There are many challenges in transforming a Greek revival style home built in 1847 into a welcoming bed and breakfast inn for today’s guests. Fortunately, the Brass Lantern has been welcoming guests for almost a hundred years, since the 1920’s when it was the Parker House.  Over the years, bathrooms were fitted into the original rooms, the third floor – once servant’s quarters – were transformed into a two bedroom suite and a lovely room with a view of the harbor, and an addition was built to add eight more rooms to the Brass Lantern.
One lingering challenge, however, was the best way to present Mary Mitchell, our ‘littlest’ room just off the Sitting Room. For the first 16 years of my ownership, it housed just a full size bed fitted snugly next to the window – so snugly that both guests would have to hop in from just one side of the bed!
Because of its diminutive size – 180 sq. ft., including bathroom – it is our most economical room, quite comfortable for a single guest, and with a good occupancy. It was a bit more challenging for two guests and, when traveling with a pet that was crated, was pretty claustrophobic!
The transformation of Mary Mitchell into a ‘bedsit’ was part of our most recent renovation that was completed last spring. Merriam Webster defines a bedsit as “(British) a one-room apartment serving as both bedroom and living room”. The soothing color scheme coordinates with the palette in the new Sitting Room, provides a clean window treatment with a natural straw Roman shade with a room darkening liner, and puffy accent pillows on the new couch.
By day, the room is a welcoming sitting room with wall mounted flat screen TV, comfortable couch – suited for relaxing, working, reading and watching TV. By night, the queen wall bed descends and our guests have a very comfortable bed for sleeping.
By day, a relaxing and welcoming sitting room…
By night, a comfortable bedroom…
Mary Mitchell is still our most economical room with rates that range from $145 in the quiet season to $325 on a summer weekend and, since it is on the first floor, a very popular pet friendly room!
