Steamboat Landing - Southport Island, Maine. Hosted by Of Sea and Pine, Maine Vacation Rentals
Nestled between Sheepscot Bay and Boothbay, Southport Island is connected to Boothbay Harbor by a scenic swing bridge. A hidden gem, this quiet island oasis offers the best of Maine—breathtaking coastal views, welcoming locals, and fresh seafood—without the crowds of busier tourist spots.
🔑 Key Features:
• Water views (no direct water access)
• Wraparound deck with outdoor seating
• 4 bedrooms (all located on the second floor)
• 2 full bathrooms (1 upstairs, 1 downstairs)
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Air conditioning
• Washer/Dryer
• Walking distance to the beach
• Just 10 minutes from Boothbay Harbor
🏠 Home Layout:
Primary Bedroom - King Bed & expansive views
Second Bedroom - Queen Bed and private balcony
Third Bedroom - Double Bed
Fourth Bedroom - Two twin beds
Main floor bathroom - full bathroom shower/tub combination and laundry
Second floor bathroom - full bathroom with a shower/tub combination
♿ Accessibility: There are over 10 stairs leading to the property and additional uneven terrain leading to the deck. Rocks can become slippery when wet. All bedrooms are on the second floor, accessible via very steep stairs (10+). This property may not be suitable for guests with mobility challenges.
🚗 Parking: Strict maximum of 2 vehicles. The driveway is shared with neighbors, and additional cars cannot be accommodated.
Neighborhood Note: The cottage is situated in a neighborhood setting, built on a ledge that offers some privacy, though neighboring cottages are nearby. While the area is typically quiet, you may hear children, dogs, and cars, and see neighbors outdoors. There is no direct water access.
📍 Location & Local Charm:
Steamboat Landing is the perfect family-friendly coastal escape. With 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, the cottage sleeps 8 and is tucked at the end of a quiet dead-end road—ideal for children to safely play and ride bikes. The town beach is only a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute drive away.
Pack a picnic or grab lunch from the nearby General Store, then spend your afternoon at the beach soaking up the sun, swimming, collecting sea shells, and hunting for crabs. Nearby, the local school has a public playground (when school isn't in session), and the island library offers a cozy children's area perfect for reading and relaxing.
Wrap up your day at Robinson's Wharf, just a 7-minute drive away. It’s a working wharf and restaurant where you can enjoy seafood caught that same morning by local fishermen.
Island History & Notable Residents:
Southport Island has a fascinating past. Originally inhabited by the Abenaki people, it was called Capanewagen, believed to mean “place where there is a swift current.” European settlers later referred to it as Cape Newagen, now the name of the island’s southernmost point. The first European settlement was established in 1623, and the town was incorporated in 1842.
Margaret Hamilton, best known for playing the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, who summered on nearby Cape Island.
Rachel Carson, renowned marine biologist and conservationist, whose love for the Maine coast deeply inspired her work.
Why "Steamboat Landing"?
The property is named after the steamboats that once transported summer visitors to the large rock at the end of what is now known as Dogfish Head (a more recent name, inspired by the brewery). These steamships were vital to regional transportation, sailing the Sheepscot and Kennebec Rivers until the 1920s. The site of the cottage is believed to have once been home to the original ticket office.
🌊 Things to Do Nearby
Boothbay Harbor is just a 12-minute drive and offers a charming downtown filled with boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Walk the footbridge to admire boats and yachts up close, ride the trolley for a laid-back tour, or head out on a whale-watching adventure.
Other nearby attractions include:
• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
• Maine State Aquarium
• Railway & Village Museum
• Boothbay Harbor Country Club
A detailed guidebook will be provided with recommendations for these and other local highlights.
