The River House, a Private Waterfront Retreat in the Heart of Maine

Enjoy life on the mighty Penobscot River...
The River House is available for weekly rental (Saturday to Saturday) or long-term lease. Nestled among the pines, this secluded property affords the peace and tranquility Maine is known for, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet close enough to catch your next flight in just minutes. The River House can be your home base for visiting professionals or vacationers while you take day trips to Acadia National Park to the south, Baxter State Park to the north, Campobello down east, and the popular coastal ports and mountain villages to the west. Or you can enjoy all that the greater Bangor/Brewer area has to offer: Waterfront Concerts, Cross Insurance Center for trade shows and concerts, Penobscot Theater for live theater, the Bangor Symphony, unique brew pubs, numerous parks with hiking trails and so much more. There is something for everyone!

This special property is:
• Just 3 miles from I-395/exit 4
• Only 15 minutes from Bangor International Airport
• Only 15 minutes to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and St. Joseph's Hospital
• Only 10 minutes to Hollywood Casino & Waterfront Concerts
• A quick 20 minutes to Bucksport with Fort Knox, Penobscot Narrows Observatory
• Just 25 minutes to the University of Maine
• Only 1 hour to beautiful Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
• 1 3/4 hour to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
• 2 1/2 hours to Campobello Island, New Brunswick
• 3 1/2 hours to Baxter State Park, Mount Katahdin


Stop, take a deep breath and relax. From the River House, one can enjoy quiet contemplative hours of bird watching, fishing, kayaking, walking, swimming and more... all just steps from your front door. Aaaaahhhhh... the perfect getaway! The 1-acre Orrington, Maine property boasts over 100’ of shoreline, with magnificent southerly views down the Penobscot. Bordered by a stream and seasonal pond, and filled with the fragrance of wildflowers and perennials, the woodland environment is a haven for wildlife. The home is reached by a well-maintained private dirt road.

Nature watching is a favorite pastime. Bring a camera! Keep your eyes open for creatures in the air, on land and in the water. Maine is home to many beautiful wild animals. We are all guests in their home and always practice “leave no trace.” During your stay, you will probably see the bald eagles, osprey, kingfisher, mergansers, various ducks and sandpipers along the river. The wetland is home to muskrats, American bitterns, wood ducks, various turtles and many frogs... the peepers and tree frogs will lull you sleep at night in the spring and summer. Numerous songbirds can be seen flitting among the trees. Red and gray squirrels, pine martins, weasels, skunk, porcupine, fisher, fox, bobcat and deer are often cruising the woods. The very occasional moose and bear may wander by, too! In the river, we catch striped bass, small mouth bass, perch, alewives, eels and sturgeon (which can grow up to 12 feet!) and more. If you see or hear a loud splash in the river, that is a sturgeon jumping! We always practice CPR on the fish (Catch, Photograph, Release). We have numerous field guides for the area’s flora and fauna, so let us know if you would like to borrow them.

In the summer you can while away the hours watching the boats go by. In the winter you can listen to the thunderous cracks of the ice flows in the river. Imagine painting, writing and creating with nature’s inspiration!

Please note: The tides in the river are higher than what you may be used to. They range from 11’-17’. A tide chart will be provided in the Welcome Book that is in the basket on the desk. The current can be very strong in the channel, so please do not swim more than 50’ from shore. Never swim alone and swim at your own risk. Please bring your own beach towels. Fishing and swimming are best from mid to high tide. From mid to low tide, the mudflats inhibit access to the water. However, it is a great time to take a “low tide walk” and see what is below the high water line. To access the water, walk down the brick path to the left and cross the wooden bridge to the dock.

The home was constructed in 1978 on the site of the Union Ice Company, which was founded in 1882. The remains of the old ice house foundations and artifacts of the past can be found in and around the property.

The unique round design of the house is reflective of mid-century modern organic design... with a funky twist. It is actually giant yurt design! Radiating from a central spiral staircase, the open concept and curved walls create a smooth continuous flow. The expansive wall of glass that encircles the main floor connects one with the outside ... as if perched in the treetops. The remarkable architectural design is in harmony with nature … its forest green wood siding blending into its surroundings.

The Main Floor amenities include:
• A fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar and quartz countertops, Jenn-air stovetop.
• Expansive open Living, Dining, and Den areas... all with spectacular views, bamboo floors and exquisite wool rugs, leather and teak furniture.
• Den area has a convertible full size sofa bed and Roku TV
• Guest 1/2 Bath
• Wrap-around deck with screened-in entertainment area.

The Downstairs Sleeping Quarters include:
• Master Bedroom with private entrance, full bath, walk-in closet.
• 2 additional Bedrooms (1 full bed, 1 bunk bed)
• 3/4 Bath
• Utility Room with washer/dryer and outside entrance.
• Berber carpeting in all the bedrooms.
• Roku TV

Fujitsu mini-split heat pump has been installed for year-round comfort… heating, cooling and humidity control. Electric baseboard heating is available for cooler weather.

All this could be yours...
For a vacation at $2,520 US/week for up to 6 people with no pets (each dog is an additional $150 per week). This is just $360 per day.

However, VRBO now includes their "travelers service fee" in the published online price (not a separate fee added in later), so it now shows $406 per day. They do not have any additional fees, but they are required by law to collect 9% Maine lodging sales tax.
Saturday to Saturday bookings only during peak season.
Other times may be available upon request.

$5,400 US/month, utilities included, for 1 month or more lease, off season only. A 12-month lease or more may be available.