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Explore Maine

vacation rentals

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We welcome you to our

Southern Maine

vacation homes

A Better Experience

Why Book Direct?

Better Rates
Booking directly with us means that you can get the best rates available for your accommodation.
Fewer Fees
By booking direct you will pay substantially less in service fees.
Peace of Mind
When you choose to book direct you secure top-tier accommodations with local expert hosts.

Who We Are

Your Hosts

We love Maine & are grateful for all the opportunities living here provides. Favorites for us include paddle boarding, bicycling, beach days, ice cream, camping, and adventuring in new places! We appreciate being able to give guests the opportunity to experience all that Maine offers throughout each season & special location.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are we able to check-in and what time is check-out?
Most of our rental properties are available for check-in after 4 PM. Check-out is typically between 10-11 AM. We do utilize smart locks so guests can arrive when it is convenient and check themselves in with a secure keypad code. Early check-in and extended check-out times are often available, but must be arranged in advance.
Where are your properties located?
Most of our homes are in southern Maine, within an hour of the Maine-New Hampshire border. Some are along the coastline in Old Orchard Beach and Portland. Others are nestled between the coast and the western lakes region including Lake Arrowhead in Waterboro, Buxton and the Sanford area.
Are any of your properties pet-friendly?
Currently, none of our homes are able to accommodate pets. However, if you, or someone in your group, requires the support of a service animal, please reach out so we can be sure your needs are met.
What is included in an Explore Maine vacation home rental?
Each of our properties is set up so guests can spend more time vacationing stress-free. All linens are provided (including bed sheets, comforters, extra blankets, pillows, and bath towels.) Kitchens are fully stocked with dishes, cutlery, utensils, baking sheets, pots, pans, cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls, wine glasses and mugs. Our kitchens include stovetops, ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, toasters and coffee makers. Cooking essentials are well stocked including salt, pepper, oil, dish soap, kitchen linens and pot holders. We provide necessities to start your vacation on the right foot such as toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags and cleaning supplies. We also provide shampoo, conditioner and soap in the bathroom, along with other supplies you may need during your stay such as toothbrushes and toothpaste. At our waterfront properties and those with spas or saunas we provide additional towels and/or beach supplies. We truly want you to feel at ease during your stay. Please note: Specific amenities are listed under each property description.
What is provided for TV and internet services?
All of our homes have fast WiFi for streaming and professional needs. We provide smart TVs, many of them are Roku. Guests can sign into their personal apps to access any streaming services they would like.
How can I find restaurants, events and other attractions available near your properties?
We provide recommendations, including seasonal and year-round favorite spots to eat, drink and visit with your group. If you are looking for something specific, let us know as we love to make each visit spectacular for our guests.
Why should I book with Explore Maine?
We are local Mainers who are never more than a few minutes away from any of our homes. Many of the homes we rent we also live in for part of the year. Our company includes experts in vacation rentals, real estate and construction. We are a team of property owners, with knowledge of the area, and a commitment to exceptional service.

Why our guests

LOVE STAYING HERE

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This Airbnb was by far the best one we have rented thus far and we have been doing Airbnb and Vrbo for years now. So clean. We were impressed from the minute we walked thru the door. Hosts thought of everything we could possibly need plus some. I would recommend this place over and over again. Thanks for the great stay. My husband and I really felt at home and enjoyed our week long stay.
Danielle
September 2024
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Our stay was fantastic, the house was spotless. The interior decorations are well put together and it has a very homey atmosphere. Would highly recommend to check it out if you are in the area!
Lisa
September 2024
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A wonderful, private spot, close to Portland’s old port, to enjoy great restaurants and night life, but far enough away for a more peaceful evening if needed! Located right near the gorgeous view of back cove where you can start your day with an outdoor walk, or end it watching the sun go down over Portland's sky line. I had a unique reason for visiting this location and the owners were more than accommodating and kind! I highly recommend this BnB if you’re looking to stay in the Portland area! Thanks again, for everything!
Mariah
September 2024
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The most beautiful and relaxing family get away! Arian's place was absolutely perfect, the location being right on the water with canoes and kayaks to utilize. The dock is set where the sun hits almost all day! The house itself was extremely clean! I usually am the bring Lysol and drench the whole house in it just in case type of person but that was not needed here. The bathroom, the dishes, the whole kitchen, each bedroom were all spotless. The huge ceiling light is awesome and at night lights up the whole place including the beautiful fire pit. The porch is perfect for coffee in the morning.The house is stocked with legit everything you will need. Arian is the best host, we had two questions through out our stay and we got a response within 5 mins each time!! My husband accidentally left a couple things behind and they had no issue taking care of it for us. Hands down one of the best stays we have ever had, we cannot thank you enough!
Brittney
September 2024
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This spot was absolutely beautiful, breathtaking views, a perfect spot to make some memories or just relax on a solo trip, it really was a whole vibe! The house is set up exactly as described; clean, cozy, and just felt homey! The yard was great, the outside furniture was very comfortable, the fire pit, everything you could possibly want for some outside fun at a lakeside retreat; life jackets in all sizes, canoe/kayak, tubes to float on the lake in, it was just a great trip all the way around! We will most definitely be back !!
Tianna
August 2024
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We had an amazing stay at this two-level Airbnb house. Renting both levels, it was perfect for our group of 10. The location was ideal—walking distance to downtown, with coffee shops, restaurants, and a farmers market nearby. The house was spotless, with modern touches like an instant shower and a luxurious bathroom. The hot tub was a favorite, and the fast WiFi was a big plus. The host was very responsive through the app, making the entire experience smooth and hassle-free. The house was exactly as described in the listing, and it comfortably accommodated all of us. Compared to a hotel, this was a fantastic bargain, offering more space, comfort, and amenities. Highly recommend for any large group looking for a convenient and enjoyable stay!
Kate
August 2024
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Best place I've ever stayed in OOB! My husband kept saying he wanted to buy it 😀 Everything was even better than expected from description and location was close to all the places we like to visit when we come to OOB. Highly recommend!
Julie
June 2024
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Arian's place is AMAZING! Super CLEAN, TIDY, WELL-STOCKED, GREAT DESIGN, and DECORATION. I have to say this is the best Airbnb I have ever stayed in. All amenities are up-to-date and easy to use (even better than my own place). It is far beyond my expectation and definitely looks better than in the listing photos :)
Joy
August 2022
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It was a perfect stay for us. Very relaxing to stay at home, cook, relax, play games and talk. Also easy to get to the water, cute Portland neighborhoods, back cove walking trail. We loved it. We really appreciated the modern yet comfortable and inviting feel of the house. Loved the deck, the fire pit, the living spaces. Bedrooms very, very comfortable. Loved the cozy basement family room with additional sleeping.
Jennifer
July 2022
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This home is perfect for a weekend getaway! The speakers throughout the house are an awesome perk for music lovers. The kitchen has every cooking utensil and tool you could imagine. And the fire pit is the perfect way to end an amazing day exploring Portland. If this house is an option for your Portland stay I highly recommend booking here!
Sarah
July 2022
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Have a Question?
Feel free to reach us at exploremainerentals@gmail.com
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