Located on the island of Eastport in Maine, The Milliken House Bed and Breakfast features eight guest accommodations that are available year-round for patrons. It is near Roosevelt Park, where the former President's home was. Seven of the eight rooms are situated in the main house, each with a private bathroom. There is an additional apartment space that visitors can reserve that is on the grounds of the establishment but separate from the main home. Originally built in 1846, the home features a parlor room with a working fireplace as well as a dining room that guests can utilize throughout the day. Across the street from the bed and breakfast is an art center where, according to the owner, various events are held that visitors can attend. Other potential activities of interest for guests include whale watching, fishing, and visiting local shops.
The Milliken House Bed and Breakfast is situated on the east side of Eastport, Maine, the easternmost city in the United States. The bed and breakfast is a seven-room house with an additional apartment located on the grounds, separate from the main house. The seven rooms are each decorated in a similar style, but distinctly from each other. All of the seven rooms have queen beds, and some of the rooms have additional beds in an effort to accommodate more guests per room. Two rooms have an extra twin bed, and one room has an additional two twin beds and an adjoining room. Pamela, the owner of the establishment, says that the Rose Room is the most popular accommodation at the inn, generally speaking. The room features pink and red wallpaper with roses and décor that matches the wallpaper. There is also a decorative fireplace with a mantle.
Other areas that guests can visit on the grounds of the bed and breakfast include a parlor room. Inside of the parlor is a working fireplace, board and card games, and couches where visitors can sit and read if they choose. The parlor extends into the dining room where breakfast is served occasionally. On the ground floor is also an additional half bathroom, without a shower, that patrons can use. A sitting room with a television is also available in the home. The exterior of the home also features a porch that is equipped with chairs in the hopes that guests can feel welcome to sit on the porch throughout the day.
Currently, breakfast is served periodically at the Milliken House Bed and Breakfast. When there is a "big group," Pamela will prepare a meal for those staying at the inn. Typical items for breakfast may include blueberry waffles, pancakes, french toast, sausage, bacon, or ham. Whenever a morning meal is served there is always oatmeal and potatoes available to guests, as well as eggs, according to Pamela. It should be noted that breakfast is served at 8:30 AM. Pamela strives to accommodate visitors with food allergies and sensitivities by asking them upon their arrival if there are any restrictions she should be aware of before the meal.
While staying at the bed and breakfast, Pamela has policies in place that she asks guests to follow. One of the most strongly enforced guidelines is that there is no smoking allowed inside the home. Additionally, the establishment is pet friendly. An important note to the home is that all of the guestrooms are on either the second or third floor of the house, and there is no elevator or other machine to assist elder patrons in getting up the stairs.
Pamela hopes that those staying at The Milliken House Bed and Breakfast are able to feel "like it's home," in the sense that "they don't need to worry about when they get up or when they come home." In an effort to make guests feel comfortable, the common areas in the house are accessible 24 hours a day, including the parlor and television room. Those who have stayed previously at the inn have commented on the proximity of the establishment to local shops and dining, as well as the hospitality of the staff on-site. One former patron said, "Perfect location to walk everywhere in town, the breakfasts were delicious, and Pam is a gracious hostess."
One thing that is unique about the home, according to Pamela, is the age of the house and the décor inside. The home was originally built in 1846, and many of the wallpapers and décor items have been the same for over 20 years, since before the previous owner purchased the establishment. She hopes that guests can feel that they can "do what they want," and "feel at home," during their visit to Eastport.
Within the city of Eastport, there are multiple activities that patrons can participate in. Across the street from the inn is an art center that, at various times throughout the year, hosts events that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. There is also a local market within walking distance of the bed and breakfast. Other attractions in Eastport include whale watching, fishing, riding a water taxi to other islands, and visiting historical areas of the island. Pamela remarks that there are not many restaurants on the island, but two that she recommends include the Old Sow Grille and the Waco.
Pamela Francis has owned and operated the Milliken House Bed and Breakfast since early 2020. Prior to taking ownership of the inn, she worked in the restaurant industry for 15 to 20 years. She also owns a restaurant in town, the Old Sow Grill, that was named after a whirlpool off the coast of the island. The previous owner of the establishment, Mary Williams, helped Pamela enter the lodging industry by inviting her to purchase the bed and breakfast from her. They had known each other for multiple years before. Mary continues to try to be available to answer questions about the history of the home if any guests have questions. She is also a Passamaquoddy Tribe member, so she can answer questions regarding tribal history and significance.
Since Pamela began working at the Milliken House Bed and Breakfast, the property has undergone multiple updates. The main update she has undertaken in the year and a half of her ownership has been re-roofing the garage. She also added a well and a generator for backup electricity if the power were to go out. In the future, she hopes to add individual heating and cooling units to all of the bedrooms, update the kitchen, offer breakfast each morning, and add an additional room on the ground floor of the home.
29 Washington St
Eastport, Maine 04631
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Pamela Francis
Mary Williams
