The Old Granite Inn has an amazing location right on Main Street in Rockland, Maine. For those who want to walk to enjoy what Rockland has to offer, this is the perfect place to stay. The inn is constructed of gray granite which was quarried in St. George located just a few miles southwest of Rockland. It dates from the 1840’s and was built in the Federal Colonial style. Originally, it was a family home and office for at least two local physicians and then an Elks Club for more than 30 years. A fire in the 1940’s devastated the building but like a phoenix, it has risen back even better than before. It became an inn in the 1980’s and now has its third set of innkeepers.
The current innkeepers, Ed and Joan Hantz, have been here since 2006 and among the updates that they have instituted is the front porch which extends the entire length of the building and provides a spot for guest to relax and enjoy the views and a cup of tea or coffee. The building itself may be historic but the amenities and décor are a combination of modern and antiques, tastefully combined. The fact that Joan is an interior designer explains the warm feel that the décor creates at the inn.
All the rooms at the inn have private bathrooms and cable TV with a nice selection of available programming. The two rooms in the front of the house on the second floor are part of the original building and are decorated accordingly. The rooms in the addition are decorated in a more contemporary style. We were given room number 6 which is one of the traditional rooms. It has an iron headboard on the queen bed with an electric fireplace that can also provide heat if you feel the need. The room is furnished with two chairs and a marble top dresser as well as two nightstands. With four windows, this is a very light and bright room.
The Inn overlooks the harbor which is across the street as well as the ferry crossing. If you are sensitive to street noise, the rooms on the front of the house might not be the best choice. We were not bothered at all especially in the overnight when the street is quite quiet but the road did become busy early in the morning and might be an issue for a light sleeper. There are plenty of lovely room and suite options in the addition which would be farther from the street. You will be given two keys, one for your room and one for the front door (all on one key ring).
Our bathroom was spacious with a tub/shower combination. There is lovely artwork throughout the inn and it is either local artist or artists with a Maine connection. You will notice at breakfast that many of the food items are also procured locally such as the eggs.
Breakfast was amazing. The first morning the offerings were blueberry Johnny cakes, blueberry muffins, frittata of bacon, cheese and broccoli and a bowl of fresh fruit. Add to that the locally roasted coffee and you are guaranteed not to leave hungry. The second morning the offerings were stuffed French toast with strawberries and cream cheese, a breakfast egg puff, ginger scone and sausage. Fresh fruit and juice were also offered.
Ed was a very helpful host, welcoming us and giving a tour of the inn and then again welcoming us to breakfast which is served from 8-9 a.m. The menu is usually available in the evening so that if you prefer something else, there are items always available and of course be sure to let them know if you have allergies.
A Keurig coffeemaker is available 24/7 as well as hot tea water. The lounge area offers places to sit and play games or cards or just chill. This is a warm and welcoming bed and breakfast inn and even though the weather was not always cooperating while we were visiting, the atmosphere inside was very comfortable and relaxed. We felt very much at home and would not hesitate to stay here again.
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