Very few hotels capture the spirit, charm, history and romance of New England quite like The Lucerne Inn, located roughly halfway in between Bangor and Ellsworth, Maine.

The Lucerne Inn is a quaint, 200-year-old inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982. The Lucerne Inn is tucked beautifully into the scenic hills near the Maine coast, which boasts views of Phillips Lake and spectacular natural scenery all year round. Though, from our personal experience, fall weddings at Lucerne Inn are next level stunning, as the woodlands surrounding the Inn change to a vibrant mix of deep yellow, orange and crimson. 

The History of The Lucerne Inn

The Inn’s story begins when one of Dedham’s early settlers, Nathan Phillips, established a traveler’s lodging house near this site in 1810. Then under the auspices of his son the property grew to assume its present dimensions, and was known, at the time, as the “Lake House.”

Continuing from there, the Inn’s Main House was built in 1818, but has changed with the march of time and progress. To that end, the Main House has been repeatedly enlarged and renovated, to serve travelers and guests needs. 

Then, in the 1920’s The Inn was the centerpiece of an effort to develop a resort on nearby Phillips Lake that intended to cater to the nation’s wealthy. So, in 1925 this property, as well as all of the land surrounding Phillips Lake, was sold to New York investor Harold Saddlemire, to build a resort called “Lucerne-in-Maine”. 

To facilitate the construction of the proposed resort, The Lake House was moved a short way to its present location and given a Colonial Revival restyling, with the intent that it would serve as a clubhouse for the resort facilities. A series of roads and house lots were laid out, a golf club was established, and a log lodge was built for the exclusive use of resort members. 

But, even though the resort had the support of a large portion of the state’s political and business elite, the venture was largely unsuccessful, due to the mismanagement of the resort’s funds, combined with the disastrous economic effects of the Great Depression.

The Lodge Today

Arriving at the Inn today, you are greeted by a palpable sense of timelessness along with tranquil seclusion and peace. And, the current owners and innkeepers David and Jayne Silverman are adept at perfectly balancing warm hospitality with an easygoing style that allows you to relax and enjoy a little peace and quiet.

The 18th century ambiance is genuine and unmistakable, complete with unique period furniture and artwork throughout. Yet as you and your guests will soon find out, the amenities have been upgraded to account for the sensibilities of today!

Lucerne Inn Weddings

Though the venue is historic, Lucerne Inn wedding celebrations receive unparalleled personalized attention from their in-house Event Coordinators, event staff and catering team. ​Offering privacy and exclusivity, one of the Inn’s event spaces is located in a separate building, across from the Main Inn, and boasts four beautiful recessed chandeliers, a decorative fireplace, an area for a dance floor, and a quaint viewing alcove facing Bald Mountain and Phillips Lake. This event space can hold up to 120 guests, for a sitdown dinner and dancing. 

Also available is the gorgeous pre-lit patio/tent event space, attached to the Main Inn. The patio/tent space offers a lovely brick patio that boasts a beautiful view of Phillips Lake and Bald Mountain. The patio/tent offers plenty of room for dancing the night away, and can hold up to 180 guests for a sit down dinner and dancing.