Black Point Inn occupies a historic oceanfront position on the Prouts Neck peninsula in Scarborough, Maine, approximately 10 miles south of Portland. The inn has hosted guests in various forms since 1879 and sits within the Prouts Neck Association community—a quietly private enclave historically associated with Winslow Homer, who maintained a working studio adjacent to the property and painted many of his most celebrated ocean seascapes on the same rocky coast accessible on foot from the inn's grounds. The current property has 25 rooms and suites in a main shingle-style building and adjacent units, most with direct ocean views. A heated pool, clay tennis courts, complimentary bicycles, and a private beach provide recreational options without leaving the neck. The Cliff Walk, a publicly accessible footpath along the dramatic rocky shoreline directly from the inn's grounds, connects guests visually and physically with the landscape that made Homer's paintings famous. The dining room serves three meals daily with an emphasis on fresh Maine seafood and classic New England preparations, maintaining an unhurried pace suited to the property's intimate character. Service is personalized throughout—a natural result of the small 25-room size. The Prouts Neck location provides a genuinely private coastal retreat within practical driving distance of Portland (approximately 25 minutes north), Kennebunkport (30 minutes south), and Old Orchard Beach. The inn draws guests seeking a quiet, historically resonant coastal stay—anniversary travelers, milestone celebrants, and writers seeking the same visual landscape that sustained Homer's most productive decades.
Room types
- Ocean rooms from $369/night
- Garden rooms from $299/night
- Suites from $599/night
Amenities
- oceanfront
- pool
- tennis courts
- restaurant
- free wifi
- free parking
- bikes available
- private beach
Location
510 Black Point Road, Scarborough, ME 04074
43.5316, -70.2364 View on map
Highlights
- Historic 1879 oceanfront resort within the Prouts Neck community once home to painter Winslow Homer
- Cliff Walk footpath from the grounds follows the same rocky shoreline Homer painted from his adjacent studio
- 25-room property with personalized service, private beach, and a setting distinct from larger Maine resorts
- Heated pool, clay tennis courts, and complimentary bicycles on a quiet private peninsula
- Direct ocean views from most rooms in the historic shingle-style main building
Tips for visiting
- Visit Winslow Homer's studio—managed by the Portland Museum of Art and open for seasonal tours—steps from the inn
- The Cliff Walk is most atmospheric in early morning light when the sea mist is still on the rocks
- Book at least 60 days ahead for summer stays; 25 rooms means availability disappears quickly
- Old Orchard Beach, a traditional sand-and-pier beach, is a 15-minute drive north for families
- Request an ocean-view room specifically; not all 25 rooms face the same direction or exposure
When to visit
Late June through September captures the inn's full season with pool access and complete dining service. The shoulder months of May–June and September–October are quieter and offer meaningful rate reductions.
Accessibility
Black Point Inn's main building has accessible room options on the ground floor. The Cliff Walk and beach access involve naturally rocky terrain that is not suitable for wheelchair navigation. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the inn directly to discuss accessible room availability.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the connection between Black Point Inn and Winslow Homer?
Homer lived and worked at Prouts Neck for over two decades, with his studio steps from the inn's property. He painted many of his most famous seascapes on the rocky coast visible from the Cliff Walk. The studio is managed by the Portland Museum of Art and offers seasonal tours.
Is Black Point Inn open to non-guests for dining?
The dining room primarily serves inn guests. Non-guest reservations may be available on a space-available basis; confirm with the property directly before planning a visit.
Is there a beach at Black Point Inn?
The inn has a private beach area on Prouts Neck. The coastline is predominantly rocky, characteristic of this section of the southern Maine coast.
How far is Black Point Inn from Portland?
The inn is approximately 10 miles south of Portland, a drive of about 25 minutes. Portland's museums, restaurants, and the international airport are all practical arrival or departure points.