Entire home

Comfort, space, elegance, history in Bar Harbor village

Photo gallery for Comfort, space, elegance, history in Bar Harbor village

Front of Building
Front Entry
Mason House Foyer with large window seat
grand stairwell
Mason House Foyer/Library

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 123500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Bar Harbor, ME
  • West Street Historic District
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Village Green
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watching
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Sleeping Loft

2 Double Futons

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bombay Suite Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Palmetto Bath (Rose Suite)

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Comfort, space, elegance, history in Bar Harbor village


One of the most unique and stunning accommodations in Bar Harbor! People's jaws drop when they walk in and we often hear, "Wow! There is nothing else like it in Bar Harbor!" It is becoming a popular venue for bridal groups and we've even had a few wedding parties here! So beautiful and comfortable, you want want to leave! Ideal for large groups, special celebrations, or reunions, the historic and grand Mason House is located in one of Bar Harbor's best in-town neighborhoods. The tree-lined street is optimally located within two blocks of everything: restaurants. parks, shops, grocery stores, churches and the free shuttle into Acadia National Park and around MDI (in season). Park your car and never worry about parking for the rest of your stay!

This is a one of a kind accommodation, located in one of the most sought after in-town areas. Built in 1887 as the Bar Harbor High School/Emerson School, and later converted into a Masonic Lodge from 1914 to 2016, this building is seeped in history and fantastic details. This majestic, 7000 SF building has been renovated into two boutique style lofts, one on each floor.

If you don't see your dates available, check out our sister property, Emerson House, listing # 4434292

This loft, occupying the entire second floor of the building, is called the Mason House in honor of it's previous owners. It is 3500 SF with 15 foot high coved ceilings, hardwood floors, and exquisite original woodwork. Accessed through a private entrance and up a grand balustraded staircase, one enters into the "reading room" with a window seat and a quiet place to read or work (if you must). Off of this space there are two bedrooms (each with king beds and en suite bathrooms). Two additional king bedrooms and bathrooms are located just inside the grand "ballroom", along with a 500 SF sleeping loft (with two queen sofa beds). The living and dining area, occupying the ballroom, is 56' x 32' and features a large seating area, a decorative fireplace, a 65" smart tv, a dining table for 10-12, a baby grand piano and an additional seating area/ game table. A brand new kitchen features marble countertops, Moroccan style tiles, full brand new appliances, and everything needed to cook, entertain and feel at home. A unique pantry/linen/closet space with vintage glass-front closets connects the kitchen to the full laundry room. Off the Kitchen is a large triple french door leading to a large south-facing deck/balcony with a grill (electric grill on the deck, gas grill located on the property outside), outdoor dining and seating.

Amenities include air conditioning (in living area and primary bedroom suites, plus ceiling fans in bedrooms), wifi, smart tv, and newly renovated and professionally designed spaces. All beds are king sized. Fine, crisp linens and soft towels are provided.

The Mason House sleeps 10-12 in beds/sofabeds and additional persons on a large sectional sofa. A portable crib and highchair are available upon request.

For groups wanting an even larger accommodation, the Mason House can be combined with the five bedroom Emerson House in the same building. Please inquire for availability and rates.

The property has been completely renovated in 2017 with all new electrical, plumbing, furnishings and appliances. The rates offered in 2017 are introductory rates to compensate for any kinks that may need to be worked out in the first rental season, so please let us know of anything needing attention and we will be happy to address!

The Owners are happy to answer any questions you may have!

All check-ins are self-check-ins, with a touchless e-key. The home is spacious and the yard is completely private, with several private entrances. The location is quiet and it easy to get to the Park (which is open!) and to other areas of interest.


Property manager

Kay and Augusto
Premier Host

Languages

English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
Lock

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Note: 2 sets of stairs
default

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
CONSULT OVER OVER 15 PP, COMPLY W/ QUIET HOURS
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please respect neighborhood quiet hours of 9pm - 7 am. This is a town ordinance.
Provided parking is limited to 2-3 spaces. Guest is responsible for any additional parking (there is paid parking available nearby)
Any events over 15 people, including the rental guests, must be cleared with the owner.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: CONSULT OVER OVER 15 PP, COMPLY W/ QUIET HOURS
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number VR2R22-350, VR2R23-338

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bar Harbor

Located in Bar Harbor, this holiday home is in the city centre and by the sea. Bar Harbor Whale Watching is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Acadia National Park and Acadia National Park's Visitors Center. Travelling with kids? Consider George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History and College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum. Scuba diving and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and ecotours nearby.
Map
Bar Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • West Street Historic District - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Village Green - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watching - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Shore Path - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 6 min drive - 5.2 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Geddy's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Thirsty Whale - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Side Street Cafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Jordan's Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Blaze Craft Beer and Wood Fired Flavors - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Comfort, space, elegance, history in Bar Harbor village pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Comfort, space, elegance, history in Bar Harbor village?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Comfort, space, elegance, history in Bar Harbor village?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Comfort, space, elegance, history in Bar Harbor village located?

This family-friendly Bar Harbor holiday home is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of St. Saviour's Church and Bar Harbor Whale Watching. Acadia National Park is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bar Harbor

Spacious accommodation in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of everything.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic location

Walking distance to downtown bar harbor. Fantastic historic building that’s full of characters. Property is clean, kitchen & bathrooms are stocked with amenities. We would love to return to this location in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Trip Ever!

The home and location were perfect for our families! I still miss getting coffee in the downstairs floor (rented by other family members, we didn’t just break in 😉). Perfect for big families ❤️
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property & location

Unique property with wonderful character in the perfect location.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Acadia Family Vacation

Fun property with lots of space and character. Easy to walk to Bar Harbor shops and restaurants. Hosts were super responsive to questions about restaurant recommendations and gave us good options when the washing machine had an issue.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheri S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Travel Friends

We travel as a group. The accommodations were perfect for our group. We chose to eat at local establishments; however, your house certainly had essentials for cooking!! The bedrooms were p
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon F., USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Even better than expected

Great property for a large gathering of friends. Beautifully maintained
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nate C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Property in a Terrific Location

The Mason House was absolutely perfect for our stay. It is a historic structure with all of the quirks, but has been modernized wonderfully. We slept 12 adults very comfortably (with the 18 year old's in the loft) and had more than enough "hang out room" with tons of seating and high ceilings which made it feel even grander. The location is amazing for visiting all of Bar Harbor and Acadia. The property care takers were in the neighborhood and were also very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

DANIEL H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bar Harbor Gem

Great property — location makes Bar Harbor easy to visit via short walks to restaurants and shopping. Spacious facility with a large dining/great room. Well stocked kitchen. Owners respond very quickly. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Garrett D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home, ideal location!

We love Bar Harbor. This was our first time with a big group and the house exceeded all of our needs. Once you park, you can walk anywhere (grocery store, restaurants, waterfront, shops, etc.) Nice house with historic charm. If you need 4-5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms in beautiful Bar Harbor, this place will work perfectly for you!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Alycia B., New Jersey

Amazing Property!

We just spent a week at this beautiful house. It's in the perfect location, walking distance to everything in Bar Harbor. The owners, Kay and Augusto, are wonderful and respond quickly to address any questions. The property is newly renovated and has tons of space - it was a perfect fit for our party of 10. Highly recommended, we would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great rental

We had a great stay for a week at this property. We had a family of two adults and five kids, and there was plenty of room for everyone. The loft area slept a couple of the kids and worked out great. The location is excellent, it is right in the center of town. Kay & Augusto were very accomodating and very responsive both before and during the rental.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kay H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Location

We were celebrating a birthday and the house was the perfect size for our family of 12. Our stay was over July 4th so we were able to walk to the town center in minutes which allowed us to come back for meals then leave for the events. The parade route was less than a block away. We were very happy with this property.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jocelyn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

PERFECT place for groups!

My husband and I rented the full property for ourselves and our wedding party for our wedding and it was the PERFECT place for us. It was clean, SO spacious, perfect location, and Kay and Augusto were amazing hosts. They were responsive, friendly, and accommodating to all our requests and left us a beautiful gift knowing we were there for our wedding. Our guests all raved about being able to stay in a central location and it made it so special for us to have everyone close by, truly a highlight of our wedding!! Thank you for having us!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Debbie W.

great location - amazing space

We had the top floor of this beautiful home.. and it slept 10 (6 adults - 4 kids) perfectly. Plenty of space for the kids to run, play... and our entire family to spread out.. We were on top of each other at all. Best part was how convenient it was - walk to town in five minutes - walk to grocery store in five minutes. Just perfect
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

5 stars all around

We don’t usually write reviews but our experience staying for a week at Mason House was too good to keep quiet about. The house is fabulous: interesting, well laid out, lots of private nooks but great gathering space. Owners are so responsive. Location can’t be beat: quiet street but close to lovely ocean path, walk out to Bar Island, shops, groceries, 10 minute drive to Acadia visitor center. Our family of five was delighted with everything about our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ashlyn H., Houston

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous Expansive Second Floor Home

We all had a lovely stay in Bar Harbor thanks to the convenient location and beautiful accommodations at the Mason lodge. The second floor was a Mason's lodge that has been converted to a four bedroom, four bathroom second floor apartment/space. The common area is expansive and gorgeous with a beautiful mix of modern and antiques. The kitchen is small but well stocked and has high quality appliances. We were 3 couples and had a fantastic time at the Mason Lodge and Bar Harbor.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

September 27-October 3

Plenty of room to give us separation if needed. Only negative was corner shower with curved door. Claustrophobic and not big enough for most of my family members. Plus downstairs guest complained of water leaking in their unit in middle of my shower. No leaks noted in our unit. ????
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

6/10 Okay

William A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Great Location, Charming & Spacious - Could Have Been Better

Mason House is truly a spacious facility with charm that grows on you. Although we had some fun with the disco ball in the grand room, it seemed just a bit out of place (and installed like an afterthought)? The kitchen was under equipped (bring your own extra-large lobster pot for a larger group!) and the grill was in the yard, not on the deck as pictured (not convenient at all) Each bedroom does come with its own bath - unfortunately 2 of the bathrooms are outside of the respective bedrooms with entries exposed to the common areas. The entry door to the 2nd floor is a set of basic black slab doors that detract from the overall beauty of the entry foyer. Overall, we enjoyed our time at the Mason House, unfortunately when comparing this facility to what we paid and have experienced (at similar facilities) in the past -this apartment comes up short.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen A., Worcester, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

60 bday

House was our favorite yet. Plenary of room for us to spread out and gather. Location was ideal, within walking distance to downtown!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rob R., Springdale Arkansas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

OUTSTANDING for family

If real estate is about location, you'd have to give this site 10 stars instead of the usual 5. You can easily walk anyplace in Bar Harbor from this central location in just minutes. Acadia National Park is a short drive or bike ride away. Cadillac Mountain a few extra minutes with the appropriate permit. The hosts have done a great job converting this place to a VRBO site while maintaining the charm and harmony with the neighborhood. We used the upstairs which offers 4 bedrooms and 4 separate bathrooms. 2 of the bedrooms have en-suite facilities while the other 2 bedrooms have the bath located just outside the bedroom door. It was unusually hot and dry for the 1st days of our visit. The living area and 2 bedrooms are well cooled by the living room AC unit. One of the bedrooms has a window AC which also worked quite well. The last bedroom immediately to the left of the stairs can get a little warm, but we were never really uncomfortable. Having 4 separate bathrooms is a huge plus for separate family groups. The 2 rooms without ensuite bathrooms had fairly modern fixtures. The other room with the AC has a very modern shower, but it can be a bit tight for larger or older people. The bedroom without AC has a roomy shower separate from the a bathroom that features classic plumping fixtures. The large common room could easily accommodate a very large gathering. The 8 people in our party sometimes seemed lost in all that space. There is another lounging area upstairs from the main area. We did not use that area, but it could easily accommodate another 10 or more people. If your group has a lot of kids, I can see where this would be a great common sleeping area for a bunch of the younger ones. The only caveat is that this area is open to below so noise from one area would likely carry into another area. The kitchen is well equipped, but we didn't use it much as Bar Harbor offered so many restaurant choices. The kitchen has a small dining table adequate for 4 people. The entry way has the largest dining table I've ever seen - even bigger than the table Vladimir Putin uses to distance himself from guests. We didn't use it, but it could easily host a banquet. There is a deck outside the kitchen where we preferred to eat the few meals where we ate in. During our stay, one of the neighbors would practice is accordion on his back porch. Quite pleasant actually. You won't regret staying here.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chadwick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely location and historic building

The house itself is huge, clean, and interesting. Checking in and communicating with Kay was easy. The best thing for us was the location. We had trivial walking access to downtown, the harbor, and groceries. Everything we wanted to do was right there.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eugene D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bar Harbor

Beautiful and very comfortable house in a great location. It was perfect for our family get away
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Peggy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Extraordinary Accommodations

We felt like we were on a movie set! This property was amazing. Well appointed in both decor and amenities. We appreciated the location, close to everything we wanted to see and do. We have been traveling to Maine for the last 5 October’s. This year we happily introduced our friends and this was a great way to begin. Highly recommend this property and hope to return in the future
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by Kay and Augusto

Host profile image
Kay and Augusto are architects with a thriving Bar Harbor practice, A4 Architects. Their professional repertoire includes historic preservations and interior design. This building is the fourth they have personally purchased and revitalized in the area.

Their passion for good design is only rivaled by their incessant drive to travel, most often withe their four children or to visit one of them (one lives in Madrid, another in Glasgow, and a third in England). They have enjoyed experiencing how people live all over the world by staying in the homes of others, and equally enjoy extending that experience to travelers to Bar Harbor. They have rented two other properties over the course of the last two decades.

Kay was born in Maine and raised around the US as an Air Force brat, while Augusto was raised in southern Brazil. Kay and Augusto met in Barcelona while working on the 1992 Olympic Games related projects, and subsequently settled in Maine in late 1992.

They have been featured in each of the Bar harbor Designer Show Houses and their work published extensively in various magazines, including Homes by Downeast, Maine Home+Design, Builder+Architect, Italian Casa Vogue, el Croquis, Ardi, ON, Conde Naste, and others.

Kay currently serves as the President of the Maine Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and serves on the Appeals Board. Augusto is also an artist, photographer and gourmet cook.

Check our sister property # 4434292!

Why they chose this property

Having lived across the street front his property for 17 years, they jumped at the chance to purchase it when it came onto the market for the first time in over a century in the fall of 2016. They knew it was a rare opportunity to have a historically significant building that has been relatively unspoiled and has an undeniable appeal and unique and wonderful spaces.

What makes this property unique

Feel like royalty in this regal space with an 1800 SF Living/Dining room! Take in the authentic details of turn of the century Bar Harbor, that have been preserved and now incorporated into the space. Add some cool A/C for the warm summer days and all new kitchen and bathrooms. Designer procured furnishings and decor are featured throughout - elegant, but livable. Enjoy the (mosquito free in town!) outdoor balcony to sit and enjoy a glass of wine in the evening or a cup of coffee in the morning. No worries about finding the ever elusive parking spot in Bar Harbor - you won't get any closer than this to all that downtown Bar Harbor has to offer, including free shuttles to the Park and beyond.

Languages:

English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests