When is the rental season at The Woodbury Cottage?

The Woodbury Cottage is available to rent from June 1st through September 30th every year. It’s split up into Spring, Summer and Fall rates. We wish we could go all year, but the water company takes the water meter out in the fall so that the water pipes won’t freeze on out point.

Do you ever book fewer nights than what is listed as the minimum on vrbo.com?

We have definitely made more than a few exceptions. Our advice is to always ask! You never know and it never hurts to ask!

Is there a store on the island?

There is a General Store on the opposite of the island in the back of The Crown Jewel. However, do not plan on doing any grocery shopping there. The name is a bit misleading. It has coffee, breakfast sandwiches, candy, beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), basic provisions and Crown Jewel merchandise. More details can be found here. So just make sure you have an alternative plan to get all of the groceries you’ll need. 

What’s your advice for luggage?

Personally? We avoid suitcases and stick to duffle bags and boat totes. Your gear is going to go from your home, into the car and most likely into a metal cart and rolled onto the ferry. Once you get to the island, it’s going to get loaded into a golf cart then carried into the house. So those wheels on suitcases end up being more trouble than they are worth. Also, pack light! It’s an island! Shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops are the norm. Throw in some workout gear if you want to go for a hike or hit up the tennis court. The only thing you’ll need to dress for is if you head to dinner at The Crown Jewel Diamond’s Edge….which we definitely recommend!

Is grocery delivery possible?

Yes! And we absolutely recommend it. Even better news? You have options!

1. On or off the island, Whole Foods in Portland is our go to grocery store! Who doesn’t love a Whole Foods? All the details are here.

2. Rosemont Market & Bakery is a local chain that does a great job of getting food to the island! If you’re into shopping local, this is your place! Head here to check them out.

3. Lois’ Natural Marketplace. The only drawback with Lois’ is that they only deliver once a week. All the details are here.

Is there a washer and dryer at The Woodbury Cottage?

Yes. Brand new and just installed. We just ask that you keep the use to a minimum.

What time is Check In?

You can get into the Cottage after 4 pm. This lines up best with the 3:15 pm ferry from Portland.

What time is Check Out?

Check-out is at 10 am. Keep in mind, there is a 10 am ferry from Great Diamond Island to Portland every day except Sunday. Sunday is either 8:40 am or 12:25 pm off the island. Keep that in mind if you are choosing to leave on a Sunday because the same 10 am Check-Out time still applies no matter what day you check out.

Is the house accessible by car?

Technically, yes. However, it is very difficult to get a car and the permit you need to get your own car onto the island. Not to worry, the rental includes a golf cart, which is the most popular mode of transportation on the island. Trust us, golf carts are way more fun!

Where do you leave your car?

These are two outdoor lots that we recommend. It just depends on how much you’re willing to pay.

The first is called Angelo’s Acre located at the corner of Park Street and Commercial St. in Portland. It is $5/day. The only drawback is that it is about a 20-minute walk from Casco Bay Lines.

The second is Ocean Gateway Lot at 2 Commercial St. It is right next to Casco Bay Lines. However, it is $15/day.

Other options can be found here.

Where do you take the ferry from?

Casco Bay Lines is located at 56 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine 04101. Check out the Google Map here. You can find the website for Casco Bay Lines here.

How do you get to the house?

For privacy reasons, exact directions are emailed to guests prior to their check-in.

How do you get into the house?

The backdoor has a padlock on it. It is changed to the last four digits of the guest’s contact number. It’s a lot simpler than dealing with keys and a hard number to forget! Please note, the code needs to be lined up on the top of the padlock instead of the middle line like most locks.

How do you get your belongings to the house?

We aren’t allowed to keep a golf cart at the ferry dock. So the easiest thing to do is leave all your gear on the dock and walk up to the house and get the golf cart then go back for your gear. The island is really safe so you won’t have any issues with your gear. 

How far is the house from the ferry dock?

The Woodbury Cottage is about a 7-10 minute walk from the ferry dock.

How many bedrooms does The Woodbury Cottage have?

The Woodbury has three bedrooms. Two on the first floor, each with a full sized bed. The third bedroom is the upstairs that has a full sized bed, a twin sized bed and a bunk bed.

How many bathrooms?

The Woodbury Cottage has two full bathrooms. They just have showers (no tubs).

Is there WiFi at The Woodbury Cottage?

Yes! The cottage is actually serviced by two separate providers so that everyone can work or stream without any issues. The password is posted in the pantry along with other important house information

Is there a land line at The Woodbury Cottage?

Yes! But there's a catch. It's a '911 Line'. That means you can only call out to (you guessed it!) City of Portland Emergency Dispatcher. 

How is cell service?

We’ve never had any issues and haven’t heard any negative feedback as of yet. However, we can only speak to Verizon and AT&T.

Is there a television?

No television. There is so many things to do on the island that you won't even notice there isn't one.

Are there bikes to use at the house?

There are six bikes to use at the house. But, feel free to bring your own. They are easy to ship on the ferry!

Is there a mooring for a boat?

Unfortunately, no.  You can anchor in the cove, but it is already a bit crowded. 

Is there a regular size refrigerator?

There is a standard size refrigerator at The Woodbury Cottage. If you plan on bringing a lot of food, you can buy ice for a cooler at The General Store on the other side of the island. 

Is the house stocked with paper towels and soap?

Yes! We tried to make it as convenient and easy for you as possible. Check out the full list of what comes with The Woodbury Cottage here.

Is there is a fireplace?

There is a fireplace, but it can’t be used. It is too much of a risk and liability. If you end up getting cold, the living room has a monitor heater and each room has a space heater that will keep you warm.

Is there a fire pit?

Yes. There is also firewood provided. However, guests are required to follow outdoor burning rules & regulations set by the City of Portland and the State of Maine. It is not guaranteed that outdoor burning is permitted during your stay.

Are there beach towels at the house?

No. If you are planning on logging some time on one of the beaches on the island, please bring your own towels and DO NOT bring the ones from the bathrooms in the cottage.

Are there tennis courts?

There is a public clay court in the middle of the island. It is available to use by everyone. Common courtesy rules apply and we just ask that you leave it in great condition.

Is there a pool?

There isn’t a pool at The Woodbury or on our side of the island. There is a pool on the other side of the island, but it is private. Guests of The Woodbury Cottage are not permitted to use it. Diamond Cove Management keeps close tabs on this and will not hesitate to have you removed from their property.

How far is the Inn?

The Inn at Diamond Cove, Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and The Crown Jewel are on the opposite side of the island. If you were going to walk from The Woodbury over there it is about a 25-30 minute walk. If you are going to take the golf cart, you can only take it to the gate that separates Diamond Cove from the rest of the island and from there it is about a 7-10 minute walk. The pedestrian part of the gate is always open they just keep the larger section closed so that golf carts and cars can’t go back and forth.

Where is the closest beach access?

We have our own private beach that you are more than welcome to enjoy. As you stand on the front porch and look out at the water, it is down below to the left. Keep in mind that it is shared with the other two houses on Echo Point, so please me considerate. The beach to the right is not ours therefore we ask you not to go onto it. There is also a beach behind Ellwell Hall that is on the side of the island that is facing Portland. The beaches on the other side in Diamond Cove are private. As with the pool, Diamond Cove Management keeps close tabs on who uses them and will not hesitate to remove trespassers from their property.

Is there a way to get lobsters on the island?

YES! This is hands down one of our favorite things to do! There are a couple of great guys on the island that you can call and they will hand deliver how ever many lobsters you want to the house! There is also a lobster cooker on the back porch ready for you to fire up. If you’re interested we will send along their contact information. As an alterative, you can order from Harbor Fish Market in Portland and they will ship your order down to the island on Casco Bay Lines. More details can be found here.

Are there play areas for kids?

Yup! Next to the tennis court is a jungle gym for kiddos. Please be advised that there is also a playground in Diamond Cove. However, as with the rest of their amenities, they will not hesitate to have trespassers removed from their property.