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Part of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux group, the White Barn Inn pampers its guests like no other in Maine. Upon checking in, guests are shown to one of the parlors and offered port or brandy while valets gather luggage and park cars. The atmosphere is distinctly European, with an emphasis on service. The rooms are individually decorated in an upscale country style. I know of no other inn of this size that offers as many unexpected niceties, such as robes, fresh flowers in the rooms, and turndown service at night. Nearly half the rooms have wood-burning fireplaces, while the suites (in a separate facility across from the main inn) are truly spectacular; each is themed with a separate color, and most have LCD televisions, whirlpools, or similar perks. Guests can avail themselves of the inn's free bikes (including a small fleet of tandems) to head to the beach, take a cruise on its Hinckley charter yacht, or stroll across the street to explore the grounds of St. Anthony's Franciscan Monastery. You might also lounge around the beautiful outdoor pool. In 2003, the inn acquired a handful of cottages on the tidal Kennebunk River, a bit down the road from the main inn, and will develop a wharf on that site to encourage boating interests. The cottages are cozy, nicely equipped with modern kitchens and bathrooms, and will continue to see future upgrades; an adjacent "friendship cottage" is stocked at all times with snacks, wine, and the like. They are a wonderful addition to a property that previously lacked nothing except water views.

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