About Us

Elbert Stannard was born in Westbrook, Connecticut. At 14, he went out to sea. Returning as Captain in 1872, he built a proper prideful house. Later, it became the Menunketesuck Inn, the St. Charles Inn, the Olde English Tavern, and Holly’s Hotel & Seafood Restaurant. In 1931, Holly’s Barn was added and used as a community gathering place, workforce housing, and Kingsley Hall dormitory.

THE 1971 FIRE
The town took possession of the house and considered razing it to erect a new town library but the property was sold and restored privately as a personal residence, an inn, an antique shop, and rooming house. Subsequent hard times followed. Wrought with foreclosure and abandonment until the property opened in 1991 as the Captain Stannard Bed & Breakfast Country Inn.

In 2005, the Inn was completely refurbished inside and out, the historically correct porches were custom designed and built and the grounds were landscaped to complete the picture.

In 2023, the Inn received a ground floor renovation and updates to the sleeping rooms including the addition of the Captain’s Suite.

Owners of the Westbrook Inn (read the full story here), the beautiful, majestic Captain Stannard Country Inn became part of the Westbrook Inn Family. This gorgeous 1872 Mansion with a stunning cupola and quirky interior is now the airy, coastal Inn of their dreams. Once again, some reimagining is required, but they will continue to operate as they put their personal touches on the property. Newly renamed, The Stannard will be a fun project for guests who enjoy being along for the journey.

As demonstrated in their continued investment in the community, these entrepreneurs give back to the community and industry. Meri is the President of the Connecticut Lodging Association and Chair of the local Chamber of Commerce. She represents Westbrook on the Tourism Council and serves on local committees, including the Christmas Tree Lighting Committee. She drags Marcus along with her on all her whims. An avid boater, Marcus recently became a Captain himself, and they hope to add sunset cruises to their amenity list next year. He continues to keep his day job commuting to New York City daily, though you will generally find him mingling with guests at breakfast on weekends or with his tool belt taking care of all maintenance needs.