When Gerard Kiladjian’s Principal Hospitality purchased the property in Brunswick, Maine formerly known as The Daniel and Captain Daniel Stone Inn back in 2020, he had a vision of transforming the historic property into a boutique hotel. Then COVID hit.
After extensive renovation and some unexpected delays due to the pandemic, The Federal opened earlier this spring. (This is the first concept from the hospitality group).
Kiladjian has more than 35 years in hospitality and most recently served as general manager of the Portland Harbor Hotel before deciding to embark on this new venture. While the property is just 30 minutes from Portland, the rates here are about half the cost.
“You won’t find these rates in Portland,” he said.
Kiladjian has set out to prove that Brunswick is a destination for travelers. Located close to Bowdoin College and midway between Portland and Boothbay Harbor, the coastal town two hours north of Boston is an ideal stop for travelers looking to explore Maine’s mid-coast.
“Camden is an hour away and Freeport is just 10 minutes from here,” Kiladjian noted. “Brunswick is becoming a destination, but you can certainly take several day trips from the property to explore other nearby places.”
Originally constructed in 1810 as the original home of Captain Daniel Stone, the gorgeous property now boasts a two-story atrium lobby outfitted with a nautical design. There are just 30 guest rooms split among two buildings.
The larger East Wing houses king and queen size guest rooms filled with vintage furniture and modern amenities “where the past blends with the present for a comfortable and cosmopolitan play on the hotel’s history,” as the website notes.
The cozy Federal building is the renovated 19th century sea captain's historic home. Here, you will find four guest rooms along with two spacious suites.
We recently stayed in The Captain Stone Suite in the Federal building. Located on the top floor, the gorgeous suite features a king bedroom with decorative fireplace, separate living area with office setup, and an enormous bathroom with double sinks, walk-in shower and William Roam bath products.
Kiladjian beams the interior design that boasts everything from a 1,300-pound table made of petrified wood to rooms outfitted with Restoration Hardware furniture was the brainchild of his wife, Annie Kiladjian. The owner of Annie K. Designs in Portland, she was the inspiration behind the sophisticated designs seen throughout both the hotel and restaurant.
Complimentary freshly brewed coffee is set up each morning on the upper level overlooking the lobby. Other complimentary amenities here include high speed WiFi and access to the fitness room and yoga studio. Dogs are also permitted for an extra fee. Adjacent to the lobby, there is also a small market where you can purchase snacks and drinks.
The Federal’s reimagined restaurant has already been making waves. The former Coast Bar + Bistro has now been transformed into 555 North. If the name sounds familiar, the custom-designed restaurant comes to Brunswick by award-winning chef Steve Corry and his wife Michelle of 555 Portland where they first made a name for themselves by showcasing an elevated menu focusing on local ingredients and fresh seafood.
The interior of the new 140-seat restaurant boasts an enormous brick fireplace in the bar area along with a hand painted mural. The light-filled dining room is surrounded by walls of windows and beautiful glass barn doors that separate the space from the bar.
The menu at 555 North features classic recipes with a twist. For starters, we recommend trying the bread and butter with house made lemon-chive butter. The Bangs Island mussels are a must as is the flavor filled, grilled Caesar topped with garlic croutons. The autumn duck breast was the standout main event complemented by cranberry duck jus.
The Federal and 555 North are located at 10 Water Street in Brunswick, Maine.
