The Woods Property Gets A New Life

As a girl Julie Pitkin worked at her grandfather’s hardware and sporting goods store on Main Street in the Summer.

"I have very fond memories of those days," Julia told Schroon Laker earlier this year. Julia's links here continue today with her work with the Seagle Colony and her summer residence here. When the Woods House came on the market, she gave the purchase considerable thought.

Now, Julia has big plans and big dreams to turn the property into a year round inn and resort with a reception area and waterfront restaurant.  While the Woods House would be restored, several buildings on the sprawling property would all be new construction.

The development will be built in several stages. Julia told me she hopes to break ground in 2015. Her love for the people of Schroon Lake inspired her to create something of value in Schroon Lake.

“I would really love fotr this this be a magnet to attract new businesses to the area and keep this town thriving,” Julia told me. 

While there are many motels and B&Bs in the great Schroon area, there is no single waterfront development. For years various studies have suggested that the more modern accommodations there are in Schroon, the greater the chance is for the town to grow and prosper.

With that comes more visitors and economic growth, and soon those empty storefronts become a distant memory.

Julia has started a blog where she hopes to chronicle her adventures. From Julia’s first posting:

“Turning the entire property into an inn requires a significant financial investment and a huge leap of faith.  Can it be the spark that encourages others to open new restaurants and shops in town?  Is the time right to get the word out that a Schroon Lake vacation is an experience you will want to repeat year after year?"

The development would be built in several stages. Julia told me she hopes to break ground in 2015. Her love for the people of Schroon Lake inspired her to create something of value in Schroon Lake. 

“I would really love to this this be a magnet to attract new businesses to the area and keep this town thriving,” Julia said.

While there are many motels and B&Bs in the great Schroon area, there is no single waterfront development. For years various studies have suggested that the more modern accommodations there are in Schroon, the greater the chance is for the town to grow and prosper.

With that comes more visitors and economic growth, and soon those empty store fronts become a distant memory.

Julia has started a blog where she hopes to chronicle her adventures. From Julia’s first posting:

“Turning the entire property into an Inn requires a significant financial investment and a huge leap of faith.  Can it be the spark that encourages others to open new restaurants and shops in town?  Is the time right to get out the word that a Schroon Lake vacation is an experience you will want to repeat year after year?"

"Renovating the lake house will take time, money, and great care.  The stone foundation under the house is sound, the porch foundations - not so much.  Carved wood topping the porches and around the attic roof retains its beauty.  Inside, she needs some spiffing up.  Okay, a lot of spiffing up.  Old paint needs to go out, 21st century wiring needs to go in.  The other buildings on the site need even more help.  We are in the early planning phase and will publish information on the rich history and exciting developments as time and inspiration allows.  Check back for updates."

"I am undertaking this project, in part, in honor of my husband and daughter, and in memory of my son, Nathan Pitkin (and his father), parents Ron and Phyrne Pitkin, and grandparents Larry and Coral Pitkin, all lovers of Schroon Lake." 

Yoiu can find a partial inventory list here

The Woods House, 54 Leland Ave. Schroon Lake, NY 12870 

5/25/2013 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Saturday)

5/26/2013 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Sunday)
 

5/27/2013 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Monday)

The Renaissance of Route 9 Roadside Motels?

The Olympic Pool at the Wayfarer

Two iconic Schroon Lake roadside motels -- which at one time did a thriving business -- have recently been purchased and after some remodeling will be soon be open for business, Schroon Laker has learned.

The Wayfarer Motel, right next to Witherbee’s Carriage House and the Hermitage Motel, about a mile north of the town center, had been in foreclosure and on the market for several years.  Realtor Gary Glebus told Schroon Laker the purchaser was Michael McDonald, a Capital Area businessman.

Glebus confirmed McDonald, who owns a contracting business, planned to renovate both properties.  At one time McDonald owned the Hermitage Motel.

The Hermitage Motel

The Wayfarer Motel, with 9 motel units, an Olympic size swimming pool, and a five bedroom home with lakeviews and a two car garage, was listed for sale at $129,000. The Hermitage Motel, listed for $89,000, features 8 units – two which had been recently upgraded – as well as 4 efficiency units with kitchens . The property also features a playground, an in-ground pool and an office with living quarters.

Glebus wouldn’t comment on the final sales prices, but a source familiar with the deal told Schroon Laker both properties went for under asking.

The Gardens Of Schroon Lake

Last Sunday the owners of some of Schroon Lake’s most unique homes and gardens opened their doors and showed off some wonderful designs and renovations.

Those on the tour were treated to a variety of gardens, from natural rock arrangements to formal layouts.

After the tour, Kerry Mendez, owner of Perennially Yours, of Ballston Spa, gave a terrific talk on low-maintenance, ever-blooming perennial gardening.

The event was organized by the Friends of Schroon Lake Library with all proceeds benefiting the library.

Own Your Very Own Summer Camp Or Family Retreat

Back in the 1960s, dozens of campers knew it as Camp of The Pines. Until recently it was known as Sonrise, a religious retreat. Now this 100 acre plus camp is for sale.  The camp includes 9 acres on the west shore of the lake with more than 1000 feet right on the lake front.

The property features multiple buildings and meeting rooms, including a two story 6,000 square feet lodge with eight bedrooms and private baths, overlooking the lake, 6,000 square foot conference center and a dining hall with commercial kitchen. And that’s just the beginning. There are many more features and buildings --including a farm house  -- on this spectacular property

Listing agent Roger Friedman says there are multiple uses for this site, from a family camp, a summer camp, a retreat or other commercial or residential developments. The asking price is $2,250,000.  For information call Friedman Realty 518-532-7400.