Escape the crowds and visit the quiet side of Maine in the small coastal village of Corea! The Postman’s Loft is a unique rental opportunity in a spectacular area of the state. Away from the traditional tourist areas and just two hours from the Canadian border, Corea is one of several villages on the Schoodic peninsula, bounded by Gouldsboro and Frenchman bays and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Postman’s Loft is situated above the old general store and post office in the heart of the village of Corea. Originally home to the store-keeper and his wife, the postmistress, the loft was fully renovated in 2003, and now welcomes summer guests to one of Maine’s most charming lobster villages.

The spacious living area offers wonderful views of the working harbor and the ocean beyond, so you can watch the sun rise across the islands, and later watch the lobster boats come in from a day’s haul. The kitchen is fully equipped (including ocean views), so you can eat in, prepare a picnic and head to the shore, or enjoy the area restaurants. Most serve the farm-fresh vegetables and fresh catch that are abundant on the peninsula.

There are two bedrooms in the loft, one with a queen bed, and the other with two twin beds. It has one and one half baths (shower only). Bed and bath linens are provided.

Besides the expected amenities, you will find:

• microwave
• dishwasher
• toaster
• lobster pot
• clam steamer
• coffee maker
• blender
• private balcony
• tv/dvd player
• radio and cd player
• board games and puzzles
• Ceiling Fan

Missing are iron and ironing board and alarm clocks! Within a short drive are churches, a first rate library (limited hours), bank with ATM, grocery stores, restaurants and galleries, a medical clinic and laundry. Bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals are also available nearby.

Corea and the Schoodic Peninsula

The village of Corea is located on the tip of the Schoodic peninsula, 8 miles from Route 1, and across Frenchman Bay from the tourist areas of Mount Desert Island. If Schoodic is the quiet side of Maine, Corea is the quiet side of Schoodic. It sits at the end of Route 195, the only road in and out of the village. Along the way, you can enjoy glimpses of the bay, a sand beach (unusual in the state of Maine), several galleries featuring local art work, and a well-watched osprey nest

Once you’re settled in, grab a book and head for the old garden bench under the apple tree. Sit and enjoy the garden, or play croquet on the lawn. Search the shore for beach glass or sand dollars. At low tide you can walk on the ocean’s floor to a nearby island, but don’t tarry and miss the tide change. Scamper on the rocks or on the hiking trails at Acadia’s Schoodic Point. Pick wild blueberries in season, and watch the local paper for church and grange sales, where homemade jellies and baked goods are plentiful. Buy fresh lobsters and crabs at the Corea Lobster Co-op, or gather your own mussels and clams. Like fresh vegetables? Mandela and Darthia farms are just up the road, and sell organic fruits, vegetables and cheeses. A weekly farmers’ market offers more vegetables, fresh flowers and herbs, jams, maple syrup, yogurt, eggs, and more.

One of the joys of being on the peninsula is enjoying the best of Maine without the crowds. There is plenty to see and do on Schoodic. The villages on the peninsula have working lobster fleets, and watching the boats at work is a favorite pasttime. Hiking along the rocky coast, kayaking the ponds or ocean, and visiting the shops and galleries can fill days. There is also swimming, birdwatching, fishing, golf, and the best five and dime in New England in nearby Winter Harbor. Schoodic Arts for all, a two-week long festival, draws people from across the country. The entrance to Acadia National Park, Schoodic Point is only seven miles away.

Be as busy as you want, or just relax on your private balcony and watch the world go by. Corea, a slower pace of life.

Beyond the Schoodic Peninsula

Mount Dessert Island, home to Bar Harbor and the main part of Acadia National Park, is a short drive away, but stops at antique shops, farm stands, scenic views, lobster pounds, and other attractions may extend your trip. Or you can catch the ferry from Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor and take advantage of the free island-wide bus service if you prefer. Visit some of the lighthouses that dot the coast, tour Bartlett Winery, go whale watching or on a puffin tour, or head north to Campobello Island, summer home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and a day in Canada. There are charming towns, wonderful art studios, shops and galleries, plus breath-taking scenery along the way!