Escape to Thistle Pond Cottage, a peaceful coastal retreat in southern Maine. Nestled on 2 acres with pond views, lush gardens, and local wildlife, it’s minutes from beaches and Portland. Every stay begins with homemade bread from our kitchen and thoughtful, locally sourced welcome accompaniments. Weather and seasonal permitting, guests may occasionally savor a host-prepared wood-fired pizza made with fresh garden ingredients. Cozy, bright, and full of garden-to-table charm and seasonal delight. Inside, the cottage offers bright, airy living spaces, cozy bedrooms, and thoughtful touches — from freshly baked bread to herbs from the garden — inspired by the rhythm of the seasons. Guests often say it feels like home the moment they walk in: a place to relax, reconnect, and enjoy a garden-to-table, nature-filled Maine experience. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful coastal escape, a family-friendly retreat, or a romantic getaway, Thistle Pond Cottage offers a unique combination of convenience, comfort, and natural beauty that keeps guests coming back. Our Great Dane siblings, Leah and Atlas, are often the highlight of guests’ stays. Their gentle and affectionate nature adds a unique charm to the cottage experience. Many visitors have mentioned how their calm demeanor and affectionate nature added a special touch to their stay. One guest shared, “Leah and Atlas made our mornings brighter with their gentle greetings.” Another noted, “Their presence truly made the cottage feel like home.” While they enjoy the company of guests, they are always supervised and never enter the cottage, ensuring a comfortable environment for all.

For over 25 years, Alexis and Hamish have traveled the world, staying in everything from cozy cottages and charming Airbnbs to bustling hostels—always chasing that perfect mix of comfort, character, and connection. Along the way, they discovered a love for hosting, cooking, and growing their own food, and friends kept encouraging them to create a space of their own. In 2023, they took the plunge and made that dream come to life when building Thistlepond Cottage. Every corner has been thoughtfully built, and they’re continuously expanding the kitchen gardens for guests to enjoy. Alexis and Hamish live just behind the cottage with their two gentle Great Danes, Leah and Atlas. Set beside a large pond teeming with wildlife, Thistlepond Cottage is a certified wildlife habitat—a place designed with care for both people and nature. Here, you’re invited to slow down, soak in the surroundings, and leave inspired to bring a little piece of this peaceful, seasonal life back home with you.Any questions please send me a message and I will respond as quickly as possible.

Step inside Thistle Pond Cottage and feel as if you’ve wandered into a storybook retreat. With its rustic charm and cozy accommodations, this Southern Maine retreat offers cozy nooks and a kitchen that invites you to create. Every corner is designed to feel like home. Outside, native plants and gardens bustle with life, and as a certified wildlife habitat, you’ll spot birds, butterflies, and other friendly visitors throughout your stay. Our high-tunnel tomatoes, pizza oven, and abundant herbs are meant to inspire both your cooking and your imagination—whether you’re harvesting, preparing a meal, or simply enjoying the serenity of this magical cottage escape.