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Lakefront Home On Beautiful Donnells Pond,32 miles From Acadia N P and Bar Harbr

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Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Sun-loungers, beach towels
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Franklin, ME
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watching
  • Donnell Pond
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

Outdoor dining

Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 52 reviews
Pond House - Donnell's Pond in Franklin, Maine

About the area

Franklin

When you stay at this vacation home in Franklin, you'll be on the waterfront and 10 minutes by foot from Donnell Pond. .This vacation home is 20.6 mi (33.2 km) from Acadia National Park and 29 mi (46.7 km) from Acadia National Park's Visitors Center.
View more Holiday homes in FranklinOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Donnell Pond - 1 min drive - 0.8 km
  • Abrams Pond - 37 min drive - 22.3 km
  • Acadia National Park - 45 min drive - 39.5 km
  • Schoodic Beach - 54 min drive - 30.1 km
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf - 57 min drive - 52.8 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ironbound Inn - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪The Galley - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Sullivan Harbor Farm Smokehouse - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪The Honeybee Cafe - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Chester Pike's Galley - ‬20 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.

Lakefront Home On Beautiful Donnells Pond,32 miles From Acadia N P and Bar Harbr

Located on a large lake, beautiful, pristine, Donnell Pond in Downeast Maine. Welcome to 'Memory Cove'!
Donnell Pond is one of Maine's premier lakes, with miles of protected and forever wild shoreline. Quiet even at the height of summer, with beautiful mountain views, remote sand beaches, and hiking.
Built in the early '60s as our family's Maine summer 'camp', 'Memory Cove' is floor-to-ceiling knotty pine, rustic, and spacious with a large newly remodeled kitchen, bathroom, and deck. Our dining area seats six with a separate den to relax and enjoy TV. The deck is right off the front, with a gas grill and plenty of seating so you can relax and enjoy a summer meal while taking in the beauty of the pristine lake.
Just steps to the dock to grab a kayak, or canoe and paddle out to islands or perhaps the secluded sandy beaches for a picnic or a mountaintop hike. Shared swim float for sunbathing and swimming, kids love it!
Other amenities include full laundry, dishwasher, deck with a propane grill, fireplace inside, and a fire pit outside (bring some marshmallows!).
Swim, fish right off the dock, or just relax on the deck while taking in the spectacular beauty of the mountains and lake.
Use our 2-person canoe and several single-person kayaks for your enjoyment.
My parents, born and raised in Maine, built this home in 1963 as a summer retreat. Every summer my parents would load up the station wagon and with 8 kids in tow drive from New York to Franklin, Maine to spend the summer. In Maine, a summer lake home is often referred to as 'camp'. And truly in the early years, camp it was, with no running water or electricity and with 8 kids (some in diapers). We loved it and we can't imagine a childhood without swimming and being on the lake. Over the years 'camp' has evolved into a home, perhaps still a bit rough around the edges, but no better spot exists as far as we 'kids' believe.
It's our pleasure to share our home with you so that you can make your own everlasting memories of summer in Maine.
Welcome to Memory Cove!
Make yourself comfortable in this vacation home, which features a fireplace. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as gas grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Gas grill
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks 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)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 26

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 not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Reviews

Lakefront Home On Beautiful Donnells Pond,32 miles From Acadia N P and Bar Harbr Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Emily K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Do not scroll past this rental!

This clean, peaceful and full-of-love home on a lake will stick with you long after you leave. We stayed for four nights (a mistake—we could have spent a week!) and genuinely would recommend it to anyone exploring Acadia/Downeast ME. Our kids (ages 8&10) fished off the dock mornings and evenings, we kayaked, canoed, SUP’d, and just sat outside taking in the view. We made multiple meals at the house and had everything we needed including the basics like oil/vinegar/salt/pepper/butter. We played cards and read books and watched hummingbird-territory battles. We did venture to Acadia two days: strongly advise against Mount Desert Island in the summer! However, Schoodic was amazing and so peaceful by comparison. We also recommend getting tickets one night to go to Timber Tina’s Lumberjack Show in Trenton—my kids are still talking about it. And lastly, communication with Tim was easy and quick; he even helped when we needed to amend our reservation in the month before we came. The only issue we had, and this is personal for me, was that the beds were very soft—I love a hard bed and they were not to be found here. However, all my family loved the beds except me! Overall, this is a 5-star VRBO and you’d be lucky to find it available!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chad M.

Liked: Cleanliness

True Taste of Maine

We had a great week at Memory Cove! Our family of five (3 kids 12 and under) had a wonderful vacation and loved everything about our stay. So much to do at the lake (paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, etc.) that we spent several days at Memory Cove without leaving. The cabin is close enough to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park but far enough from the tourist areas that you feel like you're experiencing the best of Maine. Highly recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hadis K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Vacation home

We enjoyed our vacation time at this lake house very time!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawn S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Maine getaway

Great visit to a cool cabin on the lake. Lots of kayaks and paddle boards for peaceful water sports. Saw a loon mom and dad and 2 babies on our last day! Enjoyed coffee each morning on the back deck. Well worth the trip!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great family stay on Donnell Pond

Our first visit to ME was great! Thank you Leavitt family for offering your home during our stay. The view is beautiful. We enjoyed sipping our coffee every morning sitting on the dock. The owners were very responsive and prompt to address a minor issue we had. Plus, all the area recommendations they gave us were super helpful. We enjoyed exploring Donnell Pond with the kayaks and paddle boards. We look forward to our trip back to Maine and Memory Cove! P.S. Be sure to go to Schoodic Point —breathtaking!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect

Very nice cabin. Perfect location. We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Idyllic vacation home

It was a delight to walk into this sparkling clean, lakefront cabin located on a beautiful Donnell Pond (which would clearly be a lake in Colorado). While we’ve stayed in lots of vacation rentals in this country and others, this was the first time it felt more like entering the home of a close friend or family member. It was comfortable and plentifully stocked with everything we could possibly need. This included a recently remodeled kitchen with all the high quality pots, pans, dishes, condiments and gadgets that one could need. Having kayaks and a canoe right there for our use was delightful. It included so many thoughtful details, such as reusable bags for grocery shopping and guides for local activities. The host was very responsive should we need anything. The setting is amazingly quiet and peaceful with the call of the loons being a predominant sound. We hated to leave and would surely love to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jaime B., Wyndmoor

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely, quaint cabin fulfilled relaxation expectations

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The cabin provided all we needed for a one week stay for myself, my husband and our two teenagers. We had two relaxing “lake days” and spent the rest of our days on Mt Desert Island. While MDI is not around the corner we felt we had the best of both worlds being able to have a retreat away from the crowds. The home is cozy and has nice, modern updates but still gives you the Maine, lake, cabin feel. Owner checked in to make sure we got in ok but we did not need anything from him during our stay. The lake is beautiful and peaceful and we appreciated using the kayaks, paddle boards and canoes.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect in every way

Memory Cove was perfect for us. A beautiful location and property. The time went by too quickly, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Can’t wait to go back again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Memory Cove = Slice of Heaven

We had a wonderful stay at Memory Cove. It was peacefull and relaxing with everything you could possibly need. We used it as a home base for exploring Acadia and spending time together making memories! We feel really blessed the hosts have opened their home and allow others to make memories among the sounds of the wind, waves, frogs, loons and owls. We hope to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful place on the lake

Our family had an awesome time. This is a great place on the lake.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Warm, inviting, relaxing, beautiful

We had a very nice time enjoying the scenery and activities available.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bill C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Pond Views

The Lake Front cabin was very comfortable, well equipped , update. Was a joy to watch the mist rise from the lake every morning, as the chipmunks played on the rocks in the yard. The fire pit was great for evening peaceful relaxing. Host communicated quickly to any message. Great spot!!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matt S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Honeymoon

My wife and I recently spent our Honeymoon at Memory Cove. It was picture perfect. Our only issue was initially locating the property, having arrived late at night due to a long drive from Jersey. Though it was past midnight, we called Tim for help and he drove out to meet us right away and directed us to the property. We had missed the driveway due to the darkness but Tim showed us right where to go. The house is cozy, rustic, and had everything we needed, including lots of cooking implements, spices, linens, even a washer/dryer, etc. It was an extremely peaceful, scenic location, right on the lake. It made for an ideal base as we explored the surrounding area. Bangor, Bar Harbor, Acadia, Ellsworth, all are just a short drive away. My wife and I would gladly return in the future to make more memories here!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joseph B., Hattiesburg, MS

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Escape

Great trip to Maine for some leaf peeping and to get away for a week - this house was awesome and had everything we needed. We love to cook and the kitchen was well-equipped. Donnell Pond is beautiful and we watched sunrises, paddled in the lake every day, and enjoyed the beautiful weather. The property was easy to get to from the directions and though it's on a dirt road, we had no trouble with our rental car getting there. Host's instructions were easy to follow, and camp is located close to Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor. We had a great time and thanks to the hosts for opening their wonderful camp.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn D., Manheim, PA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Hate to leave!

had a marvelous stay at Memory Cove and hope to return. Donnells Pond is spectacular and was wonderfully quiet and peaceful at this time of year. Excellent access to MDI and Acadia. Tim was a super host and very responsive to queries.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Prashant T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing Stay at Memory Cove

Our family of 4 had an amazing one-week stay at Memory Cove! The listing does not do justice to how great this place is. The lake views are amazing and the cabin is so nice and comfortable. Everything is very updated and clean and comfortable. It felt like we were staying at a family members cabin. Tim is a fantastic host and a great communicator. I can’t thank him enough for the great week we had. Next time we’re visiting Acadia there’s no question we hope to stay at Memory Cove again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susan K., Moscow, PA

Liked: Cleanliness

Memory Cove visit Terrific!

Memory Cove is exactly as described and a pleasure to visit. Donnells Pond is remote and large, pristine with a small amount of "camps" dotting the cove in comparison to the "pond" size. We enjoyed a beautifully updated & stocked kitchen, rustic and nicely furnished living and dining area, plenty of blankets/towels, as well as a great deck, fire pit, kayaks & canoe. It's about a 35 min drive to Acadia/Bar Harbor, an easy drive, and it was nice to come back at the end of day to a quiet peaceful home base. Over-all a great week, and we look forward to coming back. Only additional comment I would offer is the bathroom is a shared one between both bedrooms. I mention it as I didn't see any pix of it on the site originally and asked Tim to confirm there was indeed one indoors (some other properties we looked at were outside) :) Thank you Tim!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robin M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Memory Cove

Beautiful lake home with gorgeous views. It was the most well stocked rental we've ever stayed in. Great location, close to Acadia. Great host.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Casey R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Visit in September

Our family stayed at Memory Cove in early September after many folks had left for the season so it was fairly quiet. It lived up to its name and we definitely made fond memories. Our kids waded in the water out front as we sat on the chairs watching and relaxing. We used the kayaks and canoe provided (the kids first canoe ride...good idea to bring your own life jackets although a few are provided) to row across to the lovely sandy beach to swim as well as explore the islands. We spotted bald eagles and cormorants, heard loons and owls, investigated beaver lodges and schools of fish, gazed up at shooting stars and the milky way. We had a fire each night with the requisite s'mores and snuggled in to the comfy beds at night. We took a drive to the Schoodic peninsula and enjoyed hiking and exploring the rocky coast. We found the house perfect for our needs. Kitchen well stocked with pots/pans/utensils which was great since we ate dinner in each night. The decor was homey and lovely. We did put a few delicate items out of reach of our 2 year old. We would definitely stay again! Thank you for sharing your lovely home with our family.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Marie S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quintessential Maine Lake Get away!

Memory Cove, Donnell Pond was one of the best vacations we’ve had. The house was delightful and well appointed. You could almost feel the happy memories that this family created there over the many years. I really appreciated the comfortable bed and abundance of bath towels. The kitchen had sharp knives and heavy bottom pots with plenty of dishes and bowls. For someone who loves to cook this for was a real plus. The lake was astounding, we could have spent our entire week kayaking and exploring. The sandy beach is a must do. Quiet and relaxing with a prestige lake for swimming and fishing. The multi generational owners have gone out of their way to provide all you could want at a “camp”. You could almost feel the happy memories that fills this lovely spot. We cannot wait to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Stacey T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hiking vacation!!

We had a wonderful time on Donells pond. Memory Cove had everything we could of needed. Cozy and clean. The best part of this location is the distance from pond to house. My kids could safely be in the pond, I could still be out on back deck or hammock and watch them. Great small sand beach for easy in and out of water access. Canoe, 3 kayaks so all were happy. The pond is clear water, clean and very warm. My daughter and I did a snorkel for 45 min. You can Kyak to amazing hiking trails. Never really have to leave this house. This place is a nature lover's paradise. Of the beaten path. If you want to truley escape from tourists and just be with nature this is your spot. So many hiking trails to explore off the lake and in the surrounding When you want to be a tourist you cam with a short 40 min drive away is Acadia!!

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect lakeside camp

Everything was thought of at this property. It has the feel of an old-school family vacation as soon as you walk in the door. The pond is amazing. Great fishing. The stars at night are worth the trip alone. I'd love to come back every summer
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great House

My wife and I took our 14 month old daughter with us to Memory Cove for our third anniversary and couldn't have been happier with the property. It was secluded and had a spectacular view of Donnell Pond and the surrounding mountains. The house had the perfect vibe we were looking for and was well stocked so we didn't have to bring every single toiletry/cleaning supply needed. It's about a 45 minute drive to Acadia and just under an hour to the Schoodic peninsula and we did both trips on different days. Even though it's too cold to swim in the pond in October, we enjoyed the beautiful foliage and got to kayak as well. Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Vasiliy K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing!!!

Loved it nice and quiet definitely would visit again and recommend it to everyone
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019