About our Belfast Maine Hotel
In the Beginning…
Kathy Caswell, originally from Boston, Massachusetts, moved to Maine in 1986, worked as a real estate broker and opened an agency with three partners. An entrepreneur, she began to look for a business of her own and soon found and purchased the Ocean’s Edge Motel (it formerly had been the Bay Motel). In 1991, Kathy married David Caswell, a Newport, Rhode Island native who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam war. They became business partners as well as husband and wife. After acquiring several lots near the Ocean’s Edge Motel, the Caswells tore down the old property and, in 1996, built the 52-room Comfort Inn Ocean’s Edge. David, who holds a heating and plumbing license, supervised the construction, worked alongside the contractors and did much of the plumbing for the project. A 31-room addition and restaurant/lounge were built in 1998.
And We Continued to Grow
As the business prospered, the Caswells purchased a home near the shore adjacent to the hotel property. They also renovated two cottages and made them available for seasonal rental.
The Caswells were very directly involved in the day-to-day management of the hotel and are responsible for its success. They worked on the front desk, cleaned rooms and did maintenance. They hired excellent people and gave great service. Kathy’s influence was evident in the beautifully decorated and impeccably clean rooms. The Ocean’s Edge restaurant offered one of the finest dining experiences in the area.
The Caswells have a reputation for being honest, hardworking business leaders who have been active in the community. Kathy has served on the Belfast Chamber of Commerce board of directors and was selected as the Chamber’s Business Person of the Year in 1997. David served on the school board. The couple has been involved in a variety of other business ventures including the Franconia Village Hotel in Franconia, New Hampshire and the Gull Motel here in Belfast.
We thank the Caswells for the great job they have done and we wish Dave and Kathy great success and happiness as they move to their new home in Florida. It was their vision that made this hotel possible.
History of Belfast
Belfast, Maine, formerly a prosperous shipbuilding center, is a community resplendent with restored Federal and early Victorian homes built by former sea merchants. The city, located on Penobscot Bay, is becoming a cultural center with artists, writers and craftspeople adding to the economic revival of Waldo County.
Belfast Maine – a quintessential Maine coastal town
Discover the history of Belfast with Museum in the Streets or explore the Belfast Rail Trail on the Passagassawaukeag , Hint: the locals call it the Passy. The rail-trail follows the route of the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad, a passenger and freight line which operated from 1871 to 2007 between Belfast and Burnham Junction. The trail begins in downtown Belfast. From there, the crushed-stone, tree-lined trail heads northwest paralleling the river ending at the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. The train still operates on the weekends throughout the summer. They are celebrating their 150th year, this year.
We look forward to having you as our guest
Come Stay with Us
No matter the season, Fireside Inn Ocean’s Edge would like to invite you for a relaxing stay by Maine’s alluring coast. Experience our brilliant autumn foliage, or find your perfect romantic getaway by the bay in the wintertime. Even in Maine’s brisk winter sea breeze, you’ll be able to enjoy our indoor pool and hot tub as the snow slowly drifts past the expansive windows overlooking the Coast. Dry off in the sauna and then make yourself comfortable by our cozy fireplace in the lobby. Feel free even to grab a book from our own collection.
Trip Advisor Excellence
The Perfect Location
