We have unique Maine homes in our state, don't we? Whether it's a house so small you're not sure where to hang your hat, or one so big you can't FIND your hat, there are a wide variety of places to lay your head. From tiny to huge, we've tried to find the most unique houses that dot the Maine landscape. Some will have you dumping out your piggy banks, and others will make you secretly thankful to have the home you have!
This 10,000-square-foot home located in Bar Harbor looks a bit out of place in Maine, but once you're inside you'll forget all about that. The views are sweeping and available in just about every room of the house. If being inside isn't for you, just step out onto any of the eight decks that will allow you to breathe in that salty Bar Harbor air. It will have to do to just look at the photo though, because this house is sold. It's sold for a little over 2.375 million! It's expensive but it's too bad because this property is beautiful. The taxes are not much better they run high too. The house breaks the bank but you have to love this unique design.
Not into living in a house with eight decks? Maybe tiny living is for you! Located down a country road off of Route 302 in Waterford lies a little house by the banks of the Crooked River. It was built from the ground up by the skilled hands of a local Mainer. The inside of the Crooked River Tiny House comes with even more loving detail than the outside. The cabinets were discovered before the house even existed and the home was built to ensure they had a prominent place inside. Those cabinets hide every single grain, snack or cookie you could possibly want while being ensconced in the wilds of Western Maine. You can also spend the night in this adorable and secluded place. Check out the Crooked River Tiny House Airbnb page for more details.
This unique property looks wacky on the outside, but is fully renovated and absolutely pristine on the inside. It comes with beach rights and solar panels, but the best part is obviously that cool tower! This one sold as well. This time the sale price was only a mere $2.1 million.
Not quite ready to invest in the carriage house? Try out the Norumbega Castle for a night to see if the Norumbega life is for you. Overlooking Penobscot Bay in Camden, the Norumbega Castle stands out from just about every other structure along the Maine coast. Built in 1886, it was privately owned and lived in for almost 100 years before becoming a bed and breakfast that you can stay in today.
The Nancy Lou is one of three houseboats available for rent through Riggs Cove Rentals in Georgetown. The three houseboats in the Riggs fleet are all safely moored in place, so you won't inadvertently float towards the unknown. And, if you're not much of a boater, don't worry. No captain's license is required! Riggs will handle any training you'll need to familiarize yourself with the boats.
While perhaps not especially unique from the outside, this bed and breakfast is pretty special on the inside. Not because it's decorated beautifully (though it is), but because it's quite haunted. Guests at this Moosehead Lake mainstay have reported hearing unexplained voices and the sounds of feet tap dancing. A few lucky souls have seen a beautiful lady who appears to be very friendly. If you are in need of a romantic getaway or wanna room with a ghost book your night at the Greenville Inn.
This home is one of a few set up in a very unique community. Meant to offer affordable, environmentally sustainable and multi-generational homes, those who live here have access to land reserved for agriculture as well as tons of open space. Check them out online by clicking here.
Editors note: For safety reasons this building has been torn down and can no longer be viewed in person. However, we have this beautiful photo to remember it by to this day.
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This title is not official - it's just what I call this perfect masterpiece of an abode located near Searsport. We don't know a ton about it, but we do know that whoever is being paid to be caretaker has seriously fallen down on the job.
Legend has it that busy sea captain, George W. Bourne, did the carpentry work on this cake to atone for not having taken his bride, Jane, on a proper honeymoon. Built by Bourne in 1825, the home was attached to a barn that caught fire. To prevent the entire home from going up in flames, he allowed the barn to burn. Ultimately, in fixing the home, the cake-like embellishments were made. Check it out at 104 Summer Street in Kennebunk.
Casey Jordan, owner of Goose Rocks Island Light, believes her space is truly incredible. And, she's right! There is a queen bed in one room and bunk beds in the other, along with a large lounge to relax in for optimal water views. You'll even have your own staff at the lighthouse who will meet you at the ferry to take you to the stores and show you around the town if necessary.This staff also helps guests with their food and belongings, and takes them by boat back to the ferry. The light has been supported by Beacon Preservation Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of lighthouses and their environments for educational, cultural, recreational, and historical preservation purposes. So pay a visit to the beacon preservation inc website to book a stay.
11. The Adriance House
https://youtu.be/m8tgJyB3I98
This home was built from 12 shipping containers, divided into two groups of six that are separated by a glass area. Check out this video for a full tour of the home and the reasons why it exists.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
We love a good beach cottage in Maine. Being right by the water and falling asleep to the sound of the waves is one of the most peaceful sounds in all of the world. In the Pine Tree State, we have lots of cabins and cottages that take full advantage of our glorious coastline. However, when you are looking for something wholly unique you will want to turn to this one-of-a-kind safari-themed suite in Maine. Not only is it close to the ocean, but it will take you to a fancy and romantic jungle oasis for two.
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Welcome to Asante Sana, which is Swahili for “thank you very much”.
After seeing this property the sentiment will be very appropriate because there is nothing quite like this in the whole state. The suite is located in the house with its own private entrance. You can traverse the lush green overgrowth that is perfectly manicured and looks completely different from anything else found in our state.
Stepping inside of the property is sure to blow you away, and there is a certain elegance to the entire suite.
The theme may be safari but you might feel like you have stepped into the private quarters of an African estate. The experience is meant for two and is so immersive you might just expect to see a wild giraffe greet you through the window.
The custom-made hot tub area right outside of your bedroom window is entirely exotic.
Soak in the warm pool and be soothed by the continuous sound of the water pouring in from the fountain. Because of the custom design, the appearance of the pool brings to mind finding a natural hot spring deep in the jungle.
Round the corner and see the immaculate design of the outside shower.
With a luxurious rainfall shower head it will feel like you have found a private waterfall flowing from a rocky cleft. There is an indoor shower as well for those who would prefer to shower inside but the allure of this outdoor space is tough to beat.
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The suite will be elegantly decorated with safari animals and beach life staples.
We like to think of this unique stay as a perfect marriage between Maine and African cultures. The fresh smell of the coffee being prepared in your own private coffee bar in the morning is only second to the fresh salty air made possible because of the property's proximity to the beach.
With just a short walk from your African oasis and you can step onto Goose Rocks Beach. With the warm white sand beneath your toes and the sound of the sea to guide you, this is the perfect place to spend some time relaxing with the love of your life.
This safari-themed suite in Maine, is simply one of a kind. This romantic getaway is perfect for something entirely unique and elegant in our state. Escape to the jungle and the beach all in one place. To plan your trip make sure to check out this safari-themed suite Vrbo page.
