Explore Our Kennebunk Guest House
Built in 1799, Lexington Elms offers guests the charm and craftsmanship of a historic New England home paired with the comforts of a modern stay. Under the care of innkeeper Meg Patch Howard, the house continues its long tradition of welcoming people through its doors. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment with a book, sharing conversation with friends, or simply taking in the beauty of the home, Lexington Elms invites you to slow down, explore, and make yourself at home. Curious about the house’s remarkable journey through the years? Explore our History page.
Hi, I’m Meg.
Innkeeper, art lover, history nerd, music appreciator, nature enthusiast, and firm believer that thoughtful hospitality can make people feel instantly at home.
If there is one thing that has been true across every chapter of my life, it is that people are my favorite part of everything. From studying art, art history, and photography, to working in the arts nonprofit world, teaching preschool, nannying, managing a bed and breakfast, and creating in various forms along the way, connecting with people has always been the common thread. Opening this guest house feels like all of those threads finally coming together in one place.
What excites me most about this work, and I mean genuinely, deeply excites me, is the people. Every guest who walks through our door brings their own story, their own reason for being here, and their own way of seeing the world. I cannot wait to meet you, hear what brought you to Kennebunk, and help point you toward the perfect meal, the best beach, or the quietest trail.
Making people feel comfortable, cared for, and genuinely at home in this beautiful old house is not just the job. It’s the whole point.
Tour Lexington Elms:
The Foyer & Staircase
The grand staircase is the heart of the house and its most iconic feature. Follow the rich wooden handrails upstairs to the large mural that adorns the staircase wall, inviting you into its peaceful natural scene.
At the top of the staircase, settle into one of the purple chairs with a book, a cup of coffee, or simply a quiet moment to enjoy the surroundings. Before heading upstairs, be sure to sign the guest book and leave your mark on the story of Lexington Elms.
Dining Room & Breakfast Bar
The Dining Room is designed for lingering. Start your morning with the complimentary breakfast bar, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, or gather around the beautiful mahogany table for conversation and games.
The light green walls and hand-stenciled trim reflect the character found throughout the house, while the welcoming atmosphere encourages guests to slow down and connect. Whether you’re sharing stories with fellow travelers or spending time with someone special, this is a room meant to be enjoyed. And don’t let the chandelier fool you, there’s no need to dress up.
A complimentary breakfast bar is included with every stay and is available each morning from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Fresh fruit, pastries, and a rotating selection of refrigerated offerings are thoughtfully prepared to accommodate a variety of dietary needs. If you have specific dietary requirements, please let us know when booking and we’ll do our best to make sure there’s something wonderful waiting for you each morning.
Coffee, tea, and water are available throughout your stay. Guests who prefer to explore the wonderful cafés and bakeries nearby are, of course, welcome to do so.
The Parlor and Library
These neighboring spaces invite you to slow down and stay awhile. In the Parlor, an upright piano waits for someone to play a tune, while a record player and collection of vintage records offer a soundtrack for a relaxing afternoon. Gather on the twin Chesterfields, plan your next Maine adventure, or leave us a note on the typewriter. Fun fact: the vintage wallpaper adorning the Parlor walls is the innkeeper’s favorite in the house.
Just beyond, the Library provides a cozy retreat for readers, history lovers, and anyone ready for an epic game of chess. Guests are welcome to browse or borrow any of the books during their stay. Grab a cup of tea, settle into the red leather chair, and lose yourself in American history in a house built just 23 years after the nation’s founding.
The Gardens and Grounds
The grounds at Lexington Elms reflect years of thoughtful care, with something blooming from spring through late summer. Depending on when you visit, you may find peonies, lilacs, and butterfly-filled summer gardens bringing color and life to the landscape.
Beyond the backyard, native prairie stretches behind the house, dotted with apple trees and alive with birds, butterflies, and seasonal wildflowers. Guests are welcome to stroll the paths, explore the gardens, or simply enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
For quieter moments, relax in a hammock, gather around the fire pit, or retreat to the courtyard tucked behind the wooden fence beyond the driveway. Filled with colorful perennials and sunny seating areas, it’s a peaceful place to unwind after a day exploring Maine. Returning from the beach? Feel free to rinse the sand from your feet before heading inside.
Our Family
Lexington Elms is truly a family effort. Alongside me are my husband Andy, our two children, my parents Pam and Dave, and a handful of much-loved four-legged family members who help make this old house feel like home. Together, we care for the property, tend the gardens, welcome guests, and do our best to preserve the warmth and character that make Lexington Elms special.
Want to learn more about the people (and pets) behind the guest house? We’d love to introduce you to the whole family.