Owners of the LimeRock Inn, P.
J.
Walter and Frank Isganitis, considered themselves fortunate to have found this beautiful turreted Victorian mansion that had been fully restored.
The inn is in Rockland's Historic District, within a short walking distance for those who want to explore the downtown and waterfront area.
Built in 1892 for Congressman Littlefield, LimeRock Inn represents Queen Anne architecture at its best.
We were drawn to the inviting wrap-around porch with groupings of wicker furniture.
When we stepped through the front door, the large hall mirror that greeted us is believed to be original to the house-a Christmas present from the Congressman for his wife.
Off the entry hallway, there were two spacious front parlors.
We favored the one with the extensive library.
In addition to books, there is an up-to-date restaurant guide.
At good description for the LimeRock Inn is "comfortable elegance.
" While Frank was in the kitchen, P.
J.
showed us around the eight spacious well-decorated guest rooms.
These blended Victorian detail with comfort and luxury, including Egyptian cotton linens and towels and well-appointed bathrooms.
Frank and P.
J.
have been making savory and sweet pies for the annual pie fest since l994.
We watched as Frank expertly prepared his authentic key lime pie (real key limes found in the local market daily).
Years ago, Frank made a rustic Italian cheese pizza for the contest.
We wish we had been there to experience what sounded absolutely delicious.
We knew that Bobby Flay was in town and wanted to dash around the corner and ask Bobby to watch Frank in action.
But Frank told us the Inn already had been featured on The Food Network's "Throwdown With Bobby Flay.
" So we stayed to enjoy thoroughly our key lime pie.
We spoke with a guest at LimeRock who told us the breakfast was a culinary delight.
When we asked Frank and PJ about the praises, they said, "There are two kinds of people in the world - those who eat to live, and those who live to eat and we are lifetime members of the latter group.
" They enjoy sharing their love of delicious culinary dishes.
Guests and business travelers at LimeRock are able to take advantage of a secure wireless network and guest pantry equipped with a desktop computer, laser printer, fax machine and scanner.
If requested, in-room TVs with cable and DVD are available.
In 2007, LimeRock Inn attained certification as a Maine Lodging Environmental Leader.
P.
J.
said, "We balance mother nature and the bottom line to make it work.
" Now, if the LimeRock Inn, is full, you do have three other great among the Four Historic Inns of Rockland.
These inns work together to support and promote each other-a huge reason for their success.
The Four Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine have over l0 packages, plus custom made special values, to offer guests of every taste and desire.
They range from pies, spas, dining, museums, windjammers, lighthouses, and many other unique getaways.
Rockland, Maine is a great destination any time of year.