TENANTS HARBOR — Ownership of the East Wind Inn in Tenants Harbor has changed hands, and the new proprietors are excited about their adventure as first-time innkeepers. 

Danielle and Brian Turner visited in Maine earlier this year, last April, and quickly fell in love with the state.

Hailing from California’s Bay Area, the Turners began searching for hospitality properties on the market. 

In true Midcoast spirit, the locals have been welcoming, the Turners said.

They were drawn to Maine because of community friendliness, hiking, the views of the coast and beautiful terrain, the lighthouses and, naturally, the seafood. 

While becoming inn owners is a new to them, it is not entirely a deviation of their West Coast lives. Danielle has a market, is a small business owner, and has health and wellness personal training background. Brian’s background is in management and information technology for a health care company. 

“We had been looking at inns and smaller hospitality properties for about a year as we wanted start a new adventure and liked the idea of creating a place for people to rest, explore and enjoy life,” said Danielle.

The Turners have no grand plans to completely alter the charm of the East Wind Inn. Rather, they envision the inn to remain a place the local community can enjoy through music, events and dining, Danielle said, and anticipate adding more local art pieces to each of the rooms. (The Tavern will be open for the winter, with opening day slated for December 2.) 

In the short-term, they will be updating the rooms, while maintaining the charm, and will work to identify ways to cater to the guest experience and develop ways for guests to enjoy the landscape and view. Long-term, the Turners don’t have anything ironclad at present, but have received a plethora of ideas from employees and locals they are attempting to finalize and prioritize. 

Both agree the social aspect of greeting guests, meeting members of the community and working with the inn’s staff is the best aspect of their new business venture. The biggest hurdles the Turners identified for them to overcome is figuring out the new-to-them concept of winterizing, and navigating the seasonality of Maine’s hospitality industry. 

The Turners, however, are excited for the road ahead. 

“We are thrilled to be here and blessed and grateful to have such a beautiful property, welcoming and talented staff, and look forward to keeping the charm and beauty of the inn,” Danielle said.