Clapboard Island
Location: Maine, United States
Bedrooms: 13
Guests: 26
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live like a Kennedy, then Clapboard Island is the ideal destination. The spectacular and stylish retreat was built on Maine’s most exclusive island by a Philadelphia railroad owner over 120 years ago and has recently had a wonderful makeover to restore it to its elegant and charming glory for luxury holiday rentals. You’ll have 22 acres of private island at your disposal, with six swimming beaches, hiking trails, antique gardens and a zip line. Although you are only minutes away by boat or helicopter from the mainland at Falmouth and Portland, Clapboard island feels wonderfully remote and tranquil.
Inside the Home
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After a stunning makeover, the house’s unique historic and elegant charms have been beautifully updated, with wonderful mahoganydecks and teak seating and a bright coastal décor
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There are 13 charming bedrooms, with nine updated bathrooms, accommodating a total of 26 guests
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Additional space for a further six guests is available in a quaint traditional farmhouse on the island
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Relax in the sitting room or living room in front of the fire
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Read a book in the house’s library
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There is a modern, well-equipped kitchen and butler pantry and spacious dining room
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For those who need contact with the outside world, there is an office and WiFi
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Staff to look after your every need, including a yoga instructor and masseur if you wish
Things to do on your doorstep
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Relax awhile on the mahogany decking with teak seating and enjoy the elevated views of the surrounding waters
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Hike along the walking trails on the island, extending to some 40 acres into adjacent conservation land
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Take a kayak or paddle board and enjoy an on-water experience between the island and the mainland with well-protected landing areas
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Ask the staff to pack you a lunch and find your ideal picnic spot, along the shore or under the shady limbs of oaks and pines
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Bring your binoculars and look out for the ospreys that provide a noisy greeting when landing on the island. You may also catch a glimpse of an eagle
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Take a dip in the water from one of six swimming beaches on the island
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Stroll around the antique gardens
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At low tide, walk to Little Clapboard Island, reachable via a sandbar for a swim and/or a picnic
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Try your hand at Ziplining – the island has its own exclusively for guests
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Play a game of badminton or volleyball
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Bespoke celebrations can be arranged for any special occasion, with fireworks, live musicians and dancers and much more
A little further afield
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Visit the exciting city of Portland, home to a booming and acclaimed restaurant scene and vibrant craft breweries
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See the exhibits in Portland’s Museum of Art, established over 100 years ago. Exhibits are from artists such as Picasso, Munch and Winslow Homer
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Explore Maine's attractive Casco Bay, well known for its superb sailing and fresh local seafood. The scenery is as diverse as it isbeautiful, from the gently wooded shore on the mainland to the rugged rocky cliffs and bays on the islands
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Sail to one of the neighbouring islands and dine out in one of the many restaurants in the bay. There are more than 136 islands, with lots of places to see and explore
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Enjoy a tour of a local oyster farm or go lobster fishing
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Visit the many lighthouses along the coast, such as the Portland Head Light which is over 200 years old and the longest standing in all of Maine
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Take a cruise at sunset on a historic schooner and sample some wine and cheese as you cruise
Location
Clapboard Island is in Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay, only a mile from Falmouth Foreside and a matter of minutes to Portland by boat. It’s accessible via a helicopter landing area and a large deep-water pier, dock and mooring system. Portland International Jetport is the closest airport and under 30 minutes away with flights to/from most major US airports.
New York City is 278 miles away and less than 5 hours’ drive