A pick nick with fresh oysters and... Upon reaching Nautilus Island its winsome character is as captivating as its storied contribution to the American Revolution. Nautilus Island is a refuge upon Penobscot Bay and marks the head of Castine Harbor. The 300-foot dock provides comfortable access to the shore at low tides and marks the safety of the gentle cove and stone beach. A cluster of buildings found amidst century-old sugar maples greet guests upon their arrival to Nautilus. The Cape Cod Cottage and tennis court sit above the Sugar Shack, vineyard and Boathouse. The Boathouse has remained virtually unchanged for over a century and is a popular place to picnic with your friends and family. Lobsters, clams, mussels and oysters are harvested from the waters around the island and a lobster or clam bake is available upon request. The island prospers under stewards who savor the autonomy of island life, and guests who are seeking the luxury of a private island are welcome.Rates:Cape Cod Cottage: Starting at USD 3,500 per week.Main House: Starting at USD 12,500 per week.Entire Island: Starting at USD 16,000 per week.Rates are set according to season and the number of guests. However, the most preferred arrangement entails the rental of both houses and reserves the island for your exclusive use. Rates for long weekends, special events, or rental by small parties are quoted upon request.Location:Nautilus is a 38-acre private island located in Castine Harbor, Maine, on Penobscot Bay, looking across the bay at Islesboro and the Camden Hills. Only a 5-minute boat trip from the private docks in the Town of Castine it is a world away. The island is less than a one-hour drive from Bangor, Maine and its international airport.Accommodation:The Cape Cod Cottage, a century-old structure, is a 3-bedroom home with an open kitchen/living room, large bath with shower and claw-foot tub, dining room and fireplace. It has splendid views of the sugar maples, vineyard, orchard, gardens and shore. Outside is a porch with a barbecue, dining area and herb garden. The cottage accommodates up to 8 guests and can be rented separately.The main house on the bluff has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 with walk-in shower, 1 with large claw-foot tub) and accommodates up to 10 guests, all on the second floor. On the first floor there is a library with TV, powder room, large living room, office with internet, fax and copier, foyer, butler's pantry with laundry, professional kitchen, and formal dining room with a table seating 14. Artwork adorns the Maine House with works by Maine Artists. There is an outside wraparound stone terrace culminating at the covered round terrace with spectacular views of Penobscot Bay. Sitting there on the bluff is mesmerizing, and one could easily spend the day there after an al fresco breakfast. A wide stone staircase leads to the terrace with the private infinity pool , spa and grill area. The island is self-catering and rates include a boat captain, caretaker and a midweek linen change and cleaning. Our staff will assist with provisioning, sightseeing, island amenities and boat shuttles to and from the mainland. All-inclusive rates including full staff, chef, etc., are available upon request.
