When guests arrive at Stockton Inn, everything is in place. Expectations aren’t just met, they’re exceeded. Something about the building, whether it’s the history, the crackling fire during colder months or the soft breeze off the river as spring thaws, welcomes a feeling of discovery — a sense of place, a moment for quiet, an invitation to set everything else aside and feel truly comfortable.
For travelers, this is an innate part of the experience. But long before they arrive, preparations are made to ensure each little detail is accounted for and tailored to. As an intimate boutique hotel in the New Hope-Lambertville area with nine bespoke rooms, there is one person who helps curate the Stockton Inn experience (though she would never take the credit).
Stephanie Lisle carries on Stockton Inn’s centuries-long legacy of the many innkeepers who preceded her, many of whom were women. Her gentle spirit and loving, humble approach is a beacon of light for those who stop in on their travels, who plan a vacation to the beautiful Delaware River Valley, and who love to frequent the restaurant and inn. Stephanie, a river town local, symbolizes the countless industrious and inventive individuals who make Stockton Inn such a special place.
To learn more about the woman who takes guests on their journey with a palpable warmth and kind smile, Curated sat down with Stephanie for The Q&A.
Were you always an innkeeper?
No, I came here in October 2024 right before the inn opened with the rooms. My previous life has been spent in the art world?
What did you do in the art world?
Where do I start? My personal background is in photography. I was a photographer for 16 years and opened my own photography gallery in Doylestown called the Bucks County Project Gallery. I spent some time creating art events, public and private, exhibitions – things like that. Then I became the gallery manager at Gratz Gallery and Conservation Studio. And after that, is when I came here.
What led you to the Stockton inn?
I was having coffee at the Stockton Market on my way back from the a job with Paul Gratz, who was doing conservation work at the Governor’s Mansion in Princeton. With the gallery changing its hours, I happened to be in a position where I was open to new work. I just loved the energy at the market and I exclaimed to Paul, “This is the cutest place to work in, too bad I’m not a barista,” and then someone who worked there told me, “well, the inn is looking.” I was in the right place at the right time. I called that day, and I’m so happy I did. It was a little accidental that I became an innkeeper, but it was absolutely meant to be.
Do you find there is a similarity between working as a gallerist and an innkeeper?
Well, being at the gallery is about engaging with people. Listening. Hospitality is the most important part of both of these worlds. Kindness, compassion, generosity with time and words.
What do you like most about being an innkeeper?
I love that every guest has a story. It’s like each and every time a person walks in here – it’s knowing another part of the world is coming in. I have learned so much from our guests – they give so much in their authentic interactions. I find that many guests come here to unplug, to exhale. I get to be a part of that process and witness all types of people in a moment of feeling true happiness.
How do you start your day?
I start my day early around 8am. No day is the same but I love my mornings. The inn is quiet and I truly focus on getting the atmosphere ready. I love knowing that everyone is peacefully asleep – I speak quietly, I walk through the inn, make sure everything is in order, coffee is out in the guest lounge, fireplaces are lit.
After that, I always review who is checking in that day. I prepare all the details. I typically try to speak with guests in advance and get to know them a bit so I may tailor their stay to them. I check in with housekeeping and go through all the rooms. I would love to mention that our housekeeping team is the most impressive group of women I have ever met. They are so lovely and hardworking.I would not know what to do without them. They’re amazing.
Can you tell me about yourself and life outside the inn?
I was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. My family still lives in Germany and Portugal. I have two children in their mid- to late 20s. I may not be working in the art world, but the arts are still such a part of my life – you could call me an art nerd if you want to. I do yoga and love the outdoors, going for walks.
The inn has a well-curated art selection throughout the rooms and restaurant? Can you tell us something we wouldn’t about it?
For one thing, a lot of the art is for sale through Winston Wächter gallery in New York City. One painting that is really cool is the painting in the tavern by Jamie Wyeth, a famous artist in the area from the Wyeth family prominently featured in the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The owners built the entire bar around the painting.
What’s your favorite piece?
My favorite piece of artwork is this – this is extraordinary, by Ethan Murrow it’s called Contract Magic. It’s graphite on paper. But absolutely the mad talent of this. When I first walked into the room and saw this I thought it was a photograph.
