What To Know
- Chase and Sarah Morrill continue renovating their Monmouth, Maine inn on Maine Cabin Masters: All Inn.
- The team faced unique challenges converting the caretaker apartment into a commercial kitchen, including meeting fire codes and installing specialized equipment.
- Family members contributed to upcycling and decorating the dining room, incorporating local food and personal touches.
Chase and Sarah Morrill remained full steam ahead on Maine Cabin Masters: All Inn. The HGTV–Magnolia Network spinoff has chronicled the couple’s progress leading up to the opening of their inn that would become Waters Run in Monmouth, Maine. So far, the crew have transformed the lounge, library, bathrooms, and bedrooms. During the August 9 episode, they focused on the kitchens and dining rooms.
The idea was to renovate the caretaker apartment into a commercial kitchen. This would be used for food prep, dishes, and for the event space. Then there would be a guest kitchen where Sarah wanted to maintain the older style, paying homage to when it was owned by the Woolworths. These projects brought their own unique challenges.
Let’s unpack how things came together below.
Sarah’s brother Ryan Eldridge was tasked with clearing out the space for the commercial kitchen, though he didn’t really fulfill the objective as he made a place for the guys to have a breakroom. He felt it would motivate the crew to stay on site for lunch to save time and increase productivity. Ryan called over his wife Ashley like he had found some sort of treasure. She rushed over and was not impressed that he found an old sandwich maker.
Sarah, Maggie, Ashley, Chase, Peggy, Fletcher and Nori Morrill in the communal dining room (Magnolia Network/HGTV)
The commercial kitchen was a different kind of project compared to what the team was used to. A big reason for that was they had to follow specific fire codes and rules. They moved the guest kitchen stove to that area. A fire wall was engineered to prevent any potential fire from spreading. Subcontractors were hired to install the exhaust hood for the stove. Given the electrical, gas, and specific plumbing that needed to be done, Chase knew this aspect of the inn would take longer than expected. By contrast, the guest kitchen was a little easier to lift.
Along with the reno work, Sarah also got thinking about food. She wanted to pull from local farms and businesses for items. Her idea was to serve breakfast, but also offer a charcuterie board. The family took a trip to the Nezinscot Farm, where they have visited numerous times and created memories. They learned and had a hand in making butter, cottage cheese, and ricotta. Does Ryan love cheese? You feta believe it.
Sarah was also excited to get a braiding lesson to make doilies. The family have been big on upcycling. They cut wooden seats and wrapped them in fabric. They also moved an old bench from Chase and Ashley’s parents in for other seating. A table Chase built 12 years ago was used for the formal dining room. That all went a long way helping them stay on budget.
The goal was to give the formal dining room another level of sophistication. Also key was making it appear less haunted through new wallpaper, light fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint. Ashley thought if the room was haunted, it would mean good and positive spirits. Very reassuring. Mimi Peggy, Chase and Ashley’s mom, stopped by along with kids Maggie and Nori to see the progress. They were impressed and excited elements of the family were honored in varying ways including the decor.
Other jobs coming up include finishing the commercial kitchen, lobby, landscaping, exterior, and cabins. The clock is ticking toward opening day with so much more to do.
Maine Cabin Masters: All Inn, Sundays, 9/8c, HGTV