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maine inns for sale

West End Inn in Portland, Maine – yummy paint colors!

The right paint can make or break a room.  The colors here are beautiful shades of vibrant sherbet in orange, lemon and raspberry. You should see the inn from the neighborhood at night, the orange is just gorgeous! The inn is on the market by the way, anyone interested? Contact me 🙂

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Idyllic, Picturesque, Stonington #Maine

this is not a painting…it is the view from Inn on the Harbor – one of my on market waterfront listings!

Stonington, Maine


More Flowers…

these were in the garden at one of my listings, The Riverside Inn in East Machias, Maine


Bad Maine Weather?…let’s set things straight!

summer in Southwest Harbor…looking toward Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park…

seasmoke in November…

fog in April…

As a former innkeeper, one of the comments we heard absolutely constantly, without fail, was “how do you deal with the weather, particularly the winter?” And our natural reaction was this “well, we don’t often have to deal with hurricanes (hello in particular to Floridians???), tornadoes (much of the southeast), earthquakes (hello, Californians?), mudslides (upper northwest??), huge temperature swings (um, earth to Denver???), enormous amounts of snow (shout out to Buffalo, Green Bay or anyone else around the Great Lakes area)…get my point? We have THE most beautiful summers with low humidity, clear skies, 75-85 degrees (dropping 15 degrees at night for great sleeping weather), we don’t need air conditioning (believe me, I came from Washington DC, I know the need for A/C), constant breezes; beautiful, crisp autumn with an incredible foliage season; and yes, a bit of a longer winter, but contrary to popular belief, it’s not mostly gray and snow really doesn’t fall until about December. The snowfall is quite manageable, not a nuisance (and properly budgeted unlike DC) and sustains so many businesses relying on skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing, to name a few; so springtime finally arrives sometime in April, brings us some rain and idyllic fog and we don’t really green up until early May…it is so worth the wait…our weather offers change of seasons and something for everyone.

clear blue skies in October…

sunshine in February…

beautiful lush greenery in August…

Regardless of the season, the coast or inland Maine, the weather and our natural surroundings make for beautiful scenery. A photographer’s paradise! Come see for yourself…


At-a-Glance – My Maine Inns and Bed and Breakfasts for Sale


$429,000 – $845,000
Guilford Bed and Breakfast, Guilford – 4 rooms, village location
Captain Briggs House, Freeport – 7 rooms, village location
Lakeshore Inn Bed and Breakfast, Rockland – 4 rooms, WATER VIEWS
Mountain Village Farm B&B, Kingfield near SKI Sugarloaf – 6 rooms, 7 acres
Sunset Vista Cottages, Edgecomb – 4 cabins and a 4BR single family home, WATER VIEWS, 21 acres

$1,150,000 – $1,795,000
Craignair Inn, Spruce Head – 21 rooms & restaurant, WATERFRONT, substantial income
1802 House Inn, Kennebunkport – 6 rooms, village/golf course location, substantial income
Lindenwood Inn, Southwest Harbor – 9 rooms, WATER VIEWS, village location, substantial income

$2,200,000 – $2,695,000
Inn on the Harbor, Stonington – 13 rooms, WATERFRONT, harbor/village location, substantial income
Berry Manor Inn, Rockland – 12 rooms, residential/village location, substantial income

Keep in mind that if your current financial situation or salary may not fully qualify you for a higher priced inn, if the list price is based on a fair gross multiple of income, the loan-to-value will be higher and the bank’s risk lower – but you will need to come up with the downpayment. Contact me for more information.


Aspiring Innkeeping Seminars…

Presented by The Swan Agency Sotheby’s International Realty,
Maine’s Premier Lodging Brokers

As a leader in the lodging brokerage industry, we’ve gathered a group of specialists (myself included) to provide you with the tools to help you to decide if Innkeeping in Maine is right for you. Our team is well versed in today’s innkeeping experience and the necessary marketing in today’s internet age. We’ll discuss the business and financial side as well as the lifestyle and entertainment side. We won’t just lecture, we’ll have interactive sessions and cooking demonstrations. And all meals (catered and restaurant) are included in the rate, which is not typical. The first seminar will be held at The Pomegranate Inn, in Portland (photos below).

I am thrilled to be a part of it…

Aspiring Innkeeping Seminars…

Presented by The Swan Agency Sotheby’s International Realty,
Maine’s Premier Lodging Brokers

As a leader in the lodging brokerage industry, we’ve gathered a group of specialists (myself included) to provide you with the tools to help you to decide if Innkeeping in Maine is right for you. Our team is well versed in today’s innkeeping experience and the necessary marketing in today’s internet age. We’ll discuss the business and financial side as well as the lifestyle and entertainment side. We won’t just lecture, we’ll have interactive sessions and cooking demonstrations. And all meals (catered and restaurant) are included in the rate, which is not typical. The first seminar will be held at The Pomegranate Inn, in Portland (photos below).

I am thrilled to be a part of it…

$40k PRICE REDUCTION – a great buy

Now offered at $450,000
Lakeshore Inn Bed & Breakfast

Very spacious, 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, detached 2 car garage, huge eat-in kitchen and fantastic views of Lake Chickawaukie pictured below. Perfect as a B&B, a private residence or family vacation home. Sellers are motivated. A very good opportunity perfectly situated just minutes between the year round mid-coast villages of Camden and Rockland…


$40k PRICE REDUCTION – a great buy

Now offered at $450,000
Lakeshore Inn Bed & Breakfast

Very spacious, 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, detached 2 car garage, huge eat-in kitchen and fantastic views of Lake Chickawaukie pictured below. Perfect as a B&B, a private residence or family vacation home. Sellers are motivated. A very good opportunity perfectly situated just minutes between the year round mid-coast villages of Camden and Rockland…


How does this relate to innkeeping?

I recently came across this clipping while I was going through some files and clearly remember why. Twenty plus years ago I snipped this from a Washington Post when it reminded me of someone I knew whose father made good money and all he did was save; but by his attitude it was evident he did not enjoy everyday life. And at 21, we aren’t always focused on being smart with our money, but I recall thinking this quote said it all. And I was determined to use money wisely, but enjoy using it, unlike my friend’s father. So here I am, living a dream in Maine as an innkeeper myself. And because I get it, I am able to help buyers and sellers as they hand over their job as innkeeper to another. I think I’ve used my money pretty wisely.

What better way these days to use our money and make it work for us? Buying an inn or a B&B provides an enjoyable job (both a use and an advantage); it serves as an investment (both a use and an advantage); it buys a home (again, both a use and an advantage); and clearly it buys a lifestyle (you guessed it…both a use and an advantage).

What many first time B&B buyers don’t realize is that if they’re looking at a property with good business value, they may easily qualify for far more than they would for a private home where your salary is used as the basis for loan qualification. And banks love to lend for successful business purchases, naturally it minimizes their risk. So just because your current salary may not qualify you for a purchase of a million dollar property, the gross revenue and potential of that property does play a significant role. Yes, you need the downpayment, but for a less risky purchase, the bank is often willing to be creative to benefit both the buyer and the bank. Contact a Maine bank to discuss the options – the first step doesn’t cost you anything.

give it some thought – you just might get it

How does this relate to innkeeping?

I recently came across this clipping while I was going through some files and clearly remember why. Twenty plus years ago I snipped this from a Washington Post when it reminded me of someone I knew whose father made good money and all he did was save; but by his attitude it was evident he did not enjoy everyday life. And at 21, we aren’t always focused on being smart with our money, but I recall thinking this quote said it all. And I was determined to use money wisely, but enjoy using it, unlike my friend’s father. So here I am, living a dream in Maine as an innkeeper myself. And because I get it, I am able to help buyers and sellers as they hand over their job as innkeeper to another. I think I’ve used my money pretty wisely.

What better way these days to use our money and make it work for us? Buying an inn or a B&B provides an enjoyable job (both a use and an advantage); it serves as an investment (both a use and an advantage); it buys a home (again, both a use and an advantage); and clearly it buys a lifestyle (you guessed it…both a use and an advantage).

What many first time B&B buyers don’t realize is that if they’re looking at a property with good business value, they may easily qualify for far more than they would for a private home where your salary is used as the basis for loan qualification. And banks love to lend for successful business purchases, naturally it minimizes their risk. So just because your current salary may not qualify you for a purchase of a million dollar property, the gross revenue and potential of that property does play a significant role. Yes, you need the downpayment, but for a less risky purchase, the bank is often willing to be creative to benefit both the buyer and the bank. Contact a Maine bank to discuss the options – the first step doesn’t cost you anything.

give it some thought – you just might get it

How does this relate to innkeeping?

I recently came across this clipping while I was going through some files and clearly remember why. Twenty plus years ago I snipped this from a Washington Post when it reminded me of someone I knew whose father made good money and all he did was save; but by his attitude it was evident he did not enjoy everyday life. And at 21, we aren’t always focused on being smart with our money, but I recall thinking this quote said it all. And I was determined to use money wisely, but enjoy using it, unlike my friend’s father. So here I am, living a dream in Maine as an innkeeper myself. And because I get it, I am able to help buyers and sellers as they hand over their job as innkeeper to another. I think I’ve used my money pretty wisely.

What better way these days to use our money and make it work for us? Buying an inn or a B&B provides an enjoyable job (both a use and an advantage); it serves as an investment (both a use and an advantage); it buys a home (again, both a use and an advantage); and clearly it buys a lifestyle (you guessed it…both a use and an advantage).

What many first time B&B buyers don’t realize is that if they’re looking at a property with good business value, they may easily qualify for far more than they would for a private home where your salary is used as the basis for loan qualification. And banks love to lend for successful business purchases, naturally it minimizes their risk. So just because your current salary may not qualify you for a purchase of a million dollar property, the gross revenue and potential of that property does play a significant role. Yes, you need the downpayment, but for a less risky purchase, the bank is often willing to be creative to benefit both the buyer and the bank. Contact a Maine bank to discuss the options – the first step doesn’t cost you anything.

give it some thought – you just might get it

New Listing in Freeport – Captain Briggs House Inn, $845,000


The left side of the house is guest wing; the entire right side is owner’s quarters and are quite spacious and charming with exposed beams, wide plank hardwood floors and plenty of natural light.
There are 6 spacious guest rooms all with private baths
“The Barn” Owner’s Quarters”
Owner’s Quarters Kitchen
Located in the heart of town but on a quiet residential street just a minute stroll to shops and restaurants. Good business is in place for new owners to grow. This 6,600sf property is well maintained. And at $845,000, this would make a great lifestyle, investment and a home. And with year round business in Freeport, real growth potential is there.

New Listing in Freeport – Captain Briggs House Inn, $845,000


The left side of the house is guest wing; the entire right side is owner’s quarters and are quite spacious and charming with exposed beams, wide plank hardwood floors and plenty of natural light.
There are 6 spacious guest rooms all with private baths
“The Barn” Owner’s Quarters”
Owner’s Quarters Kitchen
Located in the heart of town but on a quiet residential street just a minute stroll to shops and restaurants. Good business is in place for new owners to grow. This 6,600sf property is well maintained. And at $845,000, this would make a great lifestyle, investment and a home. And with year round business in Freeport, real growth potential is there.

New INN for sale in Mid-Coast Maine



This fully renovated historic grand mansion has become a well known and very successful 12 room inn offering high end luxury to its guests. The business and physical structure are in perfect turn key condition for new owners.

This is true grandeur worthy of great pride.

This mid-coast inn is the epitome of B&B luxury and has been renovated top to bottom. The main inn has 8 guest rooms and the carriage house has 4. Guest rooms are quite spacious and have fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, jetted showers, flat screen TV’s, fireplaces and oversized upholstered seating. The custom upholstery, bedding and furniture are not to be believed. This is a designer’s showcase in every sense of the word. The owners quarters consist of the entire first floor of the carriage house. There is a 2 BR 2 BA apartment with full kitchen, living and dining room and 2 entrances. Adjacent to this apartment is a 1 BR 1 BA apartment with kitchen and open living/dining room; it would be simple to combine both spaces with minimal cost. Alternatively, this space could be used as guest or staff space. Offered at $2,695,000, the business income is very strong and easily supports the price. New owners can comfortably raise rates when comparing other properties. This is a MUST SEE property.


New INN for sale in Mid-Coast Maine



This fully renovated historic grand mansion has become a well known and very successful 12 room inn offering high end luxury to its guests. The business and physical structure are in perfect turn key condition for new owners.

This is true grandeur worthy of great pride.

This mid-coast inn is the epitome of B&B luxury and has been renovated top to bottom. The main inn has 8 guest rooms and the carriage house has 4. Guest rooms are quite spacious and have fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, jetted showers, flat screen TV’s, fireplaces and oversized upholstered seating. The custom upholstery, bedding and furniture are not to be believed. This is a designer’s showcase in every sense of the word. The owners quarters consist of the entire first floor of the carriage house. There is a 2 BR 2 BA apartment with full kitchen, living and dining room and 2 entrances. Adjacent to this apartment is a 1 BR 1 BA apartment with kitchen and open living/dining room; it would be simple to combine both spaces with minimal cost. Alternatively, this space could be used as guest or staff space. Offered at $2,695,000, the business income is very strong and easily supports the price. New owners can comfortably raise rates when comparing other properties. This is a MUST SEE property.


Don’t measure all Owner’s Quarters you see against these!

For a 6 room B&B, it’s quite rare to see owners quarters (OQ) with a double Jacuzzi, double vanity, double walk-in tiled shower…

or a wood-burning fireplace in the master bedroom…

or a fireplace in the dining room (if there is a formal dining room)…

or a fireplace in the living room…

or a custom cherry and granite butler’s pantry…

or custom built-in closets and drawers in the large master suite…

or such spacious residential kitchens…

with commercial equipment but residential warmth; loaded with granite, beautiful Mexican tiled floors, exposed beam ceilings, a commercial range, wine refrigerator, and plenty of natural light from the bay window looking out over the beautifully landscaped yard…

The 1802 House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Kennebunkport is one of those inns that has such added residential value on top of its substantial business value. This is simply a fantastic offering.


Orange-Cinnamon Buttercream filled Almond Florentines

These are a crowd pleaser to say the least! Try them out, package them up as gifts for friends…who doesn’t love a homemade cookie, particularly one that’s a bit more unique? It’s the perfect mix of cookie and nut brittle.

2 cups sliced almonds
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
3/4 cup white sugar
1 stick butter, cut into pieces
1/3 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons dark corn syrup

Mix all ingredients except nuts in saucepan and melt over medium heat. Slowly bring to a boil, then add the nuts. Mix well, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Then drop onto parchment lined baking sheet – these spread a great deal, so leave PLENTY of room. Bake until they turn golden brown – cool before removing for 2 minutes. Repeat with all batter until done. Spread a thin layer of buttercream on the flat side of the cookie, top with another cookie (flat side to the buttercream) and store in a container between wax paper.

I fill them with an orange-cinnamon flavored buttercream (this I make by taste and texture but I am sure you can find one online)


A Blanket of Fresh Maine Snow…

This is The Lakeshore Inn Bed & Breakfast in Rockland, Maine. Offered at $489,000, it is priced to sell. Enjoy a wonderful turn-key business, lifestyle and real estate investment.

Lakeshore Inn is just 3 miles to downtown Rockland and 6 miles to downtown Camden. And it’s situated across from Lake Chickawaukie giving a feeling of inland Maine but with the conveniences of shopping, restaurants and the deep blue ocean close by.

I love to show people why Maine is so beautiful in the winter – there are countless days with clear blue skies that follow a wonderful snowfall. And when the lakes are frozen, put on a pair of skates or snowshoes and enjoy the great outdoors. Winter here is not for hibernating…


Creative Labeling…

I came across this recently in a World Market store. As a foodie with only moderate wine knowledge (some refer to us as “Wineaux“), the bottling caught my attention as a fun, casual and inexpensive wine for any occasion! They offer several varietals for a tasty conversation piece…which, by the way, is a great thing when you are in the hospitality industry. Any time you can offer guests a little something extra to remember their experience, it shows that you have gone one step beyond cookie cutter and offered something a bit more personal…and at very little expense. Or share a favorite wine with your guests, and it doesn’t have to be all the time. Your guests will appreciate your sharing what pleases you.


Imagine sitting here…

You can have it! Craignair Inn is on the market…okay, so maybe the impact of the glass of wine isn’t the same if there wasn’t snow on the ground…But I do love this spot…I love snow…and both even more so with the wine…


Portland’s Western Promenade…

My husband and I just came back from a quick trip down to Portland and I know I spoke about Portland just a few days ago, but this was one of those right time and place moments. There was just enough snow on the ground, hazy snowy skies, cold temperatures but everyone was still out and about on the streets of the Old Port downtown. We ate dinner at a small, creative, fusion (my favorite style) cafe, Walter’s. We stayed at one of the most elegant and whimsical B&B’s, Pomegranate Inn, which is currently owned by Kim Swan of The Swan Agency. Situated in the heart of the lovingly restored neighborhood of the “West End” (if you aren’t familiar with this area, it’s a gorgeous section of historic mansions at the top of a hill which collectively overlook the working waterfront of Portland), one is more breathtaking than the next. Most remain private homes but the neighborhood is peppered with boutique businesses. Therein lies Pomegranate. The West End is a wonderful area to walk around and enjoy the history, architecture, array of dining choices and the grandeur of long ago.


MY CURRENT LISTINGS

All information on my current listings of inns, B&B’s and homes in Maine are on the pages of my blog or view all of the Swan Agency’s listings


VIRTUAL TOURS

View the virtual tours of my listings on Property Panorama