The Baker's Loft: Artisan Charm in the Heart of the Village
Welcome to a space where village history meets modern artisan comfort. Located in the very center of Chatham, (minutes walk from restaurants, cafes, shops and the historic Crandell theater) our 1,400-square-foot loft offers an expansive retreat directly above our boutique, Lea’s. I am Robert, a formally trained pastry chef originally from Scotland, and my wife, Lea, is a local potter who has lived in this village her entire life. Our boutique downstairs is carefully curated with clothing and jewelry, featuring our own artisanal, fair-trade clothing line made in India as well as Lea's pottery.
We’ve combined our backgrounds in the culinary arts, hospitality, and design to create a guest experience that is both deeply personal and professionally polished.
Historic Charm & Village Life
Our building was built in the late 1800s, and we have worked hard to preserve its original soul and character. While the loft is incredibly comfortable, it is a historic space with its own set of charming quirks, you may find a floorboard that creaks or a doorknob that requires a firm, steady turn. Being in the heart of the village also means being part of its unique rhythm; the train runs right through the center of Chatham. It is a quintessential part of the local experience, though it may occasionally require you to pause your conversation for a moment to enjoy the rumble as it passes by while sitting on the front balcony porch.
The Balcony Porch!
The porch is truly a magical spot. Perhaps the most beloved feature of of the apartment is the expansive balcony porch. Framed by mature trees that provide both cool shade and a sense of secluded privacy, it is a a magnificent spot to soak in the atmosphere of Chatham village. The porch is thoughtfully furnished to accommodate the mood: hang out with hors d'oeuvres and wine on the L-shaped outdoor sofa and the warm orange glow of flickering candles with your group or enjoy the peace of a quiet cup of a tea on one of the two classic rocking chairs with a book. Whether you are watching the pulse of village life through the leaves or simply enjoying the breeze, this porch is a comfortable sanctuary that guests find hard to leave.
The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is exceptionally well-equipped for those who love to cook, featuring a professional gas stove and quality cookware. It is especially magical in the early hours; the kitchen is perfectly situated to catch the sunrise, filling the space with a beautiful, warm morning light. On those crisp, chilly mornings, it is a cozy sanctuary to sit and enjoy your tea or coffee with a plate of freshly baked scones. Otherwise, the expansive private balcony porch will be beckoning you to step outside or you can retreat to the adjacent living room. This space is quite large and designed to accommodate your entire group with ease, featuring a grand oak table for games and puzzles, and a lounge area with an oversized sofa and antique leather high-back chairs.
Seamless Amenities
To make your mornings effortless, the loft features a modern bathroom with a spacious grooming shower and a luxury rain shower head. We understand the importance of space when getting ready, so we have also provided dedicated vanity stations in both the King and Queen bedrooms. Each station is equipped with a hairdryer and a magnifying mirror, allowing guests to get ready privately in the comfort of their own rooms. For your convenience, the loft also includes a private washer and dryer so you can feel truly at home.
Family & Community
As a historic village building, we share this space with a few wonderful long-time residents who have been here for nearly 20 years. They are very quiet and you may occasionally see them in the shared front entryway (the Loft is Apartment 1). Our son, Christian, who is a professional landscaper and the creator of the beautiful gardens on the property, lives in a separate apartment in the rear on the bottom level. You might see him tending to the flowers in the evenings; he is always happy to say hello or give you a tour of the gardens.
Your Privacy & Our Availability
While we offer seamless self-check-in with a lockbox directly outside the front door of the apartment to respect your privacy, we are very much available should you need anything. We work right here in the ground floor boutique and are happy to help with local recommendations or any needs that arise. We will leave a card on the table with our direct contact information for outside business hours when we are away. We live just 10 minutes away from the apartment.
Whether you want a completely private retreat or a bit of local insight, we are here to ensure your stay is effortless and memorable.
