A stately Victorian landmark that houses restored and refurbished cowork spaces, private offices and more at the Charlton Abbott
By Patricia Nugent
The concept of coworking spaces was already spreading like wildfire when the pandemic came along and lit a match under it, forcing people from most professions to work remotely. Now that they are looking to reconnect and leave the monotony of working from home behind them, there’s a new cowork space in town that offers an amazing environment to find the perfect and productive work-life balance.
Dating back to 1858, The Charlton Abbott is a study in old meets new.
This stately Victorian landmark near downtown Willoughby houses lovingly restored and refurbished cowork spaces, private offices, conference rooms and indoor and outdoor workspaces with state-of-the-art professional amenities.
Through a lengthy renovation, painstakingly researching to retain historic and architectural elements, and buying period pieces at auction, owners Ken and Lisa Boyd followed a realized vision of what could be. The Charlton Abbott opened last summer and in addition to becoming the favorite work and meeting space in the area, has also hosted corporate events, charity fundraisers, community parties, showers, rehearsal dinners and special events.
The Best of the Best
Travelling the country visiting other coworking places over the past several years, the Boyds gained a broad-based understanding of what works best.
“Flexibility and cost reduction meet with an outlet for collaboration and creativity,” he says. “In the end, we feel your most valuable asset is time.”
To make things easy for people, monthly packages allow people to pick and choose which space they need each visit. Or they can simply pay as they go. Here are some of the amenities:
• Use of conference rooms
• Use of storage lockers
• Business mailbox options: Use their business address for your business address
• Office supplies
• Secure Wi-Fi connection
• Use of media center with audio-visual capabilities, green board tech, sound-dampening foam tile wall
• Use of private, fenced-in outdoor gardens and patio
• On-site café
• Private key fob to gain entry into the building
• Security cameras for added safety.
“We feel our setting will serve several niches: sole proprietors as well as employees who don’t go into the office every day yet can receive stipends from their medium- to larger-sized companies’ HR departments,” says Ken. “We cater to anyone, from students to CEOs, accountants, lawyers, photographers and more”
Enter a Time Capsule
Since history is elemental to Ken and Lisa, they had an interesting time designing the offices.
“We did our homework and had a lot of fun shopping for antiques to keep the atmosphere authentic and eclectic, yet fun and homey,” says Lisa. “And just as important to us was making sure we brought in the latest in audio-visual amenities, secure Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped green screen media center where you can record a podcast or shoot a video for social media.”
Lisa’s impeccable eye for décor comes through with the uber-cool vibe. (Don’t miss the 12-foot-tall, black fur, diamond-studded armchair positioned next to rustic Amish-made live-edge wood tables.)
A showstopping crystal chandelier holds court over the main winding staircase and glossy white embossed wallpaper. The rooms are themed to keep the historical spirit alive. There’s a mid-century modern one in bright green, a 1970s room in resplendent orange with a Brady Bunch feeling, a 1920s conference room and 1930s office done in pale pink.
People can work at tables or gather on the charming fenced-in brick patios and gardens outside, with seating for about 65.
The Boyds are big supporters of local charities—proceeds from their community events always go to a nonprofit—as well as the local art community. On the first floor of the Abbott, they showcase a different artist each month. In March, it’s Art by Billy the Robot.
The Charlton Abbott is located at 37903 Euclid Avenue, in Willoughby, less than a half-mile from downtown. Parking is free. Call 440-710-6561 or visit TheCharltonAbbott.com for more information.
What's Happening at The Charlton Abbott
Spring Pop-Up Market
On Saturday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., more than 25 local vendors will be taking over the Abbott, offering artwork, jewelry, baked goods, gift items and handmade goods. Enjoy amazing eats from The Manna Truck food truck. This is a free event. Visit TheCharltonAbbott.com for a full list of vendors.
Art Exhibition: The April Fool’s Artist Night
Sponsored by Stella’s Art Gallery, this event takes place Saturday, April 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Meet 10-plus local artists and shop from their exquisite art pieces, both prints and originals. Wine and appetizers provided. Cost is $4 and includes your first wine pour. Proceeds go to the Fine Arts Association: Creative Therapies Program.
Big Changes Coming Soon
The Charlton Abbott will soon become Willoughby Workspaces in April.
