Reimagine the original 16 cabins at the storied Hidden Pond resort in Kennebunkport to reflect a cohesive design narrative that celebrates the beauty of it’s location nestled in the woodlands along the coast of southern Maine.
The original cabins had been individually designed with different finishes, furnishings and inspirations. While they were each unique and beloved, they presented a challenge to the property team to keep up with maintenance and did not reflect the aesthetic of the rest of the property or the surrounding area. From the earliest conversations with the team, we were aligned on the idea that the cabins should feel unmistakably like Maine: not in a literal way, but in the palette, the materials, and the overall mood.We developed two design narratives to roll out across the cabins – Coastal and Woodlands. The two concepts allowed us to tell two complementary stories: one shaped by lightness and shoreline influence, the other grounded in texture and forest tones, while still maintaining a cohesive identity across the property.
We were really intentional about bringing in new pieces that feel more aligned with what guests need. Comfort was a priority: plush sofas and chairs for relaxing, blackout drapery for deep sleep, better lighting and more functional tech integration. These shifts that make a big difference in how the space is experienced.
Repurposing existing furnishings was an important part of the approach. It not only reduced waste, but also preserved the eclectic charm that makes each cottage feel personal and lived-in and honors the legacy of the property. A large part of the creative process was asking, ‘What can we keep?’Much of the existing furniture had great character, and we decided to recontextualizing it rather than replacing it. By layering in antiques sourced from local shops to build on that foundation, a stronger sense of place was added to each cottage.
Ultimately, the project demonstrates how thoughtful, restrained design can have an extraordinary impact. By embracing adaptive reuse, investing in craftsmanship and timeless materials, and drawing inspiration from the local environment – the very reason guests flock here time and time again – the cottages have been transformed into spaces that feel quietly immersive and unmistakably rooted in their surroundings. It is a reminder that the most lasting luxury often comes not from adding more, but from revealing what was already there.
Owner: EOS Hospitality Photography: Douglas Lyle Thompson, Heidi Kirn
