Guest Testimonials

We opened the front door and our jaws dropped. The house itself is magnificent from floor to ceiling and the view off the cliff is breathtaking. While the historical detail fascinated me - even the doorknobs look original - it doesn’t displace modern amenities. We cooked (and cleaned up) with ease. The location also can’t be beat. The town is a walkable distance, the Schooner Head and Compass Harbor Trails are practically at the end of the driveway, and more challenging trails are minutes away by car. We want to come back next year.

— A.L., Washington

I was truly amazed the first time we pulled into the circular driveway. It felt like I had traveled through time and space to an English country estate where Hercule Poirot was about to solve a mystery. I loved everything about the house. The old world charm, the location, the amazing views. It was the perfect place for our group of friends to enjoy a wonderful Maine vacation. I can’t recommend this house highly enough.

— Stephen, Manassas, Virginia

Highly recommend this home for large family or friend gathering. Words are inadequate to describe the view from the terrace and ocean facing bedrooms. It is completely isolated and yet very convenient to the town of Bar Harbor. Could not have found a better home for our large family and friends’ gathering.

— Anon, Chatanooga, TN

We originally rented Sol’s Cliff in August, 2011, to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of my parents. This house is fantastic for large family get-togethers of the extended clan, i.e., grandparents, children and grandchildren. The original trip went so well we returned again in August, 2012 & August, 2014, this time with an extended group of friends and our children (ranging in age from toddlers to pre-teens). Lots of fun to be in the same house and let the kids rollick around. It is quiet and secluded with incredible views over the ocean but a quick drive or easy biking distance to town (for all but the smallest bicyclists). The house itself is an amazing example of architecture from a long-gone era when families would decamp to a place like Bar Harbor for the whole summer. Faded glory and rustic chic in the best way possible. The kitchen is large, comfortable and functional. Handy grill outside. Owner was easy to work with, flexible, and prompt in communications. Has been in same family for generations. We hope to go back again in the future.

— H.T., New England

We stayed at this house in September 2015. It was perfect! We were a group of about 12 and the house easily accommodated all of us (and would have fit quite a few more). The house is truly amazing-- apparently one of the last examples of the mansions from the halcyon days of Mount Desert Island. It definitely maintains its classic feel, but has been updated with modern amenities (like internet, which is a must for us and an issue on MDI at times, a grill, and a very well updated kitchen). The view off of the back porch is honestly one of the best I have ever seen, and while the house is well tucked away from others, it is a quick trip, either walking (20 minutes) or driving (3-4 minutes), into downtown Bar Harbor. Also very close to some of the better parts of Acadia, including the Dorr Mountain ladder trail and Mt. Champlain, and just a short walk through the woods to Compass Cover. We’ve been going to MDI for years and we all agreed this is the best rental we’ve gotten. Acadia is amazing, in terms of its natural beauty of course but also in terms of the history that made it the park it is today -- it’s hard to articulate, but we all agreed that the house parallels those things well. We’d definitely return.

— Lock, Washington, D.C.

This house is worth it for the view alone. I packed an ambitious amount of reading material but that went unaccomplished as the view overwhelms you with majesty and you just cannot take your eyes off it--the Mt. Desert Narrows, the Porcupine Islands, the lobstermen collecting traps. Inside, the house is spacious and full of historical surprises. A perfect spot for large groups not wanting to step on each other’s toes. After long days of hiking, the library basically begs you to sit by the fire with a drink. The easy access to Acadia is also an incredible asset. Within minutes we could find ourselves climbing up mountains to even more incredible vistas.

— D.M., Kansas City

I stayed here and had the most RELAXING vacation! Nothing beats walking through the first floor and passing by all the screen doors letting in fresh air, although sitting outside and reading a book or even working (some of us couldn’t get away the entire week) with a breathtaking view in front of you was great too! We went on many wonderful hikes, went sea kayaking and even took a mail boat out to Little Cranberry Island for an unforgettable meal! This home is great because it has a huge kitchen and it’s made to fit a big group be it friends or family. The fireplaces are a wonderful touch and all the antiques make it feel like you’re in another time (which is really cool)! It’s an unforgettable place, highly recommended!

— Sky, Washington, D.C.

Sol's Cliff House is set in a memorable place. Every night, all 22 of us enjoyed a sort of roving party, beginning with drinks on the terrace overlooking the bay, moving to dinner in the dining room at an incredible table that accommodated all of us, and culminating with dessert in the living room where we lit a fire and played games and told stories until the sun came up. None of us will ever forget those nights by the fire with the lovely Maine air all around us and the sound of the lobstermen down on the bay.

— Alice D., Roxbury, CT

Sol’s Cliff House was amazing in all aspects, but the meals in the dining room were the absolute highlight. The entire family sat around the table and had an absolute ball feasting on great food and fun stories. Every meal was an occasion, full of laughter and memories. Nothing will ever come close to dining here.

— Mary M., Greenwich, CT

Sol's Cliff House keeps us coming back, and usually to the kitchen. With a family of "chefs," a house with a great kitchen is central to our vacation success. And this one is just great. It has room for more than 8 of us to cook at any one time, while singing and dancing and storytelling and laughing. It is literally the heart of the house and of our many memories. Sol's Cliff House is a very special place.

— Barbara, New Orleans

I just returned home from a week's stay at Sol's Cliff and, though the weather was less than cooperative, the Game House was a life saver. I was able to maintain my training program for the coming soccer season, do some cross training and scrimmage with the cousins. It was awesome.

— Fred T., Charleston, SC

That Maine air, it does wonders for the visage! After a week at Sol's Cliff House, sleeping in the mountain air, we all look 20 years younger! It's better than the best spa!

— Anna K., Palm Beach

The location can't be beat. The town is a walkable distance, the Schooner Head and Compass Harbor Trails are at the end of the driveway, and more challenging trails are minutes away by car. We want to come back next year.

— A.L., Washington