




Experience island life aboard The Nautilus, a floating love letter to reinvention where cabin charm meets houseboat adventure on the shores of Annabessacook Lake. Moored beside 1 Big Sustainable Island in Monmouth, Maine, this quietly wonderful floating home lets you wake to gentle waves at your door, watch the sunrise from bed, and step straight onto a floating porch for morning coffee. It's proof that with a little imagination and care, something old can become something entirely new.
The Nautilus accommodates up to 4 guests with one bedroom featuring a cozy queen bed, plus a convertible futon for additional sleeping space, and one bathroom with thoughtfully designed off-grid amenities. Inside, you'll find simple comfort with a compost toilet, hot shower during non-freezing seasons, and just enough battery-powered electricity to stay comfortable without breaking the spell.
Getting to The Nautilus is part of the adventure, and the hosts make it seamless. Arrive by paddle, ferry, or your own boat, with free island transportation included. Once settled, you'll enjoy exclusive access to The Nautilus and shared access to the island's mile of walking trails, swimming spots, docks, hammocks, and paddle gear. Daytime neighbors may pass through shared spaces as island tradition allows, but nights are quiet and reserved for overnight guests and the loons.
Annabessacook Lake serves as your 1,400-acre backyard of clear water and good fishing. The Nautilus is located on 1 Big Sustainable Island, a nonprofit off-grid retreat where curious humans come to unplug, wander, and remember how to breathe at lake speed. Multiple transportation options include free ferry service, self-guided paddling, or bringing your own boat to the complimentary dock space.
The Nautilus welcomes well-mannered pets with advance screening and a $30 per night pet fee. Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out at 10:00 AM. Guests can enjoy early luggage drop-off and the hosts greet you personally upon arrival. This floating haven is perfect for anyone drawn to creative reuse, gentle adventure, and life lived a little closer to the water.
Come curious, pack light, and settle into a stay that literally floats on the idea that the best things are often made, not bought. The Nautilus proves that reinvention and imagination can create something entirely wonderful from something beautifully old.
This description is for informational purposes. Please verify all details, including amenities, policies, fees, and availability, on the booking platform before booking.
You’ll be staying in someone’s home, so please treat it with care and respect.

