Like its name suggests, this romantic inn offers couples a seaside getaway where fun comes in forms ranging from fine dining to kayaking. This year-around resort is operated by Jim and Sally Littlefield. We recently spoke with Sally about the romantic aspects of the Oakland House Seaside Resort.

Describe your most romantic room.

Our "most romantic room" and "most romantic cottage" are the ones that are most frequently selected by honeymooners themselves. Predominately chosen: Room #6 in Shore Oaks Seaside Inn has softly muted lichen walls with solid white fluffy linens and comforter. The antique double bed and matching dresser, vanity, and wicker chairs are also white.

There is a fireplace, private bath and a view over Eggemoggin Reach from four big double hung windows. The soft airy curtains filter the sunshine or float gently in the breezes that blow in over the bay. There is a full private bath appointed with white period tile and porcelain fixtures, and antique cabinets and accessories. This is a simple retreat, not frilly...casually elegant. Shore Oaks Seaside Inn is right on the water, a completely restored Arts and Crafts styled cottage built in 1907. It has a living room, library, dining room, large wrap-around porch, and gazebo that sits right over the ocean. The view is of Pumpkin Island Lighthouse and the setting sun...as spectacular a view as any.

Lone Pine Cottage was the innkeeper's honeymoon cottage too! It is open year-round. A romantic woodsy log cabin with knotty pine paneling interior, real wood-burning fireplace, modern eat-in kitchen, two bedrooms (one with queen-sized bed, the other with twin beds), full bath and small office. It features a weird collection of old toasters and funky irons that have really been used at this resort during its 113 year existence. Antique furnishings, fluffy comforters, a large collection of books and board games. This is set on 50 private acres and looks out over Eggemoggin Reach, Little Deer Isle, Pumpkin Island lighthouse, and the distant Camden Hills. Sunsets are magnificent from this "high on the hill" location.

Pretend you are a couple visiting your property for the first time. What would you plan for your special weekend?

NOTHING SPECIAL...This is a place to relax, explore, and just let it happen.

What are some of the most unique aspects of your property?

It's been operated continuously by the same family for 113 years on property that was granted to the same family's ancestors by King George of England back in 1765. We have 50+ private acres, a 10 bedroom seaside inn, 15 cottages, and a full-service dinning room (seasonal). There are sandy lake and ocean beaches, great local boating and kayaking, dock, moorings, and on-premises hiking trails.

What's a typical breakfast at your B&B?

We serve five-course dinners too! They can be considered the highlight of any day. A sample daily menu can be found at www.oaklandhouse.com/menu.html

What the best time of year to visit your property?

In the spring everything is fresh, emerging from a winter's sleep. The rates are generally lower then. However, the summer months are very romantic. The weather is warm and all kinds of beach and water activities are possible either at the lake or on the ocean. The breezes are kind as they blow in from the ocean, the gardens are full of flowers, and the evenings cool. Sounds of splashing seals and loons break the stillness of the night air. The fall is my favorite time of year because the air clears of the summer haze (humidity in the ocean air), the colors brighten, and the advancing evenings are cool. Then, it is even cozier to sit in front of a fire and converse with a special friend or friends...or, read a book alone. The fall is a time to dream. The winter is a time to reflect and go inward. A warm cottage beckons you home from an adventure in the brisk outdoors.

Are there any local festivals or special events of special interest to romantic travelers?

The summer months feature many local concerts which take place in formal settings or even in the streets of little local towns. This is a place where the best place to find out what's going on is at the post office or at the sit-up counter at the country store. The entire Blue Hill Peninsula is heavily inhabited by craftsmen and women who sell their art at local galleries and pottery studios. The locals are laid back and casual so it's easy to get laid back and casual too.

Do you host weddings at your property? If so, can you describe a unique or special ceremony that has taken place? Can you tell us more about your wedding package?

We host many weddings. They take on many different forms, each reflecting the personality of the couple being married. We have small weddings of as few as 10 people on the Gazebo at Shore Oaks Seaside Inn or weddings as large as 150 where the entire weekend is planned. Such events may include tennis or golf at local facilities, schooner rides, kayaking, beach picnics, and formal dinners with appetizers and full bar services. We coordinate the services of local Justices of the Peace and ministers too and make sure all the proper documents are signed at the town office. We have arranged wedding ceremonies that were performed on a nearby island or on a lobster boat. For the most part we host large weddings in either spring or fall as that is when we are able to reserve a large block of rooms for guests and provide the full attention and service a large wedding requires. We arrange for tents, bands, dance floors, full bar service, lobster picnics and barbecues on the beach too. Each wedding is a custom event, each special. Our chef and dining room manager work closely with each couple to design a custom menu and event.

Do you have a romance or honeymoon package?

Our web site has quite a bit of information. Check the page:
oaklandhouse.com/whatsnew.html for wedding and honeymoon
information.

Photo courtesy Oakland House

For More Information:

• http://oaklandhouse.com