Historic loft puts guests in midst of buzzy downtown
Written by Kathy Witt
Tucked on the third floor of a historic building, above the charming Miss Behaven boutique and overlooking Georgetown’s Victorianesque Main Street, is a little hideaway called Cozy Downtown Retreat.
The studio-loft with arched windows opening to views of one of Kentucky’s most picturesque downtowns is warmed up with gleaming hardwood floors, plush seating and king-size bedding and a scattering of colorful area rugs. It features beautiful white cabinetry in a fully-equipped kitchen, top-of-the-line linens, splashes of greenery and artwork of one of Kentucky’s most famous thoroughbred horseracing landmarks: Keeneland.
And it was all created from scratch, in space that in 2019 was nothing more than a shell.
“It was down to the studs,” said owner Roy Cornett of the future luxe loft. “We redid it, top to bottom – but it still has historic flavor.”
With the brick building dating to 1890, Roy wanted to incorporate period furniture into the design. An antique washstand and pie safe and a copper kettle that was formerly an apple butter pot add a rustic elegance in counterpoint to the amenities appreciated by the 21st century traveler: smart TV and Wi-Fi, a washer and dryer and coffeemaker. The loft was professionally decorated by Certified Interior Designer Reva Feldman of Lexington, KY.
The loft’s location – right in the center of downtown and directly across from Courthouse Square – is also a draw for those who love being in walking distance to a great selection of restaurants. And Cozy Downtown Retreat is steps from some of Georgetown’s most popular eating estabs: the Cajun-inspired Broussard’s; Galvin’s pub-style sports bar; Local Feed, known for its farm-to-table fare and craft cocktails; diner fave Fava’s; and Rodney’s on Broadway, a throwback to those fine steak restaurants tucked in historic digs.
“Guests brag about how great it is to have all these restaurants so close,” said Roy.
The loft gets high marks for cleanliness and is in fact part of Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process – and features keyless entry with no direct interaction with staff. Amenities include private entrance, complimentary toiletries, free parking, kitchen essentials and more. It can be booked through Airbnb or the Evolve Vacation Rental site. Visit either website for more information and to see photos of this charming loft tucked away on Georgetown’s yesteryear streetscape.
Georgetown has more than two dozen unique stays, including lofts, bed and breakfasts and historic homes. See the choices here.
Hotel to Home Hack: “Mix the old with the new to cozy up a space that offers a lot of charm and comfort but also all the conveniences modern travelers expect – like a smart TV and Wi-Fi. A professional decorator can help pull it all together.” Roy Cornett
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
