No For Sale Signs at Chipman Inn! (yet?)
by Elizabeth on May 17, 2024
So, is Chipman Inn for sale? Well, kind of? Maybe? Are you offering to buy it?
Here’s the story: Last summer, just a few weeks into our new role as innkeepers—running on little sleep, lots of coffee, and maybe a few tears—I impulsively posted the inn for sale on a free website that lists B&Bs. This was during a particularly rough stretch when we uncovered some unexpected issues after the purchase that hadn’t been disclosed. It was overwhelming. Posting it felt oddly satisfying. Was it logical? Not really. But did having the option out there make the challenges feel a little more manageable? Strangely, yes.
For months, that listing sat unnoticed. Then one day, out of nowhere, we started getting a flurry of calls and emails from concerned neighbors. I suppose someone stumbled upon it, and word traveled fast!
Deeply Rooted in Community Since then, we’ve settled into life here and become part of the fabric of Ripton. Chipman Inn isn’t just a business—it’s a home filled with laughter, stories, and the occasional ghost tale, all adding to the charm of this historic place.
Progress in a Short Time We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in such a short time. Our bookings have grown, the kitchen has been transformed, and we’ve had the privilege of working with some truly talented people along the way. We’re also collaborating with local chefs for pop-up dinners starting next fall and planning a haunted house this Halloween.
Rethinking Our Space Maybe the rumor started because we’ve also been considering a separate house in Ripton. As much as we love the inn and everything it has brought us, "Homing from Work" has its challenges. Living where you work—especially with kids—means they don’t really have a space to just be kids. So, we’ve explored the idea of a separate home while continuing to run the inn.
Open to Opportunities That said, we’ve always kept an open mind about what’s best for both our family and the inn. Over the past year, we’ve continued to reflect on whether innkeeping is the right long-term fit for us. While we love what we’ve built here, we also recognize that at some point, it may make sense to pass the torch to someone who can fully maximize the potential of all 11 guest rooms. If someone with a heart for Ripton and innkeeping is ready to take it from here, we’d be open to a conversation.
What’s Next for Chipman Inn? As we navigate this next phase, our priority is ensuring that Chipman Inn continues to be a welcoming space for guests and the community. Whether we continue in this role or hand the keys to a new steward, we are committed to making sure its legacy is carried forward.
Continuing the Legacy One thing is certain—this house is special, and it deserves to be in the hands of someone who will continue to care for it. When the time comes to pass the torch, we’ll do so with full transparency and an eye toward finding the right person to carry it into its next chapter.
Thank You We are incredibly grateful for the support and curiosity from our community. This inn has given us purpose and allowed us to meet some truly phenomenal people—both through our guests and through our neighbors. If you have any questions or just want to share a laugh about our real estate adventures, we’d love to chat.
Here’s to more beautiful days at Chipman Inn!