The Birches is a beautiful and intimate B&B overlooking Sommes Bay in the paradise that is Mount Desert Isle. Because the Homer Family (which counts a former president of MIT and a former president of Bethlehem Steel in its ranks) lives on site, it's like a visit with a family in a great old home. But that's part of the fun as Suzy is entertaining and an encyclopodedic source of knowledge about MDI and Maine in general. The free wi-fi works great and the breakfasts are tasty (if not fancy). The grounds are magical as well.

The view and property is stellar. A short walk to the entrance of Acadia National Park. Easy to find and a great location. THe owners were more the friendly, helpful and interested in our plans for a great time. They assisted in travel, directions and making reservations. The breakfasts were awesome too, as was the "happy hour" drink offered each night.

Other reviewers have characterized the location and the ambiance of the
Birches very well. I won't repeat that. I badly needed a break and wanted to return to
Acadia for a few days. I was fortunate to get a booking at the last minute at the Birches with no other requirement than a bed and a desire to be "left alone." What a pleasant and welcome surprise I had. You really feel like you're free to do whatever you want. You can join in breakfast in the dining room, or take a plate and sit at the long table in front of the window overlooking the harbor. You can wander into the kitchen to microwave your coffee. The Birches is the home of the owner and you fell like you're a part of a new family for a few days. It is neither pretentious nor fussy. It is Maine at its solid best. I delayed writing this so that i could get the room I wanted in September before others discover the Birches. This next time, I return for a week

My husband and I just returned from our first trip to Southwest Harbor, Maine, and we're already planning our next trip--and our return to The Birches B&B.

From the minute we approached The Birches, we felt at home. The rambling, rustic home overlooking the harbor feels just the way a beloved family summer home should feel, from the wicker chairs in the garden to the croquet court; from our comfy and spacious room to the family dining table (flanked by elegant Shaker-style chairs designed by Dick Homer) where breakfast is served. And the Homers--Rocky, Dick, and their daughter Susi--welcomed us into their home and made us feel much more like friends than customers.

They shared with us their extensive knowledge of and affection for the area, and made suggestions for activities, meals, and must-sees that meshed wonderfully with our interests. We come from NYC, so we intentionally chose Acadia's "quiet side" rather than Bar Harbor. The Homers suggested a wealth of hikes, kayak tours, scenic spots, and restaurants all within the area that kep us ooohing and aaahing for the entire time we were there.

We did go into Bar Harbor a couple of times to access Sand Beach, Jordan Pond House, and some excellent frozen yogurt (!), but we could have happily filled up our 5 days in Acadia just with the local places suggested by the Homers. From our first hike up Flying Mountain to our plunge off The Bluffs into Echo Lake, from the unsurpassed harbor view from patio of the Seafood Ketch (not to mention the excellent lobster roll) to the wonderful beach combing in Bernard, Susi's suggestions helped us discover the many pleasures of the area, and make the most of our all-too-short stay there.

That she and Rocky joined us for breakfasts (that were deliciously tailored to our tastes and dietary requirements) and really welcomed us into their home made our stay all the more personal, and all the more wonderful.