Within walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor, but tucked away from the whirlwind of activity there, Cleftstone Manor offers a welcome retreat for visitors to Acadia National Park. Built as a private mansion in 1881, the heart of the Gilded Age, it is now a bed and breakfast with lofty ceilings, heavy timbers, deep windows, ornate moldings, and elegant period furnishings to match.
Step into the Cleftstone and step back to another era, but be assured of updated comforts. Bar Harbor's Gilded Age was a time of opulence, when affluent New Yorkers and Bostonians summered here to see, be seen, and play against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Desert Island. Now it's your turn. At Cleftstone Manor, we don't just re-live the Gilded Age, we embody its spirit.
Step into the Cleftstone and step back to another era, but be assured of updated comforts. Bar Harbor's Gilded Age was a time of opulence, when affluent New Yorkers and Bostonians summered here to see, be seen, and play against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Desert Island. Now it's your turn. At Cleftstone Manor, we don't just re-live the Gilded Age, we embody its spirit.
Services
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Bar Harbor's gilded age at Cleftsone Manor. Once a private residence, this mansion was built in 1881 and now offers luxurious accommodations for guests. Lofty ceilings, heavy timbers, deep windows and ornate moldings are the bones of this architectural gem. Serene colors and tasteful antique and reproduction furnishings provide a welcome retreat from the whirl of Bar Harbor activity.
Our seventeen guestrooms are as unique as their names. Opulent or intimate, they all have crisp linens, antique furnishings, private baths (two are detached), and are decorated with pleasing colors and fabrics. They also have their own stories to tell. There is the room where Joseph Pulitzer slept, and Mrs. Ellis's dressing room.
Join us to kick off the season. Two nights and one dinner, from $369. No need to wait any longer. This time of year in Bar Harbor is the most beautiful, with lovely warm days and cool evenings; the perfect temperature for all of those great hikes, bicycle trips, and water activities. 10% discount on any stay of three or more nights.
You cannot do it all, tempting though it may be. Mount Desert Island has so much to offer. Active lifestyle? Hike, climb, bike and kayak. Love to learn? There are guided walking tours, museums, oceanariums, and an array of top notch lecture series. Want to relax, and relax more? A leisurely carriage ride through the park, cocktails by the harbor, and a round of spa treatments might be just the ticket.
Coming from Ellsworth on Route 3, you will cross a bridge at the head of the island. From here you are about 15 minutes away. Take the left fork, and follow Route 3 until you pass the Days Inn on the right. Travel 1/4 mile farther you will see a road on your right and the large, brown Cleftstone Manor directly ahead.
Reviews (20)
Kait L.
Oct 17, 2021
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Went in the off-season (mid October). The inn is quaint and very old fashion but cozy. If you are leaving early in the morning they will pack you a to go breakfast (breakfast sandwich, fruit, and a baked good like banana bread). They have coffee and tea available at all hours, and cookies in the afternoon. Was fully booked yet surprisingly quiet. Great area and walking distance to shops and restaurants. Plenty of space at the inn to sit and do work, read a book or relax. Rooms are good sizes and have TVs (small). Really enjoyed our time there!
Zach Wenning
Sep 13, 2021
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Cleftstone Manor was the best place I've stayed at so far. Anne was highly accomodating, and the service was exceptional. The breakfast was amazing and there was always multiple options to choose from. The manor has a private parking lot so parking is never an issue. I highly recommend anybody give this place a try, especially those who are visiting Bar Harbor for the first time, as we were. Hope to be back in the future.
Ruth Wise
Jul 30, 2021
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The proprietor is delightful and helpful with tips and suggestions. The mansion itself is unbelievable. It's like stepping back in time except that you have running water and electricity. It remains true to the 1880's theme throughout. It is beautiful. We stayed in the Waldron Bates suite of rooms because in addition to the bed, there was a pullout sofa bed for my adult son. He said it was very comfortable. My bed was amazingly comfortable! It felt like an old spring bed. And the linens on both beds were so soft. The rooms were delightful. The air conditioning was terrific on hot days. There were
Apostolos Gerasoulis
Jul 22, 2021
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Louis Vanden Bush
Jul 14, 2021
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I couldn't make a reservation for the Elmhurst Inn for my dates in September so I used their system to add myself to their wait list. I then got an email saying that there would be availability but I would have to change rooms so call this number. I called the number and it took me to the Flintstones Manor and the lady told me there was no availability, then proceeded to explain that I could get a different room every night of my 5 night stay but despite the inconvenience it would be at the normal rate and that I would have to call the Elmhurst INN to do it. She also informed me that there is no
Krysta Frye
Jul 06, 2021
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Our stay at the Cleftstone Manor was absolutely fabulous. The owners Annie and her husband were incredibly accommodating, helpful, and kind. For example, I needed an electrical outlet with three prongs, and when I mentioned this to Annie, she immediately stopped what she was doing to grab me an adapter within 10 seconds. My mom is gluten Intolerant, and every morning they made her a delicious, gluten-free meal complete with all the fixings. These morning meals (Included with your stay) are no joke- professionally made and so delicious. Annie knows Acadia well, and when we mentioned to her our plans
Jennifer Ketter
Jun 21, 2021
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This was our second stay at Cleftsone and we loved it just as much as the first time we stayed. We chose a smaller room this time because we didn't feel like we needed as much space since we are gone for the entire day, just needed a nice place to sleep at night. The smaller room did not disappoint. Anne does an amazing job with this place, we felt very welcome all the time. Everything is clean and the breakfast is SO good. I love that we could walk to the riverfront from Cleftstone so that we didn't have to deal with parking down there- you can't beat the location. My only regret is that we should
Richard M.
May 30, 2021
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ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. This was my second trip to Bar Harbor / Acadia, first time staying at Cleftstone Manor for 5 nights. When I visit again, Cleftstone Manor will be at the top of my list for lodging. It was an incredible experience. Will do again, and do recommend. See details:
Hospitality: Anne and the team at Cleftstone do a great job! Anne makes you feel like you're home living in Bar Harbor for the duration of your stay. She has great stories to tell, so please take advantage of chatting during breakfast if not busy.
Food: Included in our stay was a BIG breakfast every single day.
Hospitality: Anne and the team at Cleftstone do a great job! Anne makes you feel like you're home living in Bar Harbor for the duration of your stay. She has great stories to tell, so please take advantage of chatting during breakfast if not busy.
Food: Included in our stay was a BIG breakfast every single day.
Kyle Levasseur
Aug 25, 2020
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My wife and I had never been to a bed and breakfast, but we knew we wanted to come to Ba haa bah and stay somewhere cozy. We found the Cleftstone Manor on air b'n'b. Booking was super easy with split payments and the listing was extremely clear as to what we should expect for covid restrictions. We checked in with Anne and received a tour of the house which felt very much like home away from home. Breakfast was always fresh with superb service and beautiful platings. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quiet, cozy, spot to explore MDI. Less than 5 minutes from Acadia or downtown bar
Nothing Much
Jul 09, 2020
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WOW! What a wonderful experience. This old "cottage" (I call it a mansion) was just exquisite. The lady at the front desk was very nice and the breakfasts were outstanding! The room we stated in was cozy and comfortable. The bathroom was modern and everything was in tip-top condition.
If you are wanting to be transported to a Victorian style situation then you should definitely check this out. Especially for the price. The shower was not claw-foot or anything, but it was still VERY nice glass enclosed shower. Perfect for sneaking a snap shot of your S.O..
Basically, you will feel elegant and
If you are wanting to be transported to a Victorian style situation then you should definitely check this out. Especially for the price. The shower was not claw-foot or anything, but it was still VERY nice glass enclosed shower. Perfect for sneaking a snap shot of your S.O..
Basically, you will feel elegant and
Casey S.
Sep 14, 2019
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Wonderful B&B. The owner and staff are just lovely people, the rooms are very nice, furnished in antiques, full hot breakfast and afternoon appetizers, coffee and cookies/cakes all day. They share the property with another more modern hotel and have pool privileges next door. Close enough to downtown to walk yet quiet and secluded. Very reasonably priced, especially for the area. Definitely recommend it.
Caryl F.
Sep 22, 2018
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The pictures and the descriptions are misleading. It is a lovely old place which needs a lot of attention. So many old homes have been updated and renovated into lovely inns and B&B's - this one, not so much. The beautiful front in the pictures is, in "real life," shabby with peeling paint. That was our first clue that this place would be less than as presented on the website. In our suite the wallpaper was peeling, the carpet was stained, the toilet seat did not sit properly, the electrical outlets were not stable, the mattress had seen better days and the bed linens should
Marie P.
Aug 24, 2018
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We had a lovely stay at the inn. The innkeepers were helpful and very friendly. The inn is large with ornate furniture and lots of history. The bed was very comfortable, the room was large with a private entrance to the outdoors which we enjoyed. The only downfall was the location of the room which was adjacent to the kitchen, it made for some early opening banging of pans and such. The food was good, not the best that we have had at other B & B's, nevertheless very plentiful. The coffee on the porch was a nice plus as well. Very lovely experience overall. The Blue Nose is within walking
Judy D.
Jan 16, 2018
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Katheryn K.
Sep 05, 2016
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Recently stayed at Celftstone and I could not have picked a better place for our first trip to Maine. Anne, the innkeeper, made sure we always had everything we needed and made breakfast for all of the guests each morning. We had options like caprese quiche, creme brûlée French toast and apple and oat waffles. The room was nice and the bed was huge and so comfy. We had turn down service each night and were left chocolates each night. The hotel had a great vibe and was exactly what we were looking for! I'm hoping we can make it back for another trip in the future.
Richard Y.
Sep 21, 2015
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Overall - an amazing experience of stay.
Ornate design: this used to be a big summer home for the rich and famous back in the 1900s. The antique furniture, unique statuettes and tasteful paintings create a gorgeous setting for visitors. The spacious common areas are sprinkled with super comfy chairs.
Personal service: Friendly and helpful inn keeper who also happens to be the owner. The rooms are named after key people in the inn's rich history.
I met an older couple on their fourth annual stay at this place. It's no wonder why this inn attracts repeat customers.
Ornate design: this used to be a big summer home for the rich and famous back in the 1900s. The antique furniture, unique statuettes and tasteful paintings create a gorgeous setting for visitors. The spacious common areas are sprinkled with super comfy chairs.
Personal service: Friendly and helpful inn keeper who also happens to be the owner. The rooms are named after key people in the inn's rich history.
I met an older couple on their fourth annual stay at this place. It's no wonder why this inn attracts repeat customers.
Lily T.
Jun 14, 2015
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This is a historic mansion that got converted to a bed and breakfast. Tons of old furniture and antiques in the house.
We arrived slightly late at around 8pm and only to find a note left for me in the front telling me their office was already closed, time of the breakfast for tomorrow, which rooms were mine and the keys. We could not find a single soul in this place at that time and with all the old antiques, furniture and very old portraits of people on the walls, we felt like we were in a horror movie with something creepy that was gonna appear at anytime.
Anyhow, we found our rooms in the
We arrived slightly late at around 8pm and only to find a note left for me in the front telling me their office was already closed, time of the breakfast for tomorrow, which rooms were mine and the keys. We could not find a single soul in this place at that time and with all the old antiques, furniture and very old portraits of people on the walls, we felt like we were in a horror movie with something creepy that was gonna appear at anytime.
Anyhow, we found our rooms in the
Paisley T.
Mar 15, 2015
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Yuck. This place just didn't cut it. We stayed in the stuffy Reginald De Koven room and the bed was very uncomfortable, pillows were lumpy, and hot water ran out. No one wants to stay awake all night with back pain from a lousy bed just to wake and have freezing cold water when you try to shower. Just Jolly.
Breakfast was hurried. The social hour was fine. I found the sunroom area a bit stuffy like the bedroom. Owner was nice but our stay was right during busy leaf-peeping season and our relaxing stay got shuffled away in all the busy-ness.
Breakfast was hurried. The social hour was fine. I found the sunroom area a bit stuffy like the bedroom. Owner was nice but our stay was right during busy leaf-peeping season and our relaxing stay got shuffled away in all the busy-ness.
Nicole C.
May 20, 2013
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A beautiful historic mansion converted into a bed & breakfast. It felt very homey. I stayed in the Gist Blair room and was awed by the historic decor. Very tastefully done. I also inspected the room for filth and couldn't find any. Great attention to detail.
Noteworthy is the extremely comfortable bed with plenty of pillows. I can't stand it when hotels give you one pillow. The facilities were a bit outdated, though understandably so given the building's age. The TV was tiny (though adequate) with a good selection of channels, the A/C was loud (my room was hot and stuffy from
Noteworthy is the extremely comfortable bed with plenty of pillows. I can't stand it when hotels give you one pillow. The facilities were a bit outdated, though understandably so given the building's age. The TV was tiny (though adequate) with a good selection of channels, the A/C was loud (my room was hot and stuffy from
Donna W.
Oct 25, 2012
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