Change of Inn Ownership at Inn at Sunrise Point in Lincolnville, ME

After fourteen years as the owner of the Inn at Sunrise Point, an ocean front luxury Inn on Penobscot Bay, Daina Hill Belair decided it was time to offer the property to another deserving family.

Daina, a retired New York City banking attorney, purchased the Inn in 2008, bringing with her a vision of a customer focused luxury boutique property forged from decades of international business travel. 

Those who know Daina understand that she is passionate about hospitality, customer service and guest satisfaction. The new job proved to suit her quite well! Daina's experienced and well trained staff always greeted guests with a welcome, a smile, an offering of a beverage and a spot on the porch to take in the view of Penobscot Bay only feet away across the lawn.

Luxury Hospitality in Maine at its Finest

She opted for the lifestyle of Maine inn owner, like many corporate escapees, after touring high end properties for sale throughout the US. Despite seeing wonderful opportunities in the Carolinas and the American southwest she chose Maine. Like many retirees to Maine, she formed her attachments to Maine years before as a guest at an ocean front cottage in Southwest Harbor.

While the inn had grown slowly since opening in 1992 (see history from the inn's website) Daina began major renovations and improvements shortly after she purchased. Every guest suite was renovated; the kitchen redone; and, common spaces refurbished. She added 3 additional luxury rooms to the 'Garden House’, bringing the guest suite count to 12. It proved to be the ideal (while manageable) size for the high-touch, high level service that Daina chose to provide. The impeccable gardens she created and maintained were nearly as lovely as the view across the Bay. Her pride in the property was evident with every step. Daina grew the business, reputation and level of customer service to an exemplary level including a sixty percent guest return rate. Everything about Inn at Sunrise Point was synonymous with the term 'hospitality'.

Guaranteed Excellence for Future Guests

Five years ago, Daina married and she and her husband, Jean, began to consider and plan their travel options. In order to fulfill their new dreams, she realized that she would be leaving Maine and her beloved Inn at Sunrise Point. Lucky for a very special new buyer, as this type of inn, location and business infrequently hits the market! That's when Matt and MJ Ruffing found Daina and their dream property. While there were several interested parties, Daina insisted that the new buyers be invested in maintaining and enhancing the experiences that she had provided at the Inn. She found her new owners in Matt & MJ Ruffing.

Matt and MJ were a great fit for this level of hospitality and lifestyle. And they enjoy people, which is really critical to one's success in this industry! MJ is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a degree in hospitality and has extensive experience in event planning. Matt was a VP with The Coca-Cola Company and after a 30 year career there, and as empty nesters, Matt and MJ decided it was time to enjoy something together in their pre-retirement years. They both love hospitality and had long been thinking about buying an inn. They found their dream spot on the ocean at Inn at Sunrise Point. They knew as they first came down the long drive and straight ahead was the ocean. As you approach the front door to the main entrance, the door remains open and you have a clear view to the ocean. What a greeting! Matt and MJ knew from that point they'd found the inn for them and no need to continue their search. A closing party on May 28, 2021 was held at the inn, with all staff, Champagne and bites. Stories were shared among a room full of smiles!

MJ frequently told real estate broker, Dana Moos,

“I still can’t believe this is going to be ours”!

Moos said “the Ruffing’s enthusiasm and backgrounds will certainly help them carry on the torch after such a successful run under Daina’s stewardship and I was so pleased to be a part of this transaction and to have represented both parties. I look forward to following the Inn at Sunrise Point and perhaps one day, plan a staycation for myself to relax and unwind!”

 

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The Swan Agency Real Estate hospitality division, led by Dana Moos, Director of Hospitality and Kimberly Swan, Owner and President with their team of expert, dedicated brokers help you navigate nuances specific to the hospitality industry in Maine. We are all here to help you succeed. 

To contact the Swan Agency Real Estate's Maine inn team, email dana.moos@swanagency.com or call 207.288.5818.