Built in 1872 as the residence of the seafaring Captain Elbert Stannard, The Captain Stannard has served as a historic, boutique inn in the coastal community of Westbrook.

Finding it in need of a refresh after purchasing the property almost a year ago, owners Meri Wick and Marcus Little have undertaken a months-long upgrade to the historical bed and breakfast. On June 1, the fruits of of their efforts will be on display as The Captain Stannard will have its grand reopening celebration.

"Here, it was less about editing, and it was more about creating interest and creating a space where guests could have a different kind of experience and transported," Wick said. "We like to think it feels like your transported to a yacht club or to be on board a beautiful yacht."

Wick, who also owns the Westbrook Inn with Little, said that when they acquired The Captain Stannard, a lot of mechanical and infrastructure upgrades were done by the previous owner. However, Wick said she found the appearance of the inn to be "one-dimensional" and wanted more small details that would make it look "interesting to stay in."

After its summer season last year, upgrades to property were in full swing in the fall.

Wick said that one space that was reconfigured was the dining area, which she felt was "hard and echoey" with its large tables. Smaller, more intimate tables are now in the dining area while new 12-foot drapes with nautical rope adorn the space. There is a live edge wood breakfast bar for guests now as well as self-serve refrigerator and guest galley with coffee and tea.

Another upgraded area is the large common area, which had previously been converted to a large suite. Wick said she wanted more people to enjoy the space so the spot has been opened up for all guests to access. Wick added that they want to common room to serve multiple purposes, whether its to play games or host a board room meeting.

Wick said they went through all the furnishings to determine which antique pieces to keep. Some of these pieces were given new hardware or a fresh coat of paint, and moved around the property. All guest rooms are being refreshed with new bedding, towels, furniture and even areas for charging devices. The internet has also been upgraded.

"They can experience what it feels like to be in a vintage property, but have all of the amenities they would want to have a comfortable stay," Wick said.

The owners themselves are now living at The Captain Stannard (they were previously living at the Westbrook Inn). Wick said they have renovated their own area as well with new floors and paint.

While the grand reopening is taking place at the end of the week, Wick said that they will continue to do upgrades over time. "These inns are labors of love. You're always working on them," Wick said.

As self-proclaimed "lovers of yacht rock," Wick said guests will be greeted by nautical flags that spell out "Yacht Rock'Inn" (the name of the owners' boat) and the tunes of Michael McDonald.

In their travels, Wick said they have acquired burgees from different yacht clubs, which will also be on display at the inn. Wick said that guests are invited to share burgees with them as well.

"If the Westbrook Inn is 'Bridgerton,' we're 'Below Deck' here. We don't take ourselves too seriously," Wick said.

The grand reopening party on Sunday will be yacht-rock themed and will provide refreshments on the property's revamped Portside Deck. For Wick, the biggest change to the property is making it unique to both her and Little while incorporating their personality in details around the inn.

"The reason you go to a bed and breakfast or one of these small, boutique properties is that you want to feel like you're going to someone's home and it's a reflection of who they are," Wick said. "For me, the way you feel is the biggest change we made here."