Norumbega

If you are looking for something special to savor during your Maine vacation, a stay at Norumbega in Camden will provide you with a memorable experience. This is a bona fide mansion, built in the 1880’s by Joseph Stearns, a native Mainer who was the inventor of duplex telegraphy (which he sold to Western Union for a tidy sum!). Stearns adored Camden and once he decided to build Norumbega, toured Europe to study castles and perfect his design. If you’ve ever been through Camden, you will doubtless recall the building, a stunning landmark in one of the prettiest coastal villages anywhere.

There are twelve different rooms available, most with European names and each chock full of period decorations. I reserved the penthouse (which spans the entire third floor) as a Christmas present for my wife years ago and it was terrific. I say that because there is a certain Victorian air hovering over Camden, and staying at Norumbega makes it palpable. Since times have changed and we have to have modern conveniences, there are a lot of high-tech appliances embedded which can make the feeling a bit clunky, although we certainly appreciated the deluxe hot tub in the penthouse!

The grounds of Norumbega are also delightful and it sits just back from the ocean. We enjoyed phenomenal views from our penthouse porch! The service was polite and polished, if a bit staid – but all part of that Victorian charm. Norumbega can add a nice touch of old world charm to your visit and best of all, affords a great reference point. Everyone I’ve ever met who has passed through Camden recalls the ‘castle’, and they will want to hear all about Norumbega once you’ve informed them that you had the pleasure of staying there.

As you probably know, I have few pre-TB pictures, so I borrowed a few from their web site to offer a taste.