has a queen-sized bed, 2 bedside tables with lamps and a large closet. From this room you have wonderful views of the marsh; you’ll hear the gentle sounds of the water and birds that are native to the area. You’re also sure to love the starry sky visible through the skylight.
The third bedroom has a queen-size bed, bedside table with lamp, 2 large dressers and a lounge chair to relax in while you think of all the day’s adventures. This room has an ocean view, which is almost birds-eye from its lofty vantage point. It’s perfect for catching the tidal activity below, and seeing how Maine fishermen prep for their day in the nearby fishermen’s shack.
The 4th bedroom has two twin beds. There are two nightstands with lamps, a dresser, closet and an ocean view. A spacious room, big enough to share, though you may want it all to yourself for taking in the relaxing view of the sun setting on your day.
Area Amenities: 15-minute walk to Port Clyde General Store, open daily, specializing in morning coffee and pastries, corn, blueberries, native lobsters, fresh cut meats, and all grocery supplies. Bring your bike for nice winding roads and water views. This is a pleasantly old and proud Maine community with its own library, school, fire department, rescue ambulance and is serviced by the Knox County Sheriffs department. For your convenience, there are 3 churches located in the St. George area. Port Clyde Christian Church, Port Clyde Baptist Church, and the Ridge Church all offer weekly services.
1/3 of all Maine lobsters come from this county: Knox, named after George Washington's Chief Artillery Officer in the Revolutionary War of 1776. You can learn about him on the peninsula, as well as enjoy programs offered all season at Montpelier, the Knox mansion, and museum. Adventurous local and wharf dining, Wyeth art tours by land and water, Monhegan Island ferry adventures to see Maine seabirds including puffins and American bald Eagles, picnicking at Marshall Point Lighthouse, and good ice cream are all landmark features of nearby Port Clyde village.
Provided for your convenience are initial supplies of the following: linens, bath towels, washcloths, hand towels and beach towels, your first tank of propane for the fire pit and gas grill, dish soap, dish washing soap, hand soap and laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, basic cable, wireless internet and a home phone (long distance is not included). This location has a DVD player in the living room. While we make every effort to assure the accuracy of this listing, as well as the condition of equipment and quality of provided services, we make no implied guarantee of connectivity for wireless internet or services provided by a third party. That being said, we will do everything in our power to remedy any situation as quickly as possible, and we thank you for your understanding.
Here are some things people visiting Maine need to know in advance:
Cell phones: Although coverage is getting better, there are some places where cell phones don't get good reception. Chances are you will have service, but just in case, make sure you leave the number of the house you are renting with those who may need to get in touch with you. Coverage with AT&T can be spotty in many areas of Maine.
Weather: If you have heard it once, you've heard it a hundred times: if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute. It can be hot in Rockland and cool in Port Clyde so make sure to pack a variety of clothes — from a bathing suit to a sweater for cool evenings. Check out the current local weather at www.weather.com
Bugs: A lot of people ask us if we have mosquitoes...we sure do. But they aren't huge and they don't ruin a vacation. Bring some repellent, or pick some up at the local general stores and you will be fine; usually, you won't even notice them.
Dogs: We love dogs around here, but each town has their own rules about pets. Make sure to look for signs stating if dogs are allowed and always have them on a leash. And if they leave behind anything, please pick it up. Not a fun surprise when you are exploring the beautiful shoreline. You can also be fined for not picking up after your four-legged friend.
Raccoon's, and other annoyances: You probably have them too, but raccoons can make you regret last night's lobster dinner. No one wants to pick up old, smelly shells that have been cast out onto the lawn by these cute, but curious and disastrously messy, little guys. So please don't put off placing the trash in the secure trashcans provided. You can find all of this information in the welcome book!
Water: Most coastal homes have wells that are hand dug. The water has been tested and is safe to drink, but some guests prefer bringing bottled water. Particulates, discoloration, and iron taste are not uncommon.
Cook’s Cove is a Saturday to Saturday.
