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
Guest Reviews from Revyoos — Showing 10 of 143 Reviews
The Nautilus is truly magical. We felt so well-rested at the end of our stay, and immediately wanted to start planning our next adventure on the island. <br/>Kent clearly puts his heart into this island, and we felt lucky to be there.
We had an amazing time at 1BSI! A friend and I went and I brought my two dogs. Kent was very responsive and accommodating. He made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. The island is a very unique experience and the Nautilus was perfect. Sunrise in the morning and our own private deck to jump off and swim! If you fish, we were able to catch fish right off the dock (sunfish, Bass). Used the canoes and went around the lake to explore. I would definitely suggest staying here or at their A frame location.
Was a much-needed quiet respite from NYC. Just what my daughter and I needed to tune out and relax. Every detail was considered by our host. We needed a couple items during our stay and they were promptly delivered.
We had an AMAZING time on 1BSI! We are already planning a trip back! Thank you, Kent, for a peaceful and beautiful stay.
Our stay at 1BSI was exactly what we needed. We stayed in the Nautilus, a single room on a floating dock. This may be the most secluded area on the whole island.<br/>The amenities are no more than you absolutely need (in the best way possible). A cozy wood-burning stove. The right amount of dishes. A grill. A fire pit. Ample seating. The bed and couch are very comfortable.<br/>Now on to the real stuff. Within moments of our arrival, we were unplugged. Aside from texting Kent for more water and a battery to charge a heated vest (brr! Maine is cold!), we did not use any device the whole time. We hiked, watched the sky and water, paddled, hiked, relaxed, cooked, washed dishes, hiked, and fell deeper in love with nature and each other.<br/>Kent and Heather are the most gracious hosts. They are not the celebrities of the island, however. Good dogs Bella, Milo and Sky(e) are the true wardens of their domain. You will enjoy the company of all of these folks.<br/>We are already discussing how to return.
Amazing unique stay! I’ve stayed an over 100 Airbnb, and this one was definitely a memorable experience. Very responsive communication. Kent was extremely accommodating and helped us get to the island, even though we were arriving 40 minutes late. The island self is beautiful. We truly enjoyed relaxing in the hammock, chatting by campfire, boating around the island in a canoe, and simply enjoying the beautiful nature surroundings. The bathroom was a two minute walk away from the Nautilus, and the entire area was completely eco-friendly. Kent thought of anything you might need to make this day more pleasurable, including creature comfort, like coffee in the morning, a grill to cook any food, starter for the campfire. Anything that I can think of that I might need, he already addressed. We are already thinking about going back. If you’re even hesitant about booking, just book it! It’s such a unique experience, an unforgettable. We also saw the aurora borealis, during our stay.
Ok so this place is a absolute gem I mean a diamond in the ruff , if you are lucky enough to rent a place on the 2 islands please do they went the exray mile on everything you need your food and your clothes and your hygiene that is it it is stocked with everything you need I watched tv at night on my phone with Verizon they have phone chargers in your room but it is so secluded and private it’s heaven all the fire wood you can ever use all the grilling you can need fresh gallon jugs of juicy water to drink or wash dishes all natural dish soap disinfecting wipes I mean everything, the bathrooms are clean not smelly at all the shower takes getting used to but so easy it the wilderness we kayaked fished are dog had the time of her life the goats are on top of everything all I can say is wow true gem thank you to you and your wife Kent too notch service at its best 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I think every guest who has stayed here chooses to live off the grid in a floating cabin on an island for various reasons: fishing, camping, and romantic getaway. On a chilly late April night, driving four and a half hours from Connecticut, I wanted to escape to a secluded cabin by a lake to spend time with myself and my thoughts. Definitely inspired by Walden by Henry David Thoreau to embrace simplicity, self-reliance, and the beauty of nature, I believe One Big Sustainable Island precisely delivered that experience.
Such a beautiful and peaceful stay! Kent was also a great host and super responsive!
Had an incredible stay at the Nautilus. We will be back!
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.