This is the Extremely rare. "On the Beach" Beach house. Over 100 years old. This charming Old Ocean Front Inn was converted in the 80's to a 2 family home. I live in 1 unit. It is rich in character and history and has been modernized with everything you could need. Steps off the deck onto the sandy beach. Breath taking views from your 40' deck overlooking Willard Beach and the islands. Watch the ships, from cruise ships over 1000' and tankers as big to the local lobster men as they all pass right in front of you. Located on a neighborhood beach, this home is only 10 minutes from Portland's Old Port Area and the waterfront. House is comfortably furnished and all you need to provide is your sunblock and beach towels. I,ll make sure you have everything else you need.
Property manager
John Murphy
Languages
English
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
All pets must be approved by owner.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
After the booking, we will verify all reservation details by phone and/or email within 24 hours.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Note from host: contact owner for any additional fees for events
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 and a first aid kit
About the area
South Portland
Located in Willard Beach, a neighbourhood in South Portland, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the beach. Shoppers can check out Maine Mall, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Thompson's Point and Old Orchard Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Bayside Bowl and Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.
South Portland, ME
What's nearby
Portland Museum of Art - 7 min drive - 5.5 km
State Theatre - 7 min drive - 5.6 km
Cross Insurance Arena - 7 min drive - 5.7 km
Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal - 7 min drive - 6.2 km
Thompson's Point - 10 min drive - 8.8 km
Getting around
Portland Transportation Center - 17 min drive
Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Luke's Lobster Portland Pier - 7 min drive
Red's Dairy Freeze - 3 min drive
DiMillo's On the Water - 8 min drive
A&C Soda Shop - 11 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming 110-year former Inn 10' from the Ocean! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
What time is check-in at Charming 110-year former Inn 10' from the Ocean!?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming 110-year former Inn 10' from the Ocean!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Charming 110-year former Inn 10' from the Ocean! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Willard Beach holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Casco Bay and Willard Beach. Southern Maine Community College and Fort Preble are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
I82B8V093JCSmKU6A88XczgYc6DtaXh6ffg412Ha+Jl6/ahDxBeIkqiMmxzfVWhc I.
8 Aug 2012
A great relaxing family house
This house is really comfortable and well equipped. The best part was leaving the front door open so our eight year old could come and go to the beach as he pleased. The owners provided canoes, bikes and a scooter for the kids, as well as a sweet substitute dog for our son to walk. I loved to sit on the upper veranda in the mornings and evenings and watch the boats pass in the bay - the view is spectacular. If we ever go to Maine again I would definitely book this house and would highly recommend it to anyone else.
The Callan family
Scotland
I82B8V093JCSmKU6A88XczgYc6DtaXh6ffg412Ha+Jl6/ahDxBeIkqiMmxzfVWhc I.
AMAZING LOCATION, GREAT STAY, KITCHEN COULD USE SOME TLC
Amazing location and view. Lots of space, huge deck. After our stay, I emailed John with some suggestions, mostly about the kitchen, which would greatly benefit future renters. I hope he follows through. But don't let this put you off, it is unique opportunity to be on the water in one of the Portland area's most trendy enclaves.
This location is EVERYTHING!!! Right on the beach, cozy accommodations with spacious bedrooms was perfect for the 4 of us - with the 3rd bedroom, we could've included another couple! Host John was lovely!!!
We loved the location of this property. It was far enough away from the hustle and bustle to truly relax and enjoy the ocean sounds and sunrises, but close enough that we could easily hop on over to shopping and restaurants. The property was well-maintained, we loved the deck, and being able to walk right out on the beach. Highly recommend!
This property is exactly as it’s listed. Mr. Murphy is a kind and helpful host. The location can’t be beat. So close to anything you’d want to see and right on the beach. Watching the dogs play on the beach and the boats was a highlight. The view is so beautiful it looks fake lol. I truly hope to be back one day.
We really enjoyed our two weeks stay on Willard Beach. It was wonderful to fall asleep and to awaken to the sound of the ocean. John's place is very special. The beds and the couches and the porch seating are all very comfortable.
The shower is wonderful.
Oh my… the view, the deck, the beach, the dogs on the beach every morning and evening, Scratch bakery down the street, comfortable bed…friendly owner downstairs….we want to return for sure!
We were lucky enough to book a last-minute trip at this gorgeous property. It is exactly what we needed to get away from the stress at home. Thank you so much John for your excellent hospitality. There was an issue with the air conditioners when we arrived, he didn't hesitate to replace them. Within minutes the apartment was cool and comfortable. If you are lucky enough to book this location, you will not regret it!
Wanted to introduce our grandchildren to Maine and this was the perfect location. Right on the beach, the house had everything we needed and more. Our host supplied us with suggestions of places to visit and best of all, he told us many historical facts of the neighborhood. I’ll always remember the views from the top deck, as we drank wine and ate a fresh caught lobster dinner. Best location and vacation.
Judy H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jason
9 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Perfect location. House could not be closer to the beach. You have your own large private balcony directly on the beach. Short drive to downtown Porland. There are a few close places to walk to also. We spent every night and morning on the balcony watching the boats go by and dogs playing on the beach early morning and nights.
Lovely home in a beautiful location. Very welcoming, cozy, and friendly. Easy check-in and check-out process. The owner was very accommodating and helpful. Made amazing memories and look forward to returning soon. Thank you so much!
I have to say the owners were very nice and accommodating. The house was very spacious and the view was fabulous! Would definitely go back to stay. Everything was so close also.
Wonderful rental with everything needed for our family celebration. Three bedrooms provided comfortable sleeping space. Large dining table was perfect for our Thanksgiving meal. Fantastic views, walks on the beach, and a cozy fireplace made it hard to leave. A short drive to downtown Portland to watch the tree lighting ceremony and Christmas festivities was no problem. Thank you John for exceeding our expectations in every way. The beach toys and activities for our two year old were a big plus.
Just like in the pictures the house faces the water in a great location in South Portland. The space is very nice for a family: 3 bedrooms, with the largest facing the water, and a sizable living room. The building is traditional "old Maine" with some upgrades, e.g., bath/shower and washer-dryer are newer, but the kitchen is older, small but functional. The host is friendly & responsive.
We stayed 2 nights. Perfect place for what we wanted to see and do. Host was very communicative. Definitely would recommend this place!
Pam Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
About the host
Hosted by John Murphy
I have lived here at Willard Beach for the last 39 yrs. It is a wonderful place and I really love sharing it and my home with all the Great family's I have met over the years. It is a magical place no matter the time of the year.
Why they chose this property
When you walk off the street into the front yard you will have the answer to that question? The first thing you see is a small neighborhood beach. At one end you see the historic Fort Preble, which is now Southern Maine Comm Coll. Then you see the Spring Point light house. To the right you look past at least 6 islands directly in front of you and then at the end of the beach you see the historic Willard Fish Shacks. These were used by local fishermen for over a 100 years. not to mention the various pleasure boats mooring off the beach. I have lived here since 1983 and expect with a little luck and some help from above that this will be the only place that I ever live, winter or summer, spring and fall everyday is special here at Willard Beach
What makes this property unique
This is the only rental home in the neighborhood that is located "Right on the Beach". You walk off the porch and right onto Willard beach. There is a great enclosed area for the little ones.