White Barn Inn & Spa
Rustic-modern New England elegance. The 2020 redesign by Jenny Wolf Interiors layered in spindle beds, Chelsea Textiles furniture, Sister Parish wallpaper, and cozy wool throws from Portland-based Evangeline — farmhouse history meets European country estate, polished without being fussy.
Ask the concierge to pack a picnic basket for Goose Rocks Beach — it's more private than Kennebunk Beach and worth the extra drive
Why It Matters
Voted #1 Hotel in the Northeast by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2025. The White Barn Restaurant holds both AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star status — a rare double accolade in the industry — and has held those honors since its debut as a fine-dining destination in 1973. One MICHELIN Key.
White Barn Inn has been a Kennebunk landmark for over 150 years, and the name really does undersell it. The look is more English manor house than rustic farmstead — think marble bathrooms, gas-burning fireplaces, and turndown service — though the 140-year-old white clapboard barn that houses the restaurant is very much the real thing. Just 90 minutes north of Boston, this 28-room property sits on the Kennebunk River with five stand-alone waterfront cottages, a houseboat, and one of the best-regarded fine dining restaurants in New England.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Cora Houseboat
Unique to White Barn Inn — a fully fitted houseboat moored on the Kennebunk River. Guests report some gentle movement with boat traffic on the river, which is part of the charm. Breakfast basket is delivered each morning. Hypo-allergenic bedding, down comforters, individually decorated. A one-of-a-kind experience on the Maine coast.
Friendship Cottage
At 1,100 sq ft, Friendship Cottage sits a few minutes' walk from the main house on the banks of the Kennebunk River. King bed, infinity-edge soaking tub, separate dual-head rainfall shower, wood-burning fireplace, sofa bed in living area, landscaped patio. The most secluded and spacious cottage option.
KingGarden Deluxe Room
At 275 sq ft, this is the most generous of the standard guest rooms. King bed, picture window overlooking the woods, and a free-standing soaking tub that earns its keep after a long day of exploring the coast.
KingGarden Room
Located across from the main house, these 250 sq ft rooms have large picture windows looking directly into the woods. King bed, granite bath with walk-in rainfall shower. Simple, well-appointed, and a step up from the Traditional Room.
KingGull Cottage
A 92 sq m (990 sq ft) riverside cottage with wood panelling, exposed beams, and a wood-burning fireplace — the coziest of the waterfront options. King bed, private waterfront patio, wet bar, minibar, walk-in rainfall shower. River views from both bed and patio.
King · 92 sqmJunior Suite
Located in the Main Inn and May's Annex (converted carriage house), these 420 sq ft suites offer king beds, gas-burning fireplaces, and large Carrara marble bathrooms with two-person tubs and dual-head rainfall showers. Prime garden views. The pick for a first splurge at the inn.
KingLoon Cottage
The best option for two couples or close friends. At 1,025 sq ft, the Loon Cottage has two bedrooms (each with a queen bed and river views), two full bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers, two separate living spaces each with a wood-burning fireplace, and a private patio right on the riverbank. Bluetooth speaker, wet bar, minibar.
Two QueensMay's Poolside Cottage
The smallest of the cottages at 400 sq ft, but its private patio overlooking the heated infinity pool is hard to beat in summer. King bed, marble bathroom with dual-head walk-in shower, gas fireplace. Bluetooth speaker and minibar round out the amenities.
KingQueen Deluxe Room
The 310 sq ft Queen Deluxe is the most luxurious of the standard rooms. The gas-burning double-sided fireplace is the standout feature, warming both the sleeping area and bathroom. Add heated marble floors and a jetted tub and you have a genuinely indulgent standard room.
QueenTern Cottage
A 92 sq m studio-style cottage with uninterrupted river views and a wood-burning fireplace. King bed, en-suite with soaking tub and shower, private riverfront patio. The wet bar and minibar mean you can genuinely settle in.
King · 92 sqmTraditional Inn Room
Set on the second or third floor of the original 1860s farmhouse. Small but charming — the 200 sq ft keeps things cozy, and the garden and woodland views through the windows do a lot of work. Queen bed, walk-in shower, flat-screen TV and DVD player. No fireplace at this price point.
QueenThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A fall-season activity where guests learn to make fresh apple cider.
A guest-favorite fall activity with the pastry team. Seasonal and hands-on.
Learn to craft seasonal cocktails using local and foraged ingredients. Pairs well with the inn's general food-forward ethos.
A traditional New England lobster bake held poolside on select summer dates. Includes a welcome cocktail, clam chowder, corn, potatoes, salad, fresh local lobster, and seasonal dessert. Led by the Executive Chef.
Hands-on kitchen class working directly alongside the culinary team. Content is tailored to whatever interests you most — techniques, a specific dish, pastry, etc. A popular guest favorite.
The White Barn tricycle cart brings beach gear to Kennebunk Beach, and guests can pre-order artisanal picnic baskets for a day out. The inn also has beach permits for popular nearby beaches.
A private cycling tour led by the General Manager along miles of sandy beaches and wooded hemlock trails. One of the more personal touches on offer.
Bicycles available for all guests to explore Kennebunkport independently. The hotel also keeps snowshoes on hand for winter exploration.
Seasonal s'mores by the bonfire for guests in the evenings — a cozy winter highlight.
Excursion to a local maple syrup farm — a classic spring activity in coastal Maine.
During spring and summer, the pool area gets hourly complimentary treats: iced coffee shots, mint popsicles, ice cream sandwiches. A nice touch that guests consistently mention.
Experience the Maine coast from the air on a private helicopter tour arranged through the concierge.
Arranged sailing excursions along the Maine coast.
Guided snowshoe excursions through Maine's coastal backcountry. Snowshoes available on-site.
Guests glide over snow-covered trails through Maine's backcountry pulled by a sled team. A genuinely memorable winter experience unique to this property.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
No on-site gym, but guests have complimentary access to a nearby fitness facility.
Included in the stay for most room types. Served in Little Barn from 8–10 AM; cottage guests receive a morning breakfast basket delivered to the door.
The heart of the inn. All-day homemade snacks (spiced nuts, granola) that transition to an afternoon tea salon. Low-key and easy to make your own.
Served in the Living Room each afternoon. Included in the stay.
Full restaurant menu and casual lunch menu available for delivery from 8 AM to 9 PM.
Complimentary valet service available morning through evening, plus a private self-parking lot.
Pets permitted in specific rooms only (dogs only, maximum 2 per room). Charges may apply. Contact the hotel directly to arrange.
Stone-inset fresh-water infinity pool surrounded by lush gardens — feels more like a forest pond than a hotel pool. Seasonal. Poolside loungers and cabanas.
Touring bicycles available to all guests in season.
Rooms serviced twice daily, plus evening turndown service with chocolates and portable book lights.
Airport transfers available with prior arrangement (surcharge applies). Guests must provide arrival details before travel.
Over 200 feet of marina space. A waterfront clubhouse is available for cottage guests and marina patrons.
BUILD YOUR WHITE BARN INN & SPA, AUBERGE COLLECTION PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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