The Keeper’s House Apartment is an upstairs apartment with sleeping accommodation for two in a spacious bedroom, a separate living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and beautiful views.
You enter the apartment by the original stairway. There is a privacy door at the bottom of the stairs. The living room is flooded with light, has a convenient work area, comfortable chairs, and a neat, attractive dining area.
There is a small well-equipped kitchen. The spacious bedroom has a queen-sized bed. The bathroom includes a bathtub and a handheld shower.
The living room has views of nearby islands and the open ocean. The bedroom has views towards the harbor and the village.
Lobster boats, pleasure craft, and schooners pass beneath your windows, entering or leaving the harbor through the Western Way. Sunrise and sunset paint the sea with a palette of glorious colors. Moonlight on the water creates a silver pathway. Even foggy days can be a delight, as the headland is wrapped in a cool, quiet, and mysterious blanket.
The address is 433 Harbor Road, Swan’s Island, ME 04685
In 2024, the rental week will run from Sunday to Sunday. Minimum rental is one week. Check-in is on Sunday after 3 pm. Check-out on Sunday by 9 am. In June, September and October, the rental is $1,242.60/week. In July and August, the rental is $1482.40/week. These prices include a cleaning charge and Maine’s 9% tax on short-term rentals.
No pets. No smoking. The rental agent’s permission is needed for more than two occupants. Our housekeeper will clean after you depart, but please leave the apartment in good order.
WiFi is available through a Fiber connection. There is a landline phone downstairs. Please only use it in case of an emergency.
The apartment does not have a separate entrance, but it has a lockable privacy door at the bottom of the stairs. The downstairs rooms have art displays, historical displays, and a small amount of merchandise. When the downstairs rooms are not in use, the two outside doors must remain locked. Keeping the two outside doors locked will be your responsibility.
The downstairs rooms (the public rooms) are open to the public during the summer season for about 20 hours a week. Usually, 11 am to 3 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Sometimes, they are open at other times for public events such as receptions and classes. The downstairs rooms, including the downstairs kitchen and bathroom, are not included in the apartment rental.
The grounds of the light station are Town property and open to the public. Fishers sometimes come to the headland early in the morning to check the weather conditions outside the harbor. Sometimes groups picnic on the grounds or park near the house to walk the trails. People may walk the public road to the headland to see sunset or sunrise or to admire the moonlight on the sea.
A town ordinance forbids drinking in public areas. This does not apply to the apartment, but it does apply to the downstairs rooms and the grounds. No smoking is allowed anywhere on the property.
Tap water is safe to use. However, if preferred, bottled water is available at The Island Market and Supply (TIMS).
What Renters Say About the Keepers Apartment
Sonya – Mechanicsville, Virginia July 2025 • Stayed about a week . Our stay at the keeper’s apartment at the lighthouse was a remarkable experience. The beautiful views, the peaceful island atmosphere, kayaking in the coves, and hiking the trails were just part of what made our week there spectacular! The apartment was as described along with spotlessly cleaned and well equipped. We enjoyed picking out our seafood at a nearby spot and cooking it at the apartment. This was truly a special place.
Crystal – Southington, Connecticu June 2025 • Stayed a few nights. This was our third visit to BCHL. It won’t be our last either. The apartment is pristine and it is clear that so much thought and love went into it. The island is magic. Highly recommend.
Amy Cincinnati, Ohio – 3 weeks ago • Stayed about a week. We enjoyed a wonderful week in the lighthouse keeper’s apartment. The view is beautiful, and it was lovely to spend time just reading by a window or relaxing with a crossword puzzle on the porch. There are numerous sites to explore on the island, as well, via well-maintained trails. The apartment is carefully and thoughtfully appointed. (I really appreciated the placement of lights and outlets, which are so often lacking in rentals!). And everything is extremely clean and tidy. It’s a great place for “unplugging” for awhile, but I can also confirm that the internet connection is good! One tip: you can make reservations for the ferry about a month in advance, and you will find it worth doing so if you are traveling a significant distance and need to time your arrival/departure well
Sharon – Laurel, Maryland – June 2025 • Stayed about a week. his is my favorite place to stay of any place I’ve ever been and I am well traveled! Burnt Coat Harbor Lightkeeper’s House and its views are stunningly beautiful! Décor is keeping with the history of the house, simple but has everything you need. It is a delight to explore the area and the wonderful trails all over the island. Billie and Katelynn made our stay very pleasant. I hope you experience this rare gem for yourself. It is just magical–an authentic experience, amazing sunsets, a gorgeous view of the ever changing ocean, trails like fairylands, very comfy bed and the lighthouse works! Things to know before you rent: you have to carry your stuff up a flight of stairs, there’s essentially no restaurants or stores (except TIMS-very basic selection) on island so you bring your food, shower is necessarily a bit wonky but very sufficient, no dishwasher, no washer or dryer, and no central heating (cozy space heaters keep you comfortable). So peaceful, I can’t wait to go back!
Deena – Green Mountain, North Carolina – June 2025. My wife and l are super hosts and have stayed in many Airbnb’s. This one is truly special! We wanted authentic Maine and a lighthouse experience and it really delivered. The keepers house is full of history and such a great space right at the edge of the harbor with views everywhere! You are in your own little sanctuary with woods, trails and shoreline cliffs in behind you to explore. Every morning we would watch the sun rise perched on one of the rocks out front and the magic would unfold! Shore birds, gulls, geese and even an eagle waking up and dotting the sky. Lobster boats chugging by with the light clang of the bell out front. The sounds of waves hitting the rocks with an occasional harbor seal poking his nose up and diving birds looking for breakfast. We are so grateful to have had this experience! Swans Island was so much fun to explore with a great history and the locals and our hosts were so friendly. What a great place to unwind and relax. Truly a special place!
