COLUMBUS, Ohio—Rockbridge has acquired The Cliff House Resort and Spa, a historic 166-room resort situated on 70 oceanfront acres atop Bald Head Cliff in Ogunquit, Maine’s south coast. Rockbridge, through a joint venture with Maine-based hoteliers Marc Dugas and Peter Anastos, purchased the resort with plans to complete a comprehensive renovation after the 2015 season, revitalizing the distinguished property. The destination hotel will open for the season in April 2014, welcoming travelers to experience more than a century of Maine heritage.
“We’re thrilled to make an investment in another significant Maine hotel,” said Jim Merkel, chief executive officer of Rockbridge. “We endeavor to create great hotel experiences for our guests, and are excited to do just that with The Cliff House.”
Marc Dugas of Dugas Development added, “It’s an honor to be taking over the reins from our long-time friend Kathryn Weare. We’re looking forward to working with Rockbridge and bringing this historic oceanfront resort to the next level.”
New Castle Hotels will manage The Cliff House for Rockbridge, on the heels of another significant revitalization project by the companies. The Westin Portland Harborview—the first Westin branded hotel in Maine—re-opened in December 2013 following a complete restoration of the historic landmark hotel.
“Kathryn Weare and her family made The Cliff House what it is today: an iconic destination resort on the ocean cliffs of Maine,” said Gerry Chase, president and chief operating officer of New Castle. “Because this resort was developed and operated by her family for generations, as we position The Cliff House Resort and Spa for the next generation of travelers, we plan to honor its heritage by connecting the branding to the Weare family legacy.”
