The compound, once known as The Portland Monument Grounds, was initially developed in the 1800’s by local entrepreneur and Captain, Lemuel Moody. The grounds were an anchor for locals and visitors alike featuring a marine signal tower for communication between land and sea, a community dance hall and bowling alley where folks would gather to celebrate the return from a voyage and a guesthouse for seafaring travelers on stopovers in Portland. Today the grounds boast a spacious six-room guesthouse, and a distinctive terraced courtyard tucked between the Best Bower and the Observatory.
The Best Bower is situated alongside the Portland Observatory, one of Maine’s most adored landmarks. The guesthouse boasts six spacious guest-rooms each unique in layout, design and custom furnishings. Our distinctive terraced courtyard, embowered by the limbs of a giant oak, lined with custom stonework, seasonal plantings, café tables and chairs makes for an ideal spot to relax while admiring the stature of the Observatory and the quiet buzz of Munjoy Hill. Guests will enjoy walking proximity to local breweries & distilleries, galleries & museums, boutique shopping, culinary delights, and the Eastern Promenade park highlighting sweeping views of Casco Bay and a mile’s long trail system that leads to vibrant energy of Portland harbor and the cobblestone lined streets of the Old Port.