Hip & Luxurious Garden Retreat for Families, Foodies & Adventurers

We call this first floor of our modified 1890's Victorian the 'Garden SWEET' because it's a huge suite that is so attractive and fun that everyone just loves hanging out in it. Inside, it has beautiful leather furniture, luxurious beds with crisp white sheets, lots of pillows, and quilts and comforters.

Outside, there's our sunny High Line-inspired perennial garden with brick patio. The apartment was once a school room, and we kept its open feel. The four bedrooms each have their own personality but all reflect things we love about the spirit, style and sense of humor in Maine. The open living and dining areas have plenty of room to lounge, but you also find cozy little nooks to curl up with a book and cup of tea, or to catch up on news and charge your devices (bring your own chargers though!). The location is in Portland’s most desirable neighborhood, the East End, on a quiet residential street within walking distance to all of Portland’s best destinations: the Old Port’s shops, the Arts District with museums and galleries, the real working waterfront, the ferry terminal with regular boats to the islands, the Eastern Promenade’s walking and running trails with incredible water views, our own neighborhood East End Beach, East Bayside’s hip new craft breweries and distilleries, as well as all our many award-winning restaurants.

Return from exploring to a peaceful night's sleep in cozy beds with lots of pillows, comforters and quilts that sleep 8 comfortably: two queen bedrooms, one full bedroom, and one bedroom with two twin beds. The open living and dining room has a smart TV, bluetooth speaker for streaming your own music, and a vinyl record player. The kitchen has new stainless steel appliances including gas stove, and a new washer and dryer. The bathroom is appointed with all the 'bear' necessities (towels, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cotton balls, first aid kit). You'll find books and magazine to read, as well as tourist maps and guides.

Absolutely no parties or events. Mature, well-behaved groups or families only. Guests must agree to House Rules before booking will be confirmed. Dogs welcome if approved in advance.
The ground floor of an old Victorian on a leafy corner of Munjoy Hill. About six steps up if you enter through the front door, or about 4 steps up if through the back door. Comfortably sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms loaded with quillts, comforters, high TC sheets and plenty of pillows. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking: gas stove, knives, dishwasher. We stock all spaces with good local coffee as well as cream and sugar to get you started.

Guests have the entire first floor of the building, with view of our perennial garden and courtyard. Though it's pet friendly with prior approval, the garden is a dog-free zone due to the many tender baby perennials there. There's also a bike rack available for you to use (we encourage biking in Portland...it's the best way to get around! Ask me for bike rental info!). The parking is on-street but free and plentiful.

We love Munjoy Hill! It has the sea breezes, and big blue ocean vistas of an island community, but it is as close as you can be to downtown Portland while still living in a real historic neighborhood. It's also called the East End, and it is home to the Eastern Promenade (huge grassy park), East End Trail (for walking, biking, running) and East End Beach. You can learn about the history of Munjoy Hill at the Observatory, which is just one block away. Ship captains' houses line the perimeter of the East End (the Eastern Promenade), and the interior of 'the Hill' was largely inhabited with longshoremen who made their living unloading ships at the dock.

Walking and biking is the best way to get to the Old Port, the ferry terminal (to all the Casco Bay Islands!), downtown and so on...or Uber is cheap and about 5 mins anywhere. Walking to heart of the Old Port along the East End Trail is highly recommended, and takes about 15-20 mins.

The Garden SWEET! was once a school room, which is why it has such an open, spacious feel. It was called The Hill School, a neighborhood charter school with kids from all over the world.
HOUSE RULES & PET RULES - Please read carefully

NO BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE WEEKENDS. Unfortunately we’ve found that the heavy drinking that has accompanied bachelor/bachelorette groups has resulted in disturbances of the peace for our other guests and neighbors. Bookings confirmed before 7/22/24 will be honored but strict adherence to all House Rules is required. If your group disturbs the peace you can be charged a noise fee starting at $100.

Part of the charm of this space is its location on a quiet tree lined street on the East End. Out of respect for our neighbors, other guests, and for us - all guests are required to agree to a few simple rules.

- Quiet hours 10pm to 7am. Music, TV, and voices should be at normal levels
- No music outside
- No parties or events at all are allowed
- When returning from nights out, whether on the street or inside the building, please be remember that others are not on vacation - and keep your voices down
- No open flames or candles
- No smoking is allowed in the building, including on any decks, or front or back entryways or garden - others pass through these areas - so please take a walk when you smoke
- We ask that you please remove shoes inside
- No cutting directly on the kitchen counters. Please use cutting boards
- Bikes: We welcome pedalers. Please do not bring bikes inside the building. You may lock them to the ‘black wave’ bike rack. The bike rack is located in the courtyard (for all guests at 62 Monument Street).
- Pets: please make your request for approval of your pet in advance. All guests with pets will be asked to review and agree to our Rules below for Furry Family and pay a pet fee
- The booking guest, as our only contact for your group, is responsible for the rest of the group, so please make sure everyone in your group is made aware of these rules and is willing to abide by them
- Before checking out, please walk through all rooms to check for forgotten items. Message us if you see notice any damage or any extra cleaning needed
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RULES FOR FURRY FAMILY
Please review the Rules for Furry Family below closely, and reply confirming you will abide by them. We are very much animal lovers, and they are a big part of our lives! As such, we have come up with these rules with the happiness and safety of all of our guests in mind (animal as well as human).

- Dogs may not be left alone for more than 2 hours without a break. Separation anxiety is more common than you might think, and it’s preventable. There are lots of dog-friendly patios where you can bring your pup with you and have a great meal. Pet sitters who can look after your pet are available through an online service - contact us for that. Please plan ahead…call places you might want to go, and/or book a pet sitter in advance
- You are required to leave your phone on at all times and be ready to return to your rental right away should there be reports of noise coming from your furry friend while you are out
- Our spaces are in a quiet neighborhood and in historic buildings where noise travels. Occasional ‘hello!’ barks are fine, but ongoing barking, whining or howling will likely disrupt other guests or neighbors
- Crates for adult dogs are strongly encouraged, and are required for puppies up to one year old
- For the safety of all, when entering and exiting our apartments and on our grounds you are required to use a leash. Portland has a leash law requiring dogs be on leashes 8’ or shorter in all public spaces
- Please bring your dog’s bed or travel mat; and a pet blanket if your pet is accustomed to getting on the furniture
- Damage, for example chewing, scratching, marking/other stains; are your responsibility
- Potty breaks: Please take a nice stroll through our beautiful neighborhood rather than using our courtyard or garden
- Please pick up!

Pet fee: we charge a $50 pet fee per reservation for up to two pets for stays up to 4 nights; or per pet for longer stays. All proceeds from pet fees are donated to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland and Portland Trails, two local organizations instrumental in animal welfare and outdoor access for dogs.