Cliff-perched: stunning ocean views, private hiking trails, complete seclusion

Designed to evoke a ship, this stylish 2BD home overlooks the ocean and is surrounded by 50 acres of woods, wildlife, and area beaches. Complete privacy but only 17 min from town. Hike, kayak, BBQ, explore Downeast harbors, or just relax on the deck.

The Prowhouse was designed by Machiasport poet and sea captain Phil Rose to evoke the prow of a ship. The home's distinctive, angular 'prow' and its floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Howards Cove, a lovely crescent of ocean water and woodlands cupped in the north by unique Jasper Beach. In addition to the remarkable view, our guests enjoy complete solitude — there's only one other home remotely visible and it's across the cove about a mile away.

The Prowhouse fits 4 people comfortably. The master bedroom has large windows with a dizzying view over the cliff to the ocean floor below. The second bedroom is smaller but is very cozy; it's walls are covered with blue and gold-colored nautical maps of New England. The downstairs has a handsome living room, dining area, kitchen and bathroom.

The style of the home's decor is a mix of mid-century modern and nautical aesthetic, i.e. lots vintage furnishings in teak and brass. While the Prowhouse is newly renovated with all modern amenities, you'll feel as if you've stepped into the 50s or 60s when you walk through the door. For instance, you'll find furniture, art, and design by mid-century Modernists Paul McCobb, Norman Cherner, Percival Lafer, and Curtis Jere. A library corner contains a Danish desk, vintage books, an old rotary phone, an Olivetti typewriter, and a classic Thorens turntable. Most of the paintings and photographs throughout the house are unconventional takes on natural and nautical themes. (Don't expect twee paintings of sea captains and lighthouses when the real deal is just outdoors.)

When the sun is out and the weather warm, enjoy the Prowhouse's spacious deck and picnic table at the cliff's edge. The Prowhouse grounds are fun to explore with small paths threading through the trees, along the cliff's edge, up stone steps and into small gorges.

House Details: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

Guests have access to the entire home, except the cellar. Amenities include a new washer, dryer, and gas stove as well as a coffee maker, grinder, blender, microwave, waffle iron, lobster pot, and all kitchen essentials. You'll find a BBQ grill out on the deck along with chairs and loungers.

The bathroom is on the first floor and has a shower (no tub). All linens are included as well as bathroom amenities.

Please note: the smaller bedroom, which is right next to the master bed upstairs, doesn't have its own door due to the home's quirky architecture, but when the master bedroom door is shut, the second bedroom becomes private by default. Hope that makes some sense.

About the area:

Machiasport, according to the popular travel guide Lonely Planet, is the 'real Downeast.' So if you stay here, don't expect crowds of camera-toting tourists ( you'll find those 1.5 hours south of us in Bar Harbor.) Machiasport, instead, is for those seeking an intimate and authentic experience of Maine coast culture. The experience first unfolds from the seat of your car; Port Road, leading from the town of Machias to Machiasport, is quiet and unassuming but full of character. The road meanders past marshes, woods, and mudflats; passes stacks of lobster traps, lopsided barns and lobster boats, and resident homes of varying repair and personality. We love trips in and out of town. So will you.

Just off the end of Port Road, and down Rose Lane (a quarter mile dirt road through the trees), you'll find the Prowhouse perched atop Rose Ledge. While the home's location is wonderfully idyllic surrounded by acres of trees and wildlife — it's hardly idle; Howards Cove will serve as your own private seaside-theater, presenting you daily with a small parade of lobster boats, seabirds, seals, kayakers, and dramatically expressive clouds. Looking out our windows or standing on Rose Ledge, you'll also see Cutler's distant radio towers that twinkle at night; you'll catch the silhouette of salmon farms against the sea, and, a little farther afield, you'll discover Libby Island Lighthouse whose intermittent flash and foghorn add ambiance to your stay. (Did I say foghorn? Yes, indeed I did. The price we Mainers pay for such traditional New England iconography is, of course, the existence of fog. However, if you're a fan of the Scottish Highlands or misty, medieval forests carpeted in thick mosses and dark tree trunks, you'll find the foggy days an authentic part of the Downeast package.

The Prowhouse is surrounded by 50 acres of woods and wildlife, including some rocky beaches complete with caves and vertiginous cliffs. Wildlife seen around the property include bald eagles, seals, deer, porcupine, harbor porpoises, foxes, and even moose. As mentioned before, the Prowhouse is perched upon one such cliff called Rose Ledge (named, like Rose Lane, after the Rose family.) Perhaps 'Blueberry Ledge' would be more fitting since in August the ledge is hued in swaths of blueberries. Pick some in the morning and have blueberry pancakes for breakfast.

The Prowhouse faces the east so the sunrise is truly spectacular. A clear night sky showcases the Milky Way — or a full moon mirrored by the sea.

Beaches: there's a traditional white sand beach 15 minutes away at Roque Bluffs state park. But Howards Cove features more distinctive Downeast geography including a brown sand beach and a cave (melodramatically named Devil's Oven), as well as dozens of shaggy, seaweed-strewn tidal pools and impressive Acadia-esque rock formations — all within walking distance of the Prowhouse. The real gem of our area is, however, Jasper Beach. One of two beaches in the world consisting entirely of polished stones, this surreal beach is just 2+ minutes drive up the road. Feel free to go to Jasper Beach and collect a couple of these handsome stones for souvenirs or explore the cove with your kayak. Bring a picnic lunch and listen to the strange, burbling sound of the surf as it crashes over the stones.

Beyond Howards Cove are the following areas of interest:

Starboard Cove: a sleepy, former shipyard good for a morning stroll. Walking distance or short drive from the house.

Point of Maine: a slightly longer walk beyond Starboard. More beaches. Quiet and unassuming residential area. More views of the sea.

Bucks Harbor: working harbor where you can buy fresh lobster at BBS lobster pound. 5 minutes drive up Port Road.

Yurts: search online for The Yurt Foundation for info.
A 7 minute drive + 2 mile walk through the woods to a small yurt community. Your hosts can provide directions.

Petroglyphs on Clarks Point: ask your hosts about where to search for these historic glyphs made by Passamaquoddy Indians.

Roque Bluffs: state park and beach (swimming, kayaking, picnics and hikes)

Machias: for restaurants, kayak rentals, local entertainment, and supplies (17 minutes up Port Rd.) Hosts the famed Blueberry Festival in August.

Daytrips:
- Cutler (for access to the spectacular Bold Coast hiking trails and Puffin tours)
- Gardner Lake (fresh water swimming)
- Lubec and Campobello Island (This is Canada so bring a Passport! 2800 acre Roosevelt Campobello International Park for FDR's summer home, birding, biking, hiking, boat tours, East Quoddy Lighthouse, and the Bay of Fundy. Fabulous day trip.)
- Eastport (charming Easternmost city in the U.S.)
- Jonesport and Beals Island (working harbor and nature reserve, golfing)
- Moosehorn Nature Reserve (bald eagles and hiking trails)

Getting Around:

No public transport.
Ways to explore: feet, car, boat. There are bike trails locally so you can bring a bike.

Things to note:

Please be aware of the following:

Due to it's location on a ledge, the Prowhouse is not wheelchair accessible or easily accessible for the elderly or infirm.

Howards Cove is a deep water cove meaning there are no stinky mud flats or eternally low tides! But deep water also means strong currents, freezing cold water, and dangerously steep cliffs — one of which the Prowhouse is built upon.

If you're an experienced kayaker, this may be an ideal area to explore. But please take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Kayaking is entirely at your own risk.

We do not recommend swimming in Howards Cove due to the unpredictable currents and cold water.

Because of the cold water and steep cliffs, we discourage renters with small children or pets.

Also note: while we don't have a TV set we do have wireless internet, lots of books and games and, again, lots of nature and beautiful views. The aforementioned is the reason we passed on the boob tube.