Introduction

Good things come to those who wait!

Since my earliest years in Bar Harbor, Stratford always captured my imagination. Built as the sister property of Thornhedge by Lewis Roberts in 1900, it served as the guest house for the property. The two buildings were separated when they were sold by Robert’s son, Niles in 1920.

By 1975, Barbara and Norm Moulton owned the Stratford with their family. My grandparents purchased Thornhedge in 1976 with Barb as their realtor.  A fast friendship developed.  I have fond memories of my grandmother, Elinor and Barbara sitting on the front porch talking for hours. Norm and my grandfather, Lonnie often played cribbage in the dining room of Stratford. My grandparents even talked them into converting the house into a bed and breakfast in the eighties.  Although a successful business, the Moultons decided after a few years to enjoy the Stratford as a private home again. 

After many years, the Moultons decided to sell Stratford and without hesitation my answer was “yes”. After 102 years, the houses are reunited.

Stratford is a Tudor Style cottage with interior elements of Gothic revival. Even with very different exteriors, Stratford and Thornhedge share many interior similarities. Crown moldings throughout the houses are identical, and many details around the fireplaces can be found in both houses. The layout of Stratford was changed slightly to create four large guest rooms as well as three large suites, with living rooms and bedrooms. Most rooms have king sized beds and all rooms have ensuite bathrooms. The beautiful dining room accommodates 12, the dining set featuring chairs with barley twist. The first floor is common space includes two living rooms, one used as our office.  A large, wicker-filled solarium adorns the front of the house where guests can relax and rejuvenate.

Operations will essentially be the same for both houses, not to worry. Mom’s breakfast recipes will be on the menu, and we will be serving wine and cheese in the afternoons. (It is what separates us from the animals, after all.) The house boasts high-speed wi-fi and smart TVs. In addition to live streaming television, guests may also catch up on any shows from Netflix, Disney, or Amazon Prime accounts. Climate control has also been added throughout the house. 

I’m excited. This has been a long time coming. While working on the house, I had to stop, take a breath, and remind myself that this wasn’t a dream.

It’s a dream come true.

—Andy