Captain Jefferds Inn – quintessential Kennebunkport

When we told friends we were heading to Maine in the winter, many questioned our sanity. Turns out we weren’t the only ones. We met two other couples who had come to Captain Jefferds Inn from Massachusetts – they actually were escaping more snow than we were. Needless to say, we all thoroughly enjoyed our stay – our first, but their fourth.

 

Both couples echoed the same feeling, Maine is a wonderful place to distress, unwind and just relax. No matter how you try, you can’t do that in your own back yard. I’m sure the drive helps to start the process, but walking into Captain Jefferds will certainly complete the transformation.

Even in winter, this large coastal home projects a feeling of comfort. Without even seeing the fireplace going, you know you’re about to be warmed and welcomed inside. As we walked up the steps and made our way inside, our feelings were confirmed.

Innkeepers Erik & Sarah Lindblom have expertly restored the home, which exudes charm and character from its wonderful wallcoverings to its brilliant white woodwork. Just about every room has a touch of spring with cut flowers. The daughter of a florist, Sarah grew up in a home filled with flowers. She’s brought that same tradition to her inn and feels that  flowers aren’t an added touch but a necessary luxury. It was wonderful seeing tulips in February.

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After a quick tour of the downstairs, and its bountiful choice of coffees and teas, snacks and bottomless cookie jar, Steve led us to our room. Magnificent curved stairs took us to the second floor. We stayed in the Arundel room – quietly located at the end of a private hallway.

We had seen pictures on their website before we arrived, but the brain was spinning trying to take in all that lay before us. Directly in front of us was a massive bed with uber-large comforter. Scanning starboard revealed the wonderfully done bath with warm-toned marble tiles, golden fixtures and corner shower. Turning to the port, a sitting area by a three-sided fireplace and an inviting whirlpool tub beckoned us.

Within minutes, my wife had deposited her bags, grabbed her book and was curled up in one of the two large arm chairs.  The chair and ottoman suited her perfectly. Wrapped in a blanket, with the fireplace glowing, I could tell it was going to take an act of Congress to get her out of that chair.

 

I opted for the whirlpool tub and relaxed with a glass of wine.  The world was at peace, at least in our small corner of it. If we hadn’t already had dinner reservations, we might both still be there.

In the morning we met up with the couples we had chatted with the day before and traded notes over breakfast about the benefits of a Maine getaway. The breakfast menu was a three-course feast starting with fresh strawberries with a delightful Romanov Sauce. It was the best I ever had, and thoughtfully, Sarah already had cards printed with the recipe.

Before we left, we wandered through the snow-covered arch to what would normally be a grassy seating area behind the inn. During temperate weather, it would be quite the relaxing venue for a nice New England night.

For more information about the inn, be sure to check out their website. They have sixteen rooms available, each with its own personality – five of which are pet friendly.  Check here for more information about Kennebunkport.

 

About Distinctive Inns of New England

Captain Jefferds is one of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE), a consortium of 12 inns located throughout the six New England states.  This collection of luxury inns and B&Bs are carefully aligned to offer distinctive surroundings and haute hospitality all within an easy drive of one another.  Choose one or create an itinerary for either coastal or mountain inns.  Either way, an extraordinary escape will offer bucket list accommodations. Visit www.Distinctiveinns.com for more information or follow DINE at https://www.facebook.com/DistinctiveInns.

We were invited by Distinctive Inns to review five of their inns.  Watch for additional reviews of:

Deerfield Inn – Historic Deerfield, MA

Capt. Jefferds – Kennebunkport, ME

Manor on Golden Pond – Holderness, NH

Grafton Inn – Grafton, VT

Chesterfield Inn – Chesterfield, NH