Motor courts & roadside motels for sale. A growing trend for the last decade or so has been the comeback of Mid-Century motor courts & roadside motels. From California to Maine, these thriving and surviving properties have been scooped up and refurbished.
Auto touring became the way to travel once the automobile became affordable and US highway systems were expanded. After WWII the burgeoning middle class took to the roads. A simple drive up and park next to your cottage, cabin or strip of motel rooms. And there was most likely a pool, playground, lawn games and barbeques. Multi-generational travel, families and honeymooners seeking slow scenic leisurely drives and simple lodging.
Old fashioned ambiance
Down East Magazine article; ‘Vintage Road Tour’ by Virginia M. Wright, featured some of the surviving and thriving motor courts in Maine.
“In coming to Maine, people want to stay in a place they can’t find everywhere else.”
This statement could be about vintage properties anywhere in the states.
“There are hints of a renaissance for these simple shelters as a new generation of courtiers (no one uses the term anymore) find value in their retro charm and the conviviality of their shared outdoor spaces.”
Looking to become an innkeeper to ‘courtiers’? The B&B Team has two wonderful properties with oodles old fashioned ambiance.
Eureka Springs Motor Court
A mid-twentieth century Eureka Springs motor court for sale that includes motel rooms. It is a property that is enjoying a vibrant life in the twenty-first century! There are 7 original cottages and 4 connected motel rooms.
The lot of about an acre offers guests a comfortable place to relax. The back yard is spacious, with a large gazebo, horseshoe pit, and a woods view. There are four fire pits for guest enjoyment, as well as a covered area with grill that guests can use.
Fundamentally, this Motor Court represents great value today and a first-rate location and size to grow significantly with a strong marketing plan.
Boutique Motel-Wiscasset Maine
Located on scenic Coastal Route One on 8 acres of woodlands. 29 motel units built to last from 1915 to the 1950’s. The Main lodge building has a lobby and dining room lounge with wood burning fireplace. All the outdoor leisure activities included. Firepits, picnic tables, croquet, bocce ball, badminton, and a half mile walking trail around the property.
Many additions and renovations have taken place over the years. In May 2017, the current owners finished 6 cabins that were unfinished and turned them into 4 beautifully designed cabins.
This is a very well-maintained property and very strong, financially viable business. This boutique motel in Wiscasset, Maine is currently a seasonal operation, May-October, but could remain open year-round.
Motor courts & roadside motels for sale. Retaining or reestablishing vintage charm to these properties is the key to keeping the old-fashioned ambiance travelers are seeking. Retro charm, conviviality, simplicity and shared outdoor spaces. The Eureka Springs Motor Court and the Wiscasset Boutique Motel Lodge have all of the above. Give us a call, we can help you in your search.
Thanks for Listening,
Janet Wolf
