Step out of the rat race and into the solidity of one of the oldest remaining homes in the Kennebunks, where even Ralph Waldo Emerson apparently found respite so he could focus on his writing. Our Kennebunkport, Maine B&B is a gem among all your historic choices for Kennebunkport lodging.
Waldo Emerson Inn
A Historic Inn 5 Minutes from Downtown Kennebunkport
About the Inn
The original Dutch gambrel was constructed by Waldo Emerson in 1753. He was the great uncle to Ralph Waldo Emerson who is rumored to have spent 10 summers at the house. The house was later inherited through marriage by Theodore Lyman, who added the enormous addition in 1784 as a wedding gift for his wife. Former owners made a fortune as shipbuilders on the Kennebunk River behind the house, so elaborate houses were within their means. George Bourne, a former resident, built the famous Wedding Cake house next door for his second wife. The Waldo Emerson Inn was also a stop along the Underground Railroad.
The historic home includes a keeping room, a room directly off the kitchen typical in Colonial era homes. In addition, the Inn has two spacious parlors with comfortable sofas and chairs where you can get lost in a good book, sip a glass of wine from the Honor Bar, play a game of Scrabble or work on an ongoing puzzle.
The house boasts several unique architectural features such as hand-painted Wedgewood tiles adorning the parlor fireplace, Indian shutters, and exposed beams dating back to the early 1600s. All the guest rooms are charmingly decorated with attention to comfort and detail. All six guestrooms have their own bathroom.
Innkeeper Amelia has reinvigorated the historic Inn with refined accessories and whimsical details. Think 18th-century America meets Alice in Wonderland. For added fun, Amelia has placed a variety of “bars” around the Inn, where you can help yourself to cocktails, candy, fresh bread, or a borrowed book for your enjoyment.
Meet Your Innkeeper, Amelia Rockelein
With Amelia as your innkeeper, your stay at the Kennebunkport, Maine B&B will combine New England history, European sensibility, and a touch of Southern charm. A proud caretaker of the beautiful inn, Amelia looks forward to warmly welcoming her guests to Waldo Emerson Inn.
A New Mexico native, born and raised in a small town, Amelia grew up in the restaurant and hospitality business, specifically working for the Historic Hilton of Santa Fe for most of her adult life. She has also spent time building a home in Portland, Oregon having moved there after marrying her husband Ron. She returned to Santa Fe after 5 years in Portland to fill the role of Director of Catering at the Historic Hilton of Santa Fe until purchasing a Subway sandwich shop. After a couple of years, she and her husband Ron sold the shop and moved to New Hampshire where she lived for almost 18 years raising her kids, Shelby and Joe.
With her children grown and gone off to college, Amelia decided to pursue a longtime dream of hers by becoming an Innkeeper. Alongside her husband, Amelia has spent the last couple of years looking at inns and searching for the perfect setting to make her vision a reality. Swept away by the inn’s history and charm, Amelia knew upon first look that the Waldo Emerson Inn was the place where she would make herself and travelers feel at home.
Driving Directions
From the North or South:
- From Interstate 95 take exit #25 to Kennebunk/Kennebunkport on Route 35.
- Take a left on Route 35 at the end of the exit ramp – Fletcher Street (to Kennebunk/Kennebunkport)
- Take the second right at the Round-About and continue on Fletcher Street
- Turn left at the first traffic light (Main Street) then an immediate right at the next traffic light (Summer Street)
- The Waldo Emerson Inn is 1.25 miles on your left, just past the Wedding Cake House
Distances:
30 minutes south of Portland, ME
30 minutes north of Portsmouth, NH
90 minutes north of Boston, MA