HARPSWELL — Real estate agents are often heard saying that the three most important words are “location, location, location.”

Well, there’s a place in Harpswell with a location — and a view of Casco Bay — worth discovering.

The prime spot is the Bailey Island Motel — an 11-unit oasis of rest and relaxation — with a staff that makes the view seem priceless.

“Our hallmark is ‘down-home’ friendly service with a smile,” said Ralph “Chip” Black Jr., owner of the motel. “We love to talk about the lore and history of this very special part of Maine.”

The Times Record recently checked out the view and chatted with Chip to learn more about his business and why people from all over the world have “checked in” at the Bailey Island Motel.

Q. Chip, first of all, tell us a little about yourself, such as where you grew up, went to school, and what is it about Maine that you really like.

A. I was born Ralph Black Jr. and go by the nickname of “Chip.” My mother and father grew up on Orr’s and Bailey Island. I was born and raised on these two islands.

I attended local Harpswell schools and graduated from Brunswick High School. I attended college for a short period of time and then joined the Coast Guard during the Vietnam era.

I became interested in carpentry and later had my own building construction company, in addition to purchasing and running the Bailey Island Motel.

I can’t imagine living in a more peaceful, serene island community like Harpswell.

Q. What is the history of the Bailey Island Motel?

A. The motel was built in 1958 as a onestory, five-unit motel. In the 1970s, rooms were added on the second floor.

When I purchased the motel in 1992, I began updating of the entire motel and residence. This continues today.

Q. Talk about the different amenities you offer?

A. We offer 11 clean, comfortable oceanview rooms, with one including a kitchenette; two rooms have a larger floor plan to accommodate families.

All the rooms have small refrigerators and free Wi-Fi, as well as come with a delicious continental breakfast with our homemade blueberry muffins, coffee, tea and orange juice each morning.

The lawn and wharf areas offer picnic tables and Adirondack chairs to relax by the water’s edge. There is access to the ocean for boating and kayaks.

Cook’s Lobster House and Morse’s Cribstone Grill restaurants are a short walking distance away.

We are all very knowledgeable of the local area and go the extra mile to help our guests in any way we can in planning their day adventures or special events.

Q. You have a great location, and are located a short distance away from dozens of places to go. Your comments, please.

A. For visitors, there are many island walking trails, local gift shops and art galleries, the Harpswell Historical Center, Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum at Bowdoin College, and the Maine State Music Theatre.

Or people can visit the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, shop in nearby Freeport at L.L. Bean and outlet stores. There is also the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, etc.

We are so centrally located to many local destinations to suit everyone’s tastes. From sailing and fishing to shopping and exploring.

Q. People visiting in the Mid-coast region have a wide selection of places to stay. What sets you apart from the others?

A. Our location is unique, and from our wonderful staff — from the housekeepers Elaine and Darby to my front desk staff, Connie, along with my manager Doreen — the Bailey Island Motel goes the extra mile to make your visit pleasant and satisfying.

Our hallmark is “downhome” friendly service with a smile. We love to talk about the lore and history of this very special part of Maine. Just ask!

Q. What makes Bailey Island, and thus Harpswell, so special?

A. Our Casco Bay island community is unique to many other areas of the state, in that Harpswell is made up of 216 miles of coastline consisting of Bailey, Orr’s and Great islands along with the Harpswell Neck peninsula and more than 200 smaller islands, with the three major islands being connected by bridges — one being the historic Cribstone Bridge, which is at our doorstep.

You can watch the sunrise and the lobster boats heading out to get their catch for the day. Sometimes a seal will show up in the distance or a bald eagle flying around. Or even the blue heron out by the ledges.

Q. How has your presence on social media sites impacted your business? Has it made a difference?

A. We are very new to the social media aspect and have just added Facebook to our website. We do, however, plan to advance into other social media areas this coming season.

We realize the importance of the ever-changing need to keep up with technology and the impact it will have on our motel business success.

Q. Any future plans for the motel?

A. We are adding a new barbecue patio area.

There will be more opportunities on the ocean boating experiences, and we will be offering vacation packages so our guests can enjoy the wonderful island life and outdoor activities the motel and island have to offer.

Q. What’s the hardest part of being the owner of a motel?

A. Saying goodbye at the end of the season to so many wonderful and loyal guests — old and new.

Q. If people want to find you or make a reservation, what is your contact information, such as mailing and email addresses, telephone number and website?

A.

Bailey Island Motel

• 1951 Harpswell Island Road,
• Bailey Island, ME 04003
• Phone: 207-833-2886
• Web: www.baileyislandmotel.com
• Email: info@baileyislandmotel.com

Q. What are your room rates?

A. The rooms run from $100 to $135, depending on the season.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to add?

A. Because I am of local descent, it is enjoyable to share the island life experiences in a small coastal community with people from other parts of the world.

In return, we enjoy sharing stories and cultures from their parts of the world.

pgabrion@timesrecord.com

 

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