The Rockledge Residence
Perks for the Parents
This historic oceanfront home in Kennebunkport, Maine comes with a dedicated play room, spectacular wrap-around porch, and stunning views over the water. It sleeps 12 + 1. Parents will love this exclusive area, with locally-sourced seafood restaurants, boutiques, yoga classes, and spa facilities nearby - it’s a quick drive or short bike ride downtown. There is public golf available at the historic Walter Travis-designed Cape Arundel golf course (where golf luminaries such as Phil Michelson and Arnold Palmer have joined President Bush for a round on the course). The local town also offers boat excursions and whale watching, as well as kayak and moped rentals nearby. Clutter-free yet child-friendly, the house includes an outdoor wrap-around porch with picnic table and hanging porch swing, as well as a screened area for the whole family to relax and enjoy the sunset - the coastal views here are unbeatable.
Why Kids Love it
Kennebunkport is famed for its relaxed Americana spirit, where kids can roam free and play in the great outdoors. The residence has a pebble beach directly across the street, with rock pools up and down the coastline for kids to explore, a choice of sandy beaches within easy reach, and several water sports centers for kids to try surfing or paddle-boarding. The hosts have 6 bikes (to accommodate all sizes) for families to borrow during their stay - it’s less than 10 minutes to cycle into Kennebunkport town - and there is a range of must-see child-friendly destinations nearby: Aunt Marie's for lemonade and hot dogs, multiple ice cream parlors and candy shops, a locally-famed toy shop, plus miniature golf in the adjoining town of Wells. The house comes with its own dedicated playroom (where 4 kids can also sleep) as well as spacious living areas and an outdoor porch for games.
Things to Know
Minimum stay: 1 week. Maximum occupancy is 12 people with 3 cars allowed. The house is only available for rent during high season, Memorial Day to October 1. Amount paid IS NOT REFUNDABLE unless another tenant leases the property for the exact Rental Period and at no less than the total rental amount for the original booking. A service charge equal to five percent (5%) of the total rent will be charged to Lessee if Lessee cancels and another tenant is substituted. Full payment is due six weeks after 30% deposit is taken to secure the booking. Bookings must be made a minimum of 4 weeks prior to check in - no last minute requests. A lease with additional details will be sent to all renters. The house is heated on the first floor and there is a fireplace downstairs - space heaters are available for bedrooms when needed in September. All the bedrooms have fans, and the ocean breeze keeps the house cool. Air conditioning will be available in non-ocean front rooms in summer 2022. Rates exclude a cleaning fee, guest fee and insurance. Safety notes: the house does not have stair gates, and there are a few steps up to the front door, as well as 3 flights of stairs inside. The community is exceptionally safe - an area where barely anyone bothers to lock the door. Town beach permits can be secured for a reasonable fee. No parties or smoking are permitted and no fireworks of any kind are allowed on the premises.
About the Location
The property is located in historic Kennebunkport in Maine. It’s 35 minutes from Portland International Jetport and 1.5 hours from Boston International Airport. The house is right on the water, just 3 minutes’ walk to Arundel Beach and 2 minutes’ walk to Henry Parsons Park. Downtown Kennebunkport (less than 5 minutes’ drive, or around half an hour’s walk) is filled with charming inns, waterside restaurants, seafood eateries, ice cream parlors, candy shops, art galleries, and unique stores with high-end collectibles. A short walk from the house leads to the breathtaking Bush compound, home of 2 American presidents, a governor and their families. Just opposite the house, the beautiful St. Ann's Episcopal Church overlooks magnificent water views and offers outdoor services available to all on Sundays at 8 and 10pm. Portland (45 minutes’ drive) offers world-class restaurants, a busy seaport, the Portland Museum of Art, and excursions to coastal islands. Also worth a visit is Kennebunk (20 minutes’ drive), with 18th-century preserved homes, fabulous bakery, and weekly farmers’ market on Saturday mornings.
Accommodation Details
This residence has 8 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, set over 3 floors. On the top floor, there is 1 kingsize room and a play room/bedroom with 4 single beds . On the middle floor, there are 3 kingsize rooms (2 are ocean facing), 1 double room, and 2 bedrooms each with 2 singles. There is also 1 pack and play crib available. Three of the bedrooms boast water views. There are 4 full bathrooms plus a powder room on the ground floor. The ground floor hosts the living room, dining room (seating 12), bar, pantry, kitchen and games/TV room. A spacious wrap-around porch with exquisite water views functions as an additional living and dining area - perfect for morning coffee, with occasional visits from local hummingbirds. Guests staying in August can even pick fresh blueberries right off the front porch. The yard includes four Adirondack chairs and an outdoor shower, ideal after a day at the beach.
Style Notes
New England charm. This classic 19th-century shingle style home, originally designed by architect William Ralph Emerson, has been recently renovated by the hosts to update the kitchen, pantry, and bar. A 6-burner Thermadore range accompanies a new Thermadore refrigerator and Quartz counters, with all-new cabinetry, state-of-the-art lighting, and water views all creating a stunning family kitchen and a social hub. The home decor is crisp, clean, and inviting, with a sophisticated but relaxed charm. All the bedrooms are filled with light, finished with generous closets and luxurious bedding. And outside, the large lawn overlooks the ocean, lined with lush hedges. We love the traditional wooden wall paneling in the bathrooms, the unique single 4-poster beds, and the beautifully grand open fireplaces.
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Air Conditioning
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Baby Bath
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Baby Monitor
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Babysitter / Nanny
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Backyard / Garden
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Balcony
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Bathtub
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Bed Rails
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Bicycles
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Cabinet Locks
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Changing Table
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Chef / Catering
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Children's Dinnerware
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Corner Guards
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DVD Library
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DVD Player
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Dishwasher
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Elevator
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Fireplace Guards
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Game Console
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High Chair
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Housekeeper
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Outlet Plugs
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Parking
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Pet-friendly
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Pool
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Pool Gate
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Stair Gates
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Television
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Toys / Children's Books
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Washer / Dryer
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Wifi
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Window Guards
Kennebunkport, Maine
Seashells, seafood and farm-to-table food
Forty minutes south of Portland, Kennebunkport is one of Maine’s quintessential coastal towns, with a rocky shoreline, fresh seafood and plenty for the kids to do. Collect seashells on the beach or take kayak tours with older children to Porpoise Point. Learn how the locals catch lobsters on a tour up the Kennebunk River or take whale watching or sailing adventures on the ocean. And don’t forget to enjoy essential Maine treats - lobster rolls and farm-to-table meals.
