The Waldo Emerson Inn
The Inn has had several famous owners. The original Dutch grambrel was constructed by one Waldo Emerson in 1753. It is the oldest remaining house in Kennebunk. Waldo, great-uncle of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the poet/essayist, made a tidy profit building clipper ships on the river behind the house. It was inherited, through marriage, by Theodore Lyman, who made a fortune building ships on the site and added the enormous addition in 1784, as a wedding gift for his second wife. Theodore sold the home in 1804, to build the now-famous Lyman Estate and Greenhouses in Waltham, Mass.
The house was purchased by John Bourne, father of 15 children, one of whom was George Washington Bourne, the builder of the famous "Wedding Cake House" next door. The inn is a wonderful recollection of the past. You enter directly into the 252-year-old keeping room, with its hand-hewn oak timbers hung with dried flowers, pewter, and copper.
During your stay, please stop by Mainely Quilts and gift shop, located in the carriage house next to the Inn. You'll find the latest local creations. Heirloom quality quilts and wallhangings, often taking hundreds of hours to create, grace homes all over the world. You also will find a wide selection of fabrics, quilting supplies and novelties. The Inn is open year round.
Location
- Location is best described as:
- Airport
- Beachside
- City
- Countryside
- Downtown
- Island
- Mountains
- Oceanside
- Small town
- Village
- Nearest major city: Boston, ME (20 miles)
- Directions to property:
From the general Boston direction take Route 95 North. After the Maine Toll Booth, take exit #3 to Kennibunk/Kennibunkport on Route 35.
After passing through downtown Kennebunk continue to follow Route 35 turn left at the second traffic light to Kennebunkport. You are now on Summer Street / Route 35. After approximately 1.8 miles, you will see the "Wedding Cake House" on the left side.
We are the first drive way past the Wedding Cake House on the left. You will see the Carriage House, home of the Mainely Quilts shop, in front of you with the Inn on the right side of the driveway. - Nearest major airport: Portland, ME (PWM-Intl. Jet Port) 20 miles
- Directions from airport:
Use 95 South. Exit at #3 and take Route 35 to Kennibunk/Kennibunkport.
After passing through downtown Kennebunk continue to follow Route 35 turn left at the second traffic light to Kennebunkport. You are now on Summer Street / Route 35. After approximately 1.8 miles, you will see the "Wedding Cake House" on the left side.
We are the first drive way past the Wedding Cake House on the left. You will see the Carriage House, home of the Mainely Quilts shop, in front of you with the Inn on the right side of the driveway.
Room Rates (USD American Dollars)
All occupancy rates are subject to change
- State and local taxes may apply
- Accommodations: Rooms
- There are 4 guest accommodations (4 with private baths)
- Double occupancy rate is between $ 95.00 and $ 165.00
- The rate for each additional person is $ 20.00
- Other Accommodations: Experience the Kennebunks
Two day minimum stay may be required during summer and holiday weekends.
Open year round. Winter season rates ($95.00 - $135.00)are in effect from November 1 until May 1 except for holidays.
Winter: mid-week specials (except holidays)
- stay two nights with the 2nd night at half the rate.
- stay three nights with the third night at half the rate and it includes the fireplace
All occupancy rates are subject to change. State and local taxes may apply. Please note that the weekend and midweek specials may have a limited availabilty.
Amenities
| In Room | |
| Air conditioning | Alarm clock |
| Amenities Basket | Fireplace |
| Hairdryer | Internet Service |
| Turndown Service | Wi-Fi |
 |
| On Site | |
| BBQ grill | Bath robes |
| Board games | CD player |
| Computer | Conference Rooms |
| Copier | DVD Player |
| Data port | Desk |
| Fax Machine | Library |
| Piano | Radio |
| Satellite/Cable TV | Secretarial services |
| TV | Telephone |
| VCR | Videos |
| Washer/dryer | Wedding Facilities |
|
| Other Amenitites | |
| Complementary use of some nice touring bikes | Complementary beach parking passes |
| Guest refridgerator available in hall | Wireless Broadband (802.11b and g) at no charge |
Meals
- A Full breakfast is included with room rate
- Breakfast is served from: 8:30 am - 9:30 am
- Breakfast is served in the Breakfast/dining area
- Additional food services included in room rate: Afternoon tea, Fruit, Non-alcoholic beverage
- Special meals available: Restricted, Vegetarian
Policies
- Minimum stay required (Applicable on certain weekends)
- Smoking is not allowed
- We cannot accommodate guest pets
- Children are welcome (Ages 6 and above (Waldo Emerson's Room - no restrictions))
- Limitations on childcare
- Consumption of alcohol is permitted (B.Y.O.B.)
- Deposit amount required (First day by check or money order or a credit card will secure your reservation. Your credit card will not be charged until the scheduled arrival time.)
- Check in time is 3:00pm and Check out time is 10:30am
- Cancellations:
You are responsible only for a $15.00 processing fee if you cancel more than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled arrival.
For cancellations received ten (10) days or less before your schedule arrival, you will be responsible for the full stay minus the days we are able to re-book your room and a $15.00 processing fee. - Accepted by the following agencies:
- AAA, three diamond rated
- Best of the Best for 2004 and 2006
- Chamber of Commerce
Discounts available:| | 30% | Serene Season three day special starting Nov. 1st | Minimum stay: 3 days |
| | 20% | Serene Season two day special starting Nov. 1st | Minimum stay: 2 days |
Innkeepers
- Innkeeper(s): John Daamen and Kathy Daamen
Ralph Waldo Emerson readings, hiking, nature walks, biking, snow shoeing, soaring. Just to name a few - The innkeepers speak: Dutch, English
Area Attractions
Amusement Park, Antique Shopping, Art Galleries, Beach, Concert venue, Gourmet/Fine Dining, Historical interests, Lake, Live Music, Movie Theater, Museum, National/State parks, Nature area, Ocean, Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, Laudholm Farm, Brick Store and Trolley Museums, Franciscan Monastery, 3 Mls to fantastic Beaches - Great Surfing, Hiking and Bike Trails - lots of Antique Shops, 3 Mls from Dock Square with its distinctive shops, Outlet Stores, Performing Theater, Picnic area, Religious Services, River, Ski area
Onsite or Nearby Activities
Bicycle rental, Bicycle riding trails, Bicycles, Bird watching, Boating, Canoeing, Cross-country ski trails, Downhill Skiing, Fishing, Golfing, Hiking trails, Horseback riding, Horseshoes, Hunting, Kayaking, Mountain Bike trails, Light Houses and Whale Watching, Summer and Winter Theater Nearby, Deep Sea Fishing & Whale Watching, Cross Country and Down Hill Skiing, Farmers markets, Stone Store Museum, Two large Factory Outlet Malls nearby, Sailing, Shopping, Sight-seeing, Ski rentals, Snow shoe rental, Snow shoe trails, Swimming, Swimming pool, Tennis courts, Tennis racket rental, Water sports
Kennebunk Nearby Cities
Noted below are the approximate distances from Kennebunk, Maine.