Before I even dive into this post, I am not sure I will ever have enough time in Maine or at The Claremont. The trip was a bucket list item, and the hotel and its staff were magical. I sit here typing, sipping coffee, and craving to sit on the back porch with the chill in the air, taking in the stunning view. I tried my best to soak up all of the goodness and magic of Maine to keep it in my heart.
On Tuesday morning, bright and early, I took off for the airport in what would be a car, plane, layover, smaller plane, car adventure to be able to pull up to our hotel at about 6 pm. As we pulled up to the parking lot, I was immediately drawn into the warm lights and hotel full of character and buzz. As we entered the lobby, the sitting areas, bar, and gathering spaces were full of the loveliest people. They were all gathered, sipping drinks and sharing stories, a view almost straight from a movie. Every seat was prettier than the last, the walls draped in the most stunning wallpaper, and every corner provided a cozy seat and a promise of a memory. We checked in and headed to Harry's for welcome drinks and a light dinner. It was a long day of travel, and we were thankful to be done and ready for our time together.
When I began researching this trip online, I was instantly smitten with The Claremont's location and history. When I wrote this post before we left, I thought I knew what I would see, but I was wrong. It was much more and better than even pictures can capture. Water is on all sides of the Southwest Harbor as you drive in and settle into the hotel. From the back deck, the view feels unreal, almost as if you are stepping into one of many beautiful paintings hanging on the wall. I was blown away by the stunning flowers, flower boxes, fern gatherings, and end-of-season hydrangeas. Upon seeing them Wednesday morning, I may have touched a few, unsure if their perfection was natural.
Yes, it was that pretty.
We spent most of the morning Wednesday stitching, drinking coffee, and enjoying two sitting areas with fireplaces. The best description I can give you is rooms filled with beautiful sofas, chairs, lamps, and darling lampshades inviting you to sit a bit. And we sat, ate, and sipped. While the others were working and prepping for the day, I sat and stitched on the back porch until I felt too chilled to stay. But stepping back into the Nancy Myers movie, which was the main sitting room, I warmed up quickly by the fire. We grabbed lunch in town and spent some time in Bar Harbor for an afternoon adventure, and all gathered back in our favorite spot by Harry's before dinner.
Little Fern
Batson Fish Camp
There are several dining spots that you can visit without leaving the property. Coffee is provided outside the Buttercup Bakery beginning at 6:30 a.m. If you want espresso and light bites, the bakery opens at 7. Little Fern is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and having had both breakfast and dinner, I can tell you it is lovely. Having had both, I would prefer our dinner on Thursday evening. The breakfast was delicious, and the fruit bowl was not to be missed; it was big enough to share with others. Harry's Bar offers crafted cocktails, wine, champagne, and a delicious menu. We ate dinner in the bar on our first evening, and the oysters were the best part of the trip. The wine list is the same for both Little Fern and Harry's and is quite impressive. Batson Fish Camp is open for lunch and early dinner (the last sitting is at 7) and is also excellent. Upon a recommendation from a couple on a leafing trip, I ordered the clam chowder and wedge salad, and it was everything I could hope for and more. The Fish Camp serves you in souvenir glasses, which I will use at home to remember our giggles and the dozens of oysters we consumed. Between the lobster and the oysters, my seafood-loving dreams were fulfilled.
Each day, we would start and end our days in the same spots, one of two spaces by the fire, laughing and stitching. It was both warm and welcoming and yet not at all stuffy. Occasionally, a few would stop by, chat, or join us on the sofas. It was so easy to chat with other guests and hear about their journeys and what they had done and would do again. We met such interesting people, all wanting to know how we knew each other and more about our needlepoint. It was so much fun to speak to many people of varying ages. The environment definitely made it easy to meet and hold conversations.
Our trip was mid-October, so the property was just days away from closing for the year. Had it been earlier, we would have been able to book a boat trip and play croquet with their pro on staff. There were also darling bikes to borrow for a trip into town or around the property. It is bigger than I expected and could even see. The main building and two homes are easy to see, but the cottages and cabins are more hidden. You can work out, book a spa treatment, charter a tour, and relax by the scenic heated pool with a fantastic view of the picturesque Somes Sound.
Oh, the décor ... I keep mentioning it, but it deserves its own mention. The property was purchased in 2021 by Tim Harrington with the intention to reimagine the space yet keep the heritage and the charm. He hired Keeler and Co for the design process which was completed by Laura Keeler Pierce and Krista Stokes. I can tell you that each corner, wall, piece of furniture, lampshade, and fabric choice is simply perfection. I sat near the fire on the morning we left, thinking I needed to trade my green velvet sofa for a soft pink one with excellent trim on the skirt. It is a lovely mix of cozy, timeless, and traditional but with a twist. There are so many beautiful antique paintings and rugs, each perfectly placed and hung. Gorgeous vintage bamboo pieces might also be reproductions, but who could tell? Large comfortable beds with settees and chairs perfectly placed with Sister Parish wallpaper and William Morris & Co. fabric. I wanted to click it all with a magic wand and have it show up at my front door. So welcoming, so polished, and posh, but so simple all at the same time.
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Maine, this trip, and this hotel have made a significant imprint on my life and my heart. I needed it so much, and every single detail was near perfection. I have already spoken to my husband about taking our next anniversary trip as a leafing trip ... ending up at The Claremont. It is our 30th, so it will be the perfect plan.
Until then ... I will dream of my time here and smile as I think of it so often.
💗
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