The Nautilus is a floating love letter to reinvention — a cabin, a tiny home, and a houseboat all rolled into one quietly wonderful idea. Moored beside 1 Big Sustainable Island, it 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 a lot of care), something old can become something entirely new.
Helpful Guides
The Nautilus Waterhouse - our floating off-the-grid stay. Not near the lake. On it.
Firelight, reflected. The lake holds the night.
Sleep where the lake lives.
Getting to the island is easy. Leaving is hard.
Connected if you want to be. Pretending to be unplugged is also allowed.*INT
Fish stories here require no exaggeration.
Grill, stove, or fire: Outdoor cooking, covered. Just add a cooler-full of your favorite foods*GRL
Composting toilets. (This is not an outhouse - Clean, sanitary, and nose-friendly).*TLT.
Night feels softer on water. The lake doesn’t rush you.
Meals float easily here. The lake sets the scene
Arrive by floatplane. Island bragging rights included.*BTG
The Nautilus feels far away. It isn't.
Arriving and departing are part of the adventure.*CHO
By day it's a couch. By night, it's a comfy bed.
Dock your boat at the floating porch.
Everything you need to cook. No gear lugging required.
Paddle to the Eagles's nest...
Meet Larry the Loon. Loons outnumber humans most days.
Wood stove warmth for ambiance on a cool night. Firewood included.*WST
Berry the Bass was temporarily unavailable.
Wake up floating. Bedside sunrise included.*SLP
S'mores belong here.
The fish bite at sunset.
Worth the rain. Silver linings included. *RBW
The stars like to show up here.*MTR
Meet your new time keeper.
Compare all of our eco-island stays.
A treasure map for island explorers.*IMP
You are here. Adventure nearby.*LMP
This stay works beautifully on its own — and it also plays well with others, combining with nearby island stays through our event console to create an easy basecamp for medium-sized gatherings. 🌲
Paddling gear included. Dogs welcome. Involuntary swimming possible.*BTG
Arrive by canoe, ferry, or bring your own boat or float plane.
Cozy, afloat. Still water below.
Hot Sauna. Cold plunge. Repeat.
An island visitor that quietly manages the place.
Gather ‘round. The fire’s on us with free firewood.*PIT
Off-grid floating comfort. The lake is part of the room.
Caution: this can be hypnotic.
Sunset Proposal Rock. Dog approved.
A small navy of canoes, kayaks, and SUPs are waiting!
Clean, hot showahs — eco-friendly.*HSH
...fishing with your bestie.*FSH
Peter Tuttle the Painted Turtle.
This counts as a commute.*EXP
A whole lot of nothing out front. Exactly the point.
BYOB could also mean Bring Your Own Boat.*BTG
All kinds of island visitors.
Occasionally the sky has something to say.*NTL
The private hammock does the work. You do the lingering.*HAM
The Loon Point public shared beach. Seating for humans. Commentary by loons.
Guest Reviews from Revyoos — Showing 10 of 143 Reviews
Great place to relax escape the city so peaceful nice sky during the night
The nautilus and stay at the island was magical and Kent was very helpful! The peace and privacy of the island in the off season was a perfect get away! We loved that the island and house was dog friendly as well, will definitely try to visit again!
We had a wonderful and relaxing weekend at One big sustainable island. The nautilus is amazing, Kent and crew thought of everything , right down to coffee and tea. Leave your portable chargers at home. Solar lights indoors were a huge surprise. The stove kept the place warm and toasty overnight. The island and wildlife are beautiful. We will be back for sure!
Kent is the ultimate host! Staying at 1BSI with rainy fall weather was just perfect. It was a warm 60°F. Between the accommodations and the communication, everything just exceeded our e of expectations. We feel so lucky to have found Kent and his island. It was very dog friendly as well. Plan your meals accordingly but if you plan it right you can really cook some nice dinners! Can’t wait to be back! Thank you so much. Kent is the best!!
The Waterhouse at one big sustainable island is a magical place I can’t recommend enough. <br/>We visit in peak autumn, so the colors on the leaves was so beautiful and the views off the lake fantastic. Kent is a great host - super friendly, fun and flexible.<br/>All around a five star experience!
The island was truly an epic experience. We loved staying at the Nautilus. Right on the water, lapping against the shore and the rain on the metal roof. It was truly such a peaceful and relaxing experience. Wish we could have stayed longer. The island has plenty of space to keep everything private. Had amazing views for sunrise n sunset. We saw several bald eagles which was beautiful. Thank you.
This was a peak experience! We explored the island, foraged for wild mushrooms, had our own private canoe, and swam in the cool lake water. We felt like kids again, able to play all day and watch the shooting starts at night, while listening to the ethereal sounds of the loons. Kent has done an amazing job creating a sustainable island paradise. We can't wait to return!
Kent and Heather were incredible hosts! Could not have been happier with the place, incredible views and sunrise/sunset. <br/>Everything was planned very well and it is very clear that a lot of thought has gone into every part of the stay. Already planning my next visit!<br/>Thank you!
Best Airbnb selection yet! Very dog friendly!! If you’re even thinking about staying here DO IT. We had a ton of fun on the lake and exploring the island. Absolutely amazing stay, with the friendliest hosts in Maine!! We’ll definitely be doing this again next year.
Put this stay on your Maine wish list IMMEDIATELY! The Nautilus site is unreal- 360 views of the lake and sunrise, a front seat to the epic moon rise in the evening, swim right off your floating front porch, walk the small island or kayak/canoe further out. We had two nights of absolute bliss and quiet. Can’t wait to go back in the spring! Thank you Kent, Bella, Milo, and Sky!
Nautilus Water House FAQs
What's special about the Nautilus Waterhouse?
The Nautilus is a floating waterhouse docked at the island - offering a unique on-the-water stay with stunning lake views and immediate access to swimming and paddling.
Is the Nautilus Waterhouse off-grid?
Yes. Like all 1BSI stays, the Nautilus is off-grid by design, using thoughtful systems that balance sustainability with comfort.
What's included in this stay?
A cozy sleeping space, cooking gear, hot shower/bathroom access on the island, firewood, canoe or kayak use, and access to a hammock swim dock, boat dock, and swimming spots.
How do I access the Nautilus Waterhouse?
You'll arrive on your front porch by boat.
Ready to plan your overnight island stay?
Bookings go fast in peak season. We'll help you pick the right spot.
