Wan-e-set
The East Wind Inn has been part of the Tenants Harbor waterfront since 1860, when the original building was constructed as a sail loft for the town’s working boatyard. In those early days, the Sail Loft served not only as a place where sails were made and repaired, but also as a gathering place for the community. Town meetings were occasionally held there, along with some of the village’s first Masonic gatherings.
In the 1920s, as coastal Maine began attracting summer visitors from nearby cities, the building was transformed into an Inn called the Wan-e-set (the meaning of the name is still a mystery). Guests from Boston and beyond arrived by steamer, escaping the summer heat to enjoy long, leisurely stays along the scenic Midcoast.
East Wind Inn
In the mid-1950s, the Wan-e-set was sold to a succession of local residents, though it was not fully operating as a bed and breakfast until the early 1970s.
In 1974, Tim Watts, a beloved native of Tenants Harbor, purchased the abandoned building, carefully restored it, and reopened it as the East Wind Inn. His vision brought new life to the historic property and reestablished it as a welcoming destination on the harbor.
Several years later, Watts expanded the Inn by purchasing an adjacent nineteenth-century sea captain’s mansion, which had been converted into a boarding house. The building was incorporated into the property and remains an important part of the East Wind Inn on the Water today.
Sail Loft & Captain's House
After Tim Watts passed away in 2012, Randy Deutsch, a longtime summer resident of Saint George, continued his legacy. During his ownership, Randy thoughtfully renovated the guest rooms and suites, created an upscale apartment, and introduced the now-iconic Quarry Tavern.
Upon Randy’s retirement, Brian and Danielle Turner became proud innkeepers, committed to honoring the East Wind's past and welcoming guests to experience the beauty and timeless character of Tenants Harbor.
They established a History Wall celebrating the heritage of both the Sail Loft and the Captain’s House, and created Historical albums highlighting the stories and people who shaped the Inn over the years.
Learn More
Interested in the history of the East Wind Inn on the Water? Browse historical letters, articles, menus and photographs during your next visit. Check our availability!