Entire home

A Prism in the Wood

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A Prism in the Wood

Photo gallery for A Prism in the Wood

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Exterior
Property grounds
Dining

Overview of A Prism in the Wood

Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher

Check out the area

Map
Mount Desert, ME
  • Popular LocationAcadia National Park6 min drive
  • Popular LocationAcadia National Park's Visitors Center11 min drive
  • AirportBar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)14 min drive
  • Popular LocationCadillac Mountain26 min drive

Space details

2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 4
2260 sq ft
Bedroom 1
    1 queen bed
Bedroom 2
    1 queen bed
Bathroom 1
    Shower
Bathroom 2
    Shower
Bathroom 3
    No shower or bathtub

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Mount Desert

Oceanside stay.You'll find Acadia Repertory Theater and Maine Granite Industry Museum within 2 miles (3 km) of this vacation home. Acadia National Park and Long Pond are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Acadia National Park - 6 min drive
  • Echo Lake Beach - 10 min drive
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 11 min drive
  • Otter Cliff - 19 min drive
  • Cadillac Mountain - 26 min drive

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • Jordan Pond House Restaurant - 24 min drive
  • Shell - 5 min drive
  • Tan Turtle Tavern - 16 min drive
  • The Chart Room - 17 min drive
  • Beal's Lobster Pier - 14 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A Prism in the Wood

A Prism in the Wood is an award winning architecturally designed home nestled in the woods of Mt. Desert, through which passes the constantly changing light of the Maine seasons. The house is a frame of steel tubes completely enclosed in glass with the living spaces within floating like platforms through the grid. A light steel stair reaches up through the steel tubes to the second floor and a further spiral stair connects to the owner’s private quarters on the uppermost level. The levels are also connected by a free-standing glass elevator, the use of which is reserved to people above 21 year-old without children.

The ceilings are of unfinished fir planks and the floors of maple. All materials and finishes are hypoallergenic or chemically neutral.

The structure is anchored at one end by the concrete mass of the fireplace that serves on the outside as a giant scupper carrying off the rainwater from the long sloping roof. Standing on light steel extensions of the interior frame the house floats above the forest floor, visually and physically connected at the entrance by massive slabs of granite. Furniture is of contemporary design, mostly manufactured in Italy and Denmark. Contemporary artworks are hanged on the wall, suspended from the interior frame and free-standing on the floor.

This stunning property has been published several times in architecture magazines, books and on the NYT. It as all you will need for your island visit, the perfect place to relax at the end of and active day in the park. Centrally located in Mount Desert, it lies at about 500 meters from the top tip of Some Sound.

FIRST FLOOR: Enter into a light and modern great room. Comfortable seating by the gas fireplace with a nearby screened in porch. Dining area with a large round table and seating for six. Kitchen with gas stove and spacious pantry. Home office space with access to a large garage with two large floor-to-ceiling windows. Half bath.

SECOND FLOOR: Open, loft style bedroom with Queen bed. Full bath with tub and shower.

THIRD FLOOR: Master bedroom with Queen bed, and full bath including shower and small soaking tub.

BASEMENT with laundry machine and dryer.

EXTRAS: Elevator available for for occupants over 21 years of age. Though a very useful convenience this elevator poses a potential hazard and must be operated with the utmost of caution and at its own risk. Outdoor propane grill. Large garage. NO AIR CONDITIONING.

WARNINGS
Among the complains received are:
1. “The top floor mattress is way too firm”. It is true that it is thin and very firm. But that is the bed where the home owner sleeps, and how he likes it ….

2. No blinds on the bedroom windows. The house configuration, with two full walls of glass, doesn’t allow for it

3. In summer, before the birch trees reach full foliage, early morning sun can be annoying for people lying in bed

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower only
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: The main sofa has several stains

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • 1 unit
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,260 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:30 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: There is a pet fee. Make sure you select it.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Guests expressed concerns for too young children

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

House
A Prism in the Wood Mount Desert
A Prism in the Wood Private vacation home
A Prism in the Wood Private vacation home Mount Desert

Frequently asked questions

How close is A Prism in the Wood to the airport?

This vacation home is 8.2 mi (15-min drive) away from the Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does A Prism in the Wood have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is A Prism in the Wood to the beach?

This vacation home is 4.2 mi (10-min drive) from Echo Lake Beach and 17.5 mi (34-min drive) from Hunters Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does A Prism in the Wood offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at A Prism in the Wood?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at A Prism in the Wood?

Check-in begins at 5:30 PM.

Is there free parking at A Prism in the Wood?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does A Prism in the Wood have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does A Prism in the Wood have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is A Prism in the Wood to downtown Mount Desert?

This vacation home is 1.1 mi away from Mount Desert.

A Prism in the Wood Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rest+Recharge+Inspire = Prism
The location is well situated for tackling both sides of MDI/Acadia National Park yet feels beautifully remote. The house itself is like living within an inspired piece of modern art, both architecturally and in its interior design and furnishings. Interestingly, not withstanding the expanses of glass and metal, it was also very comfortable. The baths and kitchen are ready for a facelift, and the homeowner confirmed that those are in the works as we write this. That will only add to what is already a magical space. If you want to explore Acadia National Park and return to a home that is private, quiet, and relaxing, yet also capable of generating new energy and inspiring your own creativity, this is your destination.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful stay in the Woods!
We had a remarkable time at Prism in the Woods. You literally felt like you were in the middle of Acadia National Park. It was quiet, great places to walk, close to fun sites and eateries…nothing but beautiful memories!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard C.

Liked: Cleanliness
An incredible experience for everyone
A Prism in the Woods is a destination in and of itself, but also served as an amazing home base for our Acadia adventures. We have been to MDI multiple times previously and this is truly one our favorite travel experiences. Thank you Stefano for being so helpful, accommodating and accessible!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Peter S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical window into the woods
A rare opportunity to stay in an architectural marvel
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C., New Orleans, Louisiana

Liked: Cleanliness
Vacation in an Art Installation
The place was fantastic. It was like staying inside an art installation. The cabin of glass removed the boundaries and felt like you were one with the forest. We quickly adjusted to sleeping when the sun was down and rising with the sun in the morning. The place had everything and was in walking distance to the water. We loved our stay and took full advantage of the kitchen and the heated floors. Fantastic experience.
Stayed 16 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning!
The property is absolutely stunning. The architecture of the house is simple, smart, functional and comfortable. The house is well appointed with everything you could need and provides a perfect place to relax away from the crowds.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leanne P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique and serene getaway
We enjoyed our stay at Prism in the Woods. The property is one of a kind and particularly suited for those who love being in nature. The outdoors really comes in! Every night I could stargaze from my window - could not believe the stars in the night sky - just spectacular. Very close to Acadia and Bar Harbor for things to do. Stefano was very accommodating to work with.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Krista P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
My husband, our dog, and I had the most magical time at the Prism in the Woods. It was everything we hoped for and more! It was the perfect place to stay while we were on our elopement vacation! Already looking forward to returning in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan H., Boston, MA

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely week in the woods
This home was a lovely refuge for our family, and we enjoyed having it as a home base to explore the hikes on that side of the island. Highly recommend the Beech Hill Farm Stand, as well as the Acadia Mtn/St. Sauveur trails.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay in the woods!
We had a wonderful stay at Stefano's home in the middle of the woods in Maine. It was an easy, twelve minute drive to Bar Harbor and there was plenty to explore and do close by. The home itself was beyond beautiful, with full-wall windows that made it feel like you were sitting outside constantly. We would love to come back eventually and definitely recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022