When I was describing and gushing about my stay to a friend, they advised say “As Expected” or you’ll never be able to book the place again. Yes I do have high expectations, so I want to be fair to Denise and Hammond Farm, and even though I want to visit again, this place is more than “as expected,” it is outstanding!! You are about a 40-minute drive to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor where you can have that experience, which I did about three times because it was my first time to the area. Then travel lovely rural-like roads back to Franklin for glorious peace and quiet. The location of the home is stunning if you love being ensconced by nature. I had coffee before expansive windows each morning overlooking sunrise at a tidal cove which has a the sounds of bubbling stream in the background. A family of mallards would swim in each morning. A Great Blue Heron would fly in most mornings to sit on a rock or forage for food along the coastline. Ospreys and bald eagles have been seen there frequently. The Hammond property includes a lovely walk to “the point” on a path with tidal bay and those rocky Maine coastline views. Sunset there was beautiful. (Better than Cadillac Mountain.) Even some mountains in the distance. A short walk away is the Brady farm run by a great couple, Sarah and Adam, who gave me tips on what to see locally. They sell fresh eggs (rich yokes and hard shells unlike the grocery store variety) and meats like bacon. The Hammond home is spacious and comfortable. Decorated with many farm, historical and family items. Yet there are all the modern touches and conveniences. A great heating system if it gets cold. Kitchen has everything you need including a few
basic supplies. Soft towels. The Welcome Basket of ground coffee, sweets, wine and half & half in the fridge meant I could settle right in without having to shop.. A lovely fire pit overlooks the cove right outside the front door. There are lots of activities to do close by so you don’t have to trek to Bar Harbor. Cute shops and restaurants in Ellsworth and other places. Breweries, too. Hikes on nearby trails run by Frenchman Bay Conservatory are available at several locations. They were uncrowded. Denise was super responsive pre-visit and I didn’t need her once during my stay though I’m certain she would be responsive. So though Hammond Farm sounds a bit off the beaten track it is close enough to enjoy all that is DownEast Maine!! I loved my stay.