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Updated: August 4, 2025

Buyer finds 'wow factor' in Wells inn converted from a former church

An aerial view shows buildings near the water. Photo / Courtesy Daigle Commercial Group The inn is half a block from the beach.
By Laurie Schreiber

The buyer of a seaside inn in the York County town of Wells was struck by the ambience lent by the property’s previous life as a church.

“I walked in and it was one of those ‘wow’ situations,” said Scott Payette.

Payette and his business partner, Ryan Sullivan, bought Haven By the Sea at 59 Church St. from Ezzo Enterprises Inc. for $2.03 million. Financing was provided by Maine Community Bank.

Alexandra Diaz and Roger Daigle of Daigle Commercial Group facilitated the sale. 

Near the beach

Built in 1920 on one-third acre, the 16,226-square-foot building was the summer mission of St. Martha's Church in Kennebunkport. Located about 500 feet from Wells Beach, it was converted into an inn in 1982, said Payette. The renovation kept the church's original hardwood floors, stained glass windows and chandeliers.

Two people stands in a room.
Photo / Courtesy Haven By the Sea
Scott Payette, left, and Ryan Sullivan bought Haven By the Sea in Wells.

The inn has nine guest rooms that are individually decorated, an owner’s one-bedroom apartment and an additional two-bedroom apartment. There are numerous gas fireplaces, cathedral ceilings, common areas, a commercial-grade kitchen, balcony views of the ocean  on one side and views of a salt marsh from the rear decks. 

Some guestrooms are outfitted with amenities such as Jacuzzi tubs and private entrances. The one-bedroom apartment has a fully outfitted kitchen and a balcony.

A room has a high ceiling and tables and chairs.
Photo / Courtesy Haven By the Sea
A function facility includes a dining area and kitchen.

An event space includes a dining area with cathedral ceiling, balconies, a baby grand piano, kitchen, prep kitchen and a bar renovated from the church's former confessional booth. The room seats 50 people, the terrace seats 25 and a tent in the courtyard seats 100. The property’s marketing is aimed at private functions, weddings and fundraisers.

Update potential

Payette works at a technology company and lives just outside of Worcester, Mass.

He got into real estate investment about a decade ago, starting with multifamily properties and then getting into the hospitality side. 

An exterior view of a building with a sharply peaked roof.
Photo / Courtesy Haven By the Sea
Haven By the Sea, in Wells, is immediately recognizable as a former church.

Payette vacationed in Maine throughout his childhood. His family used to go to the church that is now Haven by the Sea.

A decade ago, he bought a house down the street from the inn and began to invest in hospitality with the acquisition of a couple of rental properties in Wells. 

He and Sullivan were looking at other potential investments in town when Daigle mentioned Haven by the Sea.

A room has a high ceiling.
Photo / Courtesy Haven By the Sea
A 40-foot-high ceiling is part of the inn’s ambience.

The features are striking, Payette said, and include the entryway that has a 40-foot cathedral ceiling and a couple of the vintage church pews.

In addition to the large entertainment space out back, with a deck, a patio and fire pits, Payette and Sullivan added beach carts, towels and chairs that guests can take to the beach. The plan is to get some bicycles that people can rent and to look at other amenities and events.

The year-round property was in turnkey condition but needed a bit of updating, he said. 

“It’s a pretty elegant type of decor,” he said.” We’ll probably do a little bit of updating. We’ll bring it into the 21st century but keep the classic charm.”

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