Inn-teresting news from Maine: New innkeepers and more

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Will a familiar face welcome you back to your favorite Maine inn this summer? Here are some of the ownership and status changes you’ll find as the summer season approaches. My sources say other Maine properties are changing hands, and I’ll update as they happen. Stay tuned! (Updated May 8)

Southern Coast

The Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club, Kennebunkport

The White Barn Inn group sold the riverfront Yachtsman to the Kennebunkport Resort Collection. courtesy image
An artist’s rendition of the bungalow style rooms at The Yachtsman, now part of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection. Courtesy image

The Yachtsman, previously owned by the White Barn Inn group, is the newest member of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection. The riverfront motel is being renovated as bungalow-style rooms decorated with a nautical motif.

Mid Coast

Squire Tarbox, Westport Island

Longtime owners Veronica and Chef Mario DePietro sold the Squire Tarbox, a classic country inn dating from 1763, with a restaurant and farm, to Lisa Dalton and Michelle Adams.

Camden Maine Stay

Return guests of the Camden Maine Stay will find new owners at the claissic Maine B&B. ©Tom Nangle
Janis and Peter Kesser are the new owner/innkeepers at the Camden Maine Stay. ©Tom Nangle

In February, long-time guests Janis and Peter Kesser, purchased the Camden Maine Stay from retiring innkeepers Roberta and Claudio Latanza in February 2018.

Belfast Bay Inn, Belfast

Experienced innkeepers Judy and Ed Hemmingsen created this lovely downtown boutique hotel. In early March, they sold the the Belfast Bay Inn to Clint and Susan Condon, and went on to purchase the Bass Cottage Inn (see Acadia, below).

Blue Hill Peninsula region

Alamoosook Lakeside Lodge, Orland

Seeking a change of scenery, veteran innkeepers Barry and Debbie Fonseca, sold their Newport Rhode Island inn and purchased the six-room Alamoosook Lakeside Lodge. This quiet retreat, inland of Route 1, is well sited for exploring the Blue Hill/Deer Isle region and convenient for day trips to Mount Desert Island.

Acadia

The Bass Cottage Inn is tucked away in a quiet spot in downtown Bar Harbor.Hilary Nangle photo.
The Bass Cottage Inn is now owned by Ed and Judy Hemmingsen, who also own the Ullikana next door. ©Hilary Nangle

Bass Cottage Inn, Bar Harbor

Upon selling their Belfast property, the Hemmingsens acquired the chic Bass Cottage Inn, in downtown Bar Harbor, from innkeepers Jeff and Terri Anderholm. The Aderholms turned the historical but tired B&B into one of the island’s poshest properties. The Hemmingsens also own the neighboring inn, the Ullikana.

Western Lakes & Mountains

Hostel of Maine (Nestlewood Inn), Carrabassett Valley

If you're seeking budget-friendly lodging near Sugarloaf, check out the Hostel of Maine. courtesy photo
The former Nestlenook Inn in Carrabassett Valley is now the Hostel of Maine. Courtesy photo.

Seeking budget-friendly lodging near Sugarloaf? The former Nestlewood Inn is now the Hostel of Maine. New owners Melanie and Justin Steele have renovated the property, installed bunk beds, and offer private, family, and dorm rooms, all with continental breakfast. The Hostel of Maine is on the Sugarloaf shuttle route and across from the Maine Huts & Trails system and Carrabasset Valley’s Narrow Gauge Trail.

Old Saco Inn, Fryeburg

Pete and Sandi MacLachlan sold this 65-acre property bordering the Old Saco River to Jon Hendrickson and Bruce Moffit. The Old Saco Inn also operates a restaurant and pub, both open to the public on a limited schedule.

Maine Highlands

Chalet Moosehead, Greenville

In late 2017, after 25 years of ownership, Paul and Debbie Mlodzianoski sold the Chalet Moosehead, which fronts on Moosehead Lake, to Leslie and Grant Gaberino.

Blair Hill Inn, Greenville

The Blair Hill Inn overlooks Moosehead Lake. ©Hilary Nangle
The Blair Hill Inn, with dreamy views over Moosehead Lake, is now a Relais & Chateaux property. . ©Hilary Nangle

Congrats to Ruth and Dan McLaughlin, owners of the lovely Blair Hill Inn, the only U.S. property accepted into the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group this year. The inn, sited high on a hill overlooking Moosehead Lake, also has a spa and dining room.

Chesuncook Lake House

Unfortunately this historical property burned to the ground in March.