Higgins Beach has long been a local favorite for many Portland-area sunbathers and surfers, but we seem to always get sidetracked by some of the pockets of the coast in nearby Cape Elizabeth and hadn’t actually ventured out to this lovely stretch of sandy beach in Scarborough in quite some time. This will most definitely change now that the recently renovated Higgins Beach Inn is open, where locals like ourselves can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a pre-sunset cocktail on the porch at the aptly-named onsite restaurant, Shade.

I was particularly excited to take a recent tour of the inn, newly acquired by the Migis Hotel Group, after reading about the involvement of one of our favorite Maine architecture firms, Caleb Johnson Architects + Builders. The team made quick work of the extensive renovation. Beginning this past January, they powered straight through the winter so that by Memorial Day, the inn could welcome guests to its 23 newly refurbished rooms. While plenty of modern conveniences, like air conditioning, have been added to each room, the three-story colonial revival building still retains several of the historic elements that give the inn its rustic, coastal Maine charm. Brightly colored accents, new bathroom tile, and modern brass bedside lamps seamlessly blend with traditional features like the inn’s old, storied wooden floors and banisters. This respect for existing detail and talent for modern design has always been a quality we’ve admired in the architect’s portfolio, and we’re delighted to see it executed so flawlessly in the property.

If you’re looking for a stylish place to stay on one of Maine’s few sandy stretches, or like us, just welcome the addition of a place to eat and grab some shade while visiting a Portland-area beach, the Higgins Beach Inn might just be the perfect place for you.

Photos by Meredith Perdue for Map & Menu.