Waldo Emerson Inn
Historic Colonial meets whimsical Alice-in-Wonderland. Think hand-painted Wedgwood tiles on the parlor fireplace, hand-stitched Mennonite quilts on the beds, and Chagall prints on the walls. Intimate and personal — the innkeeper knows your name.
Request a room at the back of the inn to minimize road noise from Summer Street
Why It Matters
One of the oldest surviving homes in the Kennebunks, built in 1753 and once used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The house is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Ralph Waldo Emerson allegedly spent ten summers here — his great-uncle built the place.
A 1753 Colonial shipbuilder's manse on Kennebunk's historic Summer Street, operating as a B&B since 1983. Six rooms spread across three floors, each with wide-plank king pine floors, antique furnishings, and original art on the walls. The innkeeper leans into the Ralph Waldo Emerson connection — playfully, not reverentially — with quote-adorned 'bars' scattered through the inn offering self-serve cocktails, candy, fresh bread, or a loaner book.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Bourne
A second-floor room balancing historic touches with genuine comfort. Named after George Bourne, the shipbuilder who built the Wedding Cake House next door. Working fireplace confirmed in the photo gallery.
Queen
Carriage House
A separate two-bedroom farmhouse-style cottage with a kitchen and luxury bathroom featuring a tiled tub. Book directly by emailing innkeeper@waldoemerson.com or calling — it doesn't appear in the standard reservation system.
Kingsbury
A large second-floor room with a Victorian feel — and a working fireplace confirmed in the gallery. Named after Theodore Lyman's wife's family, who inherited the property in 1784.
Queen
Lyman
A light and airy room on the second floor. No fireplace, but the king bed and walk-in shower make it a solid choice if you prefer brightness over coziness.
King
Ralph's Library
A first-floor room that looks directly out onto the lawn and garden. Comes with a working fireplace — ideal in the colder months. Named for the poet who apparently put his feet up in this very house.
QueenSweet Haven
A handsome second-floor room accented with rich colonial blue. King bed with a combination bath/shower rather than a walk-in shower.
KingWaldo's Retreat
A cheerful second-floor suite in the oldest part of the house — the original 1753 Dutch gambrel section. The kitchenette sets it apart from the other rooms and makes it a practical choice for longer stays.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Complimentary beach passes, chairs, and towels for guests during summer season. The beach is 3 miles from the inn.
Games like Scrabble and ongoing jigsaw puzzles available in the parlor sitting rooms.
Free bicycles available to explore the Kennebunks. The historic Summer Street area and surrounding roads make for pleasant flat riding.
The inn itself is a historical artifact — Indian shutters, exposed beams from the early 1600s, hand-painted Wedgwood fireplace tiles, and architecture that traces back through shipbuilders and Underground Railroad history.
Evening gathering spot in the garden. Guests report s'mores are on offer.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary beach parking passes provided (limited availability, required in summer months). Beach chairs and beach towels also included.
Two spacious parlors with comfortable sofas, books, board games (Scrabble, puzzles), and access to the honor bar. The parlor fireplace features hand-painted Wedgwood tiles.
A collection of books available to borrow during your stay, part of 'The Bars at the Waldo' concept.
Always-on coffee, tea, and snacks available to guests at any hour.
32-inch Smart TVs with Netflix and cable channels in all rooms.
Air-conditioning and individual temperature controls in each room.
Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, Comphy waffle robes, and custom luxury toiletries in all rooms. Memory foam beds.
Communal outdoor firepit in the garden. Guests have reported s'mores are available.
Option to rent the entire inn exclusively for groups. Inquire directly with the innkeeper.
Free use of bicycles for exploring the area. Bicycle parking also available.
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