LimeRock Inn has been operating as a bed and breakfast since the year 1994; however, the current caretaker, Ashley, has had ownership of the inn since 2019. Currently, eight rooms are available for guests to reserve, all of which contain amenities such as a mini fridge, air conditioning, and Turkish towels, to name a few. Throughout the rooms of the building, antiques and original art pieces decorate the interior. Ashley describes the character of LimeRock Inn to be "modernized Victorian." Every morning, patrons are given a three-course breakfast. Some of the potential breakfast meal options include Maine blueberry pancakes, eggs benedict, and various types of bread or pastries. Beyond this, visitors are also provided with snacks, water, and soda from the inn's guest pantry.
Situated in southern Maine, the LimeRock Inn features a total of eight rooms for guest reservations. Six of the eight rooms are named after local islands in mid-coast Maine that lead up into Canada, according to the owner, Ashley. The other two rooms are named after architectural features, for example, the Turret is in the turret of the house. A fair amount of antiques decorate the interior of the inn, the majority of which were brought from New England to "keep with the character of the home," as stated by Ashley. The owner further describes the interior to be "modernized Victorian" in style.
Every room features its own bathroom. One room can be rented with an additional parlor add-on that has an extra queen-size bed with a shared bathroom. Another room, known as the Old Maid's Quarters, is relatively smaller in size and is typically used for visitors of younger ages to sleep in as an alternative option to sleeping in the same room as their parents. Furthermore, each of the rooms are equipped with a mini fridge, air conditioning and heating, and Turkish towels, among other amenities. Complimentary water and chocolates are given to every patron as well. It should also be noted that the LimeRock Inn is partnered with a local company called Balsamic & Olive Oil Shop, which gives the owner the option to provide her guests with either olive oil or balsamic vinegar in their rooms.
LimeRock Inn provides a three-course, made-to-order breakfast every morning for patrons. The first course typically consists of fruit, a parfait, and yogurt. Other items that may be served include eggs benedict on a lobster crab cake, a type of pastry, or Maine blueberry pancakes. Ashley cooks all of the breakfast meals. For those who have dietary needs or restrictions such as gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, vegetarian, or seafood allergies, accommodations can be made, provided that they let Ashley know in advance. The owner prefers guests to be seated for breakfast by 8:00 AM, or 9:00 AM at the latest.
The inn occupies an expanse of nearly one acre in a residential district of the city. The property is within walking distance to Rockland Harbor, as well as the ferry and the restaurants on Main Street. Ashley describes the encompassing area to be a "quiet neighborhood, but very centrally located with access to what's going on in town." Additionally, a number of lighthouses, nature hikes, beaches, and art museums can be found in close proximity to LimeRock Inn. One particular attraction that Ashley recommends her patrons visit is Acadia National Park. With regards to nearby places to eat, Ashley directs her guests to Primo, Suzuki's Sushi Bar, In Good Company, and Eclipse of the Pearl.
Events including weddings, bridal showers, receptions, or other similar celebratory occasions can be held at LimeRock Inn. Every wedding that is hosted at the inn has a limit of up to 80 attendants. One previous guest who had their wedding at the property commented, "The accommodations and services were outstanding. Ashley made the event truly magical. The home is warm and inviting, and the gardens are magnificent." Ashley, the owner, comments that the LimeRock Inn can also provide catering service for brunches of up to 70 people.
LimeRock Inn implements a few notable policies that patrons are expected to abide by during their stay. Currently, Ashley requests that, if guests are not vaccinated, they wear masks in common areas except when they are seated, such as at breakfast or relaxing in the common room. Smoking is prohibited inside the inn, and with regards to pets, animals are not allowed to accompany any guest, with the exception of service animals.
Ashley wants her patrons to feel like "friends or family" throughout their stay. She strives to frequently interact with visitors and share the history of the inn with them. One of her goals is to "make sure people feel welcome and taken care of." In an effort to achieve this goal, Ashley tries to stock the inn's pantry with snacks, water, and soda for anyone staying on the property, all of which come with no additional cost.
LimeRock Inn is open year-round, with the busiest season of operation typically occurring from late June through early October. Ashley remarks that people tend to travel to the area much more during the summer in comparison to the winter season when fewer activities and restaurants are available. She continues to explain that usually, the property receives the "art crowd" during the winter, considering that there are a number of art museums in the surrounding area.
Ashley has been the caretaker of LimeRock Inn for nearly three and a half years. In the year 1994, the inn itself was going to be converted into apartments but was then converted to a bed and breakfast. The former owners of the acreage had been operating the inn for about 15 years. Before Ashley took interest in the hospitality industry, she was a molecular geneticist, and she currently has a Ph.D. from Yale. She had the desire to find a job that would allow her to have more time to spend with her daughter, thus leading her to become the current owner of LimeRock Inn. One of Ashley's favorite parts of being the owner is interacting with guests and "hearing about their travels, life stories, where they come from, and where they're going."
Some of the changes that have been made since Ashley gained ownership include redoing the wallpaper and replacing the furnishings with antiques and original artwork. Structurally, the inn has maintained its originality since the time it was first built, and Ashley has been putting forth the effort to keep its historical nature and character as she explains that she wants to "keep with the integrity of both the place and the location." The Island Cottage, in particular, is the original room where all of the saddles and hay were stored, as there had formerly been a barn on the property.
96 Limerock Street
Rockland, Maine 04841
United States
Modernized Victorian
Ashley Bonneau
