Howells Memorial House Rental
Howells Memorial House
The William Dean Howells Memorial House is the perfect place for Harvard faculty and administrators to relax and experience life at a slower pace. Situated on a two-acre promontory overlooking Portsmouth Harbor, it offers a stunning southerly view of three lighthouses.
Property Details
This large house comfortably fits eight people and features an eat-in kitchen, dining room that seats ten, formal living room, parlor, and powder room on the first floor. The second floor contains four bedrooms. Three bedrooms have en-suite baths and there is a fourth bathroom in the hall.
- Primary bedroom (overlooks the harbor): One queen bed
- Bedroom two (overlooks the harbor): One queen bed
- Bedroom three: One double bed
- Bedroom four: Two single beds
Location
Kittery Point is about 70 miles north of Cambridge near the New Hampshire Seacoast.
Other nearby points of interest:
- 12 minutes to Portsmouth, NH
- 20 minutes to Ogunquit, ME
- 30 minutes to Kennebunk, ME
- 50 minutes to Portland, ME
Eligibility Criteria
Vacation rentals
Harvard University Faculty and administrators grade 55 and above have first priority to book Howells Memorial, followed by other University administrators.
Retreat rentals
Between September and May, if available, Howells Memorial may be used by administrators and faculty for departmental retreats.
How to Request a Reservation
Reservation Requests are considered on a first-come-first-serve basis after verifying eligibility.
Need Assistance? Contact the Howells Memorial Reservations team: cs_howellshouse@harvard.edu
Amenities
Kitchen Appliances & Cookware
- Dishes, glasses, and mugs
- Dishwasher
- Flatware
- Coffee maker
- Pots
- Pans
- Cutting boards
- Cutlery
- Electric stove
- Microwave
- Toaster oven
- Refrigerator with freezer
Household Features
- Linens and towels
- Heat
- Freestanding Air Conditioning units (in bedrooms only)
- Gas fireplace insert in a formal living room
- Washer/dryer
- Cable television/DVD player
- Wireless Internet
Outdoor Amenities
- Deck located off the kitchen
- Multi-sport Court for pickleball and basketball with view of ocean
- Gas grill
- Private beach (rocky, not sandy)
- Back deck with partial ocean view
- Oversized blue stone patio with lounge chairs and gas firepit
Policies and Rates
HOUSE RULES
- No Smoking
- Candles (including votive and hurricane-style candles, sparklers, and similar devices) are not permitted in the space.
- No pets
- Maximum of 8 overnight guests
DAMAGES
- Please notify the caretaker immediately if any damages occur during your stay. Any needed repairs, time for extra cleaning and/or furniture moving will be charged back to the renter.
GARAGE
- Use of the garage is strictly limited to the placement of bagged trash in the provided trash receptacles. Any other use or parking of vehicles within the garage is restricted.
LIBRARY EXHIBIT
- Viewing of the library and its exhibited items are highly encouraged as an educational and historical element. Room guidelines for the library visitors are placed in the library and must be adhered to.
RESERVATION FEES
- Upon booking the reservation, 50% of the reservation fee must be paid with the balance due within 2 weeks of the rental start date.
- Within 15 days of check-in, the card on file used to create the booking is charged the final balance due.
CANCELLATIONS
If a reservation is cancelled, the following conditions with refunds apply:
- Cancellation within 30 days or more of the reservation date provides 100% refund of payments that have been received.
- Cancellation within 15-29 days of the reservation date will result in a 50% charge of the total reservation amount.
- Cancellation within 0-14 days of the reservation date provides 0% refund. All payments received will be forfeited.
LENGTH OF STAY
- Weekly Rentals – Sunday at 4:00pm until the following Sunday at 11:00am*.
- Weekend Rentals – Friday at 4:00pm until Sunday at 11:00am*.
- Daily Rentals – 8:00am until 6:00pm.
- There is a 2 night minimum (outside of June, July & August), except for one day University Retreats.
*Note: Check-in and Check-out times above are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of rental. Due to a busy summer rental period, turnover windows are short, and check out is no later than 11:00am. Late check-out fees apply.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
- Check-in and check-out times, shown above, must be strictly observed to enable the cleaning company time to prepare for the next guest.
- Guests will be provided a list via email of procedures to follow and complete upon check-out.
Late check-outs will be charged a minimum of $100.
KEY PICK-UP AND RETURN
- A unique lock box code will be provided to the renter via email for key pick-up and return located at the front entrance of Howells Memorial.
- Reservation requests will only be accepted first-come-first-serve through our new online Reservations Portal.
- Please know that we do not maintain a waitlist.
- If you have any questions, please contact Howells Memorial Reservations: cs_howellshouse@harvard.edu.
