Our Cabin and Beaches for rent

Our absolutely stunning summer place on Long Island, in Casco Bay is available for weekly family or special event rental. It is a pleasant 45 minute boat ride from Portland, Maine. The 9 private acres have two white sand beaches—Singing Sands Beach and a large porion of Andrew's Beach. Andrew's Beach is commonly called South Beach, and commonly mistakenly called "singing sands beach." However, Singing Sands Beach is our private beach, and it is in Shark Cove.


The Burkes have owned the property since 1954. The cabin's original structure, seen in the picture of the living room area, was built by our father around 1960. The huge ceiling timbers were hauled from the ocean, and carefully fitted with the equally huge support timbers with nary a nail. Most all of the flooring and walls came from either former Navy barracks or ship wrecks. Later, a new kitchen area was added. The kitchen uses rain water for washing. Plenty of fresh drinking water is provided.

The bath house is as green as you can get with a composting toilet and solar-heated rain water for showers.

The sound of the waves lulls you to sleep. During the day, the Least Terns perform their fishing acrobatics--spiraling from high up straight down into the ocean. Sailboats and lobster boats move out beyond the cove. Waking to a sunrise, having coffee on the front porch, a walk on the beach in your pajamas (or less), begins the day. The sand on Singing Sands is so fine and white it squeaks as you walk. We call sunsets "the magic hour", and you'll learn why. At night, you'll see stars you forgot, or perhaps have never seen. You can build a beach fire, roast some marshmallows, tell stories. Or just curl up with a good book inside on the couch.



Kids will play on the beach--all day--catching hermit crabs, climbing on the rocks, exploring tidal pools, and swimming. Of course, this is Maine, so the water can be quite, um, refreshing. Believe me, the kids won't even notice. Watching them from the cabin's front porch is delightful.

We have a kayak and rowboat for use. For rainy days, the cabin is well stocked with books and games. There are no televisions or computers. When we say vacation, we mean it. (Your cell phone will work, depending on your carrier.)







We'll pick you up at the ferry, provide fresh sheets and towels, and of course restock your fresh drinking supply if you're running low. The cabin's garden provides fresh herbs.

Rental weeks run from Sunday (after 12 noon) through Saturday (before 12 noon). We have hosted weddings at the beach, as well as other special events. There's a rather elegant yurt (with a Persian carpet and antiques) behind the cabin, for rent as well.


The island has two general stores, a nice public library with special art shows throughout the summer, art programs for kids through the community center, a wonderful historical society where you can learn more about the island, and tennis and basketball courts at the library.



Learn more about the island at: http://www.townoflongisland.us/

The island is reached by Casco Bay Island Transit: http://www.cascobaylines.com/



Owners: Andrew, John, and Elizabeth Burke--in order of appearance.