L

aw and order are woven into the fabric of picturesque Litchfield, Connecticut: the town was home to the country's first law school, and its old county courthouse was recently turned into a stylish hotel. It’s the work of the Provincetown-based Salt Hotels, and like its sister properties across New England, the Abner Hotel is small-scale and design-focused. The landmark building contains just twenty guest rooms and a handful of common spaces that lean into the theme — the one-time courtroom, with its high ceilings, elegant wood paneling, and marble countertops, is now a restaurant, and the seasonal rooftop bar, offering views over the town’s scenic surroundings, is called Verdict.

The former judge’s quarters and second-story offices have been shaped into rooms and suites rich with vintage character. Each is uniquely decorated, but all feature mustard-yellow walls, dark wood accents, cozy plaid blankets, petite seating nooks, and bathrooms with white subway tiles and walk-in showers. Standard amenities include Tivoli Bluetooth speakers, cotton robes by Tensira, sustainably made bath products, and minibars with local treats. A complimentary breakfast is served in the Courtroom, which morphs into a lively tavern later in the day, a memorable spot for sipping Prohibition-era cocktails by the old jury box and witness stand.