Huckleberry Hollow - Private Retreat

Bernard sits on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island, where the tourist traffic thins and the woods take over. Huckleberry Hollow Private Retreat is built for families or small groups who want the space and independence of a rental home without the noise of downtown Bar Harbor - yet remain close enough to reach Acadia, Thunder Hole, and Ship Harbor Nature Trail in under an hour.

The property is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom vacation rental with a full kitchen and common living areas designed for groups of up to six. Free WiFi, air conditioning, and outdoor space (including a barbecue) round out the essentials. One guest who stayed seven nights in September called it "a very nice, quiet location" and praised the surrounding wildlife - deer and turkeys visible from the property throughout the day.

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Genuine quiet on Mount Desert Island. Bernard is the gateway to Acadia without the congestion of Bar Harbor's downtown core. You're still within a 20-minute drive of major attractions, but far enough out to hear birds instead of foot traffic. One family specifically noted they "loved being away from the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor but being close enough we could still travel to all the sites."

Space to spread out. Two full bedrooms and two bathrooms mean no fighting over bathrooms at dawn - crucial for families. A dedicated living room gives you room to decompress, play board games, or gather around the TV on rainy days.

A real kitchen, not a kitchenette. Full-size oven, stovetop, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator mean you can cook actual meals instead of relying on takeout. For a week-long stay, that's both practical and economical.

Wildlife and nature all around. The property sits in woods frequented by deer and wild turkeys. If your family enjoys observing wildlife without leaving the porch, this is a significant draw.

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Huckleberry Hollow is a two-bedroom holiday home rather than a traditional hotel with multiple room types. The layout is straightforward and residential: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, shared living and kitchen areas.

• Apartment (full rental) – Two bedrooms, two full baths, living room, full kitchen. Sleeps up to 6.

The furnishings and finishes are described as comfortable and practical rather than luxurious - fitting for a family vacation rental designed for function over high-end polish.

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Kitchen & Cooking Oven · Stovetop · Microwave · Dishwasher · Refrigerator · Toaster · Full utensil and dish kit.

Comfort & Climate Air conditioning · Heating · Free WiFi (250 Mbps) · TV with cable channels · Fan.

Outdoors & Recreation Barbecue facilities · Free parking on-site · Board games and puzzles.

Practical Washing machine and dryer · Iron and ironing board · Full linens and towels provided · Pet friendly.

Safety Smoke-free property · Smoke alarms · Carbon monoxide detector · Fire extinguishers.

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Summer (June–August) Peak season on Mount Desert Island. Acadia is in full swing, trails are busy, and lodging rates climb. Expect family vacation crowds, but also reliable weather and the island at its most vibrant. Perfect if you want to hike, kayak, and explore without concern for closures.

Fall (September–October) The shoulder season when Bernard and the surrounding coast are quieter but still warm enough for outdoor dining and hiking. Foliage peaks in late September through early October. One family stayed in mid-September and had the property feeling remote while remaining close enough to attractions - this is the sweet spot for many visitors.

Winter (November–February) Quiet and cold. Many seasonal restaurants and attractions close. The property remains operational, but isolation increases; plan for fewer dining and activity options nearby.

Spring (March–May) Muddy and unpredictable. Ice-out is gradual. Acadia's carriage roads and most trails are open by late May, but businesses are still ramping up from winter closure.

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"It was a very nice, quiet location. We loved being away from the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor but being close enough we could still travel to all the sites."

• Jayme, United States · Family · 10/10

"There were deer & turkeys all around!"

• Jayme, United States · Family · 10/10

One guest noted the main drawback: the nightly rate is on the higher end for the region. Budget accordingly - a week-long rental will be substantial, but spread across a family, the per-person cost becomes more reasonable.

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• Ship Harbor Nature Trail – 3.7 mi · Self-guided loop trail with boardwalks through spruce forest and salt marsh; excellent for families
• Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport – 16 mi · Regional hub for flights in and out of Acadia
• Agamont Park, Bar Harbor – 18 mi · Waterfront park with views of Frenchman Bay and easy access to downtown shops and restaurants
• The Abbe Museum – 18 mi · Bar Harbor's Native American cultural center; often less crowded than other Acadia attractions
• Frenchman Bay – 19 mi · Scenic water views; departure point for island tours and whale-watching excursions
• Egg Rock Light – 20 mi · Historic lighthouse accessible by boat or visible from several coastal overlooks
• Thunder Hole – 24 mi · Iconic Acadia National Park attraction where waves crash into a narrow inlet; best visited at high tide

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Is Huckleberry Hollow pet friendly? Yes. Pets are welcome at the property. Confirm any size or breed restrictions with the host before booking.

Is breakfast included? No. This is a vacation rental, not a bed-and-breakfast. You have a full kitchen to prepare your own meals.

Is there a shuttle to Bar Harbor or Acadia? No shuttle service is offered. A car is essential. Bar Harbor and Acadia's main areas are 15–25 minutes away by vehicle.

Is WiFi reliable here? Yes. The property advertises 250 Mbps free WiFi, which is unusually fast for a vacation rental in rural Maine.

Can we use the barbecue? Yes. BBQ facilities are on-site. Bring charcoal or propane, or confirm what's provided with the host.

How far is this from the ocean? Bernard itself is on the coast, but Huckleberry Hollow is set back in the woods. Frenchman Bay is roughly 19 miles away; pristine Acadia beaches and rocky shoreline are 15–25 minutes by car.

Is this suitable for a large family or group? Yes, if your group is 4–6 people. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms work best for two couples or a family with one or two children. Larger groups should look elsewhere.

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