Our Story

Washington Lofts is owned by Drew and Larissa Benson, longtime Jefferson residents who believe visitors shouldn't have to choose between authentic small-town experiences and exceptional accommodations.

Jefferson, Georgia is more than just where we do business, it's home. Drew was born and raised in Jefferson, attended school here, and has spent his life rooted in this community. Today, he serves as a Poultry Science Professor at the University of Georgia and still embodies the easygoing, friendly spirit that makes small-town living so special.

Larissa fell in love with Jefferson for many of the same reasons, its sense of community, historic charm, and slower pace of life. But she also loves luxury travel, boutique hotels, and the elevated experiences typically found in larger cities. As the owner of The Legends Real Estate Group, brokered by Real Broker (Formerly REMAX Legends), and FountainWorx coworking spaces, she has built her career around bringing modern conveniences and elevated experiences to small-town communities.

The idea for Washington Lofts was born from a simple belief: visiting a small town shouldn't mean sacrificing comfort.

When Drew and Larissa purchased this historic building on Jefferson's downtown square, the upstairs still reflected its original purpose as a boarding house from the late 1800s. The space was divided into a series of small rooms, complete with original horsehair plaster walls that had witnessed more than a century of Jefferson history.

Rather than erase that history, they carefully reimagined it.

The result is two thoughtfully designed luxury lofts: The Ethridge, a spacious two-bedroom apartment, and The Baxter, a comfortable one-bedroom apartment. Both combine the amenities of a full apartment: full kitchens, laundry facilities, multiple bathrooms, and room to spread out, with the comfort, quality, and attention to detail typically found in five-star hotels.

At Washington Lofts, you'll find luxury linens, upscale finishes, modern conveniences, and a location that places you right in the heart of historic downtown Jefferson. Step outside your door to local restaurants, shops, community events, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes our town special.

In many ways, Washington Lofts reflects the partnership behind it. Larissa enjoys bringing big-city convenience and luxury to small-town living. Drew enjoys supporting Larissa's ideas and making her happy. Together, they've created a place where guests can experience the best of both worlds.

Whether you're visiting family, exploring Northeast Georgia, rooting on the GA Bulldogs, attending a local event, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, we're honored to welcome you to Jefferson and hope you'll love our town as much as we do.

Welcome to Washington Lofts.