The Trellis House

Most people who book a bed and breakfast in Ogunquit want three things: a location close enough to walk everywhere, a breakfast worth waking up for, and hosts who actually care. The Trellis House delivers all three, then adds a fourth: a place that feels less like a hotel and more like staying with friends who happen to have excellent taste and a keen eye for hospitality details.

This isn't a chain property or a converted inn trying to feel quaint. It's a carefully maintained beachfront home with eight individually decorated rooms, a garden, a sun terrace, and an uncommonly warm staff anchored by owners Lawrence and Glen. The property sits between the hustle of Ogunquit's downtown and the quiet of the coast - close enough to Marginal Way to walk in five minutes, close enough to Perkins Cove and the shops and restaurants of town center to meander on foot, yet tucked back enough that you're never fighting crowds.

What makes The Trellis House stand out is the breakfast. Guests don't just praise it - they write entire reviews about it. Served at the adjacent Blue Shutters Inn, the meal is gourmet by bed & breakfast standards: fresh pastries, proteins prepared to order, fruit, eggs Benedict that one repeat guest called "the best I have ever had." There's also a daily happy hour on the porch with wine, cocktails, and snacks, where guests naturally gather and socialize.

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Breakfast that justifies the price alone. The daily morning meal is served at the adjacent Blue Shutters Inn and reads like a restaurant menu: made-to-order eggs, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee. Guests return specifically for this. One couple drove up from Connecticut annually just for the experience. The afternoon happy hour - with cocktails, wine, and snacks - is equally thoughtful and doubles as a built-in social hour for solo travelers and groups alike.

A location that saves you a car. Standing on the property, you're steps from the Marginal Way, the coast's most scenic walk. Downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants are a 10-minute walk. Perkins Cove is walkable. The beach is accessible without a car. If you've come to Ogunquit to actually experience Ogunquit, this placement is unbeatable.

Hosts and staff who remember your name. Lawrence and Glen set the tone. Reviews consistently note their genuine warmth, their willingness to offer meal and activity suggestions, and the feeling that you matter as a guest. Staff extend this quality. Even the owners' dog, Bentley, gets named in guest reviews as a highlight of the stay.

Thoughtfully appointed rooms with real character. No two rooms are alike. The Trellis Room has a king bed large enough to sleep deeply in. The Arbor Room is intimate with a queen. The York and Ogunquit Suites work for small groups. Linens are high-quality, bathrooms have premium toiletries, and every room has a private entrance - a detail that matters when you're sharing a house with other guests.

A quiet property in a busy town. Guests repeatedly note that despite being walkable to everything, The Trellis House remains peaceful. The garden and grounds are well maintained. The porch is a sanctuary. One solo traveler called it "somewhat secluded and off-the-beaten track, yet still close to all the action."

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The Trellis House occupies a traditional beachfront home with eight rooms spread across the main house and cottages. The building retains its historic character - hardwood floors, fireplaces, garden views - while rooms themselves are modernized with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and updated bathrooms. All rooms have private bathrooms with free toiletries and hairdryers; most have king or queen beds. The layout means your room has its own entrance, giving the property a homey rather than hotel-like feel.

• Trellis Room (King Bed) - The flagship room. Guests praise the enormous bed and deep sleep it delivers. Garden and building views.
• Arbor Room (Queen Bed) - Intimate queen space with lots of repeat guests. Quieter position on the grounds.
• Kennebunkport Room (King Bed) - Spacious king room; popular with couples returning year after year.
• York Suite (King Bed) - Larger suite suitable for small groups or those wanting extra space.
• Ogunquit Suite (King Bed) - Another suite option for groups.
• Camden Cottage (Queen Bed) - Standalone cottage feel with queen bed and independent entrance.
• Veranda Room (King Bed) - King bed with porch-adjacent setting; some guests mention the room size is compact around the bed.
• Terrace Room (King Bed) - Ground-floor king room with direct garden access.

One honest note: Several guests mentioned the Arbor and smaller Trellis rooms feel snug once you're around the bed, and a handful flagged thin pillows (though most praised the bedding overall). Room humidity can be noticeable during wet summer weather if you have sensitivities. These are minor trade-offs in a beachfront property; owners are aware and responsive to concerns.

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Grounds & Outdoors - Beachfront location with sun terrace · garden with outdoor seating · beach chairs and loungers provided · fire pits (seasonal) · private parking on-site

Breakfast & Dining - Daily gourmet breakfast at adjacent Blue Shutters Inn · afternoon happy hour with wine, cocktails, and snacks on the porch · special diet meals available with advance notice · packed lunches can be arranged

Rooms - Private entrance to each room · air conditioning · flat-screen TV · private bathroom with free toiletries and hairdryer · free WiFi throughout · fireplace in select rooms · sofa bed in some rooms · garden views

Services - Daily housekeeping · private check-in and check-out · concierge service with local recommendations · dog-friendly (Bentley, the property's golden, is part of the experience)

For Guests - Sitting room and porch for socializing · happy hour gathering space

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What separates The Trellis House from standard B&Bs is the gastronomic experience. Breakfast is served at the adjacent Blue Shutters Inn and is gourmet-level - smoked salmon, fresh pastries, made-to-order eggs, fresh fruit, strong coffee. No cereal buffet here. Guests describe it as "exceptional," "unreal," and worth staying up for if you're an early riser (coffee service begins around 7:15 AM, though nearby cafes open earlier if needed).

The daily happy hour on the front porch is equally important to the experience. Wine, cocktails, and snacks appear mid-afternoon, and guests naturally gather to socialize. It's the kind of detail that transforms a solo traveler's evening or gives a group something to look forward to. The treats are housemade and thoughtfully presented - not an afterthought.

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Summer (June–August) - Peak season. Weather is warm, Marginal Way is in full leaf, the beach is inviting, and all restaurants and attractions are open. The Ogunquit Playhouse runs nightly productions. Expect crowds and higher rates. July is warmest; June and August are pleasant with slightly fewer visitors.

Fall (September–October) - Excellent shoulder season. Foliage peaks in mid-to-late October. Weather remains warm into September, cooling to 50s by late October. Breakfast and happy hour feel less crowded. Many restaurants stay open through October, though some close by Halloween.

Winter (November–March) - Quietest season. Marginal Way is beautiful in winter light with snow or bare branches. Many Ogunquit restaurants close or reduce hours. The B&B remains open and feels particularly peaceful. Weather can be cold and damp. Ideal for couples seeking solitude.

Spring (April–May) - Shoulder season with warming temperatures and longer days. Flowers begin to emerge. Expect occasional rain. Some seasonal restaurants and attractions haven't reopened yet. Rates drop mid-spring.

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"Breakfast at the Blue Shutters was exceptionally tasty. Djata is the best host I have ever met." - Patricia, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"Location was perfect. Right near the Marginal Way and walkable to everything. Breakfast was wonderful and the happy hour with guests was especially nice." - Carol, United States · Couple · 10/10

"The staff is wonderful and the owners go out of their way to make you feel special. It is so warm and welcoming." - Pam, United States · Couple · 10/10

"The breakfasts were outstanding. I will be talking about breakfast at The Trellis House for a long time." - Katrina, United States · Family · 10/10

"The location was perfectly situated and we were able to comfortably walk to Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, and the beach. The breakfast was absolutely delicious." - William, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Staying at the Trellis House is more like an event than a night's stay. Thoughtful reception, great linen, and breakfast was lovely." - Iris, United States · Group · 10/10

Most critiques are minor. A handful of guests noted that some rooms - particularly the Arbor and Trellis rooms - feel compact around the bed, and a few flagged thin pillows as needing replacement (the property is aware). One early riser wished breakfast coffee started at 6 AM rather than 7:15 AM, though nearby cafes open earlier. One guest mentioned humidity and mustiness during particularly wet summer weather, which is an environmental challenge in older beachfront homes but manageable with A/C. A microwave in rooms would help guests reheat food, though the concierge can accommodate requests. These are honest trade-offs rather than serious failings.

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The Trellis House sits at the exact center of Ogunquit's best walkable attractions, making a car optional for most of your stay.

• Marginal Way Walk - 2-minute walk. Maine's most scenic coastal footpath, extending 1.5 miles along rocky ledges with ocean views and access points to small beaches.
• Ogunquit Beach - 7-minute walk. The town's main public beach, wide and family-friendly, with lifeguards and a central bathhouse.
• Perkins Cove - 0.7 miles (5 minutes by car, 10–15 minutes on foot). Artist colony and working fishing harbor with galleries, shops, lobster shacks, and one of Maine's most photographed footbridges.
• Downtown Ogunquit - 10-minute walk. Galleries, gift shops, restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, and the Ogunquit Playhouse, a respected summer theater.
• Ogunquit Museum of American Art - 1.1 miles. Museum with 19th- and 20th-century American art and sculpture gardens overlooking the ocean.
• Mount Agamenticus - Less than 0.6 miles by car. Hilltop park with hiking trails, scenic views, and a fire tower.
• Little Beach - 7-minute walk. Smaller, quieter beach near the property; good for sunrise or a less crowded alternative.
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire - 19 miles (30 minutes by car). Historic seaport with fine dining, brick breweries, bookstores, and waterfront walks.

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Is breakfast included in the room rate? Yes. Breakfast is served daily at the adjacent Blue Shutters Inn and is included. It's gourmet-level (eggs, smoked salmon, pastries, fruit) and worth waking up for. Happy hour with wine and snacks is also included.

Is The Trellis House on the water? Yes. It's beachfront with direct beach access via a sun terrace and garden. Marginal Way is a 2-minute walk, and you can access Ogunquit Beach in 7 minutes on foot.

Is there parking? Yes. Free on-site private parking is available. Parking is close to your room and is convenient for retrieving luggage or supplies, though you likely won't need a car during your stay.

Are pets allowed? The property has a dog, Bentley, who is part of the guest experience. Inquire directly about bringing your own pet.

Is there WiFi? Yes. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, including in rooms.

Can the property accommodate dietary restrictions? Yes. Breakfast and happy hour offerings can accommodate special diets with advance notice. The staff is proactive about asking and solving for allergies and preferences.

How far is it to Portsmouth Airport? Portsmouth International Airport is 19 miles away, approximately a 30-minute drive.

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