October 28, 2025

By Clementina Verge

From historic farmhouses and restored barns to elegant lakeside estates, Litchfield County’s residences tell stories of timeless charm. Nestled among rolling hills, they blend seamlessly with shimmering lakes, vibrant galleries, and artisan boutiques. For many, these retreats offer a beloved escape from city life: second homes providing space, beauty, and privacy. Yet many remain unoccupied for long stretches. Hearthstone & Co. was founded with those places—and their owners—in mind. 

As a boutique short-term rental management company, Hearthstone enables homeowners to share their exceptional properties on their own terms—while preserving the peace of mind that drew them here originally.

With tailored services and a highly selective guest network, Hearthstone helps second-home owners unlock their properties’ hidden potential, transforming any-duration time away into opportunity, and keeping homes vibrant in their absence.

“We’re not building a booking platform,” says co-founder Emma Zahansky, a Litchfield County native and real estate agent with William Raveis. “We’re building a brand—around elevated hospitality, luxury getaways, and trust.”

Hearthstone is the product of a skilled partnership: Zahansky brings deep local roots; co-founder Martin Ospina is a seasoned real estate investor. Together, they have managed over 3,000 short-term stays.

Over the past five years, they have identified a gap between traditional property management and vacation rental platforms—one that specifically serves the luxury homeowner.

The result is a private, invitation-only service where homeowners earn income without sacrificing control—and guests enjoy stays that feel anything but transactional.

“It’s a true concierge-style experience,” Zahansky says. “And because we’re local, we can offer the kind of personal attention and responsiveness that national services simply can’t replicate.”

Every listing is meticulously managed—from guest vetting to professional cleaning and 24/7 support. Homeowners never field late-night calls or coordinate with housekeepers. Instead, they partner with a team that knows their home intimately—and treats it as their own.

The rise of remote employment, flexible schedules, and a longing for meaningful escapes has reshaped the luxury travel landscape. Today’s guests want more than a hotel room—they seek a kitchen for slow breakfasts, a patio for sunset cocktails, and a yard where children can play. They want to feel like locals, if only for the weekend.

Few places cater to this travel rhythm quite like Litchfield County. With its bucolic beauty, understated sophistication, and proximity to New York and Boston, it offers the rare combination of accessibility and authenticity.

“We’re curating homes that already distinguish themselves,” Zahansky says, “whether through architecture, setting, amenities, or how beautifully they capture the essence of the area.”

For homeowners, Hearthstone offers a thoughtful approach to ownership—making seasonal or part-time residency more sustainable, without compromising the soul of the home.

“Owners enjoy their home on their terms,” Ospina says. “And when they’re away, they know it’s in the hands of people who care deeply about it.”

As Litchfield County continues to attract discerning travelers, Hearthstone stands poised as a new standard in luxury hospitality, grounded in trust, elevated by design, and inspired by the timeless appeal of home.—hearthstonestays.co