The Historic Blair Hill Inn: Quiet Luxury at Moosehead Lake

When I think of the Highlands of Maine I don’t tend to think of luxury and history, but the Blair Hill Inn is just that. Located overlooking Moosehead Lake in Greenville the Blair Hill Inn is one of the most beautiful and delightfully welcoming places we’ve had the pleasure of staying. The grand house is historic, the setting is peaceful and the staff are wonderfully kind. This is the sort of getaway that I never expected to find in such a remote part of Maine.

I’m sure you have some inquiries about the Blair Hill Inn and you’re in luck because we have the answers. Visiting Moosehead Lake really provides a beautiful Maine experience and getting to enjoy such special accommodations while there is unforgettable. As you read on, please let us know if you have any questions or anything we might do to help you plan your stay. Leave a comment or send us a note and we’ll happily share more so you can make your time in the Highlands a trip of a lifetime.

Highlights of the Blair Hill Inn in Greenville

I watch a lot of movies and television shows set in the late 1800s and turn of the century, so arriving at the Blair Hill Inn and walking up the staircase to our beautiful room felt very much like I had been traveling by train and coach until arriving at a mysterious wealthy aunt’s home in a remote part of Maine. The stained glass and art nouveau fixtures, and then the plush velvet couch in our room, the fireplaces and the sitting areas, it all very much harkens back to the posh robber baron times. Well done.

Being in the Relais & Chateau family of inns, the level of quality and luxury you’d expect of a top tier international brand is very present. Champaign on arrival is always nice, but the details and thoughtfulness of our accommodations was top notch. Our room was set with plush bathrobes and slippers, bath salts for the beautiful tub, quality gently scented bergamot and orange products, and the most lovely towels (with a towel warming rack). All the little luxuries we often forget to enjoy at home were well provided here at the Blair Hill Inn.

As we were here in fall, the views from our room, the rooftop deck and the sunset veranda were all gorgeous and full of color. The Blair Hill Inn is positioned well for striking sunrises on and dreamy sunsets over Moosehead Lake. Each moment we were here was a highlight of our time in the Highlands in autumn.

Blair Hill Inn Accommodations Options

Most guest rooms are suited with a king bed, sitting area, private bathroom and plenty of space. A part of the luxury of staying at the Blair Hill Inn is being able to enjoy an exceptional retreat environment that’s roomy and airy. Depending on your needs and budget for your stay, you’ll also find a few rooms with multiple beds, and one room suited with a queen bed. Half of the rooms have wood burning fireplaces and all of them are lovely.

I was thinking about who would most enjoy staying here and it really did settle with me that the Blair Hill Inn, although it does have rooms that will accommodate more than two people, really is a wonderful hotel for couple or treating yourself to a luxury getaway. Neither the hotel building itself or the grounds are much suited to be a fun family trip, and I don’t know that I’d call it a buddy destination either. Honeymoon, spa escape, multi-couple trip, writer’s retreat: absolutely. Everyone is welcome, but the atmosphere of the rooms and the common areas is certainly more refined than my own kids appreciate.

Amenities at the Blair Hill Inn

The Blair Hill Inn really is an ideal escape from reality and not just a place to stay when you’re up at the Lake. As I’ve said, the rooms are beautifully appointed and the luxurious private bathrooms really bring the goal of luxe relaxation home. About the property there are more highlights that add to not wanting to leave. Adirondack chairs about the grounds for enjoying your morning coffee or an evening beverage or the many soft seating options on the roof or veranda provide ample opportunity to be outdoors in comfort. There are blankets for the deck readily available if it’s cold, and stargazing telescopes in case you’re up late.

I really enjoyed strolling the grounds, including poking around the large kitchen garden and greenhouse. One of my favorite features, and not something I expected to find at the Blair Hill Inn was actually a 24 hour hot tub hidden in the forest on property. Multiple times we donned our robes and made our way to the quiet grotto to enjoy the hot tub. There’s just something about being able to relax in comfort out in nature that feels extra special, particularly if you’ve spent the last week hiking through Maine.

In addition to all of this, there is also a full service spa on site. Located just up the walk from the main house of the Blair Hill Inn, the Spa at Blair Hill is the perfect calm space. Yes, you can book massages and facials and such, but then there are also quiet spaces for relaxing, an outdoor therapeutic spa tub, and a sauna. I kept thinking how surprising it was to find all of this in such a beautiful property at Moosehead Lake. It just is all so much more elevated than I expected.

Dining at Slate, the Blair Hill Inn’s Restaurant

A highlight of staying at the Blair Hill Inn was getting to enjoy the dining room, the restaurant Slate. Again with the surprising level of quality and elegance in Greenville, Maine. A simple menu but with the most beautiful dishes, Slate looks out over Moosehead Lake and at sunset it’s dreamy. As much of the produce as they can get comes from the gardens on property, making it as fresh as possible. We enjoyed burrata, sea scallops, short rib pasta and cream puffs, all very well done.

There is also a lounge with a full bar attached to Slate, making the Blair Hill Inn a complete destination for each sort of luxury hotel experience you may want. A seasonal cocktail menu, a wide selection of top shelf products and a long wine list put the lounge at Slate on par with the nicest restaurants in Portland, ME.

Breakfast is included with your stay and it’s also served here in the dining room. Beginning at 8:00 am, a selection of house made pastries and fruits starts your morning, with a beautiful coffee bar at your disposal in the sunroom. The breakfast menu highlights include eggs benedict and a changing daily omelette. Top it off with fresh squeezed orange juice or a breakfast cocktail and you’re all set.

Getting to the Blair Hill Inn

Getting to the Blair Hill Inn is a beautiful journey. Located just north of the town of Greenville, Maine on Moosehead Lake, Blair Hill overlooks the lake and out at Little Moose Mountain. It’s about three hours from Portland via I-95 and some gorgeous country roads. Coming from Bangor, it’s about a two hour drive, and then add another hour if you’re starting your trip from Bar Harbor. Moosehead Lake is a fun, beautiful destination, and when you head up from Greenville to the Blair Hill Inn, you’ll be able to see why this is such a wonderful recreation favorite for Mainers.

Once on property, parking is included (self park, as it’s a very small inn). You’ll have easy access to your vehicle and the staff is happy to assist with luggage if needed.

Blair Hill Inn Operating Info

If you’d like to go ahead and book a stay here at the Blair Hill Inn, below you’ll find all the info for reaching the property, if you want to inquire for more information or group stays, and booking links if you want to secure your accommodations now. [affiliate]

• Seasonality: mid-spring through mid-autumn
• Property website: see all rooms
• Property phone number: 207-695-0224
• Check-in address: 351 Lily Bay Road, Greenville ME 04441
• Book it here: available direct or through Tripadvisor

More Things to do in the Highlands of Maine

The Highlands of Maine stretch from Bangor and sprawl to the north and west following the rise of the Appalachians. There are lots of small towns and state parks, and some of the most beautiful sights in Maine. I know that most people think of coastal Maine and its lighthouses when they think of what they’ll see when they come for a visit, but the Highlands are really the playground of Mainers. This region is why Maine is called “Vacationland” and you’ll see why when you come for a visit.

And you cannot forget that the Highlands is an epic winter playground too, with destinations like Sunday River, Saddleback and Sugarloaf. In winter you’ve got downhill and Nordic skiing, and in summer it’s all about hiking and fishing. During fall this is where you come for leaf peeping and to look for moose and other Maine wildlife.

Here are some great ideas for ways to enjoy the Highlands of Maine.

Where to Stay in the Highlands

Depending on the season you’re visiting the Highlands, you will have different options for where to stay. If you’re planning on climbing Mount Katahdin or doing a portion of the Appalachian Trail, Millinocket is a great place to be based. For other Appalachian Trail launch points you can find fun places to stay in Eustace, the Carrabassett Valley, and Rangely. Another amazing summertime destination is Greenville and Moosehead Lake.

For skiing you can stay in Newry or Hanover (for Sunday River), Rangely or Phillips (for Saddleback), or Carrabassett Valley for Sugarloaf. You’ll find lots of cross country / Nordic skiing all over, but the Katahdin Area Trails are great for it!