Stonehouse Manor is a bed and breakfast which is located in Phippsburg, Maine, and is found under a mile from Popham Beach State Park and even closer to Hunnewell Beach. The manor has five suites that guests can reserve throughout the year. Breakfast is available to everyone staying at the establishment each morning. People are able to hold celebrations, such as weddings and family reunions, at Stonehouse Manor. According to the owners, Jane and Tim, they want their patrons to feel at home and to have a relaxing time at the bed and breakfast. There are a variety of outdoor recreational activities that people can participate in both on the property and in the surrounding area. The house was built in 1896, but it wasn’t turned into a bed and breakfast until 1996.
Stonehouse Manor has five suites available for people to reserve. Each unit is uniquely decorated and offers slightly different amenities, depending on which room a guest decides to book for their trip. According to Jane, one of the owners, the rooms differ in size, layout, bathroom design, and how many people can be accommodated. Each unit has a private bathroom, with three of them having it inside the suite, while the fourth has a bathroom located in the hall, and the fifth is located on the third floor. Other amenities that are found in all of the guestrooms include bathroom toiletries, access to Wi-Fi, and hair dryers. Most of them have a smart TV, as well as a mini-fridge and microwave. Jane mentions that the two suites that tend to be popular with visitors are Bayview Room and Lakeview Room, which the owner explains is likely due to the views that can be seen from the windows.
Breakfast is typically served between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Jane is responsible for making breakfast in the morning and enjoys making something new each day. She mentions that she tries to get information from patrons the night before regarding food allergies or other dietary restrictions that they may have, then decides what to make that will abide by those parameters. Typically, this information can be given to the owners at the time of reservation. Regardless of what she makes, Jane explains that there is always fruit, a type of pastry, juice, coffee, tea, an egg dish, a meat plate, and a starch meal - such as pancakes, toast, or waffles.
The interior of the building is decorated with some historical aspects, as it was built in 1896. One can find a parlor, a dining room area, and a veranda where people are able to gather. Breakfast can typically be served in one of these areas as well. Outside there are also a variety of gardens and open lawn space. The grassy area can be used for sitting, picnics, and other leisurely activities. The business also has lawn games that can be borrowed. A few games that are provided by Stonehouse Manor include volleyball, badminton, croquet, bocce ball, horseshoes, and cornhole. People can also borrow chairs and towels. Silver Lake can be found nearby, which allows people to go swimming or even take small boats or other craft on the water. The owner explains that the canoes are not “polished,” but they are available for guests to use if they would like. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, surfboards, and other equipment.
Beyond Stonehouse Manor, one can find a variety of attractions. Popham Beach is located about one mile away from the establishment. Between Silver Lake and the beaches, there are various aquatic recreational activities that can be done. During the winter, patrons can participate in ice fishing and ice skating as well. According to Jane, “We are a good halfway point between Boston and Arcadia, and we’re within an hour of Portland.” The Maritime Museum is located along the river, and there are botanical gardens in Boothbay. One can find several restaurants in the area, and Jane likes to recommend several by name, including Spinney’s Oceanfront and The Lobster House.
Jane and Tim would like their guests to feel “like it’s home,” referring to the Stonehouse Manor, and for their visitors to “enjoy the property.” In an effort to accomplish their goal, Jane and Tim strive to give their patrons the opportunity to unwind. Jane mentions that “traveling isn’t always a fun experience, and people can arrive tired or a little on edge, so the first twenty-four hours, we let them get settled and try to bother them as little as possible.” Jane also remarks that they interact with their visitors as much as the guests would like and that she “takes cues from them.” The owners also give occupants their personal phone numbers so that guests can reach them if they have any questions or concerns. According to Jane, one unique aspect of the bed and breakfast is that some of the lakefront and beachfront areas are within walking distance.
Stonehouse Manor is also capable of hosting various functions on the grounds. One of the most common events that can be held on the property is weddings, but Jane mentions that people have also had family reunions and luncheons, among other celebrations. However, in order for a patron to hold an event at the manor, they are required to reserve the whole house rather than just one room.
There are several policies that guests are asked to abide by while they are staying at the manor. Due to its historical nature, the owners ask that patrons respect the antiques and furniture. Pets are permitted to be at the establishment, though there are certain rooms in the house that are to remain pet-free. Occupants are to be responsible for their pets and also any children they bring during their time at the property. Smoking, vaping, and similar activities are prohibited inside and near the house.
Stonehouse Manor was first erected in 1896 and was used as a private residence for many years. Harry Hilton is the architect responsible for building the manor for Charles H. Ingraham. A farmhouse used to reside near Stonehouse Manor, but it was torn down while Charles Ingraham lived there. Another family purchased the house before it was bought by the current owners, Jane and Tim. Jane mentions that entering the lodging industry "just kind of happened, and we had no idea that we would be doing this now.”
Ever since they opened the manor to be a bed and breakfast, there have been a variety of updates that the owners made over the years. Jane remarks that they are continually updating things around the house, with one such aspect being the internet connection. The owners also installed a backup generator in the event that a power outage occurs. That way, they will still have power for their patrons to use. In the future, Jane would like to add an outdoor cooking area for guests to use while they are staying at the property. Otherwise, their goal is to maintain the amenities that they currently have and continue their efforts to provide a positive experience for those who visit the manor.
907 Popham Road
Phippsburg, Maine 04562
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Jane and Tim Dennis
