Over the years, owner’s quarters have changed quite a bit. It was commonplace that innkeepers would occupy a room or two in the basement or on the same floor as the guest rooms and share common living rooms. But in more recent years we’ve seen a change. Many buyers have made the decision to leave corporate jobs in exchange for the innkeeper lifestyle, but without compromising personal space. And owners have expanded their spaces.
One of the best examples that I have seen of fabulous owner’s quarters is The 1802 House Inn Bed & Breakfast in Kennebunkport, Maine. THIS is one inn where the guests and owners alike are spoiled with comfort, elegance and SPACE. The inn has been busy with Christmas Prelude (a very popular holiday tradition in the Kennebunks) and I haven’t been able to photograph the owner’s quarters. But I cannot wait to get my camera out and attempt to do the space justice! So until I can get pictures posted, I will describe it in words, as best I can.
The inn is ideally set up as a 6 room guest wing at one end and owner’s quarters at the other with common space in the middle. The flow moves from guest rooms, to living room, to dining room and into the private kitchen space. And for a foodie like myself who loves to cook, this is a kitchen! A mix of contemporary black granite countertops, ivory painted old-world cabinetry, terra cotta ceramic tile floors and plenty of light from a large bay window make for a beautiful space to spend time in. The center island is large enough for stools, storage, bar sink, and more. A long pot rack adorns a wall and beautifully displays copper bottom saute pans. There’s an office and separate private entrance into the kitchen. Through the kitchen, up a few steps and beyond a set of decorative-panel double doors and you’ve entered into a bright, beautiful space: a spacious living room and dining room, both with fireplaces, a powder room, a deck, and a wet bar with cherry cabinets and granite. Up a full flight and there are two bedrooms with en-suite baths. The master bedroom has custom built-ins, a fireplace and a large master bathroom with a two person walk in shower and two person Jacuzzi tub. Who says only the guests should be pampered?
