Bed & Breakfasts of Mystic Coast & Country

The Old Lyme Inn

Visit Website | 860-434-2600 | guestservices@oldlymeinn.com

Nestled in Old Lyme's historic Art District, renovated and restored in 2012, the Old Lyme Inn
features 13 beautiful guest rooms, indoor and outdoor dining, along with live music in the world class jazz club, the Side Door. Conveniently located halfway between New York and Boston, Old Lyme is home to wonderful museums, galleries, specialty shops and beaches.

What Makes the Old Lyme Inn Unique?

The building was originally constructed in 1856 as a farmhouse
In the Early 1900s, the Old Lyme Inn was frequented by many impressionist artists
Until the 1950s, the Old Lyme Inn was a working farm
Jackie Kennedy took horse riding lessons at the Old Lyme Inn when it was a farm
Part of the inn was remodeled and became a popular jazz club

Exceeded My Expectations!

"Clean and spacious rooms with spacious areas to socialize safely outdoors. Exceeded my expectations! Charming decor and comfortable arrangement all around and convenient location for our needs. Coordination with staff was very helpful in planning several guests check in, and they were quick to help when I accidentally left my charger behind. Would highly recommend! Wonderful stay."

- Alexandra Smith Gong

The History of the Old Lyme Inn

The unique history of Old Lyme, Connecticut and the Old Lyme Inn begins in 1899 when Henry Ward Ranger, a prominent landscape artist, arrived and decided that this picturesque seaside village would make the perfect place for an artist's colony. As luck would have it, Florence Griswold, daughter of wealthy sea captain Robert Griswold, was looking to take on boarders. The Large house, originally commissioned by her father, had become too expensive to maintain on her own. In no time at all, her home was full of some of the best impressionist artists in the country.
The Lyme Art Colony was born.
Just down the street from the Florence Griswold House was the farmhouse that would eventually become the Old Lyme Inn.

As the colony grew and Old Lyme drew more and more artists from around the country, the horse barn on the back of the property became an art studio where some of the best impressionist art of its time was created.

The colony thrived for nearly 3 decades before the death of Florence Griswold caused it to fade away. This wasn't the end of well-known visitors to Old Lyme. In the 1940s, Jackie Kennedy, who would go on to be First Lady of the United States, took horseback riding lessons at the farm that would later become the Old Lyme Inn.

Fast forwarding a few years, the current owners decided to remodel a part of the Old Lyme Inn so that a jazz club could be constructed. The SideDoor opened in 2011. Since its opening, prominent jazz musicians such as Ralph Peterson, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Bill Charlap have played on its stage.

All I can say is EXCELLENT.

"Just yesterday we had a family baptism reception at the Old Lyme Inn. All I can say is EXCELLENT. This was the best family function we have ever had and we have had more than I can count. Leslie and her staff provided us with amazing service, amazing attention to detail and the two chefs in the kitchen provided us with the best meal I've ever had at any large gathering I've ever been to. The new owners deserve a lot of credit for breathing life back into a historic landmark in Southeastern Connecticut."

-Nik Supreme