The Firth House at Surf Point
History
In 2026, Surf Point reached a significant milestone with the acquisition of the adjoining Firth property, made possible through the generous philanthropic support of the Firth family. The expansion brings new opportunities to deepen Surf Point’s support for visual artists and arts professionals while stewarding the cultural and natural heritage of this stretch of the Maine coast.
The property belonged to the family of Vic Firth (1930–2015) and Olga Firth (1935–2026), accomplished musicians who played timpani and cello, respectively. Alongside many achievements in performance and teaching, Vic was a longtime member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Together, the Firths established Vic Firth Incorporated, the world’s largest manufacturer of drumsticks and mallets.
The Firths built their oceanfront home in the early 1970s, around the same time that Surf Point’s founders, arts patron Mary-Leigh Smart and artist and educator Beverly Hallam, constructed their neighboring residence.
Surf Point is deeply grateful to Olga Firth and her daughters, Kelly DeChristopher and Tracy Firth, whose generosity and shared commitment to supporting artists made the acquisition possible.
The addition of the Firth property represents an important step in Surf Point’s evolution, with opportunities to deepen the residency program, expand public engagement, and further our stewardship of the site’s cultural and natural heritage. For a portion of the year, the renovated Firth House is available for private rental while remaining dedicated to mission-aligned programming for the majority of the year.
Archival photo of Surf Point co-founder Mary-Leigh Smart with Vic Firth and Kelly DeChristopher, 1981.
Rent the Firth House
The Firth House is a furnished waterfront home at Surf Point in York Harbor, Maine. Set directly at the water’s edge, the house has expansive ocean views from nearly every room and a deck that wraps around the entire ocean-facing side of the main floor. The proximity to the water is one of the house’s defining features, with the feeling of being almost on the ocean itself.
The house accommodates up to four guests and includes two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a small private office, a fully equipped kitchen, and generous living and dining spaces. It is furnished with a mix of new and collected pieces, including an original Eames chair, artwork by Surf Point co-founder Beverly Hallam, works inherited with the Firth property, and work by Surf Point alumni. Select artworks are available for purchase. Linens, towels, utilities, and basic household necessities are included.
Firth House is part of Surf Point’s oceanfront campus. The residency buildings are nearby and visible from the house, while Firth House has its own living spaces, driveway, and waterfront setting. For the majority of the year, the house is dedicated to mission-aligned programming and is available for private rental during select periods.
Basic Info
Maximum capacity: 4 guests
Rental period: Two weeks
Price range: $3,500–$6,500 per two-week rental
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2 full
Workspace: Private office
Parking: Ample driveway parking + 1 garage space
Included: Utilities, Wi-Fi, linens, towels, and laundry
Accessibility: Stairs are required to reach the main living level
Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom overlooks the ocean, with large windows and direct access to the wraparound deck. An attached full bathroom provides additional privacy and convenience.
Second Bedroom
The second bedroom also faces the water, with expansive ocean views and direct access to the deck.
Living Room and Dining Area
The main living and dining space has vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and large windows overlooking the ocean. Sliding doors open directly onto the waterfront deck, bringing the surrounding coastline into the room.
The dining table seats six. A large stone fireplace anchors the living room as an architectural feature but is not functional.
Kitchen and Laundry Area
The full kitchen is completely equipped for cooking and longer stays, with cookware, dishes, glassware, and other everyday kitchen essentials provided.
A washer and dryer are located just off the kitchen.
Office
A small private office provides a dedicated place for remote work, reading, or writing, with views toward the water. Wi-Fi is suitable for remote work, though internet and cell service can occasionally be inconsistent due to the coastal location.
The office is not intended or equipped as an additional sleeping space.
Outdoor Spaces
A deck wraps continuously around the ocean-facing side of the main floor, with direct access from several rooms. Just beyond the house is a private rocky beach, placing guests unusually close to the changing tides and views of the Maine coast.
A Weber grill is available for guest use. Firth House is reached by a long driveway with ample outdoor parking, as well as one garage parking space.
