Historic Enfield Landmark Renovated as B&B

ENFIELD, CT — Motorists stopped at the red light on Route 190 in Hazardville Center often find themselves gazing at the Hazardville Institute, a brick building on the corner of North Maple Street constructed in 1869 and used for many years as a library, community center and recreational facility. However, directly across the street is another building which predates the Institute by at least a dozen years, which has been in continuous operation since its opening and is now in a new phase as a charming bed and breakfast location.

The Hazardville Hotel, at 312 Hazard Avenue, is listed in Enfield town records as having been constructed in 1857, but was actually built in 1853, according to the Enfield Historical Society. It sits on the southeast corner of Route 190 and South Maple Street, and has been the subject of many legends over the years, including unconfirmed reports of having been a brothel at one time, and Hazardville itself being named in honor of the Hazard Powder Company during a banquet at the hotel.

One true story is that in 1902, a clandestine prize fight was scheduled in the hotel ballroom by a promoter from nearby Springfield, Mass., where boxing was prohibited. A neighboring storekeeper was telephoned by Springfield police to confirm the date and time of the fight, as they were determined to raid the illicit event.

For many years, small businesses have occupied a pair of storefronts on the building's lower level, while apartments are located on the upper two floors. However, a 2-bedroom unit on the second floor has been converted by new owners into a destination bed and breakfast spot for out-of-town guests.

Longtime Enfield residents Jim and Ann Piekos purchased the property in August 2017, according to town land records. While tenants are currently leasing two apartments on the third floor and one on the second floor, the other second-floor space has been transformed into a comfortable getaway for travelers, and is now affiliated with Airbnb, an online marketplace and hospitality service for people to lease or rent short-term lodging.

Guests at the Hazardville Hotel for a minimum two-night stay will enjoy the comforts of a master bedroom with queen size bed, a second bedroom with a single bed, and a living room with a convertible sofa that sleeps two. Amenities include a large flat-screen television, dishwasher, range, microwave and refrigerator, as well as wireless internet and a dining area featuring memorabilia and artifacts of the old Hazardville village.

"It's exciting to start this business up," Jim Piekos said during a recent tour of the building, adding that he has long been fascinated with the structure and its history. His full-time job is a U.S. Postal Service carrier whose route includes the hotel.

Despite minimal promotion to date, the B&B has already served several out-of-town guests, including an 8-night stay by a couple from out of state. Some recent reviews read:

• "The apartment is wonderful: nice, very clean, cozy, warm space. It has everything necessary. Jim is a great host. Very responsive, polite, ready to help. We feel comfortable during our week in Jim's apartment. It's real home away from home." - Oleg, Dec. 2017
• "What a fabulous place! Was looking for something close to family over the holidays and Hazardville Hotel checked all the boxes. Immaculately clean, stocked kitchen with starter amenities, and a better equipped bathroom than I have at home. Our hosts were great, gave us a full tour, were unobtrusive and left us homemade cookies. We will definitely be back." - Lisa, Dec. 2017

Within walking distance are two pizza restaurants and a convenience store, as well as other small shops and salons and a playground. More restaurants and shopping options are within a 2-mile drive of the hotel.

The two first-floor commercial spaces, measuring 1,000 and 800 square feet, are available for lease. They most recently contained Gayle's Thyme Herbal Apothecary and Teaberry Treasures.

Piekos said he ideally would like a coffee shop or small eatery to occupy one of the spaces. "I think that would be perfect for this village," he said.

Business owners interested in potentially leasing one of the storefronts are asked to contact Piekos at abbe541@yahoo.com.

Photos courtesy of Airbnb