Address: 45 Main Street, Kennebunk, Maine
Phone: (207) 985-3351
Website: thekennebunkinn.com
Hours: Open year-round; check their site for dining and lodging availability
A Historic Inn Rooted in the Heart of Kennebunk
In southern Maine, on the edge of the Atlantic coast, stands The Kennebunk Inn, a colonial style hotel that’s been a fixture in town life for more than two centuries. The building dates back to 1799, originally serving as the private home of Phineas Cole before it changed hands multiple times through the 19th century.
By the late 1800s, it had become home to Dr. Frank Ross, a respected physician known for his work in obstetrics. After his death in 1926, the property was sold and transformed into a hotel called The Tavern around 1928. With its 50 guest rooms and lively restaurant, it became a downtown landmark. In the late 1930s, the name changed to The Kennebunk Inn, and it’s held that title ever since.
Even today, the inn blends elegant coastal charm with a hint of the supernatural—and that mix is exactly what keeps guests coming back.
The Ghostly Legacy of Silas Perkins
The most famous ghost said to haunt the Kennebunk Inn is Silas Perkins, a former night watchman and front-desk clerk. According to local legend, Silas died of a heart attack while working his shift, some say it happened in Room 17, others in the main hallway.
Since his passing, guests and staff have reported strange occurrences believed to be Silas’s playful spirit. Glasses have flown from shelves, silverware moves on its own, and bar staff have told stories of mugs levitating before clattering to the floor.
Unlike more menacing hauntings, Silas’s energy is considered mischievous but harmless. Staff members say he seems to enjoy practical jokes, flickering lights, opening doors, or gently nudging objects off tables just to get a reaction.
The Spirits of Sara Emily and Cyrus
While Silas may be the inn’s best known ghost, he’s not alone. Paranormal investigations have also pointed to Sara Emily, a woman said to linger near the grand staircase, greeting visitors with a quiet, watchful presence.
Another name that surfaces in the stories is Cyrus, a former front desk worker who some psychics claim adds a bit more tension to the building’s supernatural energy. Employees have described faint voices, low moans, and footsteps echoing through empty hallways late at night.
During one event in 2012, a psychic medium visiting the inn claimed to sense multiple spirits on the property, including Sara Emily and a few restless guests from the hotel’s early years.
Room 17: The Paranormal Hotspot
If you ask staff where the most activity happens, nearly all point to Room 17. Guests have woken to find the television turning on by itself, even when it’s unplugged. Others have reported hearing movement in the room when no one is inside, or feeling a sudden chill sweep through the air.
The room’s reputation has made it a favorite for paranormal enthusiasts hoping to spend a night in Silas’s company. Some guests have even left notes behind, thanking him for “sharing the space peacefully.”
Paranormal Investigations and Local Lore
Over the years, The Kennebunk Inn has welcomed investigators, journalists, and even YouTube channels exploring its ghostly reputation. Among the more popular is Hauntings at The Kennebunk Inn, which dives into staff stories and unexplained experiences caught on camera.
During one recorded session, investigators captured faint electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) and light anomalies, particularly near the lobby bar and upper hallway, areas where Silas is often said to linger.
What We Found So Fascinating
When we visited, what struck us wasn’t just the paranormal atmosphere, but how alive the history feels. The Kennebunk Inn is one of those places where the past doesn’t seem distant. Whether you’re here for the spirits or a lobster roll, you can feel that this old building has stories to tell, and some of them might not be finished yet.
Visiting the Kennebunk Inn
The inn welcomes overnight guests and diners, and while it isn’t marketed as a “haunted attraction,” the staff are open about its spectral past. Visitors who are curious about the supernatural can ask about Room 17 when booking, though availability varies.
If you visit, enjoy the charm of this classic New England inn, but stay alert—you might catch a glimpse of Silas’s shadow near the bar or hear a soft whisper on the stairs when no one’s there.
Important:
Never trespass on private property or enter closed areas without permission. Ghost hunting can be dangerous—always use caution, especially in historic buildings.
Sources
Bangor Daily News – Hauntings of an Inn in Kennebunk
The Kennebunk Inn – Official Site
Yankee Magazine – The Haunting of the Kennebunk Inn
Only In Your State – The Historic Kennebunk Inn
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