The Norumbega Inn

In Camden, Maine, The Norumbega Inn rises above Penobscot Bay like something out of a fairy tale. The turreted stone castle was built in 1886 by telegraph inventor Joseph Stearns after he was inspired by the estates he toured across Europe. Architect Arthur B. Jennings' handiwork is still visible in the ornate millwork, generous fireplaces and bay windows that helped land the property on the National Register of Historic Places decades later.

A 2023 renovation by new owners Will Tims and Brett Haynie, working with design firm studiocake, refreshed the 11 guest rooms and suites with vintage Italian lighting, antique rugs and artwork by Maine artists, while preserving the turret's storybook charm. A new bar, canopied terrace, and multiple fireplaces invite guests to linger over cocktails at the Inn's seasonal restaurant and pop-up dining events, while a short stroll leads to Camden Harbor's schooners, shops, restaurants and galleries.