Welcome to BillowHouse

Innkeeping Convention

2009-03-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

March 31, 2009
Mary, Judi, and Helen are presently in Atlanta, Georgia. We are attending an international innkeepers convention for three days. We are learning many new technology techniques in order to stay better in touch with all our wonderful guests. We are learning how to package special getaways, how to give you the best service that BillowHouse can offer, and we hope to implement some of our new ideas in the year ahead. So please plan now to see if we keep our word. We shall be learning more tomorrow. Please stay in touch.

2008-08-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had a mother, daughter, and aunt stay with us for 2 nights. They wrote some very nice things in our guest book.
"We found this lovely place online and lucky for us a cancellation afforded us the opportunity to have a girls' weekend at the beach. We absolutely loved the room! The hospitality, cleanliness and amenities were wonderful. Our favorite feature is the dual decks - how amazing - we were able to enjoy the sounds and views of the ocean as well as the setting of the sun! We'll definitely be back!"

2008-07-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

We stayed at the BillowHouse June 28th-July 5th and had a magnificent time. We stayed in the Ocean Dunes two bedroom cottage, our two boys ages 6 and 4 loved it (as we did too). It was very comfortable, the staff great, and being so close to the beach was such a treat. We heard about Ocean Park being such a family oriented spot with some old fashioned fun and we now know why those that have experienced it, love it so much. Truly a great escape and so close to some fun kid friendly excursions too. Liz

2008-06-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2008
A rather gloomy day in Ocean Park, but receiving a recent email from guests has made the day sunny. With their permission we have posted their kind words.
"Just wanted to thank you and that we had a wonderful time at the BillowHouse. Everything and everybody were great, and we especially enjoyed the personal touches such as the cookies every day, the deck chairs, and umbrellas and the fresh muffins! The following week we went to Rome for a week to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, but we still had Ocean Park in the back of our minds! Maybe not quite so historic as Rome, but definitely more relaxing! Thanks, and we hope to stay with you all again in the future!"

2007-10-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

Another gorgeous day in OP for late October. Everyone is reeling over the Red Sox victory...so nice to be a part of the REAL Red Sox Nation.
We still have availability for Thanksgiving and we also have a connection to a pie baker in the park. Call ahead now and don't be a turkey.

2007-10-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to mention the wonderful stay we had at the BillowHouse-you have truly thought of everything - the room was very comfortable, and all the little details made our life easier while "on the road". My Mom and sister and I really enjoyed the room, the view (the beach!) and the help of your staff. I' m sure we'll return to your place the next time we visit Maine (and we'll pass our great experience on to other folks).

Visitors from New Jersey

2007-09-29T11:17:00.001-07:00

Here it is the last Saturday in September. This transitional month has been a glorious one weather-wise. We had summer-like weather on Wednesday and broke temperature records in Portland when the thermometer reached 90.
Today 3 parties who were here for a week departed and we are always sad to see them go. For several years now we have had an on-going "thing" with them about the bears in the BillowHouse.
More of our winter-rentals move in this week which is always a sure sign of changing weather.
Presently both Mary and Judi are battling nasty coughs, hopefully both will be better soon. Mary soon departs for her pilgrimage to Spain; we are anxious to hear all about it upon her return.

2007-09-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

Summer has returned to Ocean Park. The thermometer outside the office is reading 90. All our guests are at the beach where there seems to be a bit of an ocean breeze. Tomorrow is promising more of the same. We really do need some rain and perhaps that will come on Sunday.

2007-09-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

September 1st already; where has the summer gone? We have enjoyed a fantastic season with fantastic guests. The Labor Day weekend promises to be a beautiful one; today was a great beach day. We look forward to seeing our autumnal guests throughout September and October. Although all our weekends in September are booked we have a few openings during the week.

2007-08-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

The Hangos & the Walkers have come to the conclusion that there are only two seasons in our lives. Pre-Billowhouse & Post-Billowhouse.

The Pre-Billowhouse season ends when we arrive at 2 Temple Avenue. The world stops and we get off. We are greeted by the smell and sound of the ocean. Bonds are strengthened between family and friends and we are bathed in the hospitality of Mary, Judi and Helen. We so miss Bill but his spirit is everywhere we look. Alas, the World starts revolving again and we reluctantly leave, refreshed and rejuvenated and the Post-Billowhouse season begins. The moment we return home it is again the Pre-Billowhouse season.

Thank you for another wonderful vacation!

Love and great wishes,
Pat & Tony Walker & Roy & Margaret Hango

2007-08-10T09:23:00.001-07:00

After a beautiful Thursday, today is somewhat cloudy and chilly. Fridays at the BillowHouse are always somewhat gloomy because most of our guests have to leave on Saturday. But our guests this week have been very happy and busy. Many have shopped and have helped the Maine economy, some have gone on lobsterboat trips out of Kennebunkport, some have visited the Children's Museum in Portsmouth, NH, some have gone boating with friends, some have gone fishing, cycling, swimming, and many have played tennis and shuffleboard. And one little boy, Mickey had his 7th birthday yesterday at the BillowHouse. We all enjoyed his delicious Reese's ice cream cake.

2007-08-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful weekend it was in Ocean Park, even the weather cooperated with the exciting festivities. Saturday, of course, was Illumination Night complete with band concert, strawberry shortcake, walk-about, and the Dunlop Bagpipers. The BillowHouse experienced a special treat as the bagpipers paraded through our parking lot on their way to the village square and then again on their return trip. It is hard to find anyone in New England who does not love bagpipers and their music.
On Sunday not only was the Temple full, but also the grove as well, to hear the inspiring words of Rev. Peter Gomes. He spoke about frustrations and purpose; he truly is one of our country's finest preachers. After church services, the Temple Garden was dedicated. This is across the street from the Temple and has a new pergola (designed like the old one). The pathway to the Pergola gently meanders and hopefully offers visitors a chance for meditation and comfort. The weather all day Sunday featured the beautiful blue Maine sky. Sunday evening culminated in the annual Choir concert, a "Gallimawfry", a collection of music from classical to patriotic. Once again the talents of Steward Shuster and Wm. Fred Scott thoroughly entertained a very appreciative audience.

2007-07-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Today in Ocean Park it is very warm and humid. The weekend promises more of the same. There is a sea breeze and we are thankful for that. Fridays are always kind of gloomy around here because folks are packing up and thinking about their trips home.

2007-07-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day in Ocean Park; two sunny days in a row. I just overheard one of our guests comment that the water is very refreshing. Tomorrow the omniscient weatherman predicts a rainy day, but that is all right. Tomorrow at the BillowHouse we shall be debuting "Arts and Crafts with Judi". This will be offered for our young guests. The project on tap is the making and decorating of butterflies with which to decorate around the BH, which is our current theme.
Our new parking arrangement seems to be working out fine and we know that someone up above must be smiling down on us and giving hi 5's all around.
The preacher who was here this past Sunday, Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo, was very good. He spoke about power and authority; power does not always mean a person is right, but one with authority has earned his/her power; he used Mother Teresa as a good example of one who had authority and used her power wisely.
This Wednesday at Jordan Hall Trevor Lavenbein, an Ocean Park trumpeteer, will be presenting a recital with Fred Scott as his accompanist.
Well, Mary is busy making her grape-nut pudding. Wish you could be here!

2007-07-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well, you never know who will stop by at the BillowHouse. Today we had Donald Wheatley and his wife, Carol, come by for a quick visit. Donald use to work at the BillowHouse during the summers of 1938 and 1939 as the night watchman. He shared with us some of his memories of working here then; such as making friends with the cook so he could get something to eat, so he would peel potatoes. Back then the BillowHouse had a restaurant which was also open to the public. His sister, Harriet, was a waitress. He told us that he use to live in the basement and his shoes would get moldy and that he earned $5 a week. He served in WWII and was overseas for 38 months as a radio operator and then continued in that line of work with the Voice of American in Washington.
Since we are talking numbers, we currently have two guests who are racking up their number of years staying either in Ocean Park and/or the BillowHouse. One "young" lady has been coming to Ocean Park for 88 years; another has been coming to Ocean Park for 77 years and has been staying at the BillowHouse for the last 17 years. Our oldest guest was here last month at the tender age of 101.
Who will be our next interesting guest?

2007-07-10T12:37:00.001-07:00

A beautiful day in Ocean Park today; a strange bright object in the sky - they call it the sun.
All the guests seem to be enjoying the longed-for sunshine.
Mary's grandson, Colin, pitched in today and made a dish for breakfast tomorrow. His specialty is Raisin Bread Pudding.

2007-07-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Our last available week in July was just filled today, July 9.
Many folks are calling for late September, early October dates; don't miss out on our autumnal beauty.

Today we have had a copious amount of rain; unfortunately the whole week looks rather gray and rainy.

Welcome to Billow House

2007-07-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

To all our wonderful guests and other friends of the BillowHouse:
The summer season of '07 is well underway, and we wanted to let you know about a recent cancellation. That means we now have a vacancy for the week of July 28th-August 4th. But this room will go fast, so please either call us (at 1-888-767-7776) or email (at info@billowhouse.com).