The splurge-worthy Inn at Ocean’s Edge delivers on its name. Tucked well off Route 1 in Lincolnville, this Maine inn’s seven-acre property descends to a pebble beach. On clear days, ocean views take in ferry-linked Islesboro; on inclement ones, fog often shrouds the island, creating mystical, but equally beautiful views.
Foggy and damp were the conditions when I visited earlier this month as part of my research for a new edition of one of my Moon-series Maine guidebooks. Sited off Route 1 in Lincolnville, the inn is about 3 miles north of Camden and just over a mile south of Lincolnville Beach. A quiet lane descends through woodlands before arriving at the Inn at Ocean’s Edge.
Views over Penobscot Bay to Islesboro
The Inn at Ocean’s Edge comprises two shingle-style buildings: one waterfront, with guestrooms, breakfast room, lounge, fitness room, and pub; and another sited above it, with more guestrooms. I stayed in the main building, where most guestrooms, including mine, face the water. Guests in the Hilltop building have panoramic water views from private balconies.
Upon entering my room, what struck me first was the spaciousness. The handsome decor—an elegant and minimalist palette in muted shades of pewter, slate, and cream—enhanced that.
Every room has a gas fireplace, a wet bar with refrigerator, a desk, individual temperature controls, and a seating area with two comfy chairs with table and an ottoman. I loved that with the window open, I could hear waves lapping the shore.
Granite countertops and oversized showers highlight the bathrooms. Some rooms also have jetted tubs. Bathrobes are provided, always a nice touch.
Plentiful space to relax
It would have been easy to while away the damp afternoon by watching the fog swirl and fireplace flames dance. Instead, I donned a raincoat went exploring. First stop, a small seating area on the second floor with a balcony over the first-floor breakfast room, which opened to a deck. When I padded downstairs, I found afternoon sweets laid out next to the all-day coffee and tea.
On the main inn’s lowest level is a fitness room with aerobic machines, free weights, and other fitness equipment. Also here is an especially large library/lounge, with couches grouped by the fireplace, shelves filled with books, easy chairs, a table perfect for bridge or other games, a big-screen TV, and a guest computer with printer.
An elevator connects all levels.
Poolhouse amenities
The library/games room offers direct access to a landscaped yard, salted with organic gardens, shade trees, and lounge chairs. Pebble paths connect to the shoreline and to the separate Poolhouse building, built into the hillside.
I toured one of the two, cathedral-ceiling Poolhouse Studio Suites that occupy the upper level. Thanks to that hillside siting, both have direct access from the path. Each suite comprises two areas decorated in Maine cottage style.
The entry area offers a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave, a bathroom, and an oversized closet. A door opens to the an oversized king bedroom with comfy chairs in front of the fireplace; a TV is over the fireplace, and adjacent to the fireplace is a large jetted tub. A private, covered balcony overlooks the pool to the ocean.
Directly below the suites in the Poolhouse is another guest social room with inviting seating and a fireplace along with self-serve honor bar stocked with wine, beer, and soft drinks. A peek down a hallway revealed a wood-burning sauna and two massage rooms.
The social room opens to an outdoor lounge, with vanishing-edge pool, hot tub, lounge chairs, and a fireplace. Towels are provided, and there are changing rooms, too. If it had been a nice day, it would have been hard to get me away from here.
Food & drink at the Inn at Ocean’s Edge
The Inn at Ocean’s Edge serves a full breakfast. This includes buffet areas with pastries, fresh fruit, smoked salmon, juices, and cereals, as well as a hot entrée served to the table; choose from eggs any style, pancakes, or the daily special. I opted for the latter, a delicious frittata. Guests may dine in the dining room or outside on the water-side deck.
Those who plan ahead can order a box lunch, but the order must be placed by 8pm the previous day.
Also on the main floor is a bright pub with a full bar. Grab a seat at the bar, one of the tables, or relax by the fireplace.
