Big news for Acadia fans: US Hotels Group, owner of the haute, haute, haute White Barn Inn, in Kennebunk, and the Windham Hill Inn, in Vermont, is now managing Northeast Harbor’s chi chi Asticou Inn. When I last spoke with White Barn Inn Executive Chef Jonathan Cartwright, he told me US Hotels was in an acquisition mode, and this management deal is testament to that. This should also help breath new life into a somewhat tired property that catered to the newly wed and nearly dead.
According to a press release, US Hotels plans to update the inn’s infrastructure and add its signature hospitality ethos and style to the Asticou while preserving the property’s classic charm.
The oceanfront inn, designed by prominent 19th-century architect Fred L. Savage, has been an area landmark since 1883, when the island became a seasonal retreat for wealthy vacationers, sailing enthusiasts, and summer residents from major urban centers.The inn overlooks well protected yacht-filled Northeast Harbor, which remains a tony summer destination (lots of Lilly Pulitzer, Docksiders, Chinos, and sherbet colors here). It is adjacent to the magnificent azalea gardens of the same name (which, by the way, are in bloom now).
Cartwright is overseeing the rejuvenation of the inn’s dining room’s menu. “Our plans include implementing an extended season for casual lunch service as well as the creation of new menus in the scenic cocktail lounge, which affords the perfect setting for enjoying harbor sunsets.”
US Hotels is a member of the Libra Group, which is privately owned by the Logothetis family and has hospitality interests in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It manages eight New England properties, of which it owns seven, divided into Signature and Elite Properties. Signature Properties represent the ‘best of breed’ across a number of service categories from an informal Italian bistro to a range of hotels, spas and banqueting facilities. Elite Properties represent exclusive hotels providing world class accommodation, cuisine, and service (think White Barn Inn and Windham Hill Inn).
“US Hotels is proud to add the Asticou Inn to our collection,” says Paul Hanley, group CEO. “As with our other New England properties, it offers guests traditional values in a historic setting and offers the same culinary excellence that has won our group numerous plaudits. We plan to wrap ourselves in the heritage of this special property. We believe the property will benefit from the rich experience of its new General Manager, Nicholas Squire, who was trained at our own White Barn Inn and other world class hotels. Furthermore the partnership with this hotel exemplifies the type of growth one can expect from US Hotels in the coming months with expansion planned both through management arrangements, like the Asticou, as well as acquisitions.”
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The Asticou Inn has always been one of my favorite spots for shooting weddings. (Could it be because the very first wedding I shot after throwing out my shingle as a wedding photographer was there?)
Nevertheless, it’s a quiet, more genteel alternative to the crazy mess that Bar Harbor can be it the high season. A real treat for the folks who get out and explore the other, equally charming towns of Mount Desert Island.
I look forward to seeing what US Hotels does with the property and hope that I get to shoot many more weddings there.
Hilary,
As a former journalist and journalism professor (Boston University), it pains me to see inaccuracies in the media. It is a trend that appears to be worsening. The White Barn Inn is – physically and spiritually – in KENNEBUNK, Maine. It has always been there, since it was founded by Jack Nahil, many years ago. In their ads and in countless reviews, they are listed as being in Kennebunkport. If they so much want to be in the ‘Port, why don’t they move there? It is sad that the White Barn Inn is not proud and at peace with their location in Kennebunk, Maine, a wonderful and beautiful southern Maine community.
You’re right, it’s in K’bunk, not K’port, and I know better. Correction made. Doesn’t help that it uses K’port as a mailing address. I think some innkeepers think that the using a mailing address for a better-known destination helps attract potential guests; many in Lincolnville, use Camden mailing addresses for example. I find it an annoying practice, but then, no one asked me.