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A Prism in the Wood

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Interior
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Exterior
Interior
Property grounds

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 4210 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Mount Desert, ME
  • Place, Acadia Repertory Theater
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

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About the area

Mount Desert

With a stay at this vacation home in Mount Desert (Somesville), you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Acadia National Park and Acadia Repertory Theater. .This vacation home is 9.3 mi (15 km) from Acadia National Park's Visitors Center and 9.8 mi (15.8 km) from Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
View more Holiday homes in Mount DesertOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Acadia Repertory Theater - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Acadia National Park - 5 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co - 14 min drive - 19.1 km
  • Acadia National Park's Visitors Center - 16 min drive - 16.9 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 25 min drive - 24.8 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shell - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Milagro's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Little Notch Bakery - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Jordan Pond House - ‬23 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.

A Prism in the Wood

A Prism in the Wood is an award winning architecturally designed home nestled in the woods of Mt. Desert, through which passes the constantly changing light of the Maine seasons. The house is a frame of steel tubes completely enclosed in glass with the living spaces within floating like platforms through the grid. A light steel stair reaches up through the steel tubes to the second floor and a further spiral stair connects to the owner’s private quarters on the uppermost level. The levels are also connected by a free-standing glass elevator, the use of which is reserved to people above 21 year-old without children.

The ceilings are of unfinished fir planks and the floors of maple. All materials and finishes are hypoallergenic or chemically neutral.

The structure is anchored at one end by the concrete mass of the fireplace that serves on the outside as a giant scupper carrying off the rainwater from the long sloping roof. Standing on light steel extensions of the interior frame the house floats above the forest floor, visually and physically connected at the entrance by massive slabs of granite. Furniture is of contemporary design, mostly manufactured in Italy and Denmark. Contemporary artworks are hanged on the wall, suspended from the interior frame and free-standing on the floor.

This stunning property has been published several times in architecture magazines, books and on the NYT. It as all you will need for your island visit, the perfect place to relax at the end of and active day in the park. Centrally located in Mount Desert, it lies at about 500 meters from the top tip of Some Sound.

FIRST FLOOR: Enter into a light and modern great room. Comfortable seating by the gas fireplace with a nearby screened in porch. Dining area with a large round table and seating for six. Kitchen with gas stove and spacious pantry. Home office space with access to a large garage with two large floor-to-ceiling windows. Half bath.

SECOND FLOOR: Open, loft style bedroom with Queen bed. Full bath with tub and shower.

THIRD FLOOR: Master bedroom with Queen bed, and full bath including shower and small soaking tub.

BASEMENT with laundry machine and dryer.

EXTRAS: Elevator available for for occupants over 21 years of age. Though a very useful convenience this elevator poses a potential hazard and must be operated with the utmost of caution and at its own risk. Outdoor propane grill. Large garage. NO AIR CONDITIONING.

WARNINGS
Among the complains received are:
1. “The top floor mattress is way too firm”. It is true that it is thin and very firm. But that is the bed where the home owner sleeps, and how he likes it ….

2. No blinds on the bedroom windows. The house configuration, with two full walls of glass, doesn’t allow for it

3. In summer, before the birch trees reach full foliage, early morning sun can be annoying for people lying in bed
Make yourself comfortable in this vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private patio. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Stereo
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 4 accessible parking spaces
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: The main sofa has several stains

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing 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)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,260 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:30 PM

Minimum check-in age: 21

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

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets allowed

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

2 total pets

Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Note from host: There is a pet fee. Make sure you select it.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Note from host: Guests expressed concerns for too young children

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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

Property is also known as

House

A Prism in the Wood Mount Desert

A Prism in the Wood Private vacation home

A Prism in the Wood Private vacation home Mount Desert

A Prism in the Wood Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Keira A., Brooklyn, NY

Liked: Cleanliness
This was truly an exceptional stay. The house is an architectural gem built in 1994 allowing nature, light and beauty into the unique structure. Stefano was a perfect and generous host. I would recommend this stay to anyone wanting to be near Acadia but not near the tourism of Bar Harbor. It's truly a secluded, quiet yet convenient location.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eileen B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our stay at A Prism in the Wood was nothing short of extraordinary. This magnificent home is a true masterpiece, blending artistic design with exceptional comfort. The house was impeccably clean and thoughtfully organized. Every amenity we could possibly need was provided. With the fresh scent of pine trees, the unobstructed view of woodlands at every level, and sightings of deer, foxes, we felt like we were one with nature. The location was perfect, tucked away on the quieter side of the island, yet just 10-20 minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia’s highlights, making it ideal for exploring. This home is a treasure, and we can’t wait to return in early spring. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a perfect blend of serenity, style, and convenience.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Isolda T., Warren

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carsten B., Boston, MA

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property hidden in the Maine woods. Interesting architecture and excellent kitchen. Very enjoyable.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sparrow H.

Liked: Cleanliness
A diamond and a prism - this house was beautiful and so special.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Tim B.

Liked: Cleanliness

July in Prism in the Wood

We enjoyed our stay in Prism in the Wood, and it was a great backdrop for our ME experience. We selected the house because it was a "destination" (my husband's words) itself, not just lodging. It did not disappoint! It was like sleeping in the treetops, with the benefit of glass and roof between you and the outside. The architecture and the amenities, all became curiosities for us to ponder - the European feel, windows open versus closed, stairs versus elevator, with opinions varying on what we would do with such a place, what we liked and what we would adapt. The site was wooded and secluded as promised but we did find the weekday presence of roof repairmen annoying. Fortunately, we were out of the house by eleven each day and they were always gone by dusk. I liked that the owner was generous with what he left for us to use and included plenty of instructions for operating things that were out of our norm. All-in-all our stay was memorable and enjoyable, including the birdsong and the proximity to the SOMES Sound. As an aside, perhaps a few extra pillows and blankets, or a "bed topper", would offer an alternative to the (as promised) firm 3rd floor mattress.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaime L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home and a great location for all of the exploring we did in Acadia and the surrounding areas.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julee W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great get a way in the woods

Our family stayed in the Prism in the woods for a quick weekend family get a way. We felt no big obligation to HAVE to go explore Acadia National Park because we were so surrounded by the woods and were perfectly immersed. One of the neighbors feeds deer, so we could see them daily. We cooked, played games, sat around the fireplace, and truly just enjoyed each others company. There’s a giant foot that our 4 year old thought was the coolest part of the house, except for the elevator. As we pulled out of the driveway my son mentioned he already missed his room where he slept in the trees. The beautiful property had everything we needed and more. We appreciated being able to park in the garage since it rained so much during our stay. It was so great to be able to listen to the rain and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful House in the Woods

Excellent place to stay near Acadia
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eben D., Washington, DC

Liked: Cleanliness

Truly a gem in the woods.

I had so much fun during my first stay at this singular location that I came back a few weeks later. Truly a gem.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eben D., Washington, DC

Liked: Cleanliness

Magical stay in the woods

Truly a singular property. The prisim in the woods is unlike any place I’ve ever stayed. Our dog enjoyed his time roaming the forest too. We will definitely be back. Stefano is the best host.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terri A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautifully surrounded by nature!

When you step out of your car, it smells like a Frazier Fir candle! It was peaceful
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic property

We enjoyed a wonderful stay at this architectural masterpiece. Everything was beautifully prepared by the host with no surprises. Property is situated very conveniently near Bar Harbor and Acadia national park. Would certainly recommend to others.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely visit

Beautiful and original architecture in a quiet woodland setting. Great location. Great spacial design. Host was lovely to deal with.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Architectural Marvel!

We came to Maine on our mini-moon and the prism did not disappoint. It is a spectacular Vrbo. It is such a fun and beautiful space. The owner makes it clear there is no AC so if the weather is very warm be ready to be a little hot while sleeping, however, the owner did purchase a fan for us to use in the evenings and has ordered ceiling fans for the bedrooms. Most nights the weather was cool enough but it does become a bit damp in the space if it's humid. Either way, the owner makes this clear beforehand and the space is wonderful enough for all of this to be small issues. The elevator worked perfectly and I am missing it a bit back at home! The owner was very responsive and helpful. I would love to come back again and I couldn't have picked a cooler space!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Modern Funky Home

The House was amazing. There was plenty of space for 4 of us—great amenities and thorough check-in and out instructions. Beautiful landscape and a convenient location for visiting Bar Harbor.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Rest+Recharge+Inspire = Prism

The location is well situated for tackling both sides of MDI/Acadia National Park yet feels beautifully remote. The house itself is like living within an inspired piece of modern art, both architecturally and in its interior design and furnishings. Interestingly, not withstanding the expanses of glass and metal, it was also very comfortable. The baths and kitchen are ready for a facelift, and the homeowner confirmed that those are in the works as we write this. That will only add to what is already a magical space. If you want to explore Acadia National Park and return to a home that is private, quiet, and relaxing, yet also capable of generating new energy and inspiring your own creativity, this is your destination.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful stay in the Woods!

We had a remarkable time at Prism in the Woods. You literally felt like you were in the middle of Acadia National Park. It was quiet, great places to walk, close to fun sites and eateries…nothing but beautiful memories!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard C.

Liked: Cleanliness

An incredible experience for everyone

A Prism in the Woods is a destination in and of itself, but also served as an amazing home base for our Acadia adventures. We have been to MDI multiple times previously and this is truly one our favorite travel experiences. Thank you Stefano for being so helpful, accommodating and accessible!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Peter S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Magical window into the woods

A rare opportunity to stay in an architectural marvel
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C., New Orleans, Louisiana

Liked: Cleanliness

Vacation in an Art Installation

The place was fantastic. It was like staying inside an art installation. The cabin of glass removed the boundaries and felt like you were one with the forest. We quickly adjusted to sleeping when the sun was down and rising with the sun in the morning. The place had everything and was in walking distance to the water. We loved our stay and took full advantage of the kitchen and the heated floors. Fantastic experience.
Stayed 16 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Stunning!

The property is absolutely stunning. The architecture of the house is simple, smart, functional and comfortable. The house is well appointed with everything you could need and provides a perfect place to relax away from the crowds.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leanne P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique and serene getaway

We enjoyed our stay at Prism in the Woods. The property is one of a kind and particularly suited for those who love being in nature. The outdoors really comes in! Every night I could stargaze from my window - could not believe the stars in the night sky - just spectacular. Very close to Acadia and Bar Harbor for things to do. Stefano was very accommodating to work with.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Krista P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing

My husband, our dog, and I had the most magical time at the Prism in the Woods. It was everything we hoped for and more! It was the perfect place to stay while we were on our elopement vacation! Already looking forward to returning in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan H., Boston, MA

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely week in the woods

This home was a lovely refuge for our family, and we enjoyed having it as a home base to explore the hikes on that side of the island. Highly recommend the Beech Hill Farm Stand, as well as the Acadia Mtn/St. Sauveur trails.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022