Take a look at 27 Whittlesey

NORWALK — With their culinary backgrounds, two entrepreneurs found the right ingredients to evolve their growing empire. Earlier this year, spouses Jamie Simpson and Morgan Tucker transformed their former home — at 27 Whittlesey Ave., above Sheri's Coffee House, in uptown Norwalk — into a place where upward of 14 guests can stay at one time. "This rental being available for the community and for people coming into our area, there is really nothing around here like this," said Simpson, who serves as The Chef's Garden's executive chef, noting the name shares its address: 27 Whittlesey. To prove the point, both Simpson and Tucker pointed out the many amenities found within this upper-floor, two-story property they own, complete with: • Six bedrooms • Five bathrooms • An in-home gym • A full kitchen • Multiple gathering spaces — such as a sunroom, reading areas, fireplace lounges and entertaining rooms —with many providing widesweeping views of Norwalk's historic business district "With such a unique accommodation, this is a great solution for people looking to host events, host extended families and have their privacy," said Tucker, who serves as director of the Culinary Vegetable Institute, located at The Chef's Garden property in the Milan area. "We've even set it up with pretty nice culinary enhancements." Simpson and Tucker previously lived at the loft but found the space too big for just them. "We fell in love with the building," said Tucker, noting she and Simpson have owned this building, along with Sheri's, since 2018. They moved out of 27 Whittlesey in 2024 into a smaller Norwalk home. While many other rental properties do exist in and around 27 Whittlesey, theirs stands out and above others, they said. Beyond its height, "The others are all significantly smaller or don't have the privacy if you are traveling as a large group," said Tucker, noting the rental space boasts 8,000 square feet, broken down by 4,000 square feet per floor. "And there are no other short-term rentals on this street or Main Street," Simpson added. "If you want to stay in town and get the true experience of Norwalk, I don't know a better place than this to do just that." People can book the property on major vacation rental sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo along with their property management team, known as Simply Better Realty. It manages more than 60 properties across Erie and Huron counties. Both Simpson and Tucker worked with Amy Roldan, the property management team's operations director, on publicizing this property and getting it ready for visitors. Simply "is excited to have the opportunity to offer guests this amazing and unique property in the heart of Norwalk," said Roldan, noting people can rent it out for family vacations, events like weddings or business retreats. "Jamie and Morgan are great partners in Norwalk and very involved in many organizations that add to the beauty and success of Norwalk and feel this is a great addition that they are proud to open up for other organizations and businesses to use as well as bring more visitors to the area," said Roldan, underscoring how the property has received many first-rate reviews. Both Simposn and Tucker encourage people to view, book and stay at 27 Whittlesey. "When you rent this property, yes, you are getting a part of Jamie and I, but you are also getting the Simply Better experience, which means there will be a ton of communication beforehand, an easy-to-access property, the highest level of cleanliness and concierge service offered," Tucker said. They're also proud to provide a new experience in Norwalk for guests and locals. "This is also about showcasing the beauty of our city and the uniqueness of our small town from a different vantage point," said Tucker, noting she and Simpson, in addition to Sheri's, also own the Firelands Coffee Co.; a 13-seat speakeasy/cocktail lodge beside 27 Whittlesey known as The Mail Room; and, most recently, just bought the Milan Coffee House. "There are so many great events happening with all the charming restaurants, bars, our amazing coffeeshop and more. And, with everything we do, we really lean into the community activities," Tucker said. "This just adds to what makes Norwalk great." What's in a name? Beyond sharing the address, 27 Whittlesey Ave. pays homage to the many predecessors found within this century-old building. Among the businesses and entities previously calling this space home are the following: • A roller skating rink; Boards with an oval-like track outline can still be found on the wooden floors. • A men's clothing store • A hardware store • An appliance store It's also home to Norwalk's first post office manufacturing facility, which debuted in 1886. "We have kept many of the classic elements to preserve the grandeur of it," Tucker said.