A booklet containing this information and history tour is available at the front desk.

Early Kennebunkport

First incorporated in 1653 as Cape Porpoise, this and the rest of Maine was originally considered a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  Independent statehood was granted to Maine in 1820, a year before the town would be renamed Kennebunkport.

The availability of local timber and the navigable river made this a choice location for shipbuilding,  and from the early 1800s Kennebunkport was a major hub with several major shipyards situated upriver.  These yards produced hundreds of ships up to 1500 tons, which helped support local fishing and the lucrative shipping economy that quickly enriched the area.

Many successful ship captains, shipping magnates, and other local gentry built homes along what is now Route 35.  Several of these beautiful examples of Victorian, Federal, and Colonial style architecture still stand today and can be seen as you approach Kennebunk, now referred to as the “upper village” to the port’s “lower village”.

Walker’s Point was purchased and settled around this time by the ancestors to two American presidents who have become Kennebunkport’s most widely known locals. The former First Family still make frequent visits, contributing to Kennebunkport being  a regular destination for both US and foreign dignitaries and heads of state for over a century.

By the late 1800s, Kennebunkport had also begun to develop a nascent tourism industry as businessmen attracted by the local industry spread word of the natural beauty of the Maine seacoast.  This, of course, brings us to the beginnings of the Colony Hotel- But it was not the first to stand on this spot.

The Ocean Bluff Hotel

In 1870, four gentlemen from Boston seeking to build a summer resort community boarded a train to Maine.  In Saco, a Kennebunk local encountered the Bostonians and offered to show them a parcel of land in Kennebunkport.

This dynamic group soon incorporated as the Boston and Kennebunkport Seashore Company and purchased over 600 acres, encompassing five miles of shoreline between Cape Porpoise and what is currently known as Mother’s Beach. The sellers thought the land to be useless due to its lack of farmable soil or suitable ship dockage, but the new owners saw the potential in the natural beauty of the Maine coast.  Two years later in 1872, they began construction of the Ocean Bluff Hotel at the site which would later become our own Colony Hotel.

The Ocean Bluff Hotel officially opened on June 15th, 1878.  That first night hosted 186 guests, nearly filling its 200 person limit.  Nightly rates ranged from $3 to $10 depending upon additional options such as meals, activities, and whether the room featured a private bath. The Ocean Bluff had such a strong opening that another 70 rooms were added in 1881.

Sadly, tragedy struck on January 30th, 1898, when the hotel was almost completely destroyed by fire.  While the property was luckily unoccupied during the winter season, damage totaled $75,000, equivalent to around $16 million today.  One building did survive, finding a later life as the Oceanic Hotel– But more on that later.

The Breakwater Court

By 1905, the Seashore Company had gone bankrupt. R.W. Norton, a local hotelier, bought the dormant land and commissioned architect John Calvin Stevens to design a new hotel.  George Clark, who had built the Old Fort Inn in Kennebunkport (now Cape Arundel Inn), was hired for the project and commenced building on the site of the Ocean Bluff Hotel.  This newly built Breakwater Court opened for business in spring of 1914.

With an occupancy of 150 guests, the Breakwater Court included a carriage house for long-term guests and their horses, staff housing, and laundry facilities.  In the main building, the lobby area included reception rooms and event spaces as well as a soda shop, ice cream parlor, barber shop, and ballroom. Ballroom dancing was a huge hit and the main form of entertainment on Saturday nights throughout the summer season.

Like the Ocean Bluff, the Breakwater Court had such a successful opening that they expanded three years later, adding the North Wing for the 1917 season and increasing capacity to about 200 guests.  Also in 1917, Norton purchased the local Jones Farm with ‘farm to table’ intent for the Breakwater Court. Dairy products, poultry, vegetables, and pork grown on the farm supplied the hotel restaurant and dining room.

Breakwater Court founder R.W. Norton passed away in 1922, but his son continued to operate the hotel until 1948.

The Boughton Family

Dartmouth College graduate George Boughton had grown up in the hotel industry.  His father, Charles Boughton, had managed the President and Claremont hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Returning from their honeymoon in Havana, George and his new wife Agnes learned that the Alterep Hotel of Delray Beach, Florida was for sale. The couple made an offer, and in 1935 moved the family south to continue in Charles’ footsteps.  George and his father renamed the Alterep to the Colony Hotel and operated seasonally, returning to work in northeastern resorts in the summer and bringing in a cousin, John Banta, to aid in day to day operations.  During World War II, Agnes and other family members maintained operations for the property.

Following the war, George began looking for a northern property to complement the one in Delray Beach.  In 1947, the Boughtons acquired the Breakwater Court and renamed it as the Colony Hotel.  To this day, the hotel is owned and operated by the Boughton family.

The Boughtons immediately began making improvements to the former Breakwater Court, adding the putting green, pool, and purchasing the beach across Ocean Avenue (now Colony Beach).  The family continued to acquire and renovate other buildings around the hotel, including the Galland House, Boughton House, and Florence House. The motto of the Delray and Kennebunkport properties was: “Warm Winters and Cool Summers” for the seasonal business periods at both locations. By 1954 the Colony Hotel was ready to expand again, acquiring the neighboring Glen Haven Hotel. This structure became the Colony Motor Lodge and then our East House.

In 2000, the Colony Hotel in Delray Beach became a year-round resort, and the operating season in Kennebunkport was expanded from May through late October.

In 2022, ground was broken on the new Coveside expansion project, adding guest rooms, new outdoor spaces, and the Coveside Market.   This expansion includes future plans for function rooms, new staff housing, and more guest amenities to come.

Throughout its history, the Colony Hotel has been tightly integrated with the local community, and has served as a leader in wildlife conservation and Green initiatives.  One dollar from every room night is donated to the Kennebunk Land Trust, which preserves nearby wild spaces for conservation and recreation.

Self-Guided History Tour

A booklet containing this information and history tour is available at the front desk.

#1:  Porte-cochere

Upon arrival, guests pulled their vehicles into the ‘porte-cochere’ and were formally welcomed by a bellman with brass cart.  This car-port has been renovated three times: the original ‘T’ shape, then an enlarged covered reception, and now a fully rebuilt, reinforced entrance which was completed during the winter of 2017-2018.  As with all renovations, great care was taken to keep true to the look and feel of the original building, with inspiration from other grand hotels of the era.

#2:  Grand and Porch Dining Room

Historically, the hotel operated on the ‘American Plan’ and rates included 3 daily meals.  Today, we offer a chef-prepared breakfast buffet as well as our Friday night Mariners’ Buffet.  Both are open to the public, with the breakfast included with all hotel room stays.   The Dining Rooms are also available for weddings and other functions, with several taking place over the season.

#3:  Lobby

Naturally, the first impression for arriving guests is the Colony Hotel lobby, and the sweeping ocean views.  The lobby has been renovated and preserved to show off the historic beauty of the hotel’s decor and setting.  While it has been re-configured over the years, the design has always maintained its historic character and a functional fireplace to provide a cozy place to gather with friends and family.  In 2023, the fireplace was upgraded from wood to gas.

#4:  Veranda

The veranda has always been an iconic summer gathering spot for guests of the Colony Hotel, featuring panoramic views of our beautiful coastline.  The east and west sides of the veranda were once mirror images, with both being open-air spaces.  Renovation brought glass enclosure of the east side, now forming the Porch Dining Room, while the west side gazebo remains open as the most popular place for guests to watch the sunset.

#5:  TV Room

Keeping with the unique historic nature of the Colony Hotel, televisions have never been added to the guest rooms in the main building (although the Coveside expansion does include modern amenities such as TV and air conditioning).  This TV Room on the lobby level provides a shared space for guests wanting to stay ‘plugged in’ while on vacation.

#6:  Ballroom

A popular event space over the years, the ballroom was renovated in 2011 and has held dancing, magic shows, comedians, mind readers, operas, art shows, and more.  Today the ballroom provides space for both private functions and weekly entertainment programming, with many events open to the public.   Check with the front desk for a schedule.

#7:  Library

The library and card room has been a feature of the hotel since the Breakwater Court opened in 1914, providing a place for guests to borrow a book, play a board game, or simply  enjoy a quiet space.  An electrical fire in the winter of 2007 burned more than half of the collection, including some first edition books, and required extensive restoration.

#8:  The Marine Room

With no need for a bar in prohibition era Maine, the site of the Marine Room originally held staff housing.  Following prohibition, the area was renovated and converted into the Marine Room, offering beverage and cocktail service before and after dinner.  The bar has since been moved three times, and renovated extensively in 2016.  Today, the Marine Room is open daily in season for lunch, dinner, snacks and cocktails, with live music performances weekly.

Nationally known singer and trumpet player Stanley Worth performed with his trio for many years as the Colony’s house band, and was a regular fixture in the Marine Room.

#9:  The Ocean Terrace

This outside seating area was once a lawn extending to the edge of the property and a popular place for guests to  relax and enjoy the view.  Following the pool installation, an outdoor dining area was created, and a roof added later.  The Ocean Terrace was again renovated in 2011 and the outdoor kitchen was added in 2016, equipping the culinary team with a dedicated center for serving guests distinct from the main hotel kitchen indoors.

#10:  Saltwater Pool – Construction

The swimming pool was built by expert Italian stone masons in 1957.  The pool is an Olympic half course of 75’ x 35’ and contains 100,000 gallons of saltwater, chosen for both its health and environmental benefits.  Underground pipes bring water directly from the ocean to be filtered and heated to 82 degrees.

#11:  The Blue Flames

With the addition of the pool, the Colony also added one of our more unique attractions with ‘The Blue Flames,’ a synchronized swimming group which performed every season from 1957-2000.  The troupe was made up of staff members, largely servers and housekeepers, and were a favorite feature of summer afternoons.

#12:  Putting Green

Golf has been a big part of the Colony Hotel since being acquired by the Boughton Family, and the putting green was an early addition in 1950.  Agnes Boughton was a local champion, setting several records at the nearby Cape Arundel course.  She passed away in 1994, but our annual memorial putting tournament on July 4 continues her legacy.

Each year this and tournaments supported by the Colony Hotel are hosted here and elsewhere.  Complimentary putters and score cards are available to hotel guests at the front desk.

#13:  The Boughton House

Originally known as the Lembree House, this freestanding house was purchased in 1966 to be the Boughton family home.  It underwent a complete renovation in the winter of 2016-2017, and is currently available for weekly rentals in season. The cottage features stunning ocean views along with 3 king bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a family room, sitting room, and a kitchen.  All hotel amenities such as daily breakfast and housekeeping services are included.

#14:  The Cornerstone

While this rock on the hill may not seem like much, it holds a significant place in the hotel’s history. During the 19th century, visitors came to Kennebunkport largely for fishing and boating, so the Ocean Bluff Hotel was situated on the rock to face the river.  After the turn of the century, tourism interest shifted to the ocean.  The Breakwater Court, now Colony Hotel, was constructed to face the ocean instead of the river.

#15:  Colony Beach

Just across Ocean Avenue from the hotel is Colony Beach,  purchased in 1949 for $3,800.  The concrete slab once served as the foundation for a tent canopy, and hotel guests enjoyed beach parties, lobster bakes, and lunches there.  Although it is privately owned, Colony Beach is also open to the public with easy access to both the beach and breakwater, an excellent fishing spot.

#16:  The Ocean Garden

The lawn extending from the North Wing was renovated as part of a partnership with the town of Kennebunkport to improve the sidewalk and grounds in this area.  This is often used for weddings, with the dramatic ocean view as a backdrop for the ceremony.

#17:  The Florence House

Originally the innkeepers’ house, George and Agnes Boughton lived in this home, eventually naming it after George’s aunt Florence.  It underwent an extensive renovation in the winter of 2018-2019.  Today it is part of the hotel and is available for weekly rentals.  The cottage contains three king bedrooms, one twin bedroom, 3 bathrooms, a sun porch, family room, and a kitchenette. Like the Boughton House, the cottage also has TVs and AC units and has access to all of the hotel’s amenities including daily breakfast and housekeeping services.

#18:  The Shuffleboard Court

The shuffleboard court was added during the early years of the Colony Hotel to provide more outdoor recreation options. Guests could keep score or play leisurely games, and even play at night under the lights. Horseshoes were added (located adjacent to the shuffleboard court) to provide more entertainment.

#19:  Staff Housing

The Colony Hotel has always been able to offer living arrangements for employees on property.  In the past few years, our staff has included students and visa workers from Jamaica, Australia, the Philippines, South Africa, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and other countries all around the world.

Originally, staff were separated by gender and profession, with managers in the Staff House, and female employees in the Wonder Dorm.  Two other buildings, the Cove Dorm and Chef’s residence, held the kitchen staff, and other male employees were housed in dorms below the Grand Dining Room known as the Dungeon.  Today, all of the dorms are co-ed, with employees from all hotel departments living together throughout the 55 total rooms.

#20:  The Carriage House

The Carriage House has been part of the property since the opening of the Breakwater Court in 1914.  Once used to stow horse-drawn carriages, it also contained stables for horses. When cars became mainstream, the Carriage House served as a garage for upscale vehicles that guests wanted to protect from the elements.  Following an interior renovation, the Carriage House now provides a function space for events.

#21 The Galland House

The Boughton family purchased the Galland House in 1956 following a fire that caused severe damage to this privately owned summer cottage.  The Boughtons restored the building and named it after long-time guests Frank and Gladys Galland.  Another renovation took place in 2012-2013 to provide better accessibility and higher ceilings.  The Galland House welcomed guests until 2024 when it was repurposed for staff housing.

#22:  The Oceanic Hotel

This site was the location of the former Colony East House, the building’s final incarnation before being demolished in 2022.  Originally standing four stories, the building began as part of the original Ocean Bluff Hotel, and was one of the only parts to survive the fire of 1898.  Following the loss of the Ocean Bluff, the structure was remodeled to become the Oceanic, and later became the Glen Haven Hotel.  In 1954, the Boughtons acquired the property and removed the top two floors to preserve the structural integrity.  Reopened as the Colony Motor Lodge, it was later absorbed into the main property to become the East House.  After multiple renovations over the years, it was finally replaced by the Coveside expansion in 2023.

#23: Tidal Cove

This area was originally the site of the Wilson house and Cove Dorm, both of which were removed for the Coveside room expansion.

Coves like this fill a vital niche in the local ecosystem, as a nursery for fish, eels, and other marine life, and home to ducks, great blue herons, bald eagles, and other shore birds.

#24: Coveside Rooms

Construction on the three wings of the Coveside building began in 2022 with the removal of the East House, a staff dorm, and a building which had been a private residence.  Extensive improvements were also made to King’s Highway / Colony Ave, relocating utility connections underground and upgrading infrastructure.  The Coveside addition includes pathways and a gazebo along the tidal cove, 41 guest rooms, and public spaces.

The design of the Coveside building is based on the main hotel, with the same white siding and red roof, and including architectural features such as the gables and round windows that echo those in the original building.  The arched walkways between the wings were modeled after the breezeway between the 1914 structure and 1917 North Wing expansion.

#25:  Grounds and Landscaping

The grounds of the Colony Hotel reflect our commitment to Green initiatives and our local environment.  Our flower beds use New England native and naturalized species which require less water and far fewer fertilizers or pesticides than non native plants.  The roses near the gazebo were planted by the  Boughton’s aunt Florence for whom the Florence House was named.

#26:  Coveside Market

The first building of the Coveside expansion to open to the public, this building contains a market and café on the lower level, and 6 guest rooms above.  The Coveside Market stands partially on the former site of the Fontenay Terrace Motel, acquired by the Colony a few years before the Coveside expansion.

As with all renovations and additions, great care was taken to respect local history.  The building’s gambrel design is based on a garage which stood on approximately the same spot for much of the early and mid-1900s, and additional architectural features, such as the round window, tie it into the rest of the Colony property.

Thank you for taking the time to experience this history tour.  We hope you enjoy your visit at the historic Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, and consider visiting our sister property in Florida.