Brent and Leigh Harrell, owners of the Main Street Inn.—Michael Catarevas photo
The recent news that the Roger Sherman Inn, one of New Canaan’s most iconic and venerable properties, is in contract to be sold, and will likely serve its last meal and host its last guest on New Year’s Eve, was met with sadness by most people.
Most, but not all.
For while town residents Brent and Leigh Harrell lament the likely end of the Roger Sherman, they recognize that their under-the-radar Main Street Inn will become the only place in New Canaan for those seeking to lodge overnight.
“With the Roger Sherman Inn closing we’ll be busier,” said Leigh, “but we never considered them competition. If they were full they would send people to us, and if we were full we would send people to them.”
The Main Street Inn, at 190 Main Street, is currently undergoing exterior renovations. The Harrells have owned and operated it for almost 14 years, which is ironic because they never intended to be innkeepers.
Leigh, born and raised here, explained that Brent, who’s been a resident since age 17, bought the large property planning to build two condominium units.
“The house was falling apart,” she said. “But then the real estate market tanked. We had to live somewhere, so we decided to live here. The property is zoned as business and residential. So we could have a business if we lived here.”
Thus was created the Main Street Inn.
The Harrells live on the first floor with their two sons, ages 14 and 13. Both are in the local schools. The second floor has the three rooms available, all with private baths, and with a separate entrance, so the Harrells and guests don’t share common areas.
The three rooms upstairs share a kitchen and a living room-type space. There is no cooking done, but there is a microwave oven. The Harrells encourage guests to order take-out if they don’t want to eat in restaurants or use the microwave.
Leigh, who works part-time as a corporate travel agent in Stamford, noted that no advertising is necessary, as most people who stay there are repeat customers. Word of mouth keeps the place busy.
“A lot of people are in town visiting their families and they stay here,” she said. “Then we get people who are working here for a few days, corporate types. We’ve also had families take over the Inn.”
Capacity is about eight people. The rates are very reasonable. “The two rooms with queen beds are $95 single and $125 double,” said Leigh. The one king bed room is $125 single and $155 double.”
Brent is confident that the Roger Sherman’s demise can only benefit his inn.
“I think it will affect us in a good way,” he said. “With the Maples Inn gone [in 2011] and now the Roger Sherman, we’re the only place to stay in town. I knew it was coming for awhile because the Roger Sherman has been for sale. But I thought they’d keep the restaurant.”
Leigh and Brent both admitted that raising room prices was a possibility, but not something they’ve decided on yet.
“We should raise them,” said Brent, “because we can’t expand here.”
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