3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard
Bar Harbor, Hancock County, United States View On Map
About this Rental
3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard Built in 1887 as the original Bar Harbor High School (Emerson School), the Emerson House occupies the ground floor of the two-story school house (note: there is another unit on the second floor. With advance notice, and if available, the entire building can be rented for larger parties). Located in the heart of downto...
3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard Built in 1887 as the original Bar Harbor High School (Emerson School), the Emerson House occupies the ground floor of the two-story school house (note: there is another unit on the second floor. With advance notice, and if available, the entire building can be rented for larger parties). Located in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, it is conveniently located within walking distance of everything! No worries about finding an elusive parking space - just park and walk. Frenchman's Bay is just two blocks away in two directions. In between are many restaurants, shops, grocery stores, two movie theaters, several parks, and access to a free shuttle that covers Acadia National Park and the rest of the Island.The street Emerson House is situated on is one of the nicest residential streets in the village. It is sometimes referred to as "Mistress Row," primarily because JP Morgan is rumored to have built one of the houses for his mistress so he could visit her when he moored his yacht in the Harbor. Tree-lined and full of well-maintained turn-of-the-century homes built during Bar Harbor's famed Gilded Era, the one-way street is surprisingly quiet for its central location. Porch sitting is a summer past-time for the neighborhood - always a delight during the mild and near bug-free afternoons and evenings. Until 1914, the building saw a generation of students pass through its doors until a larger school was built. It was then purchased by the Masons, who used the upstairs (now "Mason House") for their gatherings, and they rented out the first floor for groups to hold events, classes, etc. It remained in the hands of the Masons until late 2016, when the neighbors across the street purchased it - a couple of architects with a penchant for acquiring and restoring/repurposing historic properties. They had the vision to maintain the best of the features, spaces, and details and bring everything up to modern standards of comfort and design. The design of the Emerson House is inspired by elements that were an essential part of the original building, such as the wood beadboard wainscot and cabinets and the high ceiling with beams and heavy trim work. The decor is inspired by a large set of vintage "Blue Willow" china that was left behind, reflected in the kitchen's color scheme, modern fabrics that harken to the same feeling, and an array of china as wall decoration. Furnishings include a mix of antiques and new furniture. Once stripped of all of the lateral windows, new windows have been installed, including a 16-foot long four-panel door in the living room, leading to a covered deck and a good-sized fenced yard. Once possessing a catering kitchen, it still has a 10-burner, two commercial oven ranges, plus a plethora of new appliances. A large dining area, with a wide sideboard and a bar, includes a 12-foot-long table (an original to the building). All wiring and lighting have been updated, and the main space is air-conditioned.Four bedrooms contain a king-sized bed, and one has two twins; all have a ceiling fan and dresser/armoire. There is also a ladder-accessible loft with a twin bed (an absolute kid favorite!). There are three bathrooms: two designed to accommodate multiple users, with separate rooms for the WC, shower, and vanity, plus a full bathroom with shower and tub. The 28 x 26 living room includes two sofas, oversized chairs, a game table, a fireplace, and a large-screen TV. There is also a SECOND living area with a queen sleeper sofa, and a dining table for 6, which can also be used as an office, and a kitchenette. The fifth bedroom, sleeping loft and second living room offer an added layer of privacy, like an in-law suite with a connecting door ( and that is all included in this rental).All check-ins are self-check-ins with a digital lock. The home is spacious, and the yard is completely private, with several private entrances. The location is quiet, and it is easy to get to the Park and other areas of interest.This property is licensed and has been inspected by the Town of Bar Harbor. The license number is VR2R22-349
Popular amenities
Essentials
- Wireless internet
- Free wifi
- Wifi speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)
- Internet
- Towels provided
- Linens provided
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Shampoo
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Basic soaps
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Desk
- Desk chair
Kitchen
- Kitchen
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Stove
- Oven
- Grill
- Kitchen island
- Dishes & utensils
- Dining table
- Coffee maker
- Kettle
- Blender
- Ice maker
- Toaster
- Lobster pot
Outside
- Fire pit
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor shower
Laundry
- Washing machine
- Clothes dryer
- Iron & board
Parking
- Parking
Safety
- 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)
- Deadbolt lock
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Exterior lighting
- Fenced yard
- Emergency exit route
- Fire station contact
- Hospital contact
- Police contact
Location type
- Near the ocean
- City centre
- Town
- Village
Nearby activities
- Museums
- Water parks
- Swimming
- Water sports
- Sailing
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
- Boating
- Paddle boating
- Ice skating
- Sledding
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Mountain biking
- Rock climbing
- Mountain climbing
- Health/beauty spa
- Shopping
- Antiquing
- Golf
- Whale watching
- Ecotourism
- Wildlife viewing
- Birdwatching
- Fishing
- Bay/sound
Suitability
- Minimum age limit for renters
Property Amenities
Top family friendly amenities
- Toys/games
- Kitchen
- Living/dining area
- Game room
- Microwave
Popular amenities
- Parking available
- Barbecue grill
- Air conditioning
- Dryer
- Washer
- Outdoor space
- Fireplace
- Free WiFi
Property Details
House Rules
- Check-in: After 5:00 PM
- Minimum age to rent: 30
- Check-out: Before 10:00 AM
- Children allowed: ages 0–17
- Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
- Pets allowed: No
- Smoking allowed: Smoking is not permitted
- VERY IMPORTANT: Please observe the neighborhood quiet hours of 9pm to 8 am.: VERY IMPORTANT: Please observe the neighborhood quiet hours of 9pm to 8 am.
Important Information
- 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: 30
- Note from host: Please confer w owner on any type of event over 15
- 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 VR2R23-337, VR2R22-349
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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Nearby locations
- West Street Historic District 3 min walk
- Village Green 4 min walk
- Bar Harbor Whale Watching 8 min walk
- Shore Path 8 min walk
- Acadia National Park's Visitors Center 6 min drive
Getting around
- Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County Bar Harbor)
Restaurants
- Geddy's 7 min walk
- Thirsty Whale 4 min walk
- Blaze Craft Beer and Wood Fired Flavors 6 min walk
- Side Street Cafe 5 min walk
- Finback Alehouse 4 min walk
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at 3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 3500 SF Original School transformed into an artful, gorgeous village home, yard 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.