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The Chanler: An Elite Seaside Retreat

By Kim Knox Beckius, About.com

3 of 10

An Extreme Mansion Makeover

The Chanler - Fireplace in Mediterranean Room

Each room at The Chanler offers a unique lodging experience. In the romantic Mediterranean Suite, a gas fireplace adds ambiance with the flick of a switch.

© 2005 Kim Knox Beckius
While The Chanler's exterior has been restored to accurately reflect the Gilded Age mansion's original French Victorian architectural style, owners John and Jeanie Shufelt, who purchased the property in 2000, spent three years gutting the interior and creating 14 distinctive guest chambers. Six secluded villas were added to the property, bringing to 20 the total number of accommodations options. All have working fireplaces, plasma televisions, DVD players, wet bars, high-speed wireless Internet access and Jacuzzi tubs (except the handicapped-accessible Colonial Room).

The similarities end there. Each room, suite and villa is highly themed to represent a historic era or a European or New England locale. Antique furnishings, custom draperies, distinctive accent pieces, handpainted murals and other carefully chosen elements make each enclave a truly singular environment, whether the theme is English Tudor, Greek Revival or French Provincial. The most difficult aspect of planning your stay may be choosing the room that best suits your personality, and you'll want to reserve early in order to assure your choice of accommodations. Photos of all 20 options may be viewed at The Chanler's Web site.

Former General Manager Jeff David, a hospitality industry veteran who is keenly attuned to the aspects of service that make guests' experience extraordinary, told me the three ocean villas—named Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Block Island—afford the ultimate in luxury and privacy.

Kim Knox Beckius
Guide since 1998

Kim Knox Beckius
New England Travel Guide

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