LAUGHTON HOUSE — A 4-BEDROOM MAINE HOME ACROSS THE ROAD FROM PEMAQUID BEACH
Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, sleeps nine. Laughton House is a 19th-century home in the heart of Pemaquid Beach village, literally across the road from Pemaquid Beach State Park. Built for the kind of family trip where the whole family is under one roof and nobody needs to get in the car.
THE HOUSE
There`s a bunk room the kids will claim on sight, a game closet packed with board games, and a living room with a Smart TV and comfortable furniture for rainy afternoons. The kitchen has a 5-burner gas range, dishwasher, French press, coffee grinder, and enough pots, pans, and counter space to cook for a crowd every night of the week. Travel crib and high chair are here if you need them. Washer and dryer, too. Central heat throughout, AC in the living room.
The porches are where the real memories get made. Upper balcony for morning coffee with a glimpse of the bay. Lower porch for after-dinner conversations that stretch past dark. Picnic table in the yard, grill for the evenings, fire pit out back.
WHAT`S WALKABLE
Pemaquid is the kind of place that hasn`t been discovered yet — no crowds, no traffic, no souvenir shops. Pemaquid Beach State Park is across the road. Fort William Henry and Colonial Pemaquid are 0.3 miles. Maine Kayak rents kayaks and SUPs half a mile away. The Contented Sole for sunset dinners is also walkable. C.E. Reilly & Son grocery is less than a mile away. Guests have spotted eagles, seals, and fox without leaving the property.
SHORT DRIVE
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse (3.5 mi). Monhegan Island ferry from New Harbor (1.5 mi) — Hardy Boat also runs puffin watches from the same harbor. Damariscotta (15 min) for Hannaford grocery, oyster bars, and bookstores. Boothbay Harbor (35 min) for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and whale-watching.
FOR FOOD
Shaw`s Fish & Lobster Wharf and The Contented Sole are both local institutions. The Cupboard Cafe does legendary cinnamon buns. C.E. Reilly & Son for groceries. Damariscotta has more restaurants and shops, 15 minutes away.
THE PROPERTY
Laughton House is part of a small compound with a guest cottage next door (Ocean Breeze) and three cabins in the woods behind the property (Low Tide, Ebb Tide, High Tide). The main house has its own porches, yard, and parking for four cars — separate from the cabin and cottage parking. If your group is larger than 9, you can also book any combination of the cottage and cabins to add bedrooms, or book the whole estate (listed separately).
ALSO ON SITE
Level 2 EV charger (shared, first-come first-served, modest usage fee). Backyard fire pit. Outdoor grill. Smart TV. Fast fiber WiFi.
HONEST NOTES
We are not a pet-friendly property due to allergies, insurance, and our shared-property setup. ADA service animals are welcome with advance notice — please reach out before booking so we can plan logistics together. The wood stove in the living room is decorative — not available for guest use per our insurance. The whole property runs on a shared well that can run low in late-summer droughts; please conserve water.
To ensure a wonderful experience for all guests, please note the following:
GENERAL
- Please treat the home with care and respect.
- Maximum of 9 guests. No outside visitors without prior approval.
- We are not a pet-friendly property due to allergies and insurance limits. ADA service animals are welcome with advance notice; please contact us before booking to coordinate.
- No smoking indoors. You may smoke outside, but please be mindful of other guests.
- No parties or events.
- No commercial photography.
- The wood stove in the living room is not available for guest use, per our insurance policy.
- Please do not sleep in the living areas, as the daybeds and futons are for lounging only.
QUIET HOURS
- Please keep noise down between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM out of respect for neighboring guests.
PARKING
- Park in front of the `Laughton House` sign on the left side of the shared driveway (2-3 cars, one behind the other). One additional spot is in the parking area to the left of the house, in front of the `#4 Main House` sign.
BBQ & OUTDOOR AREAS
- The BBQ is behind the house, and please do not move it (it must stay 10+ feet from the house). Clean the grill with the wire brush while it`s still hot after each use, and turn off the gas at the tank. A $50 cleaning fee applies if the grill is left dirty at checkout.
- Please enjoy the balcony, but for safety, no more than 8 people on the upper balcony at a time. Please do not lean on the railing.
HEATING & COOLING
- There are Nest thermostats in the dining room (downstairs) and master bedroom (upstairs). Please set them to Eco or 60°F when leaving the house for a while.
- In summer, window fans and ceiling fans are available, plus an AC unit in the living room. Please set the AC to Eco/75°F when going out.
WATER
- The property runs on well water that can run low during summer droughts. Please conserve water. Showers at Pemaquid Beach are a great way to rinse off and save water here.
PLUMBING
- We have a sensitive septic system. Please flush only toilet paper, with no wipes, feminine products, or other items.
TRASH & RECYCLING
- Trash and recycling pickup is on Tuesdays. Please bring the bins to the curb on Monday night or early Tuesday morning, and return them after pickup.
DISHES
- A $50 fee applies if dishes are left dirty at checkout. If using the dishwasher, please start it early enough to empty before you leave (a cycle takes about 2.5 hours).
EARLY CHECK-IN
- We can sometimes accommodate early check-ins for a $50 fee. Please reach out on the day of your arrival to check availability.
