Rice Cottage is a refined semi-private island retreat on Sutton Island in Maine’s Cranberry Isles, just offshore from Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor. Accessible only by boat, the home is surrounded by moss-lined footpaths, granite shoreline, and a diversity of wildlife. Offering cozy living spaces with stunning waterfront views , Rice Cottage is designed for guests seeking a quiet respite, heritage, and an unhurried coastal escape.
The space
Welcome to Sutton Island
We’re so glad you’ve chosen to experience Sutton Island with us. Below you’ll find helpful information to ensure your arrival and stay are as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Sutton Island is part of the adventure. Arrival requires a bit of coordination, but the reward is unmatched peace, natural beauty, and meaningful time spent with those you love.
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Local Airports
Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)
The closest airport, with limited flight options.
Bangor International Airport (BGR)
Approximately one hour to Northeast Harbor. Offers more frequent flights and greater airline options.
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Water Taxi Service to Sutton Island
We strongly recommend arranging water transportation in advance, particularly during high season (June through August).
Recommended Captains
Cadillac Water Taxi / Captain Blair
Captain Michael McEnroe
Flat-bottom boat, ideal for larger groups
Additional Information
• One-way pricing typically ranges from $90–$120
• Captain Michael McEnroe can accommodate larger groups and additional luggage
• Both captains are excellent and appreciate as much notice as possible during peak season
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Pickup Locations and Parking
Pickup Locations
Water taxi pickup can be arranged directly with your captain from:
• Northeast Harbor
• Southwest Harbor
• Manset Dock
Parking
• Parking for one vehicle is available in the Cranberry Isles lot at the Northeast Harbor Marina
• Additional parking may be available for a small fee at Haynes Garage, located a short distance away
Please coordinate parking needs in advance if applicable.
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Arrival on Sutton Island
Guests will arrive in one of two ways:
Main Dock
A short walk to the house. A cart will be provided at the dock for Rice Cottage guests.
Front Yard Landing (Tide Dependent)
When tides allow, Captain Michael McEnroe can land directly in the front yard using his flat-bottom boat. This is our preferred method, as it allows for easy unloading of people and luggage.
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Accessibility Considerations
Coming and going is part of the Sutton Island experience and can occasionally be physically demanding. For this reason, Sutton Island may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility or physical limitations.
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A Reassuring Word
If this feels like a lot to coordinate, please don’t worry. With a bit of forethought and planning, the process is very manageable, and we are happy to help guide you.
Once you arrive, the rewards are immediate—peace, waterfront views, and uninterrupted time to relax and reconnect. It is truly worth the journey.
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During Your Stay
• Everything will be fully prepared and ready upon your arrival
• If you have any questions or need guidance at any time, we are here to help
• This island retreat is best suited for rest and relaxation, quality time with family and friends, and those seeking quiet and natural beauty
We look forward to welcoming you and hope your time on Sutton Island is both memorable and restorative.
Things to Do On Sutton Island
Slow down. This is what Sutton Island does best.
• Long, Meandering Shoreline Walks
Wander the rocky shoreline at your own pace. Tides and light change constantly—each walk feels different.
• Sea Glass Hunting
Best after a storm or at low tide. Keep an eye out for blues and greens tucked between the stones.
• Porch Sitting with a Good Book
Morning coffee, afternoon reading, or sunset contemplation—no agenda required.
• Bird & Wildlife Watching
Loons, eagles, seals, and shorebirds are frequent visitors. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the haunting call of the loons echo across the water—an unforgettable sound.
• Cooking & Sharing Meals
The kitchen is meant to be used. Local seafood, simple meals, and long conversations are encouraged.
• Movies on “Big Blue” (the Couch)
Cozy evenings in with a film, especially after a full day outdoors.
• Adirondack Chair Conversations
Deep talks, laughter, or comfortable silence—best enjoyed facing the water with someone you love.
• Swimming (a.k.a. Cold Plunging)
For the brave! The water is invigorating and refreshing—especially on warm summer days.
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Things to Do Off Sutton Island
Important Planning Note:
You are truly on an island. Boat schedules, tides, and costs mean that trips off Sutton Island take time and planning. If you’re heading off-island—especially toward Acadia—plan a full-day excursion to make the most of it.
Nature & Exploration
• Acadia National Park
Iconic hikes, carriage roads, ocean cliffs, and mountain views. Pack layers, water, and allow extra travel time.
• Little & Great Cranberry Islands
Quiet, authentic island communities with beautiful scenery and a slower pace than Mount Desert Island.
• Fishing
Available both saltwater and freshwater. Be sure to check local and state permitting requirements before fishing.
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Towns, Shopping & Wandering
• Bar Harbor
Frequently ranked among the best small towns to visit in the U.S. A lively mix of shops, waterfront walks, and dining. Expect crowds in peak season.
• Northeast Harbor (NE Harbor)
Elegant, understated, and charming—perfect for strolling and shopping.
• The Kimball Shop – Classic Maine gifts and apparel
• Swallowfield – Curated home goods and clothing
Antiquing Favorites
• Two Old Goats Antiques – 749 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME
• Another’s Treasure – 367 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME
• 1A Relics – Ellsworth, ME
• Good Design Here – 147 Main St, Northeast Harbor, ME
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Restaurants & Food Worth the Trip
Plan ahead—many of these spots are small, seasonal, and popular.
• Islesford Dock Restaurant
A destination dining experience. Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.
• Dahlia’s at the Asticou Hotel – Northeast Harbor
Refined, seasonal cuisine in a beautiful setting.
• The Nor’Easter Pound & Market
10 Huntington Rd, Northeast Harbor
Fresh seafood, lobster, and local staples.
• The Salt Market
141 Main St, Northeast Harbor
Excellent coffee—arguably the best in town.
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Lobster & Blueberry Pie (A Maine Requirement)
You cannot leave without indulging.
• The Traveling Lobster
1569 ME-102, Bar Harbor, ME
• The “Hotdog Cart” (Don’t Be Fooled!)
7 Newman St, Winter Harbor, ME
Not a hotdog stand—trust us. Check hours ahead; they’re limited and quirky.
• The Bucking Lobster
An all-woman-owned food truck, often parked near the Northeast Harbor docks.
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Final Tips for Guests
• Build flexibility into your schedule—weather and boats set the pace here.
• Bring layers, even in summer.
• Reservations (boats, restaurants, Acadia parking) are worth making early.
• Most importantly: don’t overschedule. Sutton Island rewards those who slow down.
HOUSE RULES:
*Accommodation for 10 guests max
*No additional guests unless approved by host
*No parties or events
*No smoking in the house
*No pets
*Please no eating in the bedrooms or on the couches
*Please enjoy any of our books or games but return them as they were.
*Please do not rearrange or move any furniture or displays.
*Please leave doors locked if not on the premises
* Bath and beach towels will be provided. Please ONLY use beach towels at the beach and bath towels in the bath.
*Please use provided props to keep the old windows open. They will fall dramatically and break if not properly supported in the up position. Please also be patient in opening them, as they can often be sticky.
*Please NO FIRES of any kind…. in the woodstove or outside. There are very strict fire regulations on the island for obvious lack of a fire department. We take this very seriously, as do all the residents.
*Please enjoy the hiking trails, but do not cross private property. It is sometimes confusing so we will provide a map to help. If it looks like it’s private property, it probably is. We all share the common hiking trails.
*Please be mindful of the neighbors and keep noise to a minimum . Everyone is there for peace and quiet.
*Please enjoy the water but note it is VERY cold and there can sometimes be a strong current. We recommend swimming by the main dock for a more protected swim. Children should be watched at all times.
*Please hang wet towels on appropriate hooks and not on furniture or banisters.
*Please be mindful of your thermostat and adjust accordingly if not on the premises.
HOUSE NOTES:
*Fire extinguisher and fire blanket are provided and marked in the kitchen
*First Aid kit provided in the bathroom upstairs
*For any house emergencies please contact us immediately so we may assist you
*Please call 911 for any/all other emergencies
Checkout Instructions:
*Please depart by 5 pm on checkout day.
*Please leave all sheets on the bed and any pillows and blankets return where they were on arrival
*Please leave all wet towels on a designated hook or in the bathroom.
*Please wash all dishes or run the dishwasher prior to leaving.
*Please adjust the thermostat appropriately for an empty home
*Please turn off al lights and lock doors.
Guest access
Guest have use of the entire house and property excluding the shed.
Other things to note
*For your safety, the exterior of the house is monitored with security cameras
