The cottages will be clean with fresh linens and fluffy clean pillows on the beds (plus extras), fresh white bath towels (plus extras), and kitchen towels (and more) when you arrive. Once you arrive, you will be taking care of your rental cottage, returning it to us as clean as it was when you arrived. We call this self-serve housekeeping. You won’t have to worry about the linens as we’ll launder soiled linens and towels after you depart. We will not charge for this or the housekeeping we do before each new arrival. Our cottages have kitchens or kitchenettes but you may want to dine at one of a variety of restaurants available within ten to 30 miles, the nearest being only four miles away. Accordingly the rates are much lower than the full service rates we have had in the past. The cottages have an assortment of cooking facilities. While our kitchenettes have a refrigerator, sink, counter, automatic coffee maker, toaster, electric hot plate, and microwave oven our full kitchens are complete with the preceding and also an oven and stovetop burners. Utensils, dishes, pots and pans are provided.

We charge a $200 security deposit, which will be returned two weeks after the end of your stay unless there should be damage or excessive cleaning necessary. We ask a deposit of 50% of the total amount including tax and security at the time of the reservation and then the balance one month before arrival. The Maine State lodging tax will be an additional 7%.

Check-in time is anytime after 4 p.m. We will leave a welcome note on the bulletin board on the porch of the old hotel with a telephone number to call if you need any assistance. Requests for early check-ins must be approved in advance, thank-you. Please inquire ahead of time. Some restrictions apply.

Checkout time is anytime prior to 11 a.m. Requests for late checkout must be approved in advance, thank-you. Please inquire ahead of time. Some restrictions apply.

We ask you not to smoke inside any of our buildings, thank you. Smoking is allowed outside only. We request that smoking materials be extinguished in the proper receptacles and not on the grounds or trails.

We understand that a pet is a member of the family; however, in consideration of our other guests we do not allow dogs or other pets on Oakland House grounds or in our rental cottage accommodations.

Occasionally through unforeseen circumstances an accommodation may have to be changed. If at all possible, guests are consulted prior to arrival. When a more expensive accommodation is substituted, guests are not charged for the difference. If it is necessary to substitute a less expensive accommodation, the lower price will be charged.

Deposits are refundable for reservations cancelled or changed to different dates more than forty-five days prior to arrival date (sixty days for reservations longer than two weeks or those that involve more than one accommodation). Deposits for reservations cancelled or changed to different dates less than forty-five days prior to arrival date are refundable only if another guest can fill the space. Guests shortening their stay by arriving later than their scheduled arrival date or departing in advance of their scheduled departure date will be charged for the entire time reserved unless the space can be subsequently filled by another guest.

The beaches are "glass free" thank-you. They are also "alcohol free" and "smoke free" zones. Our neighbors and we welcome you to the ocean and lake beach but these are strict regulations. Kindly respect the peace and quiet of the days and evenings on this gentle coast of Maine. Fires are not allowed on the beaches at any time.

You may bring your own kayak, canoe or small boat. Boat launching facilities are available at Bucks Harbor Public Landing. While there are some boats at mooring near our dock we do not have guest moorings available here at Herricks Landing. Our dock is for boarding purposes and not for tying up boats. You may keep your kayak or canoe on the lawn at Herricks Landing during your stay. There is a place where you can store your boat trailer while you are staying with us.

This is a pastoral community with quiet pursuits the norm. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in your accommodation is your prerogative; however, it is not allowed in public areas, the woods, trails, and grounds. Bonfires are not permitted on any part of the property. We subscribe to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. Take out only what you came in with.

While many things are the same as they have been for many years some things have changed. Many of you know that long time innkeeper Jim Littlefield passed away in June, 2010. We still have the same staff and wonderful accommodations. We are continuing Jim's legacy. We have downsized somewhat. We will NOT be providing rowboats or full-service housekeeping services, nor will the Rusticator Restaurant be open this season. Additionally, we will NOT be laying a fire in your fireplace each day for you to light. Instead there will be crated firewood available on site for a nominal fee on a self-serve basis. The recreation barn will not be open to guests, nor will we show videos there in the evenings. The great location remains but Shore Oaks Seaside Inn is now a private summer home and thus it's gazebo and Boathouse Cottage are also private. With our changes you will realize a substantial savings that will open other opportunities for you. While our cheery staff was always available to welcome your inquiries in the old hotel office our current office has moved and our smaller staff will not always be available. However, one of us will be on site at all times.