Bee & Thistle Inn Is On The Market For $2.5 Million

OLD LYME, CT—Described as among the most "iconic" properties on the shoreline, The Bee & Thistle was listed for sale Monday for $2.5 million.

The purchase of the 11-bedroom, 12-bath, near-9,00 square foot inn nestled in six acres on the Lieutenant River is described as a "rare" opportunity for a "trophy" estate by Greenwich, CT.-based Chilton & Chadwick Global Real Estate Concierge.

"The Bee & Thistle - the epitome of understated elegance and unparalleled quality - is now on the market for the first time in almost 13 years," the realtor's site reads.

The view, the natural beauty, birthed the American Impressionist artists movement, as is well-known. And while people in the region know of the inn, not all have stayed the night. And that's what Chilton & Chadwick say is part of the allure saying it is "Easily considered by far the best, most highly regarded bed and breakfast in the state of Connecticut, if not the whole of New England ..."

"For a savvy investor or entrepreneur, this is a rare opportunity to own a cornerstone of the Connecticut Shoreline and polish an already brilliant patina on a trophy property." For $2.5 million.

Home to the Inn, restaurant Chestnut Grille and wedding venue, Bee & Thistle has high marks from visitors, diners and newlyweds and their families and friends, on Google, TripAdvisor and Open Table. The venue's praises have been sung in The New York Times and myriad other media and glossy magazines.

The riverfront Old Lyme estate includes the main house and a cottage.

Owner "innkeeper" David Rufo "has decided to retire and pass on a very successful and lucrative business,"Chilton & Chadwick write.

From its 'about' page, its history is detailed: "The inn was built in 1756 as a residence for Judge William Noyes and his family and originally sat near the Boston Post Road but was moved back to its present position and renovated by the Hodgdson family at the turn of the last century. At that time, the sunken garden, the porches and back portion of the house were added.

"In the 1930’s, Henrietta Greenleaf Lindsay, a widow with a large house to maintain, followed the advice of her actress friend, Elsie Ferguson, and opened the Bee and Thistle Inn to the public. Because it was Elsie’s idea, it was named the Bee and Thistle Inn after the Ferguson clan emblem in Scotland. It has remained an inn since that time offering charming accommodations, award-winning dining and gracious service.

"The town of Old Lyme, once a shipping colony, became well known in the late nineteenth century as an arts community. The town has remained committed to supporting the arts and preserving its quiet charm. Following this tradition, the Bee and Thistle Inn features artwork from local galleries as well as individual pieces from area artists," the history reads.

The Day reported that Rufo bought the Inn from former owner Philip Abraham for $1.575 million in 2006.

Read more from The Day here.