Nestled in the heart of York Beach, Maine, The Cutty Sark Motel has been a cherished destination for visitors seeking an authentic and unforgettable coastal experience. With its unique location offering the only true oceanfront accommodations in York Beach, our motel provides a peaceful retreat for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Our Family Legacy
Originally, on the site now occupied by The Cutty Sark Motel, stood a gracious beach home where Edward Hughes, his wife, Rose, and their family lived. With a shared vision, Edward and Rose gave the house new life as a charming bed and breakfast. As York Beach's hospitality community began to grow, Edward expanded the property to meet the increasing demand. The popularity of the location, coupled with its breathtaking views, led to the addition of a third floor, with the Hughes family continuing to reside within the facility. As both the family and business flourished, the building was continually remodeled to meet the needs of an ever-growing guest list.
Today, The Cutty Sark Motel stands as a proud legacy of the Hughes family’s dedication to hospitality. The second-generation owners—Peter, Patrick, and Connie Hughes—continue to run the motel with the same passion and care that has defined the property for over 70 years. Under their leadership, the motel has undergone significant renovations, including the addition of a second three-story building.
As we continue to grow, we are excited to introduce the third generation of Hughes family members into the day-to-day operations. Peter and Connie’s daughter, Brittany, is now actively managing operations and the continued growth of The Cutty Sark Motel. She’s excited to bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches while honoring the family tradition of excellence in hospitality and carrying forward Edward’s legacy. The third generation Hughes brothers, Brett and Shane, are involved in decisions around the business’ growth and financial health. Their involvement ensures that the values of quality, comfort, and personal service are carried on for years to come.
Our Commitment to Comfort and Quality
At The Cutty Sark Motel, we are committed to providing the highest level of comfort and service for our guests. Over the years, we’ve made thoughtful improvements to the facilities, maintaining the structural integrity of our historic property while enhancing the experience for everyone who stays with us. We look forward to welcoming you to The Cutty Sark Motel, where our family tradition of hospitality continues to thrive.
Explore York Beach
York Beach is an idyllic coastal town brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and a welcoming community. Whether you’re here to relax on the beach, enjoy delicious seafood, or explore nearby landmarks like the Nubble Lighthouse, The Cutty Sark Motel places you right in the heart of all the action. With our unbeatable location and family-friendly atmosphere, we offer a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Clipper Ship History
Cutty Sark is the last of the extreme clipper ships built for the 19th century China/England tea trade. From 1870-1878 she completed 8 round trips from with cargoes of wine, spirit and beer to China and tea on return to England.
With the opening of the Suez Canal and the introduction of steam ships she was no longer suited for the tea trade. For the next 45 years she took different cargoes of various qualities around the world.
In 1895 she was sold to J. Ferreira & Co. and renamed Ferreira. She traveled the world with various cargoes between Portugal and her empire. Dismasted and re-rigged as a barquentine in 1917.
In 1922 she was bought by Captain and Mrs. Dowman and her name changed back to Cutty Sark. In 1953 she was she was acquired by the Cutty Sark Society. In 1954 she moved into a specially built dock in London, was restored, and in 1957 began her new life as a museum.
A cutty sark is a Scottish dialect for a short chemise (shirt). The clipper ship Cutty Sark’s original figurehead was named “Nannie.” It is based on the poem “Tam O’Shanter,” by Robert Burns, that immortalizes the legend of Tam’s escape from Nannie, a beautiful witch who could not catch Tam before he fled across a river (witches, as legend reminds us, cannot cross bodies of running water). However, she did manage to grasp the tail of Tam’s fleeing horse and wrench it from the unfortunate animal. She is depicted on the figurehead with the tail in hand.
