Nestled on Beach Avenue between the sea and Dock Square, is the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine. This luxury coastal retreat is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection and is the perfect blend of New England charm and sophistication. WBI has been a beloved local landmark for over 150 years. After a stay at this welcoming New England inn, it’s not hard to understand why. From the warm hospitality to its upscale, rustic charm, WBI will win your heart and you’ll be plotting your return before you even leave for home.

Topher and I were invited up this spring to stay in one of WBI’s beautifully designed suites for a little coastal escape. We immediately were won over by the friendly staff, the perfectly designed interiors, and all the amenities. We arrived late in the afternoon and we wandered over to the parlor to order some light bites and cocktails to enjoy by the warm glow of the fire. Seated in wingback chairs by the fire, we nibbled on burrata and roasted brussel sprouts after our drive up from Connecticut.

After a little graze and sip, we checked into one of WBI’s meticulously designed Junior Suites on the property. WBI is one of the smaller and more intimate inns in the Auberge Collection with 13 rooms, 8 Junior Suites, 1 Suite, and 5 Cottages. Every detail of our suite had a designer touch and I just loved all the thoughtful details. Our suite had a four-poster bed, sitting area complete with a gas fireplace, and a large marble master bath with a deep soaking tub and walk-in shower. Antelope carpets, textured herringbone wallpaper, plaid draperies, fresh flowers, coastal art and antique books all blended together so well to create a warm and upscale surrounding. Every detail was so well-executed and tasteful in its design. We felt enveloped in a real retreat fit for relaxing and outfitted with Matouk robes, slippers, and plush linens.

Every morning of your stay at WBI, your AM coffee is delivered to your room in a basket with all the essentials. It’s such a charming touch and we enjoyed this by the fireside in our room. The friendly staff is just a phone call away if you need anything.

WBI not only has a wonderful on-site spa, but an award-winning restaurant. The White Barn Inn Restaurant has been awarded the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond endorsements. The atmosphere in the main restaurant is charming, elegant, and romantic.

When the doors open to the restaurant, you feel as though you have entered a jewel box and as you turn the corner you are in a rustic, yet very chic dining room. As the piano plays softly, you can indulge your taste buds with fresh, local, in-season delights masterfully crafted by the very talented Executive Chef, Mathew Wolf. Dining here is a real treat and the grand floor to ceiling window that looks out unto the latest seasonal display just adds another layer of magic to your evening. Everything we ordered was just perfection and the cocktail menu was pretty spectacular too. I had a Lobster Tagliatelle that I will be dreaming about trying to recreate.

Another dining option is Little Barn, the smaller more casual sister restaurant. The menu is playful and just as delicious. It’s great to dine from both menus if you stay here. Little Barn also offers breakfast and we enjoyed some hearty offerings before heading out for our day’s explorations.

Our first day here, the weather was exceptionally nice and warm for a spring day in Maine. So, we took advantage of WBI’s complimentary bicycles and cruised over to Gooch’s Beach. This is the closest beach to the inn being only minutes away. You could easily walk here too. It’s a great spot for a beach walk or to sit on one of the benches and watch the waves roll in.

Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Kennebunks… May through early June you can escape the summer crowds. On this trip, we wanted to do some shopping and antiquing since we are in the middle of our home remodel. A few stops we love close to the inn are Snug Harbor Farm for their grounds and gift shop, antiquing along Post Road (so many antique shops as you drive to Wells) , and shopping in Dock Square in Kennebunkport. You can walk or bike easily to Dock Square from the inn. Also, we stopped in a couple of bigger antique malls we like to shop in Arundel.

We had a very late lunch at Mabel’s Lobster Claw, one of my favorite spots for chowder and lobster rolls. This place has a time-gone-by charm I adore and it’s fun to spy old photos of the Bush family on the walls. Lots of people come here for a full lobster dinner too.

Since this was a short spring trip, we made our way back to the inn and enjoyed a little time by the outdoor fire before our departure back to Connecticut. As we were getting in the Jeep to meander back home, we could see the pool cabanas being set up for the season. The pool at WBI looks like a lovely spot to relax and take a dip on a hot day.

This was a lovely spring getaway to one of our most beloved coastal towns in Maine. We just fell in love with the White Barn Inn and we are already planning a return to stay here in the fall or winter. I can just imagine how wonderful it is in the cooler months too with those roaring fireplaces and those perfectly rustic yet refined interiors. The White Barn Inn is relaxing and cozy, yet has a timeless elegance and stylish sophistication that will win over the most discerning traveler. It’s quintessential New England charm at its finest. Definitely on our recommendation list.

Welcome to White Barn Inn…

Getting Ready for Dinner at White Barn Inn

Inside the White Barn Inn Restaurant

Morning in Our Suite & Breakfast in Little Barn

Biking Down to Gooch’s Beach

Afternoon Light Bites & Sips in the Main Inn

We’d like to thank White Barn Inn & Auberge Resorts Collection for this lovely stay and warm welcome. As always, it is our goal to highlight the best places to stay and visit and WBI is one of them. All opinions are mine.