The White Barn Inn is all about a relaxing getaway – this is not a quick stop for a business trip. It’s also about luxury and romance, with well-appointed rooms, an onsite spa, and an award-winning gourmet restaurant located in a converted white barn. The inn is part of the Relais & Châteaux group, one of only 40 such accommodations in the U.S., and they have to meet strict standards to qualify. “It’s very, very special,” says innkeeper Corinne Finn-Heyl. “We welcome every guest with a glass of champagne, and guests receive a fruit bowl and flower arrangement in their room.”

The Main House of the inn was built in the late 19th century, and several of the 27 queen rooms and suites are located in this building, which is closest to the restaurant. A separate Garden area building includes six junior suites (each with a different color theme), plus several queen rooms. Many have gas fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and separate rain showers. There’s also a free-standing cottage here. Four more cottages are located a short walk away, on the Kennebunk River.

The price of all rooms includes afternoon tea (available from the check-in time of 3 p.m. until 4:30, so don’t arrive too late if you want to partake of this pastry-oriented repast) and a continental breakfast; you can also order hot items. The restaurant, open to the public for dinner, is open only to guests for breakfast. Guests can also order picnic lunches. Room rates range from about $360 to $1575, depending on the room and the season. (Note that the restaurant is closed the first two weeks of January.)

Warm-weather amenities  include an outdoor pool, bikes, and canoes. But December is a lovely time to stay here; Finn-Heyl describes how the inn goes all out with Christmas decorations. “It’s beautiful, with thousands of lights,” she enthuses. Kennebunkport also has many holiday events throughout the month. The restaurant offers special dinners on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

White Barn Inn
37 Beach Avenue
Kennebunk Beach, Maine
207-967-2321