Architecture & History

The Last of Ogunquit’s Victorian-Era Hotels

The Colonial Inn began its life in the mid-19th century as a Greek Revival-style residence. Circa 1886 its first hotel addition was in the French Second Empire style; about 1904, a sizeable Queen Anne style addition was constructed; followed by a circa 1920 enlargement in the Arts and Crafts style.

A fire in 1951 destroyed the rear wing of the building and the tower roofs were removed, resulting in the final form seen today. It is the last of Ogunquit’s once-numerous large Victorian-era hotels still in operation as a hotel.

Main entrance and check in at our Ogunquit, ME inn

A Tradition of Excellence

We were pleased to receive an Honor Award for the Commercial Rehabilitation of the Colonial Inn in 2013 from Maine Preservation.

King bed and fireplace at our Ogunquit, Maine inn

Restoration & Rehabilitation

A Rich History & Updated Accommodations

Our beautiful Ogunquit inn needed rehabilitation to keep up with guest accommodations for today’s market demands within a busy seaside community. It was important to maintain the many changes the building has experienced throughout its history in order to retain the detailing of each of its four styles.

To restore its early 20th century character, the building was re-clad in wood shingle siding, wood windows were installed, and an enclosed porch on the east elevation was reopened to return the exterior wall to its original position.

The project team showed patience and careful planning in rehabilitating this rare building type. As a result, the block form retains its distinctive architectural history while providing thoroughly updated Ogunquit lodging.

Main Inn wrap around porch at our Ogunquit inn

Our Story

Continuing the Tradition

“It’s a privilege for me to have the opportunity to restore this hotel to its original glory,” explains Maine resident Joe DeLois who acquired the property in 2012 and chose David Lloyd of the Portland firm Archetype Architects to oversee the transformation. “We’ve worked closely with the National Park Service to ensure that the new interior and exterior fixtures and finishes are true to the style of the original building.”

This historically significant property now offers a contemporary guest experience replete with today’s most desired hotel amenities, while still retaining the Victorian charm and genuine Maine hospitality known to its visitors for over a century.

Take a Photo tour

History of The Colonial Inn