Back in 2010, I photographed a wedding at the Whitehall while it was under different ownership, so when we were invited up to Camden for a special summer dinner at Pig + Poet, Whitehall’s fantastic on-site restaurant, I was particularly excited to see the changes that had taken place during the renovation that was completed under the Lark Hotels brand in 2015. Since the overall layout of the property didn’t change too much, the inn still offered the same feeling of a quintessential Maine summer retreat, but with a charmingly modern sensibility.

Camden is known by many as the town “where the mountains meet the sea,” and designer Rachel Reider took that into consideration when selecting the textiles, woods, and metals that make up the design of the hotel’s beautifully decorated common areas and 36 guest rooms. Bright, bold patterns are accented by natural fiber rugs and custom copper lights. Two of my favorite design elements are the ocean-inspired Angela Adams runners and the rotating collection of artwork on display from Art Collector Maine. I particularly enjoyed the Jean Jack paintings that were on display in Pig + Poet during our stay.

Whitehall is located just a half mile from the center of downtown Camden and a mile in the opposite direction from the beautiful Camden Hills State Park, there are plenty adventures to be had within a short distance, but given the shady porch with classic rocking chairs, the large yard and patio with lawn games and outdoor fireplaces, and the ability to order a cocktail or tasty bite to eat at a moment’s notice, there are also plenty of reasons to just kick back and relax without ever leaving the property.

Photos by Meredith Perdue for Map & Menu.