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Bed&Breakfast Diamond Collection

The Waldo Emerson Inn
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Description Rooms & Rates Packages Meals Location Reviews 27

  • Bed&Breakfast Diamond Collection

    An exclusive of professionally inspected and guest-reviewed luxury inns with extensive modern amenities.

    Inn Details

    A restored shipbuilders manse located next to the Kennebunk river with all the latest amenities including working fireplaces for a relaxing romantic getaway. Let us pamper you with a terrific Dutch breakfast and afternoon tea in the Inn's historic parlor or in the shade of our large oak trees. 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.

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeepers Description:

    Ralph Waldo Emerson readings, hiking, nature walks, biking, snow shoeing, soaring. Just to name a few

    The innkeepers speak:

    • Dutch

    • English


    Features

    Type:

    • Bed and Breakfast

    • Historic Inn

    Property Noted For:

    • Hand quilting seminars & retreats

    • John Bourne and Henry Kingsbury joint venture

    • John Bourne, Ship Builder & Wedding Cake House

    • Lean for Life coaching

    • Ralph Waldo Emerson's Writings

    • Underground Railroad

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Christian Travel

    • Excellent views

    • Family Travel

    • Gourmet food

    • Group events

    • Honeymoons

    • Luxury

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    • Weddings

    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Amenities Basket

    • Bath robes

    • CD player

    • DVD Player

    • In-room internet

    • Fireplace

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Microwave

    • Private entrance

    • Radio

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Turndown Service

    • Wi-Fi

    On Site:

    • BBQ grill

    • Board games

    • Computer

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • Desk

    • Fax Machine

    • Library

    • Piano

    • Secretarial services

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    • Videos

    • Washer/dryer

    • Wedding Facilities

    • Wet bar

    Other Amenities:

    • Complementary beach parking passes

    • Complementary use of some nice touring bikes

    • Wireless Broadband (802.11b and g) at no charge

    • Guest refridgerator available in hall

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  • New Year Specials - At The Kennebunks

    1/2/2012 - 4/30/2012

    Stay one night and the second night at half the rate - OR - how about staying two nights and the 3rd night is on us (good Sundays through Thursdays) call us for our weekend specials (877-521-8776). Enjoy the terrific snow with great cross country skiing, beach hikes or snuggle up to a warm fireplace with a good book. Follow this with our great breakfasts and afternoon teas. Specials are good from January 2nd through April 30th, 2012. Not available during holidays. May we suggest that you make your reservation early - these special are based on space available.

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  • Hot Deal: Sweetheart Special - Valentine's Day Weekend

    • 2/15/2012 - 2/22/2012
    • Regular rate:$390
    • Savings:29%
    • Discount rate:$275

    The most memorable Valentine's weekend Early Check in - Good for February 10 through February 16 The best romantic two days in the Kennebunks with in-room working fireplace at $ 325.00 including dinner for two at one of our best restaurants (Please add $20.00 for the Blue room)

    Yellow Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $105/$155

    Red Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $105/$155

    Green Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      2 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $105/$155

    Blue Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $115/$165

    Waldo Emerson

    Suite maximum capacity: 4

    • Beds

      1 Queen

      2 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $115/$165

    Ralph's Library

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $105/$155

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    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 3:00pm    Check out: 10:30am

    • Minimum stay: Applicable on certain weekends

    • Deposit amount required: First day (or 50% for multiple days) by check or money order or a credit card will secure your reservation.

    • 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.

    • Open all year round: Y

    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: Limited

    • Guest pets allowed: No

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Drinking description: B.Y.O.B.

    • Drinks available: N

    • Children allowed: Ages 6 and above (Waldo Emerson's Room - no restrictions)

    • Suitable for children: Limited

    • Childcare provided: Limited

    Discount type

    • Serene Season three day special starting Nov. 1st
      Percent off: 30% Days required: 3

    • Serene Season two day special starting Nov. 1st
      Percent off: 20% Days required: 2

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Time Served: 8:30 am - 9:30 am

    • Serving location: Breakfast/dining area

    Complimentary Perks

    • Afternoon Tea

    • Fruit

    • Non-alcoholic Beverages

    Signature Dish

    Belgium Toast & Dutch Apple Flapjes
    Ingredients - serve 6 Maple Syrup 4 Tbl Spoons, Butter 7 Tbl Spoons, Brown Sugar 1 cup, Eggs 4, Milk 1.5 cups, Vanilla 1 dash, Cinnamon Swirl Bread Slices. Preheat oven to, 300-325 Degree (Convection) -In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar and maple syrup. Mix together on medium heat until it just begins to bubble uniformly; -Stir well and quickly pour into the metal baking pan(s), cover bottom evenly. -Place first layer of cinnamon bread slices onto the glaze in the baking pan(s). (Adding cream cheese/blueberry to 2nd layer is optional). -Mix two parts of Whipped Cream Cheese with one part of Blueberry jam. Spread on the second layer of cinnamon bread. Place cinnamon slices with blueberry/cream cheese face down on top of the 1st layer -Whisk the eggs, milk and vanilla together and pour over bread evenly. Let sit until fully absorbed (about 30 minutes if bread is frozen). -Bake for 30 minutes, cover loosely with foil and set oven on warm. -To serve, remove (after loosening the edges) one slice at the time from the pan, flip it over on the center of a plate with the glazed side up. Just before serving, add a heaping table spoon of vanilla yogurt on top of the slice and dust with cinnamon. Add an orange slice and strawberry slice.

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

    Additional food services

    • complementary Poland Spring Water

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  • Location Type

    • CVNewEng.org

    • Classical Voice of New England

    • Famous Wedding Cake House

    • Ogunquit Play House

    • Walker's Point

    • Airport

    • Beachside

    • City

    • Countryside

    • Downtown

    • Island

    • Mountains

    • Oceanside

    • Small town

    • Suburban

    • Village

    City

    • Boston

    • Distance to city: 42 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.

    Airport

    • Portland, ME (PWM-Intl. Jet Port) 27 miles

    • Directions to property:
      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.

    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

    • 3 Mls to fantastic Beaches - Great Surfing

    • 3 Mls from Dock Square with its distinctive shops

    • Hiking and Bike Trails - lots of Antique Shops

    • Brick Store and Trolley Museums

    • Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, Laudholm Farm

    • Franciscan Monastery

    • Outlet Stores

    • Performing Theater

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Ski area

    • 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

    • That special Wedding? At the Wedding Cake House

    • Farmers markets, Stone Store Museum

    • Two large Factory Outlet Malls nearby

    • Cross Country and Down Hill Skiing

    • Deep Sea Fishing & Whale Watching

    • Light Houses and Whale Watching

    • Sailing

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Ski rentals

    • Snow shoe rental

    • Snow shoe trails

    • Swimming

    • Swimming pool

    • Tennis courts

    • Tennis racket rental

    • Water sports

    Visit B&B Site
    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Write a review

    Wonderful Old House with Great Innkeepers

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling on vacation

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Charming early American house with all the details you would expect on the oldest house in Kunnebunk, ME. These dear B&B innkeepers were well informed about the sites to see in the area and more than helpful in providing info including beach parking passes and bug spray! This husband & wife team offered a great full course breakfast that you should not miss! Happy to deal with dietary considerations.

    What a perfect B&B should be like

    About the reviewer

    • Between 26-35 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling on vacation

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Coming from Europe we had high expecations to find a romantic B&B. We were far more than satisfied. John and Cathy are very caring hosts and have beautiful house. I was amazed by the fact that the house was built in 1758 and had beautiful oak floors. You can really enjoy a bit of history here.

    Beautiful people, great place!

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    John and Kathy were awesome hosts. The rooms are cozy and very clean. The food was delicious and the service outstanding. The location was perfect! Just 2 miles from the hustle and bustle of Kennebuckport. I went during low season (end of March) and the cost was a value; the prices are very reasonable during high season too. Choose this place; you will not be sorry. I'm planning another visit soon.

    Amazing Inn, Caring Innkeepers

    About the reviewer

    • Between 18-25 years old

    • Frequently stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    This is the best Bed & Breakfast I've ever been to. The Inn itself is the oldest house in Kennebunk (it's far more cost effective to stay in Kennebunk than Kennebunkport), it's got several historical aspects, like the windows etched, the indian shutters, the rooms, and the cold room. My girl and I koozied up next to the fire, which was very sweet. They gave us maps and amazing places visit, sights to see, and great places to eat at. Then the breakfast was the best homemade granola I've ever had with Belgian Toast. I told John that I would definately comeback. Don't forget to play with Waldo, the dog.

    Historic Kennebunk Home-Charming

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for an event

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    My husband & I stayed here over the Labor Day weekend in tourist-Mad Southern Maine. Yet the atmosphere in this beautifully furnished home was relaxed and welcoming. Nice innkeepers, comfy rooms and excellent location.

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Hot Deal: Sweetheart Special - Valentine's Day Weekend

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