Elmere House Bed & Breakfast

A working fireplace, a king bed with a spa tub, fresh pastries that arrive at your table still warm - these are the details that separate a place to sleep from a place you actually want to stay. Elmere House Bed & Breakfast, tucked just off Post Road in Wells, delivers all three, along with something harder to quantify: the sense that the owners genuinely want you there.

Michael and Bill have been running this property for two decades. It shows not in grandeur but in attentiveness - the kind that notices you're celebrating an anniversary and arranges prosecco in your room without being asked. The inn sits on the edge of the Ogunquit-Kennebunkport corridor, close enough to beaches and galleries and restaurants to be useful, far enough back to feel like a retreat.

The breakfast alone - eggs Benedict with English muffins toasted to architectural precision, blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup, cinnamon coffee cake still warm from the oven - justifies a night's stay. Guests consistently describe it as the standout feature, not as an add-on but as the reason they're returning.

The breakfast is prepared fresh each morning by Bill, the co-owner and chef. This isn't a continental setup with pastries from a bakery. Bill makes cinnamon bread, blueberry cake, and eggs Benedict to order. Pastries come first, then fresh fruit bowls, then your cooked choice. Guests who've stayed at dozens of inns consistently cite it as the best breakfast they've had.

Michael and Bill treat guests like old friends, not room numbers. Multiple reviewers noted they felt like family from arrival. The owners know the area intimately - restaurants, lighthouses, hiking trails, antique shops - and offer genuine suggestions. They also remember details: if you mention a birthday or anniversary during check-in, it becomes their mission to make the day special.

The rooms are individually appointed and genuinely comfortable. Each is named and decorated with a distinct personality. The Deluxe Queen rooms feature garden views and parquet floors. The King rooms with spa baths draw reviewers back year after year. Linens are top-notch, beds are firm and spacious, and televisions are flat-screen - practical touches that matter after a day of exploring.

The grounds are manicured and peaceful. The mature gardens attract hummingbirds and finches. There's a sitting area among the flowers, and the inner courtyard provides a sheltered retreat from the main road. Several reviewers specifically mentioned watching wildlife from the dining room while eating breakfast.

It's positioned perfectly for the Ogunquit-Kennebunkport corridor without being in the thick of tourist traffic. Ten minutes to Ogunquit's Dock Square, fifteen to Kennebunkport's galleries and restaurants, but set back enough that the pace feels deliberate rather than rushed.

The inn occupies a historic building with rooms on multiple levels. Some are reached by stairs - a trade-off for the character and charm that comes with age. Rooms vary in size; a few guests noted that some Deluxe Queens are cozier than expected, though all are appointed with care.

• Deluxe Queen Room - Garden or courtyard views, parquet floors, private bath with shower. The most common choice for couples.
• King Room - Spacious, often with courtyard access. The baseline for guests seeking more space.
• King Room with Spa Bath - Includes a jet tub, upgraded finishes, and the most premium feel. Several reviewers called this their favorite accommodation ever.

One honest note: the house is on Post Road, and weekend traffic can be audible from the front-facing rooms. Back-facing rooms and those with windows away from the street are significantly quieter. If road noise concerns you, request a room at the rear or ask about the quietest available option when booking.

Grounds & Relaxation · Mature gardens with hummingbird feeders · Sitting areas among flowers and landscaping · Inner courtyard with seating · Free parking

Room Comfort · Air conditioning · Flat-screen televisions · Private bathrooms with toiletries provided · Fireplaces (select rooms) · Spa baths with jets (premium rooms) · Work desks · Extra-long beds available

Practical · Free WiFi throughout · Daily housekeeping · Shared lounge with TV · Wake-up service · Facilities for guests with mobility considerations · Accessible parking · Ironing facilities

Activities & Local Knowledge · Cycling routes nearby · Golf course within 2 miles · Extensive local recommendations from owners

Summer (June–August) - Peak season. Beaches are warm enough to swim. Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are busy with tourists. Breakfast on the patio overlooking gardens is ideal. Book well ahead; many guests extend stays if rooms open up.

Fall (September–October) - Leaf-peeping season brings visitors seeking foliage. The weather is cool and clear. Breakfasts feel more substantial. This is when many repeat guests return. The pool (if the property has one) closes by early September, but outdoor sitting areas remain open.

Winter (November–February) - Quieter season. Holiday bookings spike around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The B&B operates year-round. Traffic on Post Road decreases noticeably. Fewer nearby attractions are open with full hours, but the inn provides excellent restaurant recommendations.

Spring (March–May) - Shoulder season with mild weather and fewer crowds. Gardens begin to bloom. This is an underrated time to visit if you prefer a slower pace and don't mind occasional rain.

"The breakfasts were scrumptious! Bill is an excellent cook, and Michael went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. Overall, it was a wonderful visit; we didn't want to leave!"

• Georgia, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Staying with Bill & Mike felt like we're staying with old friends. They were both so wonderful and helped us familiarize with the surrounding area. The place is approximately about 10 mins to the center of Ogunquit with plenty of restaurants and shopping."

• Anita, United States · Couple · 10/10

"The room, location and the breakfast were great! The standout and the best were the hosts Bill and Mike. Not only did they make you feel welcome and at home but truly made it more than just a normal stay."

• Stephen, United States · Couple · 10/10

"This is what a bed and breakfast is supposed to be. Bill and Mike are good people. The room was comfortable and the morning breakfast fueled the rest of the day."

• James, United States · Couple · 10/10

"We loved everything about this property. The inn was spotless and gorgeous. The innkeepers were the best and their little dachshund, Bentley was the icing on the cake. Breakfasts prepared by Bill were incredible."

• Rebecca, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Our hosts Bill and Mike were both welcoming and friendly - which in turn created a relaxed atmosphere. It was evident that a great deal of thought and attention to detail had gone into making both house and garden immaculate."

• Jacqueline, United Kingdom · Couple · 10/10

The property draws almost exclusively five-star reviews. Minor criticisms - a request for more bathroom shelf space, sensitivity to scented candles, creaky floorboards in a historic building - are so sparse they barely register as complaints. Several guests mentioned wishing they could have stayed longer, which tells you something about the experience.

• Ogunquit Dock Square (10 min) - Galleries, restaurants, and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art anchor this walkable village center. More galleries line the streets.
• Moody Beach (1.2 miles) - Sandy, family-friendly beach with walking paths and beach plums in season.
• Cape Porpoise Harbor (12 min) - Quiet fishing village with lobster shacks, fishing boats, and working waterfronts. Less crowded than Ogunquit.
• Kennebunkport (15 min) - The larger and more upscale of the two nearby towns. Dock Square here hosts fine dining, boutiques, and coastal walks.
• Mount Agamenticus (12 min) - Hiking trails with 360-degree views and access to Greater Ogunquit networks. Good for a morning walk.
• Perkins Cove (8 min, Ogunquit) - Painted shacks and footbridges over working coves. Ideal for photos and sunset watching.
• Cliff House Resort trail access (15 min) - Coastal walking paths with dramatic rock formations if you want a longer coastal ramble.

Is breakfast included in the room rate? Yes. A full, cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily. Bill prepares it fresh each morning. Dietary restrictions and preferences are accommodated with advance notice.

Is the property on the water? No, it's set back on Post Road in Wells, about 1.2 miles from Moody Beach. The trade-off is quieter surroundings and free parking; the beach is a short drive away.

Is there noise from the road? Post Road carries weekend traffic, particularly Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Rooms facing the back of the house and away from the street are notably quieter. This is worth flagging if you're a light sleeper.

How far is it to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport? About 10 minutes to Ogunquit's Dock Square and galleries, 15 minutes to Kennebunkport. Both towns have excellent restaurants, shops, and coastal walks within a short drive.

Can guests with mobility limitations stay here? Yes. The property has wheelchair-accessible facilities, raised toilets, and grab rails. However, some rooms are on upper floors accessed by stairs. Mention accessibility needs when booking.

Are there restaurants within walking distance? Not directly adjacent - the B&B is on a road designed for car traffic. However, a short drive takes you to Ogunquit's and Kennebunkport's restaurant scenes. Michael and Bill provide detailed recommendations based on your preferences.

Is there a pet policy? The B&B has a resident dachshund named Bentley who appears in many guest reviews. Inquire about whether outside pets are allowed when booking.