One of the things I love most about Lexington Elms is that it is truly a family effort. While I may be the innkeeper, there are quite a few people, and pets, helping care for this old house, tend the gardens, welcome guests, and keep life interesting around here.

Since many guests end up meeting at least a few of us during their stay, I thought I’d introduce you to the family behind Lexington Elms.

Andy is my husband and my partner in all of this, including the deeply humbling project of caring for a house that has been standing since 1799. By day, he is a Software Engineer for Ford, and on evenings and weekends you might find him tinkering away in the garage on a woodworking project or heroically tackling the latest chapter of what we lovingly call the “old house woes.”

Andy and I share a deep love of wildflowers and nature. You might catch the two of us standing in the yard with our phones in the air, bird app open, trying to identify whatever is singing in the hemlock trees. Andy has a particular gift for collecting wildflower seeds each season and reseeding them the following year, which means our yard is always full of blooms and buzzing with happy bees. We often joke that we treat them like houseguests themselves: “Need anything? Cup of tea? Beach pass? Turn-down service?”

Our two kids keep life wonderfully full and wonderfully unpredictable. You might spot them in the yard playing or catch us coming and going from what feels like a never-ending rotation of activities. They are the heartbeat of this household, and we would not have it any other way.

Pam and Dave, my mom and dad, and the other two people this guest house would not exist without, are as much a part of Lexington Elms as the house itself. They are also lifelong Maine lovers, just like me. You might find my mom and me side by side in the garden, talking and pulling weeds in equal measure. And if you happen to hear the warm sound of a trumpet drifting across the property around 4 p.m. most days, that is my dad, a man who plays with both skill and enthusiasm.

If you play piano, we would love to hear a tune or two in the parlor. Don’t be shy, the piano awaits! Music is a love shared by every resident of this house. If you would prefer not to have trumpet practice as your afternoon soundtrack, just let us know when booking and we will happily accommodate you. But we think it adds to the charm.

Please say hello to Pam and Dave if you see them. They are warm, friendly, and always ready with a recommendation for where to go, what to do, or what to eat.

And then there are the furry family members. Sneakers is our beloved black, and now just a little gray, Aussie mix, a distinguished lady of advancing years who takes her courtyard duties very seriously. Thelma is a sweet little white-and-auburn King Charles/Pekingese mix who is now mostly blind. She keeps company with Pam and Dave and may make the occasional courtyard appearance.

You might spot one or both of them from time to time, tails wagging and perfectly happy to accept a kind word. Please note that all common guest house areas are completely pet-free. Our furry family stays with us in our private areas of the home, so your space is always clean, tidy, and entirely yours.

Inside our private quarters live our two cats: Eleanor, our grande dame calico who has seen it all and remains unimpressed, and Winston, our newest family member and very enthusiastic Maine Coon kitten who is, fittingly, a native son of the great state of Maine. We feel strongly that every historic home in Maine needs a Maine Coon kitten named Winston, and we are very glad this one has him.

We cannot wait to welcome you to Lexington Elms. This old house has a lot of love to give, and so do we.