The setting is picture perfect. The host were very friendly, accommodating , and served a delicious breakfast. We hope to go back again.

Friends gave us a gift certificate for two nights at the Crocker Pond House as a wedding gift, and we had such a wonderful time that I was inspired to write this review (something I think I've never done before). Ellen and Stuart, who built the house themselves, were kind and helpful. They gave us the great idea of spending the day hiking at Sunday River. It turns out that this ski resort keeps a lift open during the summer for mountain bikers and hikers, and it was the perfect way to do some real hiking with great views without having to be in ultra hiker mode. We also had wonderful breakfasts both mornings -- the pancakes were particularly delicious. In the afternoons, we read quietly by the pond. This is a great spot, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Stuart and Ellen built this impressive home themselves, and their love for the Maine woods really comes through. The house is elegant yet homey, with music, books, and jigsaw puzzles to browse at your leisure. The toasty great room and balcony library are comfortable spaces to spend evenings after a full day of skiing. And the healthful breakfasts and good coffee fuel you up again in the morning. While the rooms have showers only (there is a tub room to take a soak), they are a good size with sitting chair, dresser, and open floor space (ours had an additional loft for kids). Stuart and Ellen are lovely conversationalists but also know when to get you on your way with maps, tips, snowshoes, etc. The house is a few minutes' drive away from Bethel's main street of shops and restaurants, but that just enhances the sense of quiet and remoteness that is the Maine woods. We'd like to head back in summer to canoe the Androscoggin.

We stayed at Crocker Pond House for 3 days/nights in January, and had a lovely time. There were lovely views of the snow-covered fields and woods from our rooms, as well as the main living area, where we spent a lot of time lounging about in front of the fireplace, chatting, reading magazines & playing with the two (very friendly) cats. The building is thoughtfully designed and well-situated, and the rooms are spacious, clean and warm. Stuart & Ellen were fantastic hosts, and provided us with hearty & delicious breakfasts (including cardamom-flecked waffles with lingonberry jam!) as well as snowshoes for tramping around on the trails starting outside their doorstep. It's also only about a 15 minute drive to Sunday River, and 10 minutes to the town of Bethel. Just about perfect for a winter getaway into snowy Maine.