19 Historic Coastal Cottages That Define Maine’s Charm
Maine’s rugged coastline is dotted with historic cottages that tell stories of maritime heritage, summer escapades, and architectural beauty. These weathered gems have withstood countless nor’easters while providing cozy retreats for generations of visitors.
From humble fishermen’s cabins to grand summer estates, these coastal cottages capture the essence of Maine’s timeless appeal.
1. Windswept – A Steuben Sanctuary
Perched on a granite outcrop overlooking the Atlantic, Windswept lives up to its name. Built in 1903 by a sea captain, this shingled cottage features wraparound porches perfectly positioned to catch ocean breezes.
Original wide-plank pine floors and stone fireplaces have warmed visitors for over a century. The cottage’s isolated location offers spectacular sunrise views that inspired countless paintings by visiting artists.
2. John Innes Kane Cottage – Bar Harbor’s Gilded Age Gem
Commissioned in 1903 by a New York socialite, this Bar Harbor masterpiece represents the opulence of Maine’s summer colony era. Massive stone chimneys anchor the sprawling structure, while intricate woodwork showcases period craftsmanship.
The cottage survived the devastating 1947 fire that destroyed many Bar Harbor mansions. Today its meticulously maintained gardens and grand portico transport visitors to a bygone era of afternoon teas and croquet matches.
3. Sprucewold Lodge – Boothbay Harbor’s Log Cabin Paradise
Unlike typical New England cottages, Sprucewold embraces rustic charm with its distinctive log cabin construction. Founded in the 1920s as part of a summer colony, these cabins feature hand-peeled spruce logs and fieldstone fireplaces.
Pine-paneled walls exude a golden glow when lit by oil lamps. The community’s dedication to preserving its unique architectural heritage earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
4. Raventhorp – Southwest Harbor’s Victorian Masterpiece
Hidden behind tall pines, Raventhorp exemplifies Victorian coastal architecture with its elaborate gingerbread trim and candy-colored paint scheme. Built in 1885 for a Boston banker seeking relief from summer heat, its three stories offer panoramic views of Somes Sound.
A widow’s walk crowns the steep roof, once used to spot returning fishing vessels. The cottage’s meticulously preserved interior features original gaslights converted to electricity and a magnificent curved staircase.
5. Newagen Seaside Inn – Southport’s Century-Old Haven
Dating back to the early 1900s, this Southport landmark has welcomed generations of vacationers seeking coastal tranquility. The main inn anchors a collection of charming cottages scattered across 20 acres of oceanfront property.
Rachel Carson found inspiration for her environmental writings while staying here. The cottages feature classic white clapboard exteriors and nautical-themed interiors that pay homage to Maine’s seafaring traditions.
6. Craignair Inn – Spruce Head’s Granite Heritage
Originally built in 1928 to house workers from nearby granite quarries, Craignair Inn tells a story of Maine’s industrial past. The sturdy stone structure sits at the water’s edge where Clark Island meets the mainland.
Former quarry workers’ quarters have been transformed into cozy guest rooms. Large windows frame postcard-worthy views of lobster boats bobbing in the harbor, while the dining room’s granite fireplace warms visitors on foggy evenings.
7. Norumbega Inn – Camden’s Stone Castle By The Sea
Looking more like a European fortress than a typical Maine cottage, Norumbega commands attention on Camden’s shoreline. Built in 1886 by Joseph Stearns, inventor of the duplex telegraph, this stone castle features turrets, battlements, and 11 fireplaces.
Original stained glass windows cast colorful patterns across oak-paneled rooms. The library still houses Stearns’ collection of rare books, while hidden passages reveal the eccentric owner’s love of architectural surprises.
8. Seaside Inn – Kennebunk’s Continuous Family Legacy
America’s oldest continuously operated family business isn’t a factory or farm; it’s this charming Kennebunk inn, run by the same family since 1667. Nine generations of the Gooch family have welcomed travelers to this oceanfront property.
The main building dates to 1756, while surrounding cottages were added during the Victorian era. Hand-hewn beams and wide-plank floors speak to the property’s colonial roots, while rocking chairs on the porch invite guests to embrace the slower pace of coastal life.
9. White Barn Inn & Spa – Kennebunk’s Rustic Elegance
Celebrating Maine’s agricultural heritage, this former farm has been transformed into one of the state’s most luxurious retreats. The 1860s barn now houses an award-winning restaurant, while surrounding cottages offer privacy within walking distance of the beach.
Original exposed beams and weathered shingles maintain rustic charm. The cottages feature river-stone fireplaces and handcrafted furniture by local artisans, blending historic character with modern comforts in a quintessentially Maine fashion.
10. The Moorings Inn – Southwest Harbor’s Maritime Treasure
Established in 1883 by a retired sea captain, The Moorings celebrates Maine’s maritime heritage through architecture and décor. Porthole windows and ship’s lanterns adorn the cedar-shingled cottages that cascade down to the harbor.
The captain’s original charts still decorate the walls of the main building. Guests wake to the sound of halyards clinking against masts in the harbor, a gentle reminder of the property’s deep connection to the sea.
11. The Colony Hotel – Kennebunkport’s Grand Dame
Commanding a spectacular oceanfront promontory since 1914, The Colony’s bright yellow main building and surrounding white cottages create an instantly recognizable landmark. The sprawling porch lined with white rocking chairs offers front-row seats to Atlantic drama.
Famous for hosting political dignitaries and Hollywood stars, the property maintains its Gilded Age elegance. Cottage interiors feature beadboard walls, brass bed frames, and vintage photographs documenting over a century of summer memories.
12. The Tides Beach Club – Kennebunkport’s Colorful Coastal Retreat
Originally built in 1899 as The Tides Inn, this Victorian beauty sits directly across from Goose Rocks Beach. A 2011 renovation maintained the historic exterior while infusing interiors with vibrant coastal colors and contemporary amenities.
Wicker furniture and striped awnings create a playful atmosphere on the wrap-around porch. The cottages feature collections of vintage beach photographs and found objects from the shore, celebrating generations of summer traditions.
13. Black Point Inn – Prouts Neck’s Seaside Sanctuary
Standing proudly since 1878, Black Point Inn occupies a privileged position on the peninsula where artist Winslow Homer created his famous seascapes. The rambling shingle-style structure has survived numerous hurricanes and nor’easters through solid Maine construction.
Cottages scattered across the property feature fieldstone fireplaces and window seats perfect for storm watching. The property’s connection to art continues with rotating exhibitions of local painters inspired by the same dramatic coastline that captivated Homer.
14. The Inn At Ocean’s Edge – Lincolnville’s Midcentury Marvel
Unlike many of Maine’s Victorian-era properties, this Lincolnville gem showcases 1950s coastal architecture. Low-slung cottages with expansive glass walls bring Penobscot Bay views indoors, representing mid-century optimism and connection to nature.
Stone patios and outdoor fireplaces encourage year-round enjoyment of the oceanfront setting. The cottages’ interiors blend vintage furnishings with contemporary touches, honoring the property’s unique place in Maine’s architectural timeline as post-war prosperity brought new visitors to the coast.
15. The York Harbor Inn – York Harbor’s Colonial Connection
Six historic buildings comprise this charming property dating back to the 1730s. Each structure tells a chapter of coastal Maine history, from colonial tavern to Victorian summer residence.
The oldest cottage features hand-hewn beams salvaged from shipwrecks. Guests can trace three centuries of architectural evolution while exploring the property, from simple colonial construction to ornate Victorian details and Arts and Crafts influences.
16. The Captain Lord Mansion – Kennebunkport’s Federal Masterpiece
Built in 1814 by a wealthy shipbuilder, this Federal-style mansion showcases the prosperity of Maine’s maritime golden age. Brick construction, unusual for coastal Maine cottages, made a bold statement about Captain Lord’s success.
Period antiques and four-poster beds fill guest rooms named after ships in the Captain’s fleet. The property’s brick pathways wind through gardens designed according to early 19th-century patterns, completing the historical experience with authentic landscaping.
17. The Beachmere Inn – Ogunquit’s Marginal Way Landmark
Founded in 1897 when artist Charles Woodbury established an art colony in Ogunquit, The Beachmere’s collection of shingled cottages hugs the famous Marginal Way walking path. The main building’s distinctive green shutters have guided mariners for generations.
Original art from the colony’s heyday decorates cottage walls. The property’s terraced gardens cascade down granite outcroppings to the sea, creating picturesque settings that continue to inspire painters and photographers more than a century later.
18. The Goose Rocks Beach Cottages – Kennebunkport’s Hidden Gems
Tucked behind dunes along one of Maine’s most pristine beaches, these unassuming cottages represent summer traditions passed through generations. Built in the 1920s, the simple structures prioritize location over luxury with screened porches just steps from the surf.
Many cottages remain in the same families who built them a century ago. Hand-painted signs with cottage names like “Dune Haven” and “Sea Star” identify these beloved retreats where beach pails and vintage board games await each summer’s return.
19. The Claremont Hotel Cottages – Southwest Harbor’s Croquet Paradise
Founded in 1884, The Claremont’s collection of white cottages surrounds the oldest continuously operating croquet court in America. Victorian-era sporting traditions continue on the meticulously maintained lawn where families compete using equipment dating back generations.
Cottages feature gingerbread trim and colorful boating pennants collected by previous guests. The property’s 1000-foot pier extends into the harbor, offering stunning views of Cadillac Mountain and continuing the tradition of afternoon tea served dockside since the hotel’s founding.
