CLIENT
Franciscan Fathers
ARCHITECT
INVIVID ARCHITECTURE
LOCATION
Kennebunk, ME
PROJECT TYPE
Hospitality
AREA
48,350 SF
SCOPE
65 Guestrooms
Restaurant & Bar
Meeting spaces
Staff Housing
Located along the Kennebunk River in Kennebunk, Maine, the Canticle Hotel transforms a former elementary school into a distinctive boutique hospitality destination through thoughtful adaptive reuse. Situated on a scenic 47-acre property shared with the Franciscan Monastery, the project embraces its tranquil natural surroundings while offering convenient access to downtown Kennebunkport and the nearby beaches.
The redevelopment reimagines the existing school building as a 53-room boutique hotel, incorporating a restaurant and bar, flexible meeting and event spaces, a fitness center, and a dedicated children's area. Outdoor amenities, including a swimming pool, patio, and wedding venue, extend the guest experience into the surrounding landscape. The property's existing Tutor House will also be repurposed to accommodate 12 additional guestrooms and staff housing.
Inspired by European architectural traditions, the design balances timeless elegance with contemporary comfort, creating a welcoming retreat that celebrates the site's unique character. By preserving and transforming existing structures while embracing the natural beauty of the Kennebunk River, the Canticle Hotel project demonstrates the potential of adaptive reuse to create a memorable hospitality experience rooted in a strong sense of place.