Meet the Cottage Connection Team
Jeffrey H. Miller and Audrey Leeds Miller, Co-Founders
In 1992, Jeff and Audrey were dating and trying to find something they could do together to earn a living in Boothbay Harbor. Audrey had a background in sales and marketing and Jeff in real estate. They realized that vacation rentals were not highly valued by real estate offices and thought that a company devoted exclusively to vacation rentals would be a good thing for the Boothbay Region. In 1993 they founded Boothbay Cottage Connection, Inc. Starting with 15 houses in 1993, by 2001 business had grown to over 150 rental properties. Today, they focus on quality not quantity and working with the property owners that share the same hospitality mindset. Cottage Connection is exclusively dedicated to vacation rentals. Audrey is a founder of, and on the Board of Directors, of the Northeast Vacation Rental Professionals (NEVRP). She was also their first President. They have one daughter who currently attends Champlain College in Vermont.
Jeff’s Favorite Lunch: Bet’s Fish Fry on the common in Boothbay
Best Sunset: On the Front Porch of Captain’s Quarters in Linekin Bay with a glass of scotch
Must Do: Go out on the boat and fish for mackerel in Linekin Bay
Audrey’s Favorite Shop: Her Tile Shop, Tile Connection, next to Cottage Connection in Boothbay
Best Pizza: Blueberry Gorgonzola or Veggie with Arugula at the East Boothbay General Store
Must Do: Play golf and get season tickets the Maine State Music Theater in Brunswick
Alexis (Lexie) Loring Miller, Guest Services and Social Media
“Traveling is a passion of mine. I have been to Montreal, Budapest, Vienna, Prague and lots of places in the United States from Los Angeles to Washington, DC. I think it is very important to have a local contact wherever I go and am certainly happy to share my local knowledge of our area to help you plan your vacation. Maine and Vermont are wonderful places with something for everyone! And, yes, Jeff and Audrey are my parents."
Lexie’s Best Dinner: Brown’s Wharf in Boothbay Harbor
Favorite Activities: Mini Golf and The Boothbay Railway Village Train Rides
Must Do: The Boothbay Harbor Aquarium on McKown Point
Ashlyn Drumm, Reservations and Marketing
Ashlyn recently moved to the coast in 2018 from inland Maine, "My spouses job (a lobsterman) keeps me on the coast. After living inland my whole life - being on the ocean year-round is the change I never knew I always needed!". Prior to working with Cottage Connection, Ashlyn spent 6 years as a CNA in long term care facilities for those with Alzhiemer's and dementia. She is currently in nursing school at Central Maine Community College.Favorite Seafood: Haddock sandwich and chips from Kaler's Restaurant
Favorite Activity: Exploring tidal pools at Popham Beach in Phippsburg
Must Do: Visit the Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm
Mary Ellen Dennis, Housekeeping Operations
.JPG)
Mary Ellen retired from the State Government and a long career in Water Resource Management in 2019. While looking for a part-time and different job after retirement, she found Cottage Connection to fit the bill. She grew up in Central Maine, where she still lives with her husband - they have a grown daughter. When she isn't working, Mary Ellen enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, showshoeing and is part of a rowing group. She also loves to travel, cook, and try new foods.
Favorite Place to Eat: Sandwiches or Pizza from East Boothbay General Store
Favorite Shop: 5 Island Farms - Fine Food Market
Favorite Thing to Do: Exploring local hiking trails
Barbara Belknap, Bookkeeping
.JPG)
Barbara grew up in Wiscasset and attended college in Orono for education. She then worked in finance for 35 years in the Greater Portland area before retiring to Damariscotta with her husband. She also enjoys spending her summers on Round Pond with her husband, antiquing, island picnics, trips to WA to see grandkids, and trips to their vacation home in Hilton Head, SC. "I am learning all about the Boothbay area and am enjoying finding 'out of the way' shops and galleries. I never realized how beautiful this area is, and can see why folks return year after year!"
Favorite Restaurant: China By The Sea
Favorite Place to Shop: Sheepscot River Pottery
Must See: Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS:
We have additional assistance from a great group of people (15-20) who take care of our seasonal housekeeping, maintenance, and additional office needs during the season. Many of them return year after year.