Entire home

A Prism in the Wood

Vacation home near Acadia National Park in Mount Desert

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Interior
Property video
Exterior
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 42260 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Mount Desert, ME
  • Place, Acadia Repertory Theater
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Mount Desert

Oceanside stay.Your stay at this Somesville vacation home places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Acadia Repertory Theater and Maine Granite Industry Museum. Acadia National Park and Long Pond are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Acadia Repertory Theater - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Acadia National Park - 5 min drive - 3.9 miles
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co - 14 min drive - 11.9 miles
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 16 min drive - 10.5 miles
  • Cadillac Mountain - 25 min drive - 15.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Shell - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Jordan Pond House - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Milagro's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Little Notch Bakery - ‬11 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

Similar properties

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • 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

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Stereo
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 4 accessible parking spaces
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • 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
  • 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 (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Use of elevator is at tenants’ own risks. Owners will not be held liable for malfunctioning or failures.
Elevator use is restricted to people older than 21 years.Never use the elevator while alone at home, as in case of malfunctioning nobody can help you.

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

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
The main sofa has several stains

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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

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 14.4 mi (27-min drive) from Sand 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. 41 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Isolda T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jaime L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home and a great location for all of the exploring we did in Acadia and the surrounding areas.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful House in the Woods

Excellent place to stay near Acadia
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carsten B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property hidden in the Maine woods. Interesting architecture and excellent kitchen. Very enjoyable.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keira A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was truly an exceptional stay. The house is an architectural gem built in 1994 allowing nature, light and beauty into the unique structure. Stefano was a perfect and generous host. I would recommend this stay to anyone wanting to be near Acadia but not near the tourism of Bar Harbor. It's truly a secluded, quiet yet convenient location.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sparrow H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A diamond and a prism - this house was beautiful and so special.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely visit

Beautiful and original architecture in a quiet woodland setting. Great location. Great spacial design. Host was lovely to deal with.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eben D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly a gem in the woods.

I had so much fun during my first stay at this singular location that I came back a few weeks later. Truly a gem.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the unique experience!

Very cool place and views!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Modern Funky Home

The House was amazing. There was plenty of space for 4 of us—great amenities and thorough check-in and out instructions. Beautiful landscape and a convenient location for visiting Bar Harbor.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

nick r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway

This house made for the perfect wedding and celebration with 5 others. If you’re looking for seclusion with all the amenities then this is the spot!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic property

We enjoyed a wonderful stay at this architectural masterpiece. Everything was beautifully prepared by the host with no surprises. Property is situated very conveniently near Bar Harbor and Acadia national park. Would certainly recommend to others.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

eugene c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Prism in woods

Wonderful beautiful place to stay. Thanks for opening your home to us!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jerry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great experience

It was great to stay at this house with its beautiful surroundings and the immense amount of light that came in. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Peter S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical window into the woods

A rare opportunity to stay in an architectural marvel
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eileen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at A Prism in the Wood was nothing short of extraordinary. This magnificent home is a true masterpiece, blending artistic design with exceptional comfort. The house was impeccably clean and thoughtfully organized. Every amenity we could possibly need was provided. With the fresh scent of pine trees, the unobstructed view of woodlands at every level, and sightings of deer, foxes, we felt like we were one with nature. The location was perfect, tucked away on the quieter side of the island, yet just 10-20 minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia’s highlights, making it ideal for exploring. This home is a treasure, and we can’t wait to return in early spring. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a perfect blend of serenity, style, and convenience.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terri A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautifully surrounded by nature!

When you step out of your car, it smells like a Frazier Fir candle! It was peaceful
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eben D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical stay in the woods

Truly a singular property. The prisim in the woods is unlike any place I’ve ever stayed. Our dog enjoyed his time roaming the forest too. We will definitely be back. Stefano is the best host.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olga S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique house in a perfect location

We visit Acadia with our teenage children every summer, and this is the most incredible house we have ever rented. Unique design, photos do not do it justice - very modern, clean, stocked on all essentials. Location is perfect for hiking in Acadia, yet gives you plenty of privacy in the woods.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Krista P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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