Set on three acres, one-half mile north of Camden on Route 1, this is not the Maine estate of a former Panamanian dictator but rather Camden's most elegant B&B.
Taking its name from the 17th-century designation for New England, Norumbega is a fieldstone castle built in 1886 by the inventor of Western Union's original telegraph equipment. Actual water views may be better at Sunrise Point, but there are plenty of satisfying vistas here.
A porch highlighted by leaded glass leads to the parlor entrance with its inlaid oak floors. A fireplace trimmed in tile accents the dining room where breakfast is served. The sunroom has glass-topped, wrought-iron tables and an antique, copper espresso machine.
Large period parlors beckon with nooks, and opening onto the hillside from the lower level is a more masculine room with exposed brick and fine carpeting. A TV is on the lower level as well.
Cookies and drinks are set out in the afternoon, and the kitchen is always open for snacking. An honor bar is also on hand. In fair weather, a full breakfast is served on a deck overlooking the harbor.
Meeting capacity is 30 in the richly paneled boardroom where murder-mystery packages are plentiful and popular in this atmospheric setting. Parking is free. Pets are not allowed.
Guest rooms have warm color schemes, phones and modern baths, and five also have fireplaces and water views. Half come with TVs, and one has a whirlpool tub.
Located in the turret, Sandringham is cozy with rich emerald walls, a king four-poster bed, fireplace, and a clawfoot tub in the bath. The bi-level Library Suite is green and yellow with a comfortable sofa in the sitting room, a king-sized bed, elegant fireplace and a gallery of books on the upper level.
The least expensive Fountainbleu Room provides pleasant mint and white decor and distant water vistas. Smoking is no longer allowed within the inn. A 10% service charge is added to the cost of all rooms.
Fans of old-fashioned inns with rich paneling and lots of patina will find this to be the best in the area, while those enamored with clean-line, contemporary style should head over to the Inn at Sunrise Point.
