OAKLAND HOUSE COTTAGES BY THE SIDE OF THE SEA
Welcoming Guest into a World Set in Yesteryear...Now, in its 128th Season.

Policies for the 2017 season

If you will be staying in a room at Hostel@Acorn by the Sea, policies vary slightly. See our Hostel@Acorn Policies.

Cancellation or Date Changes:

 Deposits are fully refundable only if the reservation is changed or cancelled more than forty-five days prior to arrival date (sixty days for reservations longer than two weeks or those that involve more than one accommodation). Deposits for reservations cancelled or changed less than forty-five days prior to arrival date may be refundable, less a $50 cancellation fee, only if we are able to rebook the cottage. Trip insurance is recommended.

Substitution of Accommodations:

 Occasionally through unforeseen circumstances an accommodation may have to be changed. If at all possible, guests are consulted prior to arrival. When a more expensive accommodation is substituted, guests are not charged for the difference. If it is necessary to substitute a less expensive accommodation, the lower price will be charged.

Reservation Deposits:

 At the time of reservation, we require a deposit of 50% of the total reservation including tax and $200 refundable security deposit. The remaining balance is due one month before arrival. We would prefer a check; however we also accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. We require a credit card number to be kept on file for all reservations.
Security Deposits: We charge a $200 refundable security deposit, which will be returned two weeks after departure unless there is damage, the cottage is left in poor condition or there was an unauthorized late checkout.

Hide-a-beds, Porta-cribs and High Chairs:

 There is a supplemental fee of $15/person/day for each extra guest (over the age of 7) who sleeps on a hide-a-bed sofa in the living room. We do not have roll-away beds, but do have porta-cribs and high chairs at no charge. For your safety, cottage maximum occupancies apply. Due to the risk of bedbugs, no sleeping bags or personal inflatable mattresses are allowed in our cottages.

Check-in Time:

 Check-in time is any time after 4 p.m. If we are out of the office at the time of your arrival, we will post your "Welcome and Check-in" instructions on the bulletin board by the old hotel office door. Requests for early check-ins must be approved in advance. Restrictions apply.

Check-out Time:

 Checkout time is any time prior to 11 a.m. Requests for late checkout must be approved in advance. Restrictions apply. Unauthorized late check-outs will be subject to a $100 late fee plus tax which will be deducted from security deposit.

Smoking Policy:

 We do not permit smoking of any kind inside any of our buildings. Ashtrays are provided on cottage porches and patios for smoker's use. Smoking is not allowed in the Hotel or Barn, on their porches or in areas designated for public use. For fire safety reasons, all smoking materials MUST be extinguished in designated receptacles and not on the grounds or trails. Any evidence of smoking found in guest cottages will result in a $500 cleaning charge.

Dogs are Whole Heartedly Welcomed in Birches Cottage:

 We do not allow dogs on Oakland House beaches. Dogs must be on leash at all times. We charge $10/day per dog; one dog per cottage. See our Dog Friendly, Dogs Welcome Policy. We do not allow cats or other pets.

Light House Keeping and Firewood Delivery:

 We will be providing daily housekeeping services from June 24 to September 4, 2017. Our Daily Housekeeping consists of: Making beds with linen change mid-week and after check-out, vacuuming, replacing soiled towels, delivering firewood/laying a fresh fire in the fireplace, and removal of trash and recyclables. Cleaning kitchens and washing dishes are your responsibility.

No matter the season, the cottages will be clean with fresh linens and pillows on the beds, fresh bath and kitchen towels, and wood in the wood box, when you arrive.
We supply "GREEN" and 100% recycled paper products: Dish soap, hand and body soap, shampoo, cleaning supplies, tissues, toilet paper and paper towels.
Please Note: During the pre-season and fall periods the cottages are self-serve after arrival. Housekeeping, trash removal and wood delivery is then self-serve. Extra firewood is available for a fee with clean linens available FREE upon request.

Kitchen Facilities:

 Our cottages have full kitchens or kitchenettes in which to fix meals. Our kitchenettes have a refrigerator, sink, counter, automatic coffee maker, toaster, electric or induction hot plate, and microwave oven. Our full kitchens are complete with the preceding and also an oven and stovetop burners. A large assortment of utensils, dishes, pots and pans are provided.

Limited WiFi in Cottages:

 The cottages have "country" WiFi that is sufficient for most information requests, Google queries and email on a laptop or smart phone. It is not sufficient for large photo file uploads or streaming video or audio. Higher speed connections are available at the Brooksville and Blue Hill Libraries and several restaurants in Blue Hill.

Phone Service:

 There is intermittent and spotty cell phone service on our property although there are areas that are better than others. We have an old-fashioned pay phone booth on the porch of the old hotel. Local calls are FREE. Credit cards are required for calls outside our immediate area.

The Barn:

 The Barn will be open for scheduled activities. The upright piano is well tuned. The barn can be reserved and is a great place for a family gathering, a catered meal or reception.

Beaches:

 The beaches are "glass free", "alcohol free", "smoke free", and "pet free" zones, thank-you. Fires are not allowed on the beaches (or grounds) at any time.

Quiet Hours:

 Between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am we ask that you respect the peace and quiet of the days and evenings on this gentle coast of Maine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While some things are the same, some things have changed:
  • Hotel Office: We will be staffing our on-site office in the old hotel during select hours, though the restaurant will not be open.
  • Hiking Trails to Lookout Rock: The wonderful Yellow Dot and Blue Dot hiking trails and access to Lookout Rock remain.
  • The Lake Beach: The historic lake beach accessed through Camp Robin Hood is no longer part of the Oakland House and not available to our guests. However, there is a wonderful public swimming beach and boat launching facility on the opposite side of the lake. It is beautifully accessible by car (off Route 15 via the Cooper Farm Road through the Blue Hill Heritage Trust Land south and northwest to the public landing), with picnic tables and rest facilities. It catches the afternoon sun too!
  • The Ocean Dock: The dock is now privately owned and is not part of the Oakland House property; however Herrick's Landing (and the grassy lawn and adirondak chairs around the apple tree) to the right (west) of the dock remains part of Oakland House and is available to guests for recreation and launching of small boats.

    Kayaks and Canoes:

     We encourage you to bring your own kayak, canoe or small boat. It's also easy to arrange to have a kayak or canoe delivered to the Oakland House for use while you are here. The Activity Shop in Blue Hill knows our property well: info@theactivityshop.com or call 207-374-3600.

    Boat Launching:
  • Lake: On the nearby lake (Walker Pond) launching facilities are available at the Brooksville-Sedgwick Public Landing (accessed from the gravel road near the top of nearby Caterpillar Hill). It's a great facility that enables guests to put in a "clean" kayak, canoe, or small powerboat. We do NOT advocate the use of jet skis on Walker Pond, nor do our neighbors. As the lake is drinking water pure and free of invasive plants your boat MUST BE absolutely clean of contaminates from other lakes.
  • Ocean: Small boats may be launched at high tide at Herrick's Landing by Oakland House guests with our prior permission. There are many submerged rocks along our shore and thus the oceanfront is not suitable for jet skis. Additionally, we have a place where you can store your small boat trailer while you are staying with us. The tides rise and fall 12 - 15 feet twice a day. While Oakland House guests do not have access to the dock, there are other options available. Oakland House has two moorings that you might inquire about for your use and you could come ashore with your own dingy. You may keep your dingy, kayak or canoe on the grassy area by the apple tree at Herrick's Landing during your stay. Launching facilities for larger boats are available at Bucks Harbor Public Landing.

    Alcoholic Beverages:

     The consumption of alcoholic beverages in your accommodation is your prerogative; however, it is not allowed in public areas, the beach, woods, trails, and grounds.

    Barbecue Grills and Bonfires:

     We do not allow the use of charcoal grills or hibachis for fire safety reasons. Portable propane grills may be used with proper safety precautions on decks or patios with permission in advance. Bonfires are not allowed.

    Grounds & Trails:

     This is a pastoral community with quiet pursuits the norm. We subscribe to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. Take out only what you came in with.

    Policy Changes

     Policy Changes may occur as the season progresses.

    Call us for Information or to request a reservation :

    207-359-8521 Email: relax@oaklandhouse.com