The ocean breaks just beyond a sweeping expanse of green lawn, where a small lighthouse marks the rocky shore. Looking down on the breathtaking view, as it has for 125 years, is the Nonantum Resort’s Carriage House Inn, in Kennebunkport, Maine. The Inn is all hardwood floors, high ceilings, and Victorian charm, including guest suites with four-poster beds and white wicker furniture. With its wide front porch, balconies, and gabled roof, it’s easy to picture horse-drawn carriages pulling up at the entrance. A short distance away is the equally distinctive Portside Lodge, which offers water views and private patios in a more modern setting.

Captain Henry Allen Heckman built The Nonantum in 1883. He believed that if he created a luxurious hotel, people would come—and he was right. They came, and haven’t stopped visiting The Nonantum in more than a century. The inn started with only 26 rooms, but by 1894 had doubled in size. The wide front piazza was added in 1902. In 1996, Adah and Herb Ginn became the sole owners of The Nonantum. A seventh-generation Maine family, the Ginns made a commitment to be good neighbors to the Kennebunkport area, and the resort has long been involved in helping the town, the arts, and nonprofits. Today, daughter Jean Ginn Marvin is the Nonantum’s innkeeper. She carries on her parents’ philosophy as well as their number one criteria concerning guests: “Be nice.” 

Over the years, The Nonantum has hosted numerous luminaries of stage, screen, politics and the literary world, including historical author Kenneth Roberts, artist and writer Booth Tarkington, and actor Paul Newman. Glamorous movie stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood have stayed here, as well as more recent celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Lance Armstrong, three generations of the Bush family, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. What makes The Nonantum so special? “It’s the people who work here,” says Tina Hewett-Gordon, general manager, and a Nonantum employee for 15 years. “Most of us don’t see The Nonantum as just a hotel or a place to work. We really feel it is our second home and many of us have worked here for years. In fact, you’ll find several generations working here in some cases. When guests come through the door, they sense this feeling of family and commitment. It feels more like you’re staying at the summer home of friends. There’s a gracious, relaxing atmosphere that draws you in. The Nonantum has become part of people’s lives. The same guests return here again and again.”

The Nonantum has hosted christenings, weddings, family reunions, and even memorial services. As Ginn Marvin notes, “We see people grow and change; we watch families develop. We see families at very important times in their lives. We help to create memories that last a lifetime and it is very special to be part of that.”

The Nonantum’s location certainly plays a role in drawing a loyal following and attracting new fans. The resort is right on the water, yet only a half mile from town and a quarter mile from the nearest swimming beach. It’s on the trolley stop, so getting around the area is easy. Guests can choose between the classic Carriage House Inn, or the modern Portside Lodge, a total of 111 rooms. Amenities include a pool, marina, sailboat excursions, deep-sea fishing charters, and lobster boat tours—all at one location.

Chef Stephen True of the Nonantum’s award-winning restaurant, 95 Ocean, is known for putting a Maine spin on their signature dishes, like the Baby Back Ribs with house-made Blueberry Maple Chipotle Barbecue Sauce and their mouthwatering Lobster Stuffed Avocado appetizer, created in honor of the resort’s 125th anniversary. For the inn’s anniversary, Chef True is bringing back the classics and highlighting some long-standing favorites. The summer menu always includes Baked Stuffed Haddock. “This is our number one best seller, even outselling lobster,” says Hewett-Gordon. “We can never take it off the menu.” Look for True’s Grilled Crab Cakes with Horseradish Creme and Pesto Marinara Sauce, Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Hash, Tuscan Seafood Sauté, organic New York Strip Steak, and Lobster Aubergine Parmesan.

The Nonantum is a State of Maine–certified environmental leader thanks to its commitment to using local and indigenous foods and running a “green” hotel. The extensive gardens are all organic, and the restaurant grows its own herbs.

In honor of their anniversary, the resort is opening a new bar, aptly called “Heckman’s,” and will also feature live entertainment all summer long at 95 Ocean. A variety of musical offerings are scheduled for Monday through Thursday, each paired with exciting dinner options, and all for only $18.83 per person in honor of the anniversary. “We take a different approach, offering entertainment through the week,” says Hewett-Gordon. “Our philosophy is that people are on vacation all week, not just on weekends, so why not give them something fun to do? This idea has proven really popular with guests, and with locals, who are frequent attendees at our events.”

Congratulations to The Nonantum on 125 years!

Crystal Ward Kent is Contributing Editor to Taste magazine and has written for Taste since its inception. She is a frequent contributor to numerous regional magazines, including Yankee, Accent, and New Hampshire Home.