In Westfield, New York is the Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast which offers seven units for guests to reserve. The property was built in 1851 and was supposedly used as one of the stations of the underground railroad. Each room is individually decorated with antiques from the Civil War to the 1900s. The bed and breakfast is open year-round and has its busiest season in the summertime because of the lake activities that are available nearby, says Wilma, who is one of the owners. According to Wilma, a popular attraction among visitors are the 25 wineries located within 40 miles of the bed and breakfast. The Finger Lakes region of New York is also within close proximity to the property.
Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast is a historic property located in Westfield, New York that offers seven units. The building was constructed in 1851 as an Italianate architecture and was originally a private home until the 1940s. The rooms have unique features such as antiques and private bathrooms, with some of the larger units having small efficiency kitchens. Each accommodation also has a queen-size bed available for the patrons. Wilma, one of the owners, mentions that the more popular rooms among visitors are the rooms on the first floor of the establishment.
The house features 13-foot ceilings downstairs, 11-foot ceilings upstairs, 10-foot-tall windows, and wooden moldings. The property has a covered patio on the back side of the house and an open patio on the east side, which was recently built with matching ironwork from another mansion that was torn down in Westfield. Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast is not a typical bed and breakfast, as it does not serve breakfast on-site. Instead, patrons are offered a restaurant certificate that they can use at a nearby diner or restaurant. The bed and breakfast offers larger suites with kitchens for those who prefer to cook their own meals.
The antique business is the primary business of the owners, with the hospitality property being a supplementary one. The antiques in each room range from the Civil War period to about 1900.
The inn has been restored in a way that has maintained its character, according to Wilma. It sits on two landscaped acres within the Victorian village of Westfield, making it within walking distance of many restaurants, a full-service grocery store, hospitals, and convenience stores. Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast is within 10 miles of Chautauqua Institution, which hosts performers, concerts, and guest speakers throughout the summer.
In the summer months, visitors can enjoy the farmers' market on Saturday mornings in the park a few blocks from Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast. The property is also within the heart of the wine trail, with approximately 25 wineries located within 40 miles. Wilma also comments that "the largest Concord grape growing region in the world is in the area," with Welch's—a grape juice brand—having originated in Westfield.
The owners of Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast have an antique shop located about a mile from the bed and breakfast. Guests can visit the Lucy-Desi Museum and the comedy center in Jamestown or Lily Dale. In this spiritualist community, readings and performances are available for those interested in the spiritualist way of life. In addition, the property is within 60 miles of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres for sports enthusiasts, as well as several colleges and universities in the area. The bed and breakfast is located within a mile of Lake Erie, which offers many recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. The Finger Lakes region of New York state is also nearby, with Chautauqua Lake being one of the highlights. For those looking to explore the local food scene, the owners recommend three nearby restaurants: Brazils, Parkview Cafe, and Calarco's. Brazils is well known by people in Chautauqua County, according to Wilma, while Parkview Cafe is popular for brunch or lunch. Calarco's is a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been in business for 75 years in Westfield.
In the words of Wilma, one of the owners, Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast is open year-round, with the best season of operation being in July and August because of the activities around the lake. There are no official events or activities hosted on-site, but occasional wine tastings may be held. The bed and breakfast's antique furnishings are one of its most unique features, and the property is well-known for its original atmosphere, explains Wilma. One visitor appreciated the atmosphere of their stay at the Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast as they mentioned, “Our room had 13' ceilings, comfortable beds, a refrigerator, microwave, and a small retrofitted bathroom. They had everything we needed. It was within walking distance of nice restaurants and the downtown area.” The bed and breakfast has many repeat guests, and the owners hope to find someone to maintain the property's character when they eventually retire.
The bed and breakfast has a few guidelines that they ask their visitors to adhere to, which are as follows: The property does not allow pets, smoking inside, or children under the age of 12. Quiet time is not enforced, but parties and events are discouraged after 10:00 p.m. in an effort to maintain a peaceful environment at the bed and breakfast. The owners strive to make their guests feel comfortable and safe and conform to local codes regarding fire and health regulations.
The bed and breakfast was originally built in 1851 as a private home for James Hinckley, an attorney who owned a large area of property in the area. It was later owned by a banker who used it as a summer home until the 1940s when it was converted into a tourist home. Wilma, one of the owners, says that the area has a unique history, with Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast rumored to have been a stop on the underground railroad during the Civil War era.
Originally Wilma and her husband, Edward Benjamin, had an antique business that they were running. They purchased the property in 1986 as a way to display their Victorian pieces that they did not want to sell. At this time, they also converted it into a bed and breakfast. They later purchased a nearby Queen Anne Victorian house in 2000 that was going to be torn down, and they moved it onto the premises, which is now used as a vacation rental. Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast is a historic property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since the establishment is listed on this register, Wilma and Edward cannot make a lot of changes to the inn. They have tried to maintain the antique charm of the building while upgrading the bathrooms and kitchen facilities to make them more modern. Wilma mentions that their favorite part about the job is the people and their stories. They mention that even though they might not see some of their guests for three to four years when they come back, they "are still close friends."
143 East Main Street
Westfield, New York 14787
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Edward and Wilma Benjamin
