Wilder Cottage Guest Guide
Welcome!
Welcome to Wilder Cottage. We love it here and hope you will, too. We’ve tried to equip the cottage and bunkhouse with all the necessary amenities and a few extra items you may have forgotten. We are delighted to have you as our guest(s) and want you to enjoy your stay on one of the most beautiful lakes in Maine.
Hopefully, this guest guide will answer any questions you might have. If not, please don’t hesitate to contact us through the Airbnb app.
Best regards,
Your hosts,
Jason, Barry, and Diane Atwood
www.WilderCottage.com (Airbnb Listing)
Updated: 10/09/2024
NOTE: Do the the invasive Milfoil invasion at the lake, please do not go down the the creek (to the left of the cottage) in any motorized watercraft. Canoes, stand-up-paddle boards, and kayaks are ok.
The Ins and Outs
Check-In (3 PM)
Entry and wifi instructions will be sent via Airbnb before check-in
Cottage and bunkhouse have been cleaned by our cleaning service, beds made, clean towels out, and items we provide restocked
A hard copy of this Guest Guide will be on (under) the coffee table
Contact us through the Airbnb app with any questions or concerns
Check Out (10 AM)
Please wash your dishes and leave in drying rack, empty any coffee grounds
Please do not leave any food in the fridge, take it all with you
Take out trash, compost, and recycling
Make sure all fires are 100% out with no smoke
Strip beds you used, leave on the bed
Leave used towels on bathroom floor
Put canoe back next to woodpile
Return used equipment to shed
Close all windows and turn off all lights
Have a safe journey home
Top 5 Things to Know
The wifi information was sent in Airbnb
Extra linens and towels under beds, in closets, and in shed
It is 4' deep at the end of the dock
Extra day to day supplies under bathroom sink in main cottage or on shelves above sink
If you have any issues call Barry (number in Airbnb welcome)
Details, Details
Directions
While you should be able to use the GPS address of 9 Creek Lane, Manchester Maine, you will be directed to drive through the Augusta Country Club. Slow down as you enter Hammonds Grove. Go left and then head down toward the water, where you will turn left. The lake will continue to be on your right. Keep going straight, and look for a street sign that says, Creek Lane. Continue on and your eyes will soon rest upon our personal slice of heaven at the end of the road. Before you reach it, you’ll see a large gray cottage on the right, (which has been in the Atwood family for many decades), and just beyond, Wilder Cottage and bunkhouse. You have arrived.
While you should be able to use the GPS address of 9 Creek Lane, Manchester Maine, you will be directed to drive through the Augusta Country Club. Slow down as you enter Hammonds Grove. Go left and then head down toward the water, where you will turn left. The lake will continue to be on your right. Keep going straight, and look for a street sign that says, Creek Lane. Continue on and your eyes will soon rest upon our personal slice of heaven at the end of the road. Before you reach it, you’ll see a large gray cottage on the right, (which has been in the Atwood family for many decades), and just beyond, Wilder Cottage and bunkhouse. You have arrived.
Parking
There is plenty of space to park two cars between the red shed and the cottage. Please be mindful of cars that may be parked alongside the adjacent camp. There may be one additional space available along the other side of the shed. You should check in with us first through the Airbnb app.
There is plenty of space to park two cars between the red shed and the cottage. Please be mindful of cars that may be parked alongside the adjacent camp. There may be one additional space available along the other side of the shed. You should check in with us first through the Airbnb app.
Main Cottage
Step up onto the back porch and into the kitchen. Entry instructions will be sent via AirBnB before you arrive.
Kitchen
It is a “cozy” little kitchen but fully functional. There is a wonderful new farmhouse sink and butcher block counters. It has a small electric stove, new fridge, microwave, toaster, blender, and plenty of glassware, utensils, plates, etc. The Greater Augusta Utility District provides safe drinking water and wastewater removal.
Note: There is no dishwasher.
Main Living Area
Drop your bags and shoulders and go look at the view! We’ve had lots of wonderful family and friends’ meals sitting at the table staring at the lake, watching the sun go down, and feeling grateful.
Bedrooms
There is a full-sized bed (also called a double) in the main bedroom. It is tight quarters, but in the morning you’ll see the lake from one window and the creek from the other. There’s closet space, a tiny bedside table if you need it, a bureau, outlets for your phone, etc. You’ll find extra linens and towels under the bed and beach towels in the closet.
The secondary bedroom has bunk beds, a bureau, and a small closet. There is a light on the wall and lights next to each bed for reading, a little window that looks out onto the back porch, and a larger window overlooking the creek. You’ll find extra linens and towels under the bed and beach towels in the closet.
Bathroom
Cozy, too, but the water should be hot and the pressure good. We have an on-demand water heater, so it may take up to a minute for the water to heat. You’ll find extra toiletries under the sink and toilet paper and paper towels on the overhead shelves. For extra privacy, we recommend closing the blinds and rolling down the shade at dusk and after dark.
The Bunkhouse
Behind the cottage is the bunkhouse which has a full-sized bed, bunk beds, a futon couch, and a half bathroom with hot and cold water. There is a table and chairs next to the window as well as a coffee maker, some cups, glasses, and other supplies in the cabinet. There is also a small fridge and a microwave. Did we mention you have a view of the lake from the front window?
Laundry
There is no washer or dryer but if you want to do some old-fashioned cleaning or have something to dry, there is a bag of clothespins in the cottage bedroom closet and a clothesline in the yard. Let nature do its thing. There is a self-serve laundromat called Garden Island Cleaners, in Winthrop, about 5 miles away if you need to do something more bulky.
Books
Many interesting books have made their way to the cottage and bunkhouse over the years. Feel free to read one or leave one of your own for the next traveler.
Games and Puzzles
You will find a bunch of games and puzzles next to the couch in the end table. There is a large game board behind the end table for Checkers or Chess.
You will find a bunch of games and puzzles next to the couch in the end table. There is a large game board behind the end table for Checkers or Chess.
Guitar
There is a working guitar hanging behind the couch in the cottage. It is functional and decorative at the same time. If you want to play it do so with love and kindness, returning it after you are done. You will find other instruments in the bunkhouse.
There is a working guitar hanging behind the couch in the cottage. It is functional and decorative at the same time. If you want to play it do so with love and kindness, returning it after you are done. You will find other instruments in the bunkhouse.
Linens
All beds will be made up with fresh linens before your arrival as part of the cleaning process. If you need extra linens or towels, an emergency set is under every bed in a plastic container. When you are leaving, please strip any beds you used.
All beds will be made up with fresh linens before your arrival as part of the cleaning process. If you need extra linens or towels, an emergency set is under every bed in a plastic container. When you are leaving, please strip any beds you used.
Pet Policy
We love all furry friends but our policy is we do not allow pets on the property.
Supplies & Vacuum
Everything you need should be in the bathrooms and kitchen with spares under the sink or on the shelf above, but if you need more of something, we keep extras in the shed. There is a vacuum if you need to clean something up.
Smoking
There is no smoking or vaping in any of the buildings or on the property at all.
Toiletries
We will provide hand soap at the cottage but you should bring your own shampoo and conditioner. If you forgot yours we have some spares in the bathroom that you can use. There is also liquid body soap in the shower.
We will provide hand soap at the cottage but you should bring your own shampoo and conditioner. If you forgot yours we have some spares in the bathroom that you can use. There is also liquid body soap in the shower.
Trash, Recycling and Returnables, and Compost
If the trash fills up, tie up the bag and put it in one of the bins marked “Atwood” on the side of the shed. Trash is picked up Tuesday morning so please have your trash out there on Monday to make sure it gets picked up. You'll find new bags in the lower kitchen drawers.
If the trash fills up, tie up the bag and put it in one of the bins marked “Atwood” on the side of the shed. Trash is picked up Tuesday morning so please have your trash out there on Monday to make sure it gets picked up. You'll find new bags in the lower kitchen drawers.
There is a large bin in the kitchen between the stove and the sink marked recycling, where you can put rinsed recyclables and returnables. We've got a bottle law here in Maine that gives you a 15¢ refundable deposit on spirits and wine beverage containers and a 5¢ refundable deposit on beer, hard cider, wine coolers, soda, or noncarbonated water beverage containers, and alcoholic or non-carbonated drinks sold in the State. If you want to cash in your bottles and cans, you'll need to separate them from recyclables and take them to a redemption center. Bottle and Can Retrieval Center or Hannaford if you're a member of CLYNK,
There is a small composting bucket in the kitchen to the left of the sink. Compost everything organic EXCEPT meat, cheese, and dairy. Once that fills up you can empty it in the big double-sided composting bin behind the shed (between the shed and bunkhouse). You slide the green or yellow doors outwards, throw in the composting, and close it back up.
Here’s a link to learn more about composting. How To Start Composting: Life Kit
TV & DVD Player
There is a TV in the main cottage, in one of the bedroom closets. There is a DVD player in the cabinet under the mirror in the living room along with the remotes. If you want to watch TV you can put it up on top of that cabinet on the DVD player and connect it using the HDMI cable in the bottom drawer. There is no remote for the DVD player. (Sorry) You can also connect a Firestick or other device to the HDMI.
There is a TV in the main cottage, in one of the bedroom closets. There is a DVD player in the cabinet under the mirror in the living room along with the remotes. If you want to watch TV you can put it up on top of that cabinet on the DVD player and connect it using the HDMI cable in the bottom drawer. There is no remote for the DVD player. (Sorry) You can also connect a Firestick or other device to the HDMI.
WiFi
The WiFi has been tested all around the property and you should get enough bandwidth for light surfing and some internet streaming. 50-250Mbs. If you’re looking for the router, it’s next door in the gray camp.
The wifi username and password will be sent via Airbnb messages on your arrival day.
Woodstove
Feel free to use the wood stove in the cottage if you need to take the chill out of the air. Kindling and wood can be found next to the cottage and matches are next to the fireplace. Use a small amount of kindling and newspaper to get it going. Open the draft, which is a flat piece under the door that slides in and out. When the fire has caught and is burning, close the draft almost all the way. Please make sure the door and draft are completely closed when you leave the cottage or go to bed. It is safest to let the fire die down before leaving for a length of time. The door on the woodstove should always be closed except when you are adding wood or checking the fire. If you have any questions at all, please call Barry 27/7 with phone number provided in Airbnb welcome.
Outside Stuff
Boating
If you want something beyond the canoe, there are places around where can rent boats. The dock gets you about 4' of clearance and can handle boats up to 17'.
NOTE: Bringing your boat to the cottage at your own risk.
BBQ
There is a propane BBQ in the front yard. Tools for it are in the kitchen with extras in the shed. You need to open the propane valve underneath before using it and close it when you are done before you leave. Remember to light it with the hood OPEN. Please put the cover back on after each use after it has cooled down.
There is a propane BBQ in the front yard. Tools for it are in the kitchen with extras in the shed. You need to open the propane valve underneath before using it and close it when you are done before you leave. Remember to light it with the hood OPEN. Please put the cover back on after each use after it has cooled down.
Canoe
There is a canoe for use on the property to the left of the cottage (facing the lake) and there are life preservers and paddles in the shed if you want to take it on the lake (see Shed below). You can go up the creek or down the lakes. Make sure to bring life vests and an air horn to remind boaters that you are there if they get close. The air horn is also in the shed.
There is a canoe for use on the property to the left of the cottage (facing the lake) and there are life preservers and paddles in the shed if you want to take it on the lake (see Shed below). You can go up the creek or down the lakes. Make sure to bring life vests and an air horn to remind boaters that you are there if they get close. The air horn is also in the shed.
Creepy Crawlies aka Maine in the Summertime
Make sure to put on bug spray when outside to prevent bites. If you go out exploring it’s good to check yourself for ticks before coming inside as well. You'll find lots of useful information on MainelyTicks.com. Also, make sure to turn off the outside lights at night when you go to bed or you will wake up to a lot of new friends hanging outside on the walls.
Make sure to put on bug spray when outside to prevent bites. If you go out exploring it’s good to check yourself for ticks before coming inside as well. You'll find lots of useful information on MainelyTicks.com. Also, make sure to turn off the outside lights at night when you go to bed or you will wake up to a lot of new friends hanging outside on the walls.
While there are no harmful things in the lake, you might find a little snake hanging out in the rocks, frogs, and turtles in the creek. There are also some ducks that sometimes like to sit on the dock to get some sun or geese that will hang out on the lawn. Keep an eye out for loons and the great blue heron that lives in the creek.
The Browntail Moth Caterpillar is also present in many areas in the state of Maine. This is more of a concern from April to June and it is a good idea to take a moment to read more about how to stay safe from this while you’re in Maine.
Leaving food out in either of the two buildings also might invite mice to come in from the outside and visit, so make sure not to leave any snacks around for them.
Docks
Our main dock is brand new. You can tie up a boat on either side.
You will notice another somewhat hidden dock on the creek side of the cottage. It is very old and a little unstable, so be careful if you venture onto it. You should use the main dock for all boating and swimming activities.
Fire Pit
Please enjoy the firepit at the front of the cottage. There are matches next to the fireplace in the cottage and plenty of kindling and wood as well. Make sure to let the fire die out and put on the metal cover before turning in for the night. There are two fire pokers for those who want to tend the fire. The extra chairs to put around the fire pit around in the shed (see Shed).
Note: Use both the fire pit and the wood stove in the cottage at your own risk.
Fishing
Cobbossee Lake is nationally recognized as one of the top bass-fishing lakes in America. If you're interested, a valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older to fish in inland waters or transport fish
taken from inland waters.
Cobbossee Lake is nationally recognized as one of the top bass-fishing lakes in America. If you're interested, a valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older to fish in inland waters or transport fish
taken from inland waters.
How are Licenses Obtained? Residents and nonresidents may obtain fishing licenses from agents throughout the State (sporting goods stores, many convenience stores, town clerks, and turnpike service centers, online or in-person at the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife in Augusta. You'll find more information on the Department's website.
Land Use
The Cottage and the bunkhouse are a shared piece of land with the neighboring gray camp. The dividing line between the two properties is about 10 feet to the right of the dock or where the little birch tree is growing. To the left of the cottage (if looking at the lake) where all the cat o’ nine tails are, is part of the property, all the way back to the side of the bunkhouse.
The Cottage and the bunkhouse are a shared piece of land with the neighboring gray camp. The dividing line between the two properties is about 10 feet to the right of the dock or where the little birch tree is growing. To the left of the cottage (if looking at the lake) where all the cat o’ nine tails are, is part of the property, all the way back to the side of the bunkhouse.
NOTE: While they might look inviting, please stay off the rocks on the edge of the lake. They are unstable and very slippery.
Life Jackets
Watercraft, canoe, kayaking life jacket law – One Type I, II, III, or V life jacket on board per person. Maine law requires children 10 and under to wear a type I, II, or III life jacket at all times and on any watercraft.
Watercraft, canoe, kayaking life jacket law – One Type I, II, III, or V life jacket on board per person. Maine law requires children 10 and under to wear a type I, II, or III life jacket at all times and on any watercraft.
Paddleboard and Kayaking Sounding Devices – Required for vessels under 40 feet long; whistle or horn that’s audible for 2 seconds and paddle boarders must carry a whistle also.
State of Maine boating laws state that "Log rafts carrying not more than 2 persons and used on ponds or lakes or internal waters of less than 50 acres in area, are exempt from carrying personal flotation devices".
Shed
There is a shed (the red building in the back of the cottage) that is shared between both camps. You have access to the right side (facing it), and inside, you will find supplies, lifejackets, and many other things.
There is a shed (the red building in the back of the cottage) that is shared between both camps. You have access to the right side (facing it), and inside, you will find supplies, lifejackets, and many other things.
The combo for the shed will be sent via Airbnb along with the wifi. Please remember to lock it up when you leave.
Weather
The weather in Maine is blissful during the summer in July and August. Normal highs up in the 80s and lows in the 60s. A heat wave can send it into the 90s and sometimes it will stay up in the 70s at night. We have fans in all the rooms to cool down if you need them. There is also AC in the main cottage.
In early summer and early fall, it can dip down into the 50s at night and feel chilly. The stove in the main cottage can take the bite out of the air and there is an oil heater for the bunkhouse that can also be used to warm it up a little at night. Please use all with caution.
The weather in Maine is blissful during the summer in July and August. Normal highs up in the 80s and lows in the 60s. A heat wave can send it into the 90s and sometimes it will stay up in the 70s at night. We have fans in all the rooms to cool down if you need them. There is also AC in the main cottage.
In early summer and early fall, it can dip down into the 50s at night and feel chilly. The stove in the main cottage can take the bite out of the air and there is an oil heater for the bunkhouse that can also be used to warm it up a little at night. Please use all with caution.
Out and About
Hospital ER and Urgent Care facilities
Ice Cream
Laundromats (multiple)
Restaurants
Fast Eddies - for an old drive-in feel with burgers and fries. Wednesday night is classic car night.
Maine Cabin Masters - eat, shop, relax, listen to music, and maybe meet the crew.
Slates in Hallowell (other restaurants, too, and some shops)
Shopping Malls /Big Box Stores
Supermarkets - Multiple. We tend to use Hannaford in Winthrop (go left on the main road at the Country Club). There is also one in the opposite direction in Augusta.
If you’d like a smaller local Maine food market experience and you’re up for a drive check out:
Gardiner Food Coop (20 mins)
Sheepscot General Store (25 mins)
Walgreens Pharmacy (943 Western Ave, Manchester, ME 04351) - 1 mile
Some Wilder Cottage History
Wilder Cottage was built in 1941 by Max Wilder who just happened to be a “favorite” cousin of the famous author, Thornton Wilder. It stayed in the Wilder family until about 20 years ago and in 2021, was purchased by Diane and Barry Atwood and their nephew Jason Atwood.
At one time, members of the Wilder family also owned the gray camp next door (which, originally, was a bicycle club, and the first structure in Hammond's Grove). It was purchased in 1951 by Barry’s parents. Barry and his sister and Jason’s dad have fond memories of moving up to camp every summer. Oh, the stories they could tell! They have been bringing their own families up ever since and always maintained a close relationship with the people who lived next door in Wilder Cottage.
We are thrilled that both properties are owned by one family again and that we can continue to enjoy being there together and making more memories. We extend that same wish to you.
There are several framed pictures in the cottage that outline some of the history, so be sure to check them out. There is also a lot of history in and around the lake, some of which is also framed in the cottage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) What if I need help with the wood stove or fire pit?
A) if you have questions on how to operate anything, you can call the owner, Barry, on his cell phone at the number provided via Airbnb on check-in.
Q) What if I want a boat?
We don’t offer a boat with the cottage (other than the canoe) but there are local companies that will rent you a boat that you can keep at the dock during your visit. We suggest starting with Beacon Boat Rentals as they have rented to us for years and are familiar with the property. Prices are roughly $150-300 a day depending on the boat. Here are both places that rent boats.
Please read the section in this Guidebook about boating safety.
Q) What do the different buoys mean?
Buoys have all kinds of meanings that help make being on the lake safe for everyone. Most commonly they are giving you a heads-up to steer clear of hazards or rocks in an area. Take a look at the map at the end of the guide to learn more,
Q) What is up with the pineapple on the side of the cottage?
While a pineapple on the outside of a house has various meanings, our pineapple is a welcome sign. It was made by the daughter of the previous owners in a woodworking class, so they proudly painted it and attached it to the cottage.
Q) Is it Lake Cobbossee or Cobbosseecontee? What do the names mean?
You can use either name. The word Cobbosseecontee comes from the Wabanaki language and depending on what you are reading, translates to "the place where sturgeon is found" or "plenty of sturgeon." Specifically, Cobbossecontee was the area on the Kennebec River where Native Americans fished for sturgeon and supposedly, they gave the name to the nearby lake and stream now known as Cobbossee Lake.
Q) What is the name of the lighthouse on the lake?
It's known as Ladies Delight.
From the Cobboseecontee Lake Association: Our unique 25-foot stone lighthouse on Ladies Delight Island, constructed in 1908 and presented to the Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club, is believed to be the only active inland waters lighthouse in the State of Maine. Located in the bay near the north end of the lake, its light flashes 365 nights a year.
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, this lighthouse had a severe list corrected in 2001, and a new marine-grade aluminum top was installed in July 2005. Observers should find that our beloved old lighthouse now looks as majestic as it once did decades ago! This beautiful structure was formally dedicated on July 16, 2005, by retiring long-time CYC Commodore, Captain Hugh Stephens, also Keeper of the Light.
Q) I heard that there used to be a place called Island Park where people danced under the stars to live music. What can you tell me about it?
From the Maine Memory Network: [It was an] open-air dancing pavilion and theater at Island Park on Lake Cobbosseecontee. Island Park was developed by the Augusta, Winthrop, and Gardiner Railroad in 1903. The park outlasted the trolley era until World War II.
People would come from miles around to dance, including owner Diane's grandmother, who would hitchhike
there from Livermore Falls, Maine with her siblings.
Q) What is the connection with the “On Moonlight Bay” song covers in Wilder Cottage?
From its earliest days, the popularity of Island Park fluctuated. As more automobiles appeared, and the trolley system ended in the early 1930s, other trends changed as well. Hotels and inns gave way to motels and cabins. Local people were motoring to places further away. The popularity of big band music diminished over time.
By 1930, the Williamson Corporation owned Island Park and in 1955, while revitalizing the dance hall to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, Sam Michael, promoter and manager for the Corporation, discovered that the song, "On Moonlight Bay" was written just a few miles away at Joe Emery's Lake House at the Outlet in Manchester.
According to a June 1954 article in the Lewiston Journal, Leon Tibbetts, whose aunt Rose Duvall ran the Lake House in the early years, said that the piece was written after songwriter Edward Madden went canoeing on a beautiful summer evening, just after the full moon came up and the lake was filled with canoeing and boating parties. Tibbetts said, "There were drifts of music and voices singing coming from all parts of the lake."
"On Moonlight Bay" was just the type of song the Corporation was looking for — one that could be played as the last dance of the evening and that patrons would forever associate with the Island Park dance pavilion. Listen to the song on YouTube.
Contact Us
The best way to reach us is through the Airbnb app. If you are having trouble with something, e.g. you can't get the grill, wood stove, or AC to work, call Barry at the number provided in Airbnb at check-in.
Hopefully, you will have a carefree stay!
Your hosts, Jason, Barry, and Diane
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