21 Broad

The house at 21 Broad Street has always stood out, a lively, ornate Victorian in a town that’s dominated by a slightly austere Federal style. But now, 21 Broad is even better known for its interiors, which update this 19th-century inn for 21st-century travelers who’ve grown to expect a healthy dose of modern design.

That involved much more than just a fresh coat of paint. The restoration was entirely historically correct, architecturally speaking, right down to the plasterwork, which followed the original 19th-century recipe. But the interior design, by the Boston-based Rachel Reider, is contemporary, overlaying a modernist influence on the old house’s Victorian vibe.

There’s also more than a little bit of maritime atmosphere, which is fitting, given the setting. The rooms are fairly cozy, as you’d expect from an inn of 21 Broad’s heritage, but the comforts are high-end. And while breakfast is the extent of the hotel’s food service, it’s a fine one — and thanks to a location right in the heart of town, you’ve got no shortage of options for lunch and dinner.