Rustic and refined

While many know Willoughby Workspaces at The Charlton Abbott as a beautifully restored Victorian mansion transformed into charming coworking offices, it’s the newly opened barn behind it that’s quickly becoming the area’s most talked-about venue.

Owners Ken and Lisa Boyd share a passion for preserving history while breathing new life into it. 

Timeless Backdrop

“There’s really nothing else like it when it comes to rustic spaces with a past,” says Lisa. “An aesthetic of refined elegance makes our barn the ideal spot for one-of-a-kind events.”

Lisa and her team meticulously restored original rough-hewn wooden beams that stretch overhead and plank floors. Dating back to 1853, the stalls and loft that once housed animals and hay now provide the setting for unique gatherings. The team added vintage equine oil paintings as a nod to the barn’s former inhabitants and hung posh chandeliers for modern sparkle.

“Since the barn opened last year, we’ve hosted graduation parties, showers, family reunions, fundraisers, corporate events and small weddings,” Lisa says. “We comfortably seat around 90 guests, making it ideal for those looking to host something special without feeling overwhelmed by a larger venue. It’s welcoming and cozy.”

It’s been a busy spring of hosting community events here, too. Lisa reports they’ve welcomed pop-up markets, health and wellness workshops and business networking events.

Beyond its beauty, one of the biggest draws to host events is Lisa and her team, who help coordinate every detail, from catering to florals and logistics.

Picture-Perfect Patio

Just steps away is the property’s charming fenced-in brick patio, which seats about 70 guests. The summer docket is filling up with showers, business cocktail hours and al fresco celebrations.

“The tables with umbrellas provide shelter while the wood fence lends privacy, a quiet oasis along busy Euclid Avenue,” says Lisa. “We landscaped the surrounding space and added heaters for chilly evenings.”

Workspaces that Work

Whether indoors or out, over the past five years, Willoughby Workspaces at the Charlton Abbott has turned into exactly what the Boyds envisioned: a hub.

Lisa says the unique coworking destination offers private offices, flexible memberships and thoughtfully designed common areas inside the mansion.

“People get to know each other while grabbing a gourmet coffee at the café and meeting in the conference rooms,” she says. 

Lisa reports there are still a few private offices upstairs available for lease.

“I recommend if someone is curious to try the first-time visitor pass for only $25,” she says. “It gives them a taste of our workspaces. We rent our conference room for meetings and offer helpful amenities like business mailboxes and lockers. Members also receive a discount on event rentals.

People like the security of entering the building through a secure key fob.”

With more and more people working from home, the workspaces have provided a nice alternative for local professionals.

“It’s difficult to put into words how amazing it is to have this place available,” says S. Marczewski. “The space is beautiful, decorated with style and flair, and definitely energizes me to work better. Such a great option for getting out of my home office a couple of days a week!”

Conor McCrone adds, “Willoughby Workspaces is a lifesaver. Great resource to utilize when you need a workstation as it provides peace, professionalism and privacy if necessary. The staff was extremely helpful and welcoming throughout my experience.

Willoughby Workspaces at The Charlton Abbott

37903 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby

440-710-6561

WilloughbyWorkspaces.com