Our location...

Nestled on the western side of Mount Desert Island, Kingsleigh Inn is situated on Main Street in the heart of a true fishing village - Southwest Harbor, Maine just one hundred yards back from the water. The decor is eclectic comfortable, casual and welcoming. We are an in-town inn situated amongst 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...

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 five other innkeepers, The Kingsleigh Inn was purchased in and is operated by its current innkeepers, Bryan and Pamela. The most recent thorough renovation took place in -2012 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 vintage car to the right). Many of the finer points 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. Several first floor windows are the original wavy glass; all 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. Kingsleigh Inn 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.  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  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, Hunter ceiling fans and individual climate control A/C and heat. 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 and Port wine.

General Guest Amenities

Private Off-Street Parking, Guest Refrigerator, Microwave, Hot & Cold Spring Water Dispenser, Guest Telephone, Wireless Internet throughout the Inn, books, games, DVDs, a variety of Hiking Guides and a Flower Filled Wraparound Covered Porch with a view. Guests enjoy afternoon homemade Sweet Breads or Cookies with a cup of fresh Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate - a Wonderful Treat after a day in Acadia National Park. In the early evening we offer a Wine Hour with a Light Savory Snack presented in the Dining Room.

Common Rooms

The Inn has a Formal Living Room with a welcoming fireplace and is decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional furnishings, fine art and collectibles. Our own local Large Scale Photos can be seen throughout the Inn - so many 'Kodak' moments to share from our many years on MDI.

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

There is the Lounge just beyond the Dining Room with comfortable seating, a gas fireplace and a beverage buffet with coffee, assorted teas and hot cocoas available all day to enjoy at your leisure. Restaurant Menus are available for lunch and dinner planning.

And of course, guests are free to relax on our Covered Wraparound Porch and take in the fresh sea air.

Early Morning Coffee

Freshly brewed regular and decaf Coffee and Hot Water are available on the buffet in the Lounge at 7:00am along with a light bite of Fresh Baked Fruit Muffins, Cinnamon Buns or Oat Breakfast Bars. There are small trays available should you wish to take beverages to your room or out on to the porch to enjoy before breakfast. Our beverage lounge bar is available 24 hours with hot water for tea or cocoa.

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 exceed your expectations.
-Pamela & Bryan