Captains Ken and Ellen Barnes are newly-retired from 25 years as owners and operators of the famed historic Schooner Stephen Taber. Their reputations in warm hospitality and professional excellence are widely known. Over the years they have been featured nationally on ABC, NBC and CBS. They were showcased during their final cruise by CBS Sunday Morning. Ellen's appearance on the Food Network airs frequently. Ellen's cookbook, A Taste of the Taber, illustrated by Ken, has become a classic both afloat and ashore and is currently in its fifth edition. The book was featured, along with Ellen, in a cooking segment of 207 from NBC affiliate WCSH Channel 6 in Portland, Maine. See video of these and other appearances on our Press page.

Attention to detail with an eye for the aesthetic is the hallmark of this unique couple who after 46 years of marriage have retained that youthful spark for one another that seems to infect those that they encounter. Both are extensive world travelers and collectors, and the inn features a wide range of marine art.

You'll discover, as others have before you that the Captain Lindsey House is a friendly place. When you return at the end of a day you feel like you've come home and when your stay is over you'll already be thinking of when you can come again.

Captains Ellen and Ken Barnes

In the Early Days

It was way back in 1832 that Captain George Lindsey, a bold mariner and prominent citizen, fired the bricks for this noble structure. Five years later, he transformed his home into what is thought to be the town's oldest inn, complete with livery stable and popular tavern.

Now lovingly restored and filled with artifacts and furnishings gathered the world over, the inn is embued with a gentle, relaxing graciousness that harks back to its earliest days.