Chestnut Inn at Oquaga Lake Springs Back to Life After Closing

The historic Chestnut Inn on Oquaga Lake in eastern Broome County is welcoming guests once again under new ownership.

The Maines family closed the iconic lodge and restaurant in January 2010. Settlers Hospitality of Hawley, Pennsylvania purchased the 12-acre property near Deposit last spring.

General manager James McHugh said the Chestnut Inn has launched its soft opening so servers and kitchen staff can "work out the kinks" to prepare for guests in the coming weeks.

McHugh told WNBF News on Monday that "there's an enormous attachment" to the Chestnut Inn. He's been impressed by the number of phone calls, emails and thank you notes received since the reopening plans were first reported in May.

McHugh said people returning to the Chestnut will notice some changes, most of them subtle. There have been some renovations, including the construction of a 100-foot porch overlooking Oquaga Lake.

While the restaurant and 17 guest rooms now are open, McHugh said no special events are planned until after Labor Day. He said some holiday parties already are booked.

The Chestnut Inn will close for the winter in early January with a planned reopening for the new season in mid-April.

McHugh said there'll be additional construction and remodeling done during the off-season. He said preparing for the reopening was challenging but "it's been a labor of love."

WATCH: Video of the east side of the Chestnut Inn as seen from Oquaga Lake.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.