About Us

Anchorage Inn started as the Sea Cottage built in Long Sands Beach by Charles Sayward and Charles A. Grant. It opened to guests in 1897 making it the second oldest hotel in York. It was taken over by Edward E.E. Mitchell, Mr. Grant’s nephew, who worked there for 19 years prior to taking ownership. He renamed it the Mitchell Hotel. 

The white, 41-foot cast-iron conical tower at the summit of Cape Neddick was constructed, dedicated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service, and put into use in 1879. Located on a small, rocky islet off Route 1A in York Beach, the Nubble Light is said to be the “most photographed” lighthouse in the U.S.

The current Anchorage property was purchased by Sears and Ada Daurte. Sears renovated the property and changed the name from the Mitchell House to the Anchorage Inn. He would cook for more than 200 guests in the summer, and Ada often worked in housekeeping. Guests enjoyed their hospitality so much that they would return annually, staying in their same guest rooms and sitting at the same table in the dining room. Attention was such that dining tables would be set with a guests’ daily vitamins and medications along with the salt and pepper every evening. 

Norman “the Boss” Ramsey purchased the hotel from the Duarte family. Sun and Surf Restaurant first appears as The Hot Dog Stand in 1963. 

The motel building is complete with 48 guestrooms across two floors. In 1968, 16 more rooms with air conditioning were added. 

Norman’s son, Ray Ramsey, purchased the Anchorage Inn and Sun and Surf Restaurant. 

After growing the Main building and adding a maintenance bay garage in the 1980s, construction on the Atrium building and its 72 rooms began. It was completed, along with an indoor pool, in 1992. 

Construction of the Ocean Suites began at the site of the Ramsey family’s original Sears-Roebuck home next to the property. Its 24 suites officially opened to guests in 2008. 

Renovations to the Atrium guest rooms, pool, and hallway are completed in the spring.