The Early Days

The colonial home was built for Mr. Wood in 1810. Mr. Wood had an unusual request of his builder: he wanted many closets, despite the fact they were taxed as rooms. Several closets can still be found throughout the inn, including in the common rooms which house games and books for guests.

The property later became known as the Hunt-Locke House, named after Simon Hunt, who came to Camden in 1806 as a manufacturer of harnesses and saddles. He purchased the home around 1818, and it stayed in his family for almost 100 years.

Simon's only daughter, Hannah Rogers Hunt Locke, lived in the house from the time she was born in 1833 until the time she died in 1929.

The Swift Family Moves In

Captain Frank Swift and his wife Mary then purchased the home and owned it for 20 years. They kept it much as it was, with the original molding, pumpkin pine flooring and bee-hive oven still in place. While living in the home, Captain Swift started Maine Windjammer Cruises, repurposing old cargo schooners and using them for passenger travel. He is credited with being the founder of Maine's Windjammer tourism industry. His company is still in business today and two of his ships still sail out of Camden.

To learn more about Captain Frank Swift, please click the link below.

Ownership Under Captain Frank Swift

This is a view of the back of the house then owned by the Swift Family. The back rooms opened to a patio and garden. This is where the inn’s outdoor dining deck is today.

The house was willed to Mary in 1978, after Captain Frank passed away, and she lived there for another 11 years until she died in August 1989.

New Owners

In 1989 the estate went to Captain Swift's children by a previous marriage. They sold it in 1993 to Mr. and Mrs. Tom Filips.

The Captain Swift Inn

The Filips decided to settle in Camden with the hopes of owning a bed and breakfast. They purchased the Hunt-Locke House and, after their renovations, opened it as a bed and breakfast, naming it The Captain Swift Inn in honor of Frank Swift. They sold the inn in 2004.

The Inn As It Was

Between 2004-2017, the inn underwent a major expansion, which included renovating the existing two-room owner's suite into two guest rooms, and creating two loft luxury suites, a large two-story owner’s quarters and an employee room in the rear of the property.

Sold! Renovations Begin

In May 2018, the Bentzingers purchased the property. It had been closed for 8 months and bank-owned and there was no business to purchase - just a building in need of renovation to establish it as a luxury lodging option for guests visiting Camden. 

12 Months of Renovations

No expense was spared in the renovation of the Captain Swift Inn. Everything from fire and safety enhancements to electrical and plumbing upgrades was addressed. All bathrooms were updated, fireplaces were installed in several guest rooms and new outdoor decks, patios and a state-of-the-art stone fire pit were created.

Primary Entrance To The Inn

The side door became the primary entrance for guest use when owned by the former Innkeepers. The front door was not in use, and the ramp door was only used for entrance into one of the guestrooms.  

Today, this is no longer the case, as all exterior doors are used to welcome guests!

The Clearing

One side of the property was so thick with trees and flora growth that not only was it extending to the building, but it also prevented the sunlight from entering the building, which resulted in dampness, mold, and rotted clapboard.  The clapboard was removed, the frame was repaired and a large dining deck was created.

Let The Sun Shine

The change in this side of the building was significant. It resulted in extensive exterior usable space for guests to enjoy. In addition to the dining deck, a stone patio and fire pit were created and there is now ample green space for guests to enjoy the gardens and play lawn games.

Alfresco Breakfast

The outdoor dining deck, located off the inn's dining room, offers alfresco dining, weather permitting. It is also a relaxing outdoor space to enjoy with a cup of coffee or wine throughout the day and into the evening.

Stone Patio With Fire Pit

The stone patio, complete with a state-of-the-art fire pit, is a great place for guests to relax and unwind with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Many guests sip their first cup of coffee here during the warmer months or roast our signature s’mores before they retire for the night, during the colder months.

Playing Around

Enjoy a game of Bocce ball or cornhole, or simply relax outside and sit amidst our lush, flowering gardens.

The Inn Today

The Captain Swift Inn now proudly boasts nine luxury guest rooms and suites and several gorgeous interior and exterior common areas for guests to enjoy. We pride ourselves, however, not only on the physical appearance of the property, but also on the delicious scratch-made breakfasts we serve and impeccable service we provide our guests who return to Camden and stay with us year after year.

Outside Spaces to Enjoy

Working with a landscape designer, we've created flowering gardens for guests to enjoy; watching the butterflies visit while smelling the sweet smell of lilacs.

All Doors Welcome Guests!

Today, all three exterior doors welcome guests into the Inn.  Guests most often use the ramp door to enter the Inn, but the original side door is still used by some! And the front door is perfect when going to or coming back from the Village! Guests enjoy free on-site parking while staying at the Inn.

Visit Camden  . . . Stay at The Captain Swift Inn

We are ideally located to walk to the village where you'll find one of Maine's most picturesque harbors; unique shops and varied restaurants. Camden Hills State Park is a mile from the Inn and offers hours of interesting hiking trails.  And in the Winter, The Camden Snowbowl offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.  It is never too early to book your stay at the Inn!