Five years INN! Congratulations to West Lane Inn owners (and longtime friends) Christine Carnicelli and Danille Petrie! Wow!
Built in 1849, The West Lane Inn has stood the test of time, remaining a timeless symbol of charm and comfort, thanks to Carnicelli and Petrie. While motherhood first brought these mompreneurs together—thanks to their boys being best friends—it was their shared passions, professional expertise, and deep love for Ridgefield that led them to breathe new life into this beloved historic treasure.
When Christine and Danille took over the Inn five years ago, their dream was clear: to refresh a Ridgefield landmark while creating a warm and welcoming retreat for visitors from near and far. Now, celebrating their five-year anniversary, it’s evident that they’ve not only achieved their goals but surpassed them.
“We feel like we’ve created something very special,” Christine shares, reflecting on their journey. “If you take a look at our guest reviews, they love the cozy, warm, and welcoming feeling we’ve been able to create.”
History Meets Modern Hospitality (quite literally!)
When you walk up the stairs of the grand porch and open the doors to enter The West Lane Inn you are entering a living piece of history, where timeless charm meets modern hospitality. Did you know the Inn was once home to the Bissell family, whose legacy in Ridgefield endures through the iconic Bissell Pharmacy, still bearing the name of its founder, Harvey Bissell? Christine shares, “For those that do not know, the house was originally built by Harvey Bissell, who later opened the pharmacy in town. We were fortunate to host some of his relatives, who stayed with us and brought original photographs, sharing stories of what the building used to look like.” It’s history coming full circle as the descendants of the man who built the house returned to experience its hospitality once again.
A Home Away From Home
With 17 uniquely designed rooms, no two spaces are alike. Each boasts charming décor, natural light, and thoughtful details, including a minibar stocked with local beverage selections including 5th State Vodka, American Metal Whiskey and Nod Hill beer.
Most rooms inside The West Lane Inn feature cozy gas fireplaces, along with thoughtful amenities designed for the discerning traveler. “We’ve touched every room,” says Danille. “Of the 17 rooms, only four haven’t been completely gutted, but each has been beautifully refurbished.” Each room boasts its own unique personality, with character-rich headboards that define the space.
A Bond Between Hosts and Guests
Many who stay leave a piece of their hearts behind—whether in glowing guestbook entries or unique tokens of appreciation, like the NYC couple who gifted a painting of the Inn after spending every summer there - a heartfelt reminder of the bond between hosts and guests. Arriving at the end of May and staying until October, they bring their golf clubs, bikes, and even their own artwork to adorn the walls of their favorite room—truly making it their own.
If Walls Could Talk
The Inn’s historic charm reveals itself in unexpected ways. Renovations unearthed an original Otis crank elevator that once transported residents from the third floor to the basement and layers of vintage wallpaper showcasing the home’s history.
But it’s not just the building’s stories that make it special—it’s the people. From Linda, the on-site innkeeper known for her masterful flower arrangements, to regular guests who return season after season, the Inn is as much about community as it is a place to call “home”. One Ridgefield native, now living in Vermont, stays at the Inn whenever he visits. “It’s comforting to know I have a familiar and homey place awaiting me so close to our former home on Parley Lane,” he wrote in a heartfelt note.
Christine and Danille have not only transformed the Inn but also forged lasting partnerships with the Ridgefield community. Collaborations with local organizations like the Ridgefield Playhouse, ACT of Connecticut, and RVNAhealth have solidified the Inn’s role as a community hub.
“We’ve built something that feels both intimate and expansive,” Christine explains. “Our guests come from all corners of the world—Germany, Australia—but we’re also deeply connected to Ridgefield. It’s a beautiful balance.”
Raising the Bar
Never resting on their laurels, Christine and Danille are always listening to their guests. When one guest mentioned missing a full-length mirror, the duo made sure every room was outfitted with one. “We’re always working on getting better,” Christine says with a smile.
This ethos of care extends to their team. Having grown from a staff of three to ten in five years, the Inn is as much about empowering women as it is about pampering guests. “As female business owners, we’ve built a sisterhood of sorts,” Danille notes, “and that attention to detail shows in everything we do.”
Let’s have breakfast!
What many community members might not realize is that The West Lane Inn welcomes everyone to enjoy breakfast, not just overnight guests. The charming dining room, with its cozy and inviting ambiance, has become a favorite spot for breakfast meetings, and hosting groups such as Fairfield County Bank, RVNAhealth, and local school organizations. Hobbyists also gather here, including “The Hookers” [rug hookers!] who meet on the first Wednesday of every month, working their craft on the sun-dappled porch during summer or in the snug breakfast room during colder months. Even a Main Street dweller has made it a daily ritual to savor the Inn's continental offerings. This open-door breakfast invitation beautifully weaves the Inn into the fabric of Ridgefield's community life.
The Magic of The West Lane Inn
The guestbook says it all:
- “Beautiful room, wonderful property, great staff and service—we’ll be back!”
- “Wonderful, relaxing, professional, attentive service. The rooms are lovely!”
- “Came for the CHIRP concert! Wonderful breakfast on the porch. Our 3rd visit in 4 years.”
- “Perfection from start to finish!”
As Christine and Danille look ahead, their commitment to creating an intimate yet extraordinary experience remains steadfast. With five years of history behind them and a bright future ahead, The West Lane Inn continues to be a place where memories are made, and guests feel truly at home.
For those seeking a getaway that feels like stepping into a dream, The West Lane Inn is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Learn more https://westlaneinn.com/