TL;DR

Historic mansion: Built in 1887 by inventor Joseph Barker Stearns.
Elegant renovation: 2022 update tones down opulence while keeping charm.
Architectural highlights: Stone exterior, turret, and intricate woodwork.
Prime location: Camden boutique hotel on the Maine Coast.
Check prices here

There’s no avoiding Camden on a Maine Coast tour. And, if you planned to hang out for a bit, you couldn’t choose a better base than The Norumbega Hotel.

Telegraph and fire alarm bigwig Joseph Barker Stearns, built his ‘Stone Castle by the Sea’ in 1887. It was the inventor and entrepreneur’s dream house, constructed after many years traveling abroad.

It served as his fancy-pants mansion for many years, before being converted to a fancy-pants inn in 1985.

The 2022 sale and renovation ushered in a new era of fancy-pantsness.

The gorgeous building features breathtaking woodwork, a stone exterior and a small turret which, contemporary architectural tastes aside, gives it a somehow charming new money feel.

It’s full-on ostentatious luxury from the outside, while inside the new owners (NYCers) work on toning down the opulence while maintaining the old elegance.

We’d say it’s going well.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 11, each named after a famous castle.
Unique design: No two rooms are the same, each with distinct decor.
Luxury amenities: King beds, Smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, plush robes, and Malin+Goetz toiletries.
Views: Garden or ocean, with private or shared balconies.
Special suites: Library Suite spans two floors with original library features.
See all the rooms in detail here on the booking page

As with most historic buildings, no two rooms are the same, and here they’re each named for a famous castle.

The decor hints at the personality of each building without being overly referential.

For example, Balmoral is a stately space with bold black and white prints that give an assertive kind of energy to the white walls and marble bathroom.

Versailles is bursting with florals, with a contemporary four-poster and exposed brick that doesn’t really give Marie Antoinette, made up for by sweeping views of the garden from the private terrace.

Some rooms have private balconies, others shared, some spa bathrooms and others fireplaces. You’ll enjoy views of the garden or the ocean, whatever makes for your dream stay.

The only exception is perhaps the most attractive option. The Library Suite is Stearn’s original library converted into a two-floor suite with stacks of books, a shared balcony, and plenty of seating for you and your many-paged friends.

All rooms will offer the same King-sized luxury beds, Smart TVs, and Bluetooth speakers. Bathrooms are well-equipped with Malin+Goetz toiletries and plush robes.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Breakfast: Complimentary hot breakfast with pastries, treats, coffee and tea.
Bar: Elegant wood-paneled space with wine, Maine beers, ciders, and cocktails.
Bar snacks: Gourmet popcorn and fried chicken bites.
Common areas: Cozy seating, grand piano, and games tables throughout the house.

Each morning will greet you with a complimentary hot breakfast, accompanied by a selection of pastries, treats, fresh coffees and teas.

Later in the day The Bar opens, a small but charming space that shows off the mansion’s woodwork, a few choice antique wall pieces, and some inviting couches that hint at understated luxury.

There’s a gorgeous wine list, a nice selection of Maine-made beers and ciders, and some truly special cocktails you won’t find anywhere else.

Bar snacks are limited but tasty, from a simple gourmet popcorn to deep-fried chicken bites.

The common areas are as comfortable and beautifully appointed as the rest of the house.

The lobby features cozy seating, a grand piano, and you’ll find a few games tables throughout the house.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Location: Just outside Camden center, 20-minute walk or 8-minute drive.
Local attractions: Historical houses, restaurants, and Mt. Battie Trail.
Nearby towns: Rockland, St. George, Port Clyde, and Acadia National Park.
Cultural sites: Maine Media School, Coastal Children’s Museum, ferries to Vinalhaven and Monhegan.

Camden is arguably the secondmost point of civilization on Midcoast, with its multiple streets and close relationship to the slightly bigger Rockland.

The Norumbega is a bit outside the center, a 20-minute walk or 8-minute drive down Route 1, or Main Street (it’s midcoast Maine: Route 1 and Main Street are basically synonymous).

Once there, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed wander through historical houses and cute restaurants.

Don’t miss the short hike up Mt. Battie Trail for some spectacular views. It’s also a prime location for exploring the ins and outlets of Maine’s extensive Midcoast.

It’s just a 20-minute drive to Rockland, which features the Maine Media School of photography, the Coastal Children’s Museum, the ferries out to famed artist island Vinalhaven, and more.

Head even further south towards St. George or Port Clyde to catch the ferry to the other famed artist island, Monhegan.

Up North you’ll come across the absolute gem that is the Acadian National Park.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“The whole experience was phenomenal. From the minute of arrival Will made us feel welcome. The atmosphere was very relaxing, the bedding, towels and furniture were comfortable, and the food was delicious. If you get an opportunity to go to Maine, this should be your stop!….”

“I would definitely return again. It is such an amazing place full of character. The breakfast that was included was delicious. All the baked goods were tasty and FRESH….”