Our location...

Nestled on the western side of Mount Desert Island, The Kingsleigh Inn is situated on Main Street in the heart of the small fishing village of Southwest Harbor, Maine just one hundred yards back from the water. The decor is elegant but very comfortable, casual and welcoming. We are an in-town inn situated amongst numerous shops, restaurants, museums, the marina and the public library, which makes leaving your car parked at the inn while exploring on foot a much appreciated convenience. We are surrounded by Acadia National Park and are just minutes from a number of hiking and biking trails, lakes and the gorgeous, rocky oceanside cliffs at the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Bar Harbor is just a fifteen minute drive for those seeking the numerous shops, restaurants and tourist attractions but prefer to end their day relaxing on the island's less trampled half. Southwest Harbor is a small but vibrant community offering tourists a taste of a real Maine fishing village that provides an ideal home base for exploration of the island.

A brief history...

The Kingsleigh Inn is a turn-of-the-century 1904 Queen Anne manse of the Victorian era. In 1882, Anson I. Holmes, a prominent businessman in the growing town of Southwest Harbor, purchased a parcel of land from the east side of Main Street (just south of the intersection with present Clark Point Road) stretching down to the water, from James H. Freeman. Holmes then erected a two story commercial structure on the site. The newly formed Masonic Lodge held its first meeting on the lower floor. For many years, the upper level of the building served as the Customs House for ships from foreign countries arriving in the harbor. Sometime during the next twenty years, the building was moved, and in 1904, (Holmes, who by this time ran a livery stable, owned a large store and a hotel on Main Street in the area of the current Town Park) rebuilt on the site. At 5,500 square feet, the new building used as his private home was known as the Anson I. Holmes Cottage. The home was then renovated around 1984 and was transformed into an 8 room, 8 bath bed and breakfast. After a succession of four other innkeepers, The Kingsleigh Inn was purchased in 2009 and is operated by its current innkeepers, Rick and Jane Ellis. The most recent thorough renovation took place in 2005 with several small updates each year after. The small house directly behind the inn was relocated to Holmes’ lot many years ago from another location in town. The home still belongs to the great-grandson and family of Anson Holmes.

then...

The black & white photos are of the inn in its original condition from the early 1900's (these photos were created from original negatives we obtained from the family; note the old car to the right). Many of the fine details still remain (detailed railings on the main porch, the cedar shingle siding on the upper level and the stucco "pebbledash" on the lower level). Quite often a home's turret would face the front but in this case, it faces the harbor to take advantage of the wonderful harbor view. Awnings were added in more recent years to protect against the bright afternoon sun that floods the interior with light. All first floor windows are the original wavy glass; all upper level bedroom windows have been replaced.

and now...

The architecture...

Victorian homes are architecturally commonly referred to as the Victorian Style, but this "style" is really a period in history. The Victorian era dates from the time when Queen Victoria ruled Britain (1840 to 1901). During this time, industrialization brought many innovations in architecture. There are a variety of Victorian styles, each with its own distinctive features. The Kingsleigh displays such characteristics as steeply pitched roofs, usually with dominant front-facing gable (though missing in this case), textured shingles to avoid smooth-walled appearance, partial or full-width asymmetrical porch, usually one story high and extended along one or both side walls, asymmetrical façade, patterned masonry (in this case, a “pebbledash” surface with sea stones embedded in stucco), turrets, bay windows, dormers and an asymmetrical floor plan.  The Kingsleigh Inn displays its Colonial Revival characteristics by the dormers and symmetrical façade facing Main Street. The main entrance to the home as it was built was via the porch staircase. Note the antique brass doorbell on the original front door at the top of the steps. Many turn-of-the-century houses are in fact hybrids, combining Queen Anne motifs with features from earlier and later fashions. The Kingsleigh Inn is a prime example of this fusion.

However you choose to experience Maine's natural beauty, we will do all that we can to enhance your experience here at The Kingsleigh Inn.

Guest Room Amenities

All eight individually appointed guest rooms have fresh flowers, comfortable seating, an alarm clock, a sound machine, wine glasses, water glasses and ceiling fans. Each private bath boasts luxurious bathrobes, slippers, soaps, bath and body amenities, hair dryer and other "spa" touches. Some rooms have harbor views, private decks and all include homemade chocolate truffles or chocolate rum balls and Port wine, both replenished daily.

General Guest Amenities

Guest Refrigerator, Ice, Hot & Cold Spring Water Dispenser, Guest Telephone, Wireless Internet throughout the inn, books, games and a hammock on the wicker and flower filled porch with a view. A guest favorite at breakfast, our all natural granola, and afternoon homemade confections such as Almond Lace Florentines filled with an Orange Cinnamon Buttercream, or Chewy White Chocolate & Coconut Macadamia Nut Crisps are a wonderful treat after a day at Acadia National Park.

Common Rooms

The inn has a Formal Living Room with a wood burning fireplace and is decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional furnishings, fine art and collectibles.

There is a Casual Sitting Room by the porch with comfortable seating and a beverage buffet with flavored syrups, imported rough cut sugar cubes and intricate hand decorated sugar cubes for your tea, Lavazza Espresso, or hot cocoa, available all day to enjoy at your leisure.

Guests may use our French Country style Dining Room with rustic hardwood tables at any time of day for playing games, reading or just talking with other guests.

And of course, guests are free to relax on our wrap around porch and take in the fresh sea air.

Early Morning Coffee

Freshly brewed regular and decaf coffee from Rock City Roasters in Rockland, Maine and hot water are set out on the buffet in the Sitting Room at 7am. There are small trays available should you wish to take your beverages to your room or out on to the porch to enjoy before breakfast. Our espresso machine is available 24 hours as is hot water for tea or hot cocoa from our countertop bottled water dispenser.

We will be more than happy to make dining reservations for you and steer you toward the best hiking, biking and outdoor activities on the island.

It is our goal to stay one step ahead of your needs and your expectations.
-Pamela & Bryan

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