CAMDEN — A Midcoast landmark, the Norumbega Inn at 63 High Street in Camden, welcomed new owners Sue Walser and Philip Crispo, who now have the daunting task of getting the building in working order for Memorial Day weekend.

Penobscot Bay Pilot stopped and spoke to the couple amid roofers, boxes, and plumbing issues. They seemed quite calm and taking it all in stride.

“It’s the rebirth of a castle, and there’s a lot of work to be done," said Sue. "Phil and I want people to feel the same way about this place as we do. Customer satisfaction is going to be paramount to us.”

The couple, formally from New York, now consider Camden their home. They want the understated elegance of the Norumbega to say, “Simple things done exceptionally well.”

“It’s unfortunate but the previous owners let it fall into disrepair," she said. "The biggest problem right now is the roof. We need to make it water-tight. After that we just want to clear out cobwebs, put some music on and let some sunshine back in here. It needs love and we intend on giving it plenty of that. The bones of the building are incredible to work with.”

Phil echoed those sentiments.

“The biggest challenge is that we inherited a lot of other people’s problems," he said. "Delighting our guests and exceeding their expectations will be the hallmarks of our personal style. We want to do it right, but we’re not millionaires. The kitchen, for example, looked like a 1974 YMCA camp kitchen. ”

It’s no surprise Phil would focus on the kitchen, since he will be doing a lot of the cooking. He has more than 30 years of culinary experience, with accolades that include a win on the Food Network’s show Chopped and the Societe Culinaire Philanthropiques’ Grand Prize of Honor.

Phil also has a broad knowledge of the hospitality industry having run his own restaurant in Scotland, served as chef instructor at the Culinary Institute of America's renowned restaurant Escoffier and cooked for H.R.H. The Prince of Wales.

“My flavors are deeply rooted in the Mediterranean,” he said. "I also love Asian and Indian foods. I love curry. I love to teach and I would love to take on new people with cooking classes and impromptu dinners. I’ll even let the guests cook alongside me in the kitchen if they want.”

Sue said that Norumbega would not be open to the public for dinner, but that they would be doing a lot of special events, such as wine pairings.

Sue and Phil met when Sue failed an attempt at mashed potatoes that required emergency assistance from Chef Phil, during a CIA boot camp program. Phil rescued her potatoes and love ensued.

“It’s going to take us one season to get to operating smoothly,” she said. “The guest rooms are spacious and we have some of the best views of the bay.”

She brings more than 20 years’ experience managing, guiding and working with Fortune 500 companies in Manhattan to the dynamic duo. She opened her own strategy consulting firm two years ago.

The Norumbega was built in 1886 by Joseph Stearns. It is on the National Historic Registry. It served as a private home for 100 years and then opened as a Bed and Breakfast in 1984. Its unique architecture makes it one of the most recognizable structures along Route 1.