This inn has a cordial spectral host who is tickled to have company!

DESCRIPTION

Captain Fairfield Inn is a priceless historic mansion with great bones, terrific curb appeal and located on a large property that offers lovely gardens and walkways.

This federal-style mansion is a large rectangular structure that has the usual basement area, two stories and an attic, which offers nine very guest-friendly, luxury rooms that have air conditioning. Some accommodations have a gas fireplace, porches and have comfortable sitting areas. These nine stylish rooms and suites, decorated in the soft or bold modern style, offer “luxe linens, and en suite bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainfall shower-heads, as well as free Wi-Fi, iPads, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks.” (CaptainFairfield.com)

“There are also lovely gardens and trees to enjoy, as well as a scenic view of the Green River and glimpses of the harbor area below. The warm hospitality of the innkeepers and the delicious four course breakfast given to guests also brings rave reviews from guests.”

This pleases the entity who resides at the mansion as well. While the price to stay here is a lot higher than what average folks can afford, hospitality offered is top notch and it is the perfect place to rest and recharge the mind and body due to the peaceful, warn aura that permeates this inn. Plus, the breakfast is superb!

“A Gourmet breakfast can be served in-room or in a colorful dining room. Light meals, wine, coffee and cookies are also available. There’s also a lounge, a terrace with fire pits, and landscaped grounds.”

Captain Fairfield Inn is no longer owned by private owners, and is now part of the Lake Hotels Corporation. It is part of the “The Kennebunkport Captains Collection, nestled in Kennebunkport’s historic residential district. It is a collection of the most significant historic ship captain’s homes in Kennebunkport. Formerly known individually as Captain Lord Mansion, Captain Fairfield Inn, Captain Jefferds Inn, and Maine Stay Inn, the inns are now managed as a resort-style single entity collection that embodies the nautical charm of the town with the design and amenities to satisfy the desires of today’s discerning traveler.”

While modernized inside with either the soft or bold modern style, elements of the original Federalist-style, 1800s’ fashion decor still can be seen. Though many would prefer that it was still a step back in time with the antiques, and with all the formerly restored original decor, all are glad that the Captain Fairfield Inn is still a viable, beautiful place to stay for travelers; thankful that it didn’t close and sold for some other purpose. Guests who are “discerning travelers” don’t mind paying the higher prices because they are getting what they expect in a high-class joint! This brings in the money needed for maintenance of this 200 plus year old building and makes a profit as well.

HISTORY

Captain James Fairfield was described as “A good-looking, self-assured man; was dark and handsome, if not tall. Five and a half feet tall and stocky, he had curly sable-brown hair and long sideburns.”

He was indeed a positive thinker with a kind, thoughtful heart. Looking at his life, he had the habit of always making lemonade out of lemons; being a source of hope and inspiration to those around him.

Captain James Fairfield was born in Arundel in the district of Maine in 1784 into a long line of sea captains. James had a boatload of siblings, and was closest to his sister Mary, (also known as Polly), and brother Daniel Nason. Both James Fairfield and his brother, Daniel Nason Fairfield, followed in their father Captain William Fairfield’s foot steps. Polly married one of the Lord brothers, Joseph Lord, a family involved in building ships.

Captain James Fairfield’s first command at the age of twenty-two was the newly-built brig Somers, owned by Tobias Lord, Jr. in 1806. A year later, at the age of twenty-three, Captain James married Lois Walker, (possibly related to Phoebe Walker Lord, the wife of their neighbor Captain Nathaniel Lord). After receiving the funds from Tobias Lord as a wedding present to son Joseph Lord and his wife Polly (James’ Fairfield’s sister), Captain James and his new brother-in-law, Captain Joseph Lord bought together the six acre lot across the street from Captain Nathaniel Lord’s mansion, with plans to build a large home together so their wives could keep each other company when they were away for periods of time, commanding their ships.

Once source commented on Captain James Fairfield’s trading route taken on his voyages. “Being in the cotton trade he frequently sailed to Charleston, South Carolina, or New Orleans, then to southwestern Europe, on to England and then back to New England.”

Adventures and trials awaited Captain James Fairfield and brother-in-law Joseph Lord, brother Captain Daniel Nason, and two other friends, (Captain Joseph Perkins & Abner Stone) when they all felt the call to enter into a “privateering venture.” The British Navy’s much hated embargo and the War of 1812 made it a necessity to find another way to make a living.

While they managed to get out of the port of Kennebunkport on their brig Macdonough, they unfortunately were captured by the British frigate Bacchante and taken into Halifax on November 1, 1814. They became part of the two hundred and fifty captains and their crews that also became prisoners of war.

Captain James Fairfield kept the spirits up of the other captives with hopeful predictions, using his power of being positive throughout the ordeal. Toward the end of their captivity when it became very difficult, he shared his faith in the Lord to see them through it all.

The Kennebunkport group of captains and crew wound up in Britain’s Dartmoor Prison; given “only a hammock, bedding and blanket.”
All were subject to British cruelties, as there was no protection of P.O.W.s until the rules of the Geneva Convention were written in the 20th Century. The worst treatment witnessed was the barbarous shooting of unarmed prisoners that happened four months later; where eight were killed and forty-five were wounded. Life there went down in quality and treatment from that moment.

Captain James Fairfield and his brother-in-law Joseph Lord built their two Federal-style mansions, a connected double house in 1813-1815, after both of them had been released from Dartmoor Prison during the War of 1812. The money used to build both homes was a wedding present to James Fairfield and his bride, Lois, from his father-in-law, Captain Walker. The land was already bought with the money given by Tobias Lord to his son Joseph Lord as a wedding present when he married Polly Fairfield.

Though they survived many voyages and even a stint in stir, courtesy of the British authorities, both Captain Fairfield and his brother-in-law Joseph Lord didn’t get to live very long in their new duplex mansion. Two years later in 1817, Joseph Lord was in command of a ship destined to trade its cotton in Europe when he and his men perished at sea during a mother of all storms. His wife, Polly, didn’t stay a widow for long, as she soon married Joseph’s brother; John Lord. Thank goodness for large families!

Captain Fairfield, his wife Lois, and his relatives enjoyed living here in this double house together for five years until Captain Fairfield died of pneumonia in 1820.

After his death, Captain James Fairfield’s wife, Lois Walker Fairfield, sold their mansion to a close friend, Abner Stone, and moved into the other mansion with Captain John Lord and Polly. Lois Walker died herself a year or two later, likely from a broken heart or an illness.

Throughout the 19th and 20th Century, Captain James Fairfield and Captain John’s mansions became one home and was owned by six or seven families. In the early 1980s, renovations were done with the hope of turning the structure into an inn. It was run as an inn until money issues reared its ugly head. In early 1990, the inn closed and this property was put back onto the real estate market.

Chef Dennis and his wife Bonnie bought The Captain Fairfield Inn and restored it in earnest. At some point, years later, these owners sold this property to Rick Wolf who continued to restore the structure while adding amenities that bed and breakfast guests would expect. He filled it with glorious antiques, still hanging Captain Fairfield’s painting on the wall. Captain Fairfield Inn made a name for itself as being a romantic getaway for couples and newlyweds.

Rick eventually sold Captain Fairfield Inn to Lake Hotels, who also own The Captain Lord Inn that is just across the street, and two other Kennebunkport inns. A new look appeared, aimed at the 300 dollar plus a night crowd who wanted a modern, boutique hotel. However, this new Captain Fairfield Inn still has a copy of the Captain Fairfield painting that hangs on a wall near the central staircase.

“The inn provides a wonderful getaway for those romantic special occasions; weddings, honeymoons, an anniversary, or any other time when romance is in the air!”

HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS

Spirits are sometimes drawn to favorite items left behind in this world.

Ashton Villa Mansion, TX (The Mistress of Ashton Villa is still attached to her fan collection).

The Redwood Library, RI (Rare 18th century books have spectral docents who watch the living very carefully who use these reference books).

Belcourt Castle, RI (When it was filled with antiques from around the world, spirits who were attached to their favorite items made themselves known).

Captain Fairfield Inn, ME (The spirit of the good Captain Fairfield is still very attached to his painted portrait).

The Story of Fairfield’s Portrait.

Captain James Fairfield must be thrilled that a copy of the painting he thought was lost forever, is now hanging in his mansion! The original painting is in the Brick Store Museum along with Captain James’ letters to his wife, and the note that went along with the painting. Captain James Fairfield’s portrait hangs in the Brick Store Museum, at 117 Main Street, Kennebunk, Maine 04043.

On a port stop soon after his marriage while on a trading voyage in 1811, Captain James Fairfield decided to have his portraits painted as he was thinking of his beloved wife, Lois. In this painting, he was holding a letter, addressed to his employer, Tobias Lord with Tobias’ address on the envelope.

Because he wasn’t sailing back right away, he tried to send it back by way of another ship, which unfortunately sunk. Luckily, the painting was rolled up in a metal cylinder that came to the surface after the ship sunk to the bottom of the sea. This metal cylinder floated around the sea until it was picked up by a Swedish ship in 1822, two years after James Fairfield died.

John Lord’s father, Tobias Lord, (Mary Fairfield Lord’s father-in-law) was requested to come aboard the Swedish ship and receive the cylinder that had inside the painting of Captain James Fairfield. He turned around and gave it to his daughter-in-law Mary, known as Polly; Captain James Fairfield’s sister, who had first married Joseph Lord, and then John Lord. Lois had already died.

When a structure is named after someone who is deceased, this spirit whose name is used may like to come back and visit this place with their name on it.

Aaron Burr Bed and Breakfast (Aaron has moved in for his afterlife; so pleased that someone thinks enough of him to name this B and B after him, despite his ruined reputation).

Mary Washington House Museum, VA (The spirit of Mary is very happy indeed that her home been restored, that even gives her a task; keeping an eye on the docents).

The Custer House Museum, SD (The Custer family and Custer’s officers find some peace here about their deaths at Little Big Horn in this reconstructed house).

Captain Fairfield Inn, ME (The Spirit of Captain James Fairfield must be pleased that he has an inn named after him in his own mansion!)

When a structure undergoes restoration/renovation, it can act like an environmental trigger and draw back spirits who were attached to this structure. It encourages them to be active, even engaging the living.

Brumder Mansion, WI (The spirits in the theatre became more active after the 1920s reconstructed bar was built there, and the mansion was restored inside as well).

Buffalo Bill Ranch State Park, NE (When Buffalo Bill Ranch became a State Park and restored to the way it was originally, the Spirit of Buffalo Bill started to visit, even reclaiming his bedroom).

Geiser Grand Hotel, OR (Spirits became active in this world during the restoration process).

Captain Fairfield Inn, ME (The spirit of Captain James Fairfield first made his appearance during the full restoration/renovation efforts to convert this beautiful mansion into an inn by Chef Dennis and his wife, Bonnie).

When circumstances in life cut short a stay in a forever dream home, sometimes people will choose to stay in their favorite structure in this world to make up for it; to enjoy the few memories of their brief life here and enjoy watching the living enjoying themselves here.

Hartford Twain House, CT (The Twain Family is together again in a house they had to sell due to debts).

Whaley House, CA (Various disasters kept the Whaley family from living here while alive).

Berkeley Plantation, VA (The Patriarch and his children are together again).

Captain Fairfield Inn, ME (Captain James Fairfield spent most of his time away at sea, and didn’t have much time at home to enjoy a social or personal life, participating in activities that people who worked in town enjoyed. Captain James Fairfield only got to live here for five years before dying from a sickness in 1820, which was totally unexpected.

However, being a positive person while alive who always looked for the bright side of every situation, his spirit sees this Captain Fairfield Inn located in his home the perfect opportunity to be the friendly, unseen host to guests as he would’ve done if still alive).

Sometimes a spirit person will try to help the living, especially if the living are running a business in the spirit person’s special structure in this world.

Monmouth Plantation, MS (The good Patriarch helps the owners keep an eye on their guests).

Liberty Hall Mansion, KY (The spirit of the Auntie still helps the living).

Westover Plantation, VA ( The Matriarch of this grand home still is the kind hostess she always has been).

Captain Fairfield Inn, ME (The spirit of James Fairfield makes the living feel at home, making sure all is calm and friendly).

Sometimes spirits claim an area for themselves.

Buford House, AZ (Better stay out of the elderly spirit’s room!)

Edgewood Plantation, MS (Spirits in the Mill and spirits by the Bridge take their boundaries seriously).

General Wayne Inn, PA (A grumpy soldier from a painting had the habit of chasing the help!)

Captain Fairfield Inn, ME (Captain James Fairfield has set up his spectral man cave in the basement area, where he can sometimes stay out of the way of his guests and other living folks when he isn’t in the hospitality mode).

MANIFESTATIONS

PARANORMAL FINDINGS

Many staff members, owners and guests have sensed and sometimes seen the warm, cordial presence of Captain James Fairfield, who seems pleased to be the unseen host of his beautifully renovated home.

I couldn’t find any hard evidence that was shared on line. Why would the current owners allow paranormal investigators inside when they already know they have a co-host who happens to be a spirit?

STILL HAUNTED?

Yes, the good Captain’s presence and appearance is still present, welcoming the living to his beloved home. He receives some peace and comfort watching the living enjoying his home.

He seems tickled to have so many visitors staying there, and loves what the living have done to fix up his beloved mansion, and how they treat the guests in much the same manner he would if he were still alive.

He must be really pleased that the outfit that now runs his mansion’s inn, The Lark Hotels, as they are known for their hospitality. Being open-minded, he may also accept the new decor, that draws in the well-to-do guests that he may have rubbed shoulders with if they had lived during his lifetime.

All Photos from Web Site

LOCATION

8 Pleasant Street
Kennebunkport, Maine 04046
(207) 967-4454
www.CaptainFairfield.com

Mailing: P.O. Box 3089
Kennebunkport, Maine 04046

This elegant, chic boutique yet historic hotel in the historic town center is half a mile from Dock Square. It is located near the corner of Pleasant Street and Green Street, across the street from. Captain Lord Inn; another Lake Hotel Inn.

SOURCES INCLUDE

• captainfairfield.com
• Haunted Inns of New England, By Mark Jasper, On Cape Productions, 2000
• The Ghost Hunters Field Guide, Llewellyn Productions, 2010
• Haunted Places The National Directory, By Dennis William Hauk, Penguin Books, 2002
• Odd Inns website, The Haunted Captain Fairfield Inn in Kennebunkport Maine
  oddinns.com
• Haunted Journeys website, Captain Fairfield Inn. History and its Hauntings
  hauntedjourneys.com

Our Haunted Paranormal Stories are Written by Julie Carr

Our Photos are copyrighted by Tom Carr

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