The Cottage
While most of our guests have been retired artists and musicians and dreamers, it’s a great spot for solo vacationers, couples or small families.
Have you ever been fascinated by the concept of a tiny home, but weren’t sure if you wanted to try something THAT tiny? Well, the Frisky Fish is a “just bigger than tiny” (about 800 sq feet), TWO bedroom waterfront cottage located on the working harbor of Bucks Harbor, Machiasport, Maine.
We pride ourselves on our high cleaning standards, washing all bedding including duvet covers and quilts in between guest stays and, as a rule, using non-toxic, natural cleaning supplies whenever possible.
The Frisky Fish Cottage was once the site of one of the oldest homes in the village (it was the summer home of the beloved town doctor and boating enthusiast — in fact, two local medical buildings are named after him), and perched very close to the water’s edge (it would not be allowed to be so close if built today). However, after the original antique home was destroyed in a fire about a decade ago, the house was totally rebuilt from the foundation; the result is a new and open cottage with soaring ceilings and window after window overlooking the tidal harbor.
The Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The cottage has a cozy first floor bedroom with a queen bed. Upstairs is a lofted bedroom with a king bed, sitting area and half bath. The cottage sleeps a total of 4 people. There is a full bath with stacked washer/dryer on the first floor.
Calendar & Rates Photo Gallery
Comfortable Waterfront Yard
The yard is a waterfront, park-like lawn, meadow and gardens. The Frisky Fish Cottage shares the yard with Camp From-Away. Each cottage has its own yard space separated by a privacy fence. Generally, the only part of the yard that is shared is a six foot access path in between the two cottages to a sandy entry point to the water (the property also abuts a public rocky beach for additional access).
Depending on the time of year that you visit, the gardens may be in full bloom — I’d love to take credit, but they were planted by the prior owner — quite frankly, I’m surprised I’ve been able to, not only keep them alive, but actually thrive. Behind the old boatlaunch is an easy access to launch a kayak (shared access with cottage next door).
NEAREST BEACHES:
***Finn Beach — adjacent to cottage – a short, rocky beach where fishermen launch their dayboats. Not really appropriate for swimming, it IS appropriate for pouring a glass of wine and watching the sunset.
***Jasper Beach – 1 mile
***Greys Beach – 2 miles
***Roque Bluffs State Park beach – 12 miles
LOCATION INFORMATION
Bucks Harbor is the working fishing/lobstering village in the town of Machiasport, Maine.
You will hear the chug-chug-chug of the boats in the harbor and the caw of the gulls and breathe in the salty ocean air. The harbor is filled with fishing and other commercial vessels and floats piled with lobster traps. You never know what kind of boat will be pulled up on the beach or moored in the harbor. Across the water, you will see the commercial pier loading and unloading often at the salmon farm.
Both across the water and sometimes, just across the street, you might hear the bahhh of sheep as they graze the various surrounding fields.
The Frisky Fish is also just under a mile to the world famous Jasper Beach with it’s melodious and unique music from the waves hitting the rocks. A must not miss experience.
GETTING AROUND
The Frisky Fish is approximately 10 miles from the town of Machias with a grocery store, restaurants including the famous
-Helens, known for their delicious blueberry pie ,
-The French Cellar – a wine and cheese store,
-Whole Life Natural Foods & Cafe, etc.
You can walk to the nearest lobster pound – BBS Lobster Trap, just around the corner and over the hill (although, then again, if you walk, you’ll have to walk back home carrying a dinner that may be a little rambunctious) or visit “Mother Shuckers Lobsters” in Roque Bluffs on your way home from a day at the state park and sandy beach. Both lobster options are fresh off the boat.
We are approximately one hour from the Canadian border (bring your passport) — extraordinary day trips can be taken to St. Andrews, Campobello Island and St. John.
We are approximately two hours from Acadia National Park main entrance and Bar Harbor (translate…. two hours Away from the TRAFFIC and CROWDS of Bar Harbor). Or consider Winter Harbor and Schoodic — the quiet side of Acadia, about an hour away, an easy day trip. Both Eastport and Lubec are less than an hour drive. For hiking closer to home, there are extraordinary hiking trails all around.
We are about two hours from Bangor Int’l Airport and about four hours from the Portland Jetway. We have many guests to the area who fly into Portland and meander up the coast, stopping for lunch or dinner in one of the myriad seaside towns.
I am a local real estate agent and property manager and am usually within 30 minutes of the cottage, should you need assistance with anything during your stay (unless I am traveling myself).
We have many guests who seek out our cottage, specifically because it’s tidal.
Some people love tidal waters, others don’t –IT’S TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHICH KIND OF PERSON YOU ARE!
WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO BE ON A TIDAL HARBOR IN DOWNEAST MAINE?
We are very close to the Bay of Fundy, in Canada, which has the highest tidal ranges in the world and is one of the seven wonders of the world. These extreme tidal areas are the reasons many tourists come to these spots- not only for the phenomenon of the extreme tides but also for the amazing bird watching as well as the sea creatures drawn to the area.
Twice a day, the water recedes almost completely from the harbor, and twice a day, water fills the basin. It’s fascinating to see the fishermen access their traps by driving their truck directly on the ocean floor in the middle of the harbor during low tide, just where boats had been a few hours before.
Activities like kayaking, must be timed to high tides — twice per day.
Amenities
| Gas (propane) stove | Refrigerator - freezer | Dishwasher |
| Coffee maker and grinder | Lobster pot and crackers | Microwave and blender |
| Stand mixer & Belgian waffle maker | Cooking and serving tools | Dishware for six |
| Iron and travel board | SMART DVD player | DVD library |
| Charcoal grill | High speed wifi | Ceiling and table fans |
| Firepit | Television | Stacked washer/dryer |
