Luxury

Nature's Luxury Retreat

Sandra's Cabin is a private island retreat on Georges Pond in Franklin, Maine — comfortable enough for a real vacation, remote enough to actually unplug.

modern cabin kitchen and dining room
Murch Island, Franklin, Maine

Luxury Cabin Newly Built on Private Maine Island in Freshwater Pond.

Sandra's Cabin sits on Murch Island — 8 private acres on Georges Pond in Franklin, Maine. The cabin is newly built with everything you need to settle in for a week without roughing it.

sandra's cabin and floating dock

Getting to the island is by water only. Parking is free at 332 Georges Pond Road, which is also where the boat dock is. Here are your three options for getting here:

  • Bring your own boat.
  • Rent a boat from a local boat service (Port Harbor Marine).
  • We can drop you off the first day with all your belongings and pick you up on the last. You'll sign a waiver for passage.
  • There is 24 hour access to kayak to your car or emergency pickups off the Island always available by owners.

If you choose to take day trips off the island, you can easily kayak. There is parking for your vehicle at 332 Georges Pond Road at no cost. If you bring a boat or rent a boat, the public boat launch is just around the corner from 332 Georges Pond.  For day trips, you can tie up your boat at 332 Georges Pond Road dock.

sandra's island

Details For Your Stay

The island has its own character — moss-draped boulders, towering spruces, and winding paths that weave between them. Loons call from the water at dawn. Mornings are good for swimming and fishing; evenings for watching the sun drop behind the tree line from the dock.

Cabin Amenities

The 1900-square-foot cabin boasts modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a convenient laundry room. The ground floor hosts a spacious master suite with a king-size bed, private bath, and scenic vistas of the island and pond.

Upstairs, a vibrant media room awaits, featuring a projector, sound system, and ample seating for entertainment and relaxation. Additional sleeping arrangements include a queen sleeper sofa and convertible chairs, complemented by a full bath and a charming bedroom with accommodations for four.

Step onto the screened porch or pull up an Adirondack chair with a view of the pond. There’s a fire pit for evenings, and tents and sleeping bags are provided if anyone wants to sleep outside.

Outdoor Activities

Water enthusiasts will delight in the array of activities, with docks, kayaks, floats, paddle boards, the "DIVING ROCK" and life jackets available for exploration. Should you wish to venture beyond the island, Ellsworth offers shopping, dining, and access to nearby attractions such as Acadia National Park and scenic hiking trails. Jump in your kayak for a quick trip to Georges Pond land-side for an adventure in trail biking or running. There are also boat rentals available from our friends at Port Harbor Marine. We also Be sure to explore Blackswoods Scenic Byway at the end of the Georges Pond Road, or hike Tunk Mountain (just 15 minutes away). If you enjoy biking or want an easier trail for children, Downeast Sunrise trail access is 3.7 miles away and has much to offer.

We had a wonderful stay on Murch Island!

Stacy and Eric were incredible hosts and they have truly thought of everything with how well they’ve equipped the cabin. The cabin itself is gorgeous, very clean, and comfortably furnished. We enjoyed the island itself too - including walks on the trail around the island, nightly sunsets at “sunset point”, fires around the fire pit, and swimming and kayaking in the protected and peaceful cove. We have rented a number of lakefront cottages over the years and this was the best spot by far.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us! We hope to be back!

Robin
VRBO - August 8, 2026

Unforgettable place! The host has thought of everything.

You will need a boat to get to the island (host graciously accommodated us by getting us to and from the island twice a day). This is truly a unique experience that you will not regret! Lots of fishing, kayaks, room to swim, fire pit for smores. There is no A/C and it can get hot inside but host had plenty of fans available.

Best VRBO we’ve been to! Book now!

Seth
VRBO - August 4, 2026

"I can’t say enough about how wonderful our stay was. The house is absolutely gorgeous and fully stocked with anything you may need, the island and lake is a ton of fun and our hosts Eric and Stacy were amazing.

We brought our own boat and were able to enjoy tubing, fishing, swimming and a fireworks display over the lake. We traveled with 4 adults, 2 kids and 1 dog and this trip will be remembered for years to come.

10 out of 10, I can’t recommend this enough."

Chrissy D.
VRBO - July 1, 2026

"We just wrapped up a fantastic week at this beautiful island house and couldn’t be happier with the experience. The home was spotless, extremely comfortable, and had everything we needed—from a well-stocked kitchen (including a coffee maker and outdoor grill) to all the necessary amenities for a relaxing and fun stay. The property is truly special, with multiple kayaks, fishing rods, life vests, and two gorgeous decks on different sides of the island. One deck offered unforgettable sunset views that became a highlight of our evenings. The boat rental through Downeast Boat Rentals was seamless—quick paperwork right at the dock made the process easy and convenient. The homeowners, who live just across the pond, were incredibly welcoming and always available for questions or help. Their tips and local advice made our stay even more enjoyable. One tip for future guests: if you plan on heading out for dinner after dark, make sure to plan your return in advance. Nighttime boating is doable but use of a GPS app is absolutely needed with saved routes to navigate safely and avoid any rocks. Highly recommend this peaceful and well-equipped retreat—an unforgettable lakefront escape!"

Youssef R.
VRBO - July 5, 2025

We loved our stay on George's pond on a private island.

The house is brand new full of amenities for an amazing family vacation. Our kids loved the kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing on the lake, and ending with each evening in the movie room.

Owners are very nice and showed us the whole place upon arrival. The house is convenient to Acadia National park, Bar Harbor, and other great Maine spots. While not required for the rental, we rented a boat from Downeast Boat Rentals which was great to have a boat on the lake, and the house had ample dock space. Thanks for a great stay!

Michael K.
VRBO - August, 2024

Amazing Property!

We’ve been renting lakefront properties for several years now, and this was far and away THE BEST place we’ve stayed.

The private island was awesome, and the house is perfect for our family of 5.

They thought of everything when they outfitted the cabin, too. It was indeed luxurious, internet was great, and all the amenities. Just bring your bathing suit!

Michelle H.
VRBO - July 8, 2024

Helpful Information

When you’re ready to head off the island, the area has solid nearby options: The Franklin Trading Post, YU Takeout, The Crocker House, and Black Sheep Restaurant are all worth a stop.View our local attractions for more information.

While offering all the comforts of modern living, this retreat relies on a generator and battery power to operate its appliances, water pump, and amenities. We kindly request your cooperation in conserving power and suggesting scheduling laundry and dishwasher usage during generator charging periods of 10 am and 7 pm. We understand this may not always be feasible, but your consideration is greatly valued.

Sandra’s Cabin is a one-of-a-kind Maine stay — whether you’re here for early morning swims, kayaking to loon calls, afternoon fishing, or just some real quiet. We hope you leave with stories worth telling.

Interested The Cabin Being Fully Stocked Upon Arrival?

Prefer the convenience of groceries for your stay already in the cabin upon arrival? Contact us in advance, and we will provide grocery pickup, delivery, and stocking services on the day of arrival. Simply do an online order to go from one of these Ellsworth locations, Walmart, Hannaford or Shaws. Please schedule your order to be ready by 1:00 pm on the day of checkin. There is a $100 fee for this service.

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer/Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Fireplace
  • WiFi
  • Full Kitchen / Appliances / Supplies
  • 2 bedrooms with Media Room/Sleeping Loft (sleeps 8)
  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Fire Pit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio
  • Office Work Space

View All Amenities

Book Your Island Retreat Today

Escape to the Tranquil Beauty of Sandra's Cabin on Murch Island in Maine