Innkeepers

Robert and Anne Bahr share a passion both for the arts and for hospitality.

Robert came from a large family, and Anne’s White Columns Inn has the casual and non-judgmental flavor of his childhood home; the door is always open, another guest always welcome. Don’t be surprised to hear his deep voice say, “Welcome home,” when you arrive. Hailing from Iowa, Robert studied to be a concert pianist. Besides performing, directing, and composing, Robert was music director for Memphis Ballet, executive director of Bangor Symphony Orchestra, and executive director of Grand Auditorium.

Named for Anne, the Inn reflects her flair for color and style. Anne does much of the interior decoration herself, and finds another creative outlet in her unforgettable breakfasts. Ask for a recipe, she is delighted to share. Anne’s family were innkeepers of a converted mansion in Bar Harbor, so it was natural that she took up innkeeping as a career. She renovated the White Columns Inn, becoming its sole owner in 1991.

Anne and Robert met while they were performing together in the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Hancock County, and they purchased a second bed and breakfast, Cleftstone Manor (also in Bar Harbor), in 2003.

They both keep involved in the arts. Anne continues to perform in local theater in the off-season as well as costuming local productions. Robert continues his passion for the arts by performing evenings at the Reading Room Restaurant. He continues to perform concerts in Maine and in the Midwest, and has a second album coming out in the spring of 2012.

Together, they host an annual costumed fundraiser for the Bar Harbor Bed and Breakfast Association, and offer star-studded hospitality to the guests of both Anne’s White Columns Inn and Cleftstone Manor.