Returned to Captain Lord Mansion for 18th visit on May 23-26,2019. First time here years ago there were Ruts on I-95 from my heels being forced to CLM by my better half. ‘My view was why go stay in a 210 Plus year Old House’??. Boy was I ever wrong! Loved Mansion, it’s Innkeepers Bev and Rick and all the Staff that supported, maintained and helped Upgrade CLM. This trip our room was Harvest, 3rd floor view, only steps away from about 25 more steps up into the Cupola. There we could see way out to Sea; in 1800’s view gave early sighting of Sails of returning ships of the Lord line. Harvest has been upgraded with a large screen TV, additional overstuffed pillows and heated tile floor in the bathroom. Hot shower water every morning. Beautiful Oak planks running width of room; about 22 ft. with planks from 4” to 18” wide, nailed with old time square head nails, long square shank. Now can’t find trees big enough to provide such size planking. Built to last!. Entering room we were greeted with ‘Welcome Back’ huge Chef prepared chocolate chip cookies, an ice bucket already chilling Champagne with 2 glasses ready for pouring. Made sleeping later tonight that much nicer! Went to Federal Jack’s for lunch-ate their Feast, 24 Mussels and a large Lobster; should have walked back to Mansion instead of driving short distance back around square. Great meal! (Cool Brewery Beer helped). Back at Mansion & after nap went downstairs and found snacks of cheese-oversized special seasoned crackers-pieces of chocolate cake, tea and a bottle of Wine with snifter glasses ready. Crackers, cheese and pieces of cake back to room, opened our Fridge and removed two cola’s enjoyed while watching TV and relaxing. 2 steps up to 4 Poster King bed, slept so comfortable after non-stop flight Jax. to Boston. Next morning 24th I slipped downstairs with empty ice bucket so could bring back two cups coffee from Brand New Coffee Maker. Good smells coming from kitchen, almost moved ‘Late breakfast’ up to ‘Early breakfast’. Guests already starting to gather for good looking meal. Back in Harvest I placed wife’s coffee on top of fireplace screen, turned on fireplace to keep warm. At breakfast realized the former large long Captain Lord Table (Big Family the Lord's) had been replaced with smaller, more intimate tables to allow staff to serve us better. Also made conversations around table much easier than with 12 people trying to get to know each other. Seated with two other couples, one from Florida, other from Iowa. Breakfast Chef Special was stuffed French Toast and a special Muffin. Each day the Lazy Susan is loaded with Granola Cereal, Fruit, Juice 🥤,Milk, Creamy Yogurt to pour over Granola or Fruit, Good on both!. Made new friends around table. Left for day to visit St. Ann's Church where the Bush family attended many services. Church lawn is where H. ‘GW’ Bush (#41) landed by parachutes on his 85th and 90th birthdays. It’s just around cove from Walker Point, Bush compound. First trip to area I turned around in Bush driveway, out popped Guard with Machine gun; told him ‘just turning around’ , he said “Yeah I know”! This day we drove around viewing homes and ocean sights along Ocean and Cove roads, visited Rachael Carson Refugee; returned to Mansion for restful evening. Staff had moved our belongings down one flight to Callander for our last two days at Mansion. Raided kitchen for more snacks, back to room for relaxing evening, reading and watching TV. Again sleeping great in...
Read moreThis was our ninth stay at this stylish, warm, friendly and well-regarded inn. Bev and Rich have run and continually upgraded this beautiful inn for many years. Not cheap, but you get more than what you pay for here. All of the rooms are warm and well appointed with romantic, comfy beds and fireplaces. High quality breakfasts are served family style, so you won’t be reading the morning paper at the table…but ample, cozy places to curl up and read a book or stroll quaint, friendly Kennebunkport. Plenty of snacks and beverages are always available.
A couple of caveats (aimed straight at us older folks!): no elevator, so either get a room on the first floor or prepare to haul your bags up the stairs. We were in the gorgeous (OK, they’re all stunning) “Nathaniel” room and the spa/tub is a bit of a climb, but a great shower once you’re safely ensconced. Always a do over….next year.
11/06/16....As promised above:
I guess the fact that we’ve stayed here 10 times over the past 15 or so years, speaks for itself. Well located near Dock Square and within walking distance of many good restaurants, this historic B&B has never been disappointing. Beautifully decorated and maintained to a very high standard, the Mansion always looks inviting. Bev and Rick are the owners and are not just on the premises, but on the job all the time. In fact, yesterayd, when a housekeeper failed to show for work, we caught Bev scrubbing our tub! This AM as we were preparing to head home, a nearby transformer blew, knocking out the electricity in the main house. Knowing that this problem has always been a possibility, they wisely planned ahead having purchased a standby generator. Bev was up at the crack of dawn, cooking another gourmet breakfast as if nothing had happened. Just seamless.
While a guest, you never feel like one. The entire house is yours to enjoy including great art work (most for sale…..we bought a treasured piece some 12 years ago), home made cookies and snacks, cokes, water, gourmet coffee makers and more. The main house had no elevators, nor does the “Garden House”, but there are some first floor rooms in addition to the upstairs in both places. They serve gourmet breakfast family style, often in both places, but even when everyone eats in the main house, the “Garden House” is filled with snacks and goodies. A large ‘fridge and microwave are there for the guests, and we’ve often used their plates and flatware for carryout dining…..didn’t want to miss game 7 of the World Series.
First class all the way, but of course, not cheap, but fairly priced…..yoiu always get your money’s worth here. In addition to their art for sale, the have a neat gift shop with unusual items and pretty darn nice wine list at very near...
Read moreWhen my wife Karin and I were planning a trip to Kenebunkport, we viewed many websites till we selected the Captains Collection located on Pleasant St. (a fitting name indeed). We stayed at the Nathaniel Lord Mansion, named after a Captain and ship builder. The house dates back to 1812. It is the center of the other homes that are part of the Captains Collection. It is the reception hub for the other houses.|We stayed in room 22, referred to by Paula as "the room". She was correct. The suite had a large bedroom, living area with tall ceilings and windows. The various drapes, furniture fit the room perfectly. We loved the rounded corners. There was also a fireplace. A bathroom/shower was en suite. Then there was another large room with a jacuzzi, fireplace and two sinks. Luxury.|The breakfasts were wonderful, plenty of choices, included fajitas and quiches. There were savory dishes as well as one or two sweet treats. All were tasty. I rarely indulge in sweet foods at breakfast but I couldn't resist the baked goodies. Many varieties of beverages, including the caffein free teas, were available. In the afternoon, the staff put out freshly baked cookies, chocolate chip with a sprinkle of sea salt were my favorite.|In the end, it is the staff that makes the difference here at the Captains Collection. All were pleasant, helpful, always willing to please. Many of them balanced multiple roles and were very good at fulfilling them. Karin and I had an issue, without going into the details, and the staff responded so well. They were kind, accomodating, compassionate and just plain wonderful. We can't thank them enough for their generous service and kindness. We are glad that we chose to stay at the Captains Collection. We had a...
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