Candy, Standalone Waterfront Cottages Are the Star of This Refurbished Maine Resort

For the previous 88 years, a patch of shoreline in Southern Maine has been residence to The Dunes on the Waterfront, a set of cheerful little whitewashed cottages scattered amid the oaks and pines throughout 12 acres of transformed farmland overlooking the Ogunquit River and the ocean past.

Then, in 2023, when the third-generation homeowners of this quaint property had been able to retire, they bought it to Tim Harrington, a hotelier who has been snapping up and refreshing properties from Kennebunkport to Southwest Harbor with an eye fixed towards design-led makeovers that really feel proper at residence on the Maine coast — and hold the historic bones of the prevailing buildings.

And although change is usually a tough factor in Maine — which has a sometimes-fraught relationship with its Vacationland repute and all that comes with it — right here, at the least, it’s been embraced wholeheartedly by longtime workers members, some with a long time of tenure on the Dunes, and even the prior homeowners. That’s partly because of the delicate and detail-oriented redesign Harrington and his group gave the property, respecting the prevailing footprints and character of the cottages whereas updating them to really feel gentle, shiny, luxurious, and of the second.

Rooms had been opened up to usher in sunshine and ocean views, and native touches had been woven all through — antiques sourced from a vendor in Wells, leather-clad trunks with a natty white-and-green middle stripe, and O.G.T. stenciled on the facet handmade by a Scarborough craftsman. The shiplap trim, Jenny Lind spool beds in a tender sage inexperienced, and white slipcovered sofas with green-and-white ruffled accent pillows, amongst different design particulars, really feel apropos for a coastal New England cottage with out veering into caricature. There’s not a lobster tchotchke or lighthouse watercolor in sight.

This makeover — to the tune of a reported $10 million — has resulted in a property that lulls guests right into a soothing, nostalgic sort of idleness that feels arduous to come back by within the fashionable journey period. Wandering The Dunes with my household felt like a snapshot of childhood summer season if I’d had the sort of childhood summers that concerned road-tripping to Maine and staying at impeccably designed seaside cottages. We sat and skim on the screened-in porch as catbirds and sparrows chattered outdoors. We splashed across the pool (heated, an important function right here within the land of brief summers and frigid ocean waters). We roamed the shoreline, gazing at far-off sailboats (me) and gleefully hurling rocks into the water (my toddler). We took a dinnertime jaunt to the 93-year-old Ogunquit Lobster Pound, which you’ll attain through a winding footpath by means of the timber proper from the Dunes. We popped popcorn and snuggled in entrance of the hearth for a film night time.

In an period when so many slick resorts open up with a half-dozen meals and beverage venues, facilities stacked on facilities, and such intensive programming you’ll get FOMO simply from studying the actions roster, the Dunes on the Waterfront is lush in its simplicity. Spending time in a gorgeous place the place we may simply be felt like a reprieve. It felt like the likelihood and promise of summer season in youth when these lengthy, languorous days appeared infinite. It felt like, properly, a trip.

On my final morning, I took out one of many yellow sit-atop kayaks (graciously hauled right down to the put-in for me by a workers member as a result of this isn’t the sort of place the place visitors are anticipated to do that) and paddled alongside the river. It was a transparent, quiet morning, with solely birdsong and the water lapping in opposition to the boat. After paddling alongside the dune barrier separating the river from the ocean, I turned again the way in which I’d come. A string of megamansions stuffed into tiny tons dotted the shoreline, every shouldered as much as its neighbors like prepare commuters at rush hour. After which, a buffer of timber and the Dunes on the Waterfront — tidy white cottages dotted alongside the panorama, every showing enveloped in its personal inexperienced mantle of gardens, grasses, and oak timber. On the finish of the property line, a dozen rowboats bobbed within the rising water. It wasn’t something dramatic or jaw-dropping, simply the quiet magnificence and ease of a decades-old seaside getaway spot, but by some means, Vacationland had by no means appeared so good.

This is an entire rundown of what to anticipate at The Dunes on the Waterfront.

The Rooms

The 21 whitewashed cottages of the Dunes on the Waterfront vary from one to a few bedrooms, all comparatively compact however not claustrophobic — a one-two punch of considerate layouts and limitless daylight pouring in retains the areas ethereal. The design leans fashionable cottagecore, evoking the charming, quaint coastal retreat of a classy — and decidedly WASPy buddy: Jenny Lind spool beds, beadboard and shiplap particulars, scalloped facet tables set with woven raffia trays. The loos are elegant and understated, with marble counter tops and chrome fixtures, and the kitchens are compact but eminently purposeful, with farmhouse sinks, broad soapstone counter tops, and the whole lot you might want to whip up a fast wine-and-cheese aperitivo lineup or set the desk for a takeout dinner from a restaurant on the town. Screened-in porches are outfitted with white wicker furnishings and vintage items. Nonetheless, sitting on the market feeling the ocean breeze and watching beachcombers stroll the distant sand, you’ll really feel like there’s no extra luxurious spot on earth.

Meals and Drink

The property doesn’t have a full meals and beverage program, however that doesn’t imply you’re solely by yourself. Every morning, a tote bag seems at your door with a thermos of scorching espresso and pastries from native bakery Bread and Roses, or you’ll be able to wander as much as the principle constructing for a fresh-pressed juice or an espresso drink.

The in-room kitchenettes include snacks and drinks — Sort bars, Cape Cod chips, Topo Chico, and so forth — plus a Nespresso machine, must you want a pick-me-up. The property plans so as to add a self-service foyer fridge and pantry space, with bread, charcuterie boards, cheeses, and accouterments on the market, although for now, you’ll be able to pop by to survey a cupboard stuffed with native jams and jellies to take residence.

And over within the northwest nook of the property, comply with the “FRESH SEAFOOD THIS WAY” signal to a path underneath a whitewashed arbor and thru the pines to Ogunquit Lobster Pound, the place you’ll be able to select your dinner from a tank of fresh-caught lobster, then present your room key for a complimentary slice of blueberry pie. My favourite contact: Being welcomed at check-in with a fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookie.

Actions and Experiences

The water is the massive draw right here, and the actions comply with accordingly. A fleet of kayaks and rowboats can be found for exploring the river or crossing to the seashore at excessive tide. If the river and ocean are too frigid for swimming, there’s a heated pool on the coronary heart of the property with cheerful yellow umbrellas and an prolonged shallow space excellent for babies. Exploring downtown Ogunquit is a should, and the resort has a set of seashore cruisers you’ll be able to try to get there. And it wouldn’t be summer season in Maine with out a seashore journey. The downtown public seashore has loads of facilities and the crowds to match, however head throughout the river to the stretch of sand proper throughout from the Dunes, and also you’ll discover a huge, empty expanse with solely a scattering of umbrellas and some beachcombers. Within the evenings, collect on the hearth pit overlooking the waterfront for s’mores because the solar goes down.

Household-friendly Choices

There’s nothing kid-specific on web site per se. Nonetheless, the entire property feels excellent for a household — two- and three-bedroom cottages make for simple multigen journey, the Ogunquit River is mild and shallow sufficient that even little ones can wade and splash, and the heated pool has an prolonged Baja shelf perfect for teenagers. I traveled with a toddler in tow and felt comfy and comfy. Nonetheless, she was maybe extra impressed by the considerable alternatives to throw rocks into the water and run across the lawns than by the charming design or resort facilities.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The rooms are all single-story, however there’s a brief step to get in, and the layouts is perhaps tough for wheelchair customers. The property’s subsequent stage will embrace totally ADA-accessible cottages, however there’s no particular timeline but. As for sustainability, the property minimizes disposables and single-use plastic with bulk dispensers within the bathe, espresso deliveries in insulated thermoses, and full dishware and cutlery in every kitchenette.

Location

The property is simply off Route 1, so it’s simple to achieve, however you’ll possible must hire a automobile. Portland is the closest airport, about 40 minutes away, however Boston-Logan has extra direct flights and is a simple hour-and-a-half drive. These notably dedicated to public transportation may take the Amtrak Downeaster and catch an Uber from the station in Wells, however for max ease, it’s properly price renting a automobile.

The right way to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

The property is independently owned, so in case you’re hoping to make use of a resort rewards program, you’re out of luck, although it’s bookable with bank card factors on some platforms. However the easiest way to save lots of just a few hundred an evening is to go to throughout shoulder season — charges are considerably decrease in September and October, however Maine within the fall, when the vacationer crowds dissipate and the timber are awash in coloration, nonetheless holds loads of enchantment.