Notes from the Field: Travels in Maine

By Karin Lidbeck Brent

My scouting trips to search out houses to feature on our pages are a behind-the-scenes portion of my job with New England Home that I enjoy because it gives me an exciting opportunity to explore all that is happening all over the New England region.

On these scouting trips, I can discover exciting design projects and meet with the architects and designers who conceived them. Seeking new and superior projects to fill our pages is a never-ending quest and one that I thoroughly enjoy, especially when, as on a recent expedition, it means traveling the breathtaking coast of Maine.

Photo courtesy of Karin Lidbeck Brent

During three fast-paced days viewing homes between Falmouth and Deer Island, I found many fabulous projects of diverse style that hint at the incredible range of visual choices offered by Maine’s architects.

Bernhard & Priestley Architecture. Photo by Norman McGrath

Bernhard & Priestley Architecture. Photo by Norman McGrath

Elliott + Elliott Architecture. Photo by Brian Vanden Brink

Elliot & Elliot Architecture. Photo by Brian Vanden Brink

Interior designer Linda Banks. Photo by Francois Gagne

Interior designer Linda Banks. Photo by Francois Gagne

On this scouting trip, I was able to search out and discover some fabulous design shops, like Simply Home owned by interiors and architectural designer Linda Banks. Her stylish and unique vision for home decor is evident all over her shop in Falmouth. Simply Home offers a highly distinctive selection of furniture, accessories and home decor.

Simply Home

One of my favorite discoveries while touring through Maine was the Camden Harbour Inn. This historic 1874, eighteen-room inn was renovated by architects Bernhard & Priestley of Rockport, Maine.

Camden Harbour Inn, renovated by Bernhard and Priestley. Photo by Norman McGrath

Richard Bernhard and  John Priestley worked with owners Raymond Brunyanszki and Oscar Verest to renovate the inn to create an award-winning boutique hotel. The exterior renovation of the inn oozes with quintessential storybook charm.

Camden Harbour Inn. Photo by Norman McGrath

Once inside, the vibe changes as the historical integrity mixes with a chic cosmopolitan sensibility and high global styling. The sophisticated, hip decor of Natalie’s, the inn’s gorgeous restaurant and bar, sets the scene as you enter. The award-winning cuisine is indicative of the extraordinary quality you will find in every aspect of the inn.

Natalie’s. Photo by Norman McGrath

Natalie’s. Photo by Norman McGrath

Maine is a magical place, filled with stunning homes and beautiful views at every turn. After a very enjoyable and successful three days of scouting, it’s no wonder I am already planning return trips to shoot exciting projects to grace our pages and, of course, to scout and scout and scout….

Photo courtesy of Karin Lidbeck Brent