Under Contract
Waldo Emerson Inn
In Kennebunk, Maine
Built in 1753, This historic inn is one of the most romantic destinations in the Kennebunks. Named one of Yankee Magazine’s Coziest Inns. it combines historical charm with refined elegance.
Formerly a ship builders mansion, the house includes a keeping room, a room directly off the kitchen typical in Colonial era homes.
In addition, the Inn has two spacious guest parlors to enjoy a good book from the Book Bar or sip a glass of wine from the Honor Bar. Multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas allow for various options for breakfast and lounging.
Situated just 2 miles from the heart of Kennebunkport it offers guests a quiet reprise from the hustle and bustle of Dock Square All 6 guest rooms are charmingly decorated with attention to comfort and details, including fireplaces in four of the rooms.
All six guest rooms have ensuite baths. This main house also includes a three room owner/innkeeper suite on the 3rd floor. Additionally, the property has a detached carriage house that functions as two separate, 2-bedroom apartments, currently used as AirBnB in the summer and long-term rentals in winter.
Situated on an acre of land, this 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.
Offered at $1,950,000
At a Glance
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- Main house built in 1753, addition of the carriage house in 1994 and lower level of the carriage house built out in 2019. The house was converted to a bed and breakfast in 1984
- Lot size: 1.00 acre
- Square footage: 4,789
- 6 guest rooms in the main inn with private baths
- Common areas include reception/multipurpose space, dining area, two parlors,, exterior patio and ample seating throughout the lawn area
- Floors are hardwoods and carpet
- 8 fireplaces – 4 in guest rooms, 1 in each parlor (the front parlor has a gas stove), dining room and wood stove in the kitchen
- Laundry on site with 1 washer and 2 dryers in the main house
- Carriage house with two 2-bedroom apartments each with bath, full kitchen, and washer/dryer
- Public water with filtration system
- Private sewer
- Onsite parking for 12 cars
- Exterior: Wood frame, shingles
- Hot water baseboard heat, A/C units
- Oil Heat for carriage house/bottled propane for main house
- Map 81, Lot 18
- 108 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043-6620
- Book 17581 Page 488, York County Registry of Deeds
- Zoning SR (Suburban Residential) with Historic Preservation (HP) overlay
- 2021-2022 Real Estate Taxes $8,440.28
- spacious 3 room private owner’s quarters on the 3rd floor of the inn (there are options to choose from!)
Location
The Waldo Emerson Inn is just 2 miles to downtown Kennebunkport, where shops, restaurants and galleries abound!
And the local beaches, hiking, whale watching, nearby museums and nature preserves will keep guests busy all year long.
The inn is located:
- 1.5 hours from Boston
- .5 hours from Portland
- 2 hours from Camden
- 3.5 hours from Bar Harbor
- 5.5 hours from New York City
Directions from South of 95:
Take 95 N into the state of Maine…to the Wells/Kennebunk area. Take exit 9B to Rt. 1 North, to Rt 9 that leads directly into Kennebunk.
Directions from Portland:
From the Portland Jetport, follow Rt 1 S about 15 miles to Rt 9 that leads directly into Kennebunk.
The Carriage House
The Apartment
The Carriage House apartment is on the 2nd floor and offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, washer/dryer with full kitchen. It has a private entrance and currently functions as a short-term rental in summer and long-term rental in winter.
The Emerson Cottage
Completely renovated in 2020, this new modern farmhouse-style cottage offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, washer, dryer and a lovely kitchenette. Guests have use of the entire cottage located on the ground level of the Carriage House with a private entrance, and full access to beautiful Waldo Emerson grounds and gardens.
This is a financially viable business. Financials are shared with qualified buyer after proof of funds and signed NDA.
