LimeRock Inn
96 LimeRock Street
Rockland , Maine 04841
Reservation line: 800-LIMEROC or 800-546-3762
Business line: 207-594-2257
Your hosts: Frank Isganitis and PJ Walter
This beautiful turreted Victorian mansion is an exquisite example of
Queen Anne architecture. Featuring two front parlors, spacious guest rooms and an
inviting wrap-around porch, LimeRock Inn offers guests the chance to experience luxury
and elegance in a gracious historical setting. Located in Rockland’s Historic District
within strolling distance to the renowned Farnsworth Museum, the Inn is perfectly
situated for those who enjoy exploring Rockland’s downtown and waterfront by foot or
for leisurely driving tours of the Midcoast region. Eight sizeable guest rooms are
decorated blending period details with comfort and luxury.
Breakfast at the Inn is a culinary experience. Frank and PJ have a simple outlook on good
food and fine dining. They believe that only two kinds of people exist in the world –
“those who eat to live, and those who live to eat.” Being lifetime members of the latter
group, they know the Inn’s spacious and sunny dining room is just the right setting to
accompany their delicious and creative breakfast creations. They invite you to share their
love of good food during your stay.
In 2007, LimeRock Inn attained certification as a Maine Lodging Environmental Leader
in recognition of the owners’ green efforts promoting reduced water usage, energy
conservation, recycling and refraining from the use of detergents and cleaning products
potentially harmful to the environment. This commitment was made with guest comfort,
luxury, and service as the primary objectives and financial considerations secondary.
Simply put, we artfully balance Mother Nature and our bottom line.
The Inn has been featured on The Food Network’s “Throwdown With Bobby Flay”,
HGTV’s “If Walls Could Talk”, and boasts being the only domestic prize destination on
BedandBreakfast.com’s first ever B&B week on Wheel of Fortune in January 2008. Most
recently in 2010, LimeRock Inn was named “Most Affordable Luxury” worldwide by
Lanier Bed & Breakfast. A designation Frank & PJ are most proud of as the nomination
and voting was guest generated.
The eight guest rooms are named after regional
islands or architecture elements. All offer luxury baths, some with whirlpool baths or
claw foot soaking tub. Room décor varies from luxurious and ornate to cottage-style
charm. There are six queen and two king-sized beds. The Fox Island room offers a
European king bed that can be set as twins. Trundled daybeds and a sleeper sofa allow for
even more flexibility in sleeping arrangements. The Inn’s premier guest room, Grand
Manan, boasts a wood burning fireplace and two-person whirlpool tub.
Egyptian cotton linens and towels are used exclusively. Guests will find chocolates and
bottled water in their room daily. Privately labeled shampoos, soaps and bath beads are
found in each bath. A toiletry pantry for those “forgotten” items is also available. Guests
and business travelers are able to take advantage of a secure wireless network and guest
pantry equipped with a desktop computer, laser printer, fax machine and scanner. In
2010, the room amenities have been upgraded to include air-conditioning, flat panel
televisions with built-in DVD players and I-pod docking clock radios.
In the quiet season, (mid-October through mid-June) room rates range from $119 for
standard to $165 for the premier rooms per night (double occupancy). Mid-June through
mid-October room rates range from $159 to $239. All rates include a mouth-watering
breakfast ranging from old classics to new and adventurous creations.
One of the most welcoming and inviting spots is the Inn’s expansive
wrap-around porch. Whether conversing in small groups or as an outdoor retreat,
cushioned wicker chairs and sofas make it easy and enjoyable. For those who really want
to escape, an English country garden frames a charming gazebo located in the spacious
backyard.
Upon entering the Inn, the foyer, stairway and landing are resplendent with original
woodwork and wainscoting. Guests will find sitting rooms on either side of the foyer. A
comfortable living room featuring a fireplace, library, game table and sitting area
complete with TV/DVD is to the right. Plenty of books, magazines, local activity and
restaurant guides are available for guests to peruse. A beautiful period stained glass
window completes the setting. Located to the left, the formal parlor is in keeping with the
Victorian-style of the home and offers the ideal place for a glass of sherry or enjoying a
good book.
The spacious dining room features small tables to ensure an intimate experience. One
wall is adorned with a large framed period poster. Just past the dining room, framed
images highlighting Maine’s natural beauty are creatively arranged for your enjoyment
and purchase in the rear gallery of the home. Here, guests will also find the
complimentary guest pantry featuring a variety of snacks, chilled water and soft drinks
and accoutrements for hot beverages along with a guest computer for use.
Breakfast is served between 8:00 and 9:00 am daily and
combines the creative with familiar old favorites. Each meal features seasonal fruits,
homemade breads, and regional fruit jams. Bottomless cups of coffee are always filled
with freshly brewed LimeRock Inn Blend coffee from the locally owned Rock City
Roasters. Tea drinkers will enjoy a generous selection of black and herbal teas. The
"entrée of the day" alternates between sweet and savory. Eggs benedict, Belgium waffles,
and an infinite variety of buttermilk pancakes are among “the classics.” Wild mushroom
and onion frittatas and breakfast turnovers offer a taste of adventure. All dietary
restrictions and preferences are respected, although advance notice is recommended.
The LimeRock Inn was built in 1892 for U.S. Congressman Littlefield. The large
hall mirror is original to the home and believed to be a Christmas gift to his wife.
Originally a six-bedroom, one bath house with servant’s quarters, the house principally
remained a private residence until 1994 when it was turned into Rockland’s first bed and
breakfast. We say “principally” because the home was purchased by Dr. Oram Lawry in
1950. For almost 50 years, Dr. Lawry operated his medical practice in the home. Even
today, lifetime Rockland residents still refer to the LimeRock Inn as Dr. Lawry’s house.
In 1994, Kathy and Jerry Dougherty of North Conway, NH purchased the home and
converted it to a B&B saving it from the demise of deterioration or conversion to
apartments. In partnership with another couple, the home was updated with attention to
period details creating outstanding results. The Inn retains much of the home’s original
charm and feel. Guests continually compliment the details that remain such as the
combination gas and electric lighting fixtures located in the foyer and landing. Recent
landscaping and exterior painting in a traditional Victorian motif complete the
authenticity.
Families, couples, single guests and children are welcome,
although the Inn is oriented toward an adult couple’s retreat. Guests traveling with pets
are encouraged to board cats and dogs at nearby facilities as all guest rooms must be
accessed through common areas. The Inn is completely non-smoking.
Walking proximity to downtown (including the Farnsworth Art
Museum and the waterfront) and attention to period detail make the LimeRock Inn a
distinctive property. The colors of green, cream and purple have transformed the
building’s inviting exterior. Period woodwork, décor, furnishings and accents welcome
you to an environment of comfortable elegance. Perhaps for all these reasons, LimeRock
Inn was chosen by BedandBreakfast.com as one of the Top Undiscovered Inns for
Romance in 2005.
Take I-295 to Exit 28 (Route 1 North). Follow Route 1
North 55 miles to Rockland. After turning left on Main Street (also Route 1), proceed 6
short blocks and turn left on Limerock Street. The Inn, located at 96 LimeRock Street, is
2½ blocks on your left.
Follow Route 1 South into downtown Rockland
where it becomes Union Street. At the first traffic light, turn right on Limerock Street.
The Inn, located at 96 LimeRock Street, is 1½ block on your left.