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.