Waldo Emerson Inn

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 found respite to focus on his writing. The Waldo Emerson is a gem for Kennebunkport lodging.

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. The 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 storied 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 chess 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.

Innkeeper Hana has reinvigorated the historic Inn with refined accessories and whimsical details. Think 18th century America meets Alice in Wonderland. For added fun, Hana 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.

All the guest rooms are charmingly decorated with attention to comfort and details, including fireplaces in four of the rooms. All six guestrooms have their own bathroom. Ranging from warm and cozy to light and airy, all are delightfully charming with wide-planked pine wood floors dating back to 1784, a variety of antique furnishings, and pleasant daylight filtered through the original paned windows. Read about the rooms, see the pictures, and you won’t be able to help yourself from booking a stay at our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast…