Cleftstone Manor

You are invited to stay with us at Cleftstone Manor on your next stay in Bar Harbor, Maine. Where better to experience the splendor of Eden than a stay at a mansion built in 1881. Cleftstone is the only mansion on the west side of Eden Street to survive the devastating fire of 1947.

You will sit down each morning to a full, gourmet breakfast. Experience the elegance of the gilded age while enjoying the parlor with fireplace or the original dining room with the 12 foot tiger oak table once owned by Joseph Pulitzer. The library is equipped with high speed internet access, computer, books and games. At the end of an active day gather with the other guests in Abby's Retreat, a wicker-attired sun-porch, to enjoy light appetizers and socialize before dinner.

You can realize all the splendor of the gilded age, without sacrificing modern amenities. The décor is a tasteful mix of magnificent antiques and elegant reproductions. All rooms have private baths, air conditioning and television. Many have telephone, DVD players. Other amenities may include king sized beds, fireplaces, balconies and whirlpool baths. Cleftstone is eight blocks from the downtown area and only a few minutes from Acadia National Park.

When you join us, you will experience a slower, more elegant time as you recapture the spirit of Bar Harbor at the turn of the century.

Wake up to the aroma of a freshly made breakfast. Daily fare includes fresh baked goods, fruit, coffee, tea, juice, cereals and the choice of several hot entrees such as Maine wild blueberry pancakes, quiche, eggs benedict or cinnamon raisin French toast. After your busy day, join us for afternoon and evening refreshments in the sitting room, where a cozy fire is burning on cool nights. Sit back and restore yourself.

Cleftstone Manor is known for the wealth of information about the area. Available to all guests is a selection of activity information, menus, books, trail maps and self-guided audio tours. All this and the personal service of our experienced staff.

Nearby:

Acadia National Park - One mile drive or bike
150 miles of hiking trails
56 mile of Carriage Paths for walking or biking
Salt and Fresh water beaches
Carriage Rides

Cultural Activities:

Acadia Repetory Theatre
Arcady Music Festival
Bar Harbor Music Festival
Grand Auditorium - Ellsworth
Garlic Festival - Southwest Harbor
Oktoberfest - Southwest Harbor

Museums:

Natural History
Historical Society
Oceanariums
Art Galleries
Native American Museum

Bar Harbor Business District:

Waterfront-sailing, sightseeing boats, whale watching
Bike and canoe rentals
Kayak tours
Bus and trolley tours
Restaurants and shopping
Golf - one mile away - the world famous Kebo Valley Golf Course
Micro-brewery tours - The Atlantic Brewing Co. & Bar Harbor Brewing Co.

For Additional Guest Accommodations, Please Visit Our Sister Inn ~ Anne's White Columns Inn

The Cleftstone Manor, originally a summer cottage, was built by the How family of Boston in 1880. Charles T. How was an attorney and became the first real estate developer of Bar Harbor. Cleftstone Manor and Cleftstone Road were both named after the large stone with a cleft that sits on the Manor's grounds adjacent to Eden Street about fifty feet south of our entrance. In the late 1800's Cleftstone was referred to regularly as Cleftstone Cottage. The original cottage was actually two structures. There was a main house with six bedrooms and one bath, and a smaller building for the staff, which included a laundry room and bedroom. The architect who designed the home was Bruce Price. Price also designed the Turrets across the street and the well-known Chateau Frontenac hotel in Quebec. For much of the time that the How's owned Cleftstone it was actually used as a seasonal rental home. Prominent renters included Emmons Blaine, son of Secretary of State James G. Blaine, as well as Nathan Matthews of Boston. Joseph Pulitzer, the New York publisher and originator of the Pulitzer Prize, spent several summers at Cleftstone before purchasing his own cottage, Chatwold. He brought his own dining table and because of the unusual size chose to leave it here rather than move it.

In 1893, Frank Ellis, a lawyer from Cincinnati who spent considerable time in Washington as well, purchased Cleftstone. He and his wife Laura had summered in Bar Harbor at various rental properties for several years before purchasing Cleftstone. In 1894, Ellis undertook the first addition to the home, when we believe they added what we now think of as the servant's wing. This was not enough space however as they added on again in 1903, this time adding the ballroom and master bedroom above. The Ellises were supporters of President Taft and they hosted a reception for him when Taft visited Bar Harbor in 1911. The Ellises divorced in 1912 and Laura married Gist Blair of Washington in 1913. Blair was the son of Montgomery Blair, a member of President Lincoln's cabinet. According to the Bar Harbor Record, Gist was considered to be the most eligible bachelor in Washington. The Blair's primary residence was Blair House in Washington, located across the street from the White House. And of course they summered at Cleftstone. This continued through the early 1940's until Gist and Laura passed away. Blair House was sold to the government and it is used today as the official guesthouse of the White House. Cleftstone was left to the Blair's adopted daughter Laura Lawson Blair, and then transferred to Montgomery Blair, Jr. The Blair's did not use Cleftstone after 1942 and Monty Blair sold it to Josephine McCaffrey in 1947, just three days before the devastating fire of 1947.

McCaffery, from Boston, converted Cleftstone into a lodging establishment in 1948, and it has been an inn ever since. In the early years as an inn it was known as The Cleftstone Motor Inn. Since the 1980's it has been restored and refurnished in antiques and period pieces and has been known as Cleftstone Manor.

Driving to Bar Harbor:
Bar Harbor is easily accessible by car. From Boston (268 miles) - follow Interstate 95 through to Bangor (exit 45-A - 395), then pick-up on Rt.1A to Ellsworth, and follow Rt.3 to Bar Harbor. Another route would be to take I-95 to Augusta, take Route 3 to Belfast over to Route 1 to Ellsworth, then back to Route 3 into Bar Harbor. There is also the coastal route #1. It meanders thought the picturesque villages and takes quite a bit longer to reach Bar Harbor.

By Air:
Bar Harbor is serviced by a local airport, the Hancock County Airport, located just 12 miles from the village, and by Bangor International Airport only 50 miles away.

Bus Service:
During the summer months, Bar Harbor is serviced by Greyhound/Vermont Transit from Boston. Since schedules vary, it is best to check with the bus line.

Finding the Cleftstone Manor
Coming from Ellsworth on Route 3, you will cross a bridge at the head of the island. From here you are about 15 min. away. Take the left fork, and follow Route 3 until you pass the ferry terminal to Canada on the left and the Days Inn on the right. 1/4 mile further you will see a road on your right and the large, brown Cleftstone Manor directly ahead.