Empire State Development Announces Grand Opening of the Woods Inn's Carriage House Suites in Hamilton County

July 9, 2019

Veteran-Owned Lodge-Style Hotel Adds Townhouse Rental Units to Complement Existing Lodging, Camping and Dining Options

Photos Available Here

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the grand opening of the new Carriage House at the Woods Inn, a veteran-owned and operated hotel and campground located on the shores of Fourth Lake in the Town of Inlet, Hamilton County. The Carriage House offers four townhouse rental units, a handicapped-accessible unit and a wellness center in a renovated turn-of-the-century barn. The project was recommended for funding during Round VI of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative, and furthers the North Country REDC's goal of increasing and improving lodging across the North Country to support tourism.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "The Woods Inn has been welcoming visitors to the Adirondacks for more than a century, and the new accommodations will encourage even more families to come and experience the North Country's beauty and history."

In developing the Carriage House Suites, The Woods Inn converted a former barn into one handicapped-accessible suite, complete with a kitchenette and two queen-sized beds, and four, two-story, two-bedroom townhouse rental units. The townhouse units, ranging from 900 square feet to 1,200 square feet, include kitchens and dining areas. The units feature traditional Adirondack furnishings and light pine woodwork, in a modern setting with amenities including high-speed Internet and propane fireplaces. A first-floor wellness center and adjoining lounge provide space for clinical and spa treatments, or can offer temporary overflow accommodations.

The Woods Inn owners Charlie and Nancy Frey said, "Our decision to invest in the Carriage House Suites goes far beyond adding more accommodations to The Woods Inn boutique real estate portfolio. We firmly believe in something much simpler: the businesses, towns, counties, and Empire State Development’s vision for the future of tourism in the greater Adirondack region. We believe the family vacation is ever-evolving and wish to continue providing a beautiful Adirondack resort where families can dine in the Overlook Restaurant, listen to live music in the Laughing Loon Tavern, and sleep in one of our diverse accommodation options which now include the Carriage House Suites."

The Woods Inn invested $870,000 to renovate, outfit and equip the townhouses. As part of this expansion, they have committed to creating three new jobs and retaining 16 full-time positions at the Inn. ESD has committed to providing a performance-based capital grant of up to $174,000. This funding was recommended as a priority project by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) during Round VI of the Regional Council initiative. The project was also supported by a loan provided through the Development Authority of the North Country.

NCREDC Co-Chairs James McKenna, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism CEO, and Dr. Ty Stone, Jefferson Community College President, said, "We’re excited to celebrate the grand opening of the Carriage House Suites at The Woods Inn. Increasing lodging options in the North Country has been a Council priority, and the new units provide accessible and townhouse-style options for visitors looking to plan a trip and experience the beauty of the Adirondacks."

The Woods Inn is also in the process of establishing a retail center on the adjacent property as part of this project. Once completed, The Inlet Outlet will serve as a marketplace and community trading post for residents from the town and neighboring communities with a special focus on regional foods, crafts and artisans.

Senator Jim Tedisco said, "The new Carriage House Suites at Woods Inn in Inlet will offer visitors to the Adirondacks a new option, so they can stay overnight in beautiful Hamilton County and help grow tourism in the 49th Senate District. I want to thank the Governor and Empire State Development for approving a state grant to make this important economic development project possible which will create and retain 19 jobs in Hamilton County."

Assembly Member Robert Smullen said, "By transforming a storage barn into the Carriage House Suites, the Freys are creating another unique lodging opportunity at The Woods Inn, located in the heart of the Adirondacks. I wish them continued success as they celebrate the opening of the Suites and thank Empire State Development for supporting this investment in the North Country."

Hamilton County Board of Supervisors Chairman William Farber said, "The Woods Inn has been a vital partner to Hamilton County in our efforts to enhance lodging capacity within the area. Today’s announcement is great news, as the Carriage House Suites complement our efforts to pursue lodging opportunities in the North Country. I thank ESD and the North Country REDC for supporting this project."

Inlet Town Supervisor John Frey said, "The Woods Inn has played a very important role in the history and heritage of Inlet, and the addition of the Carriage House Suites will ensure that more families have a place to stay and enjoy all our community has to offer for generations to come."

The Woods Inn began as Hess Camp, built in 1894 by Fred Hess, who owned several other successful hotels in the area. Philo Wood, who managed two of the hotels, purchased Hess Camp around 1900 and renamed it The Wood Hotel. Wood tripled the number of rooms while adding cottages and platforms for tents. The Wood Hotel closed in the 1980s, but the property was purchased in the early 2000s, renovated and in 2004 reopened as The Woods Inn. Since current owners Charlie and Nancy Frey purchased the property in 2014, they have performed several upgrades and additions, including a new Lakeside cafe platform tent similar to the Inn’s popular Guide tents, a rebuilt Lakeview cottage that had been damaged by fire, and the addition of a permanent event pavilion.

The Carriage House, built to 1914, was originally a storage barn and has played various roles in its more than 100-year history. When it was first constructed, the first floor operated as a fast food and ice cream stand, with a repair shop in the back. In the 1920s, the second floor served as a casino and dance hall with a bar, table games, a dance floor and bandstand, plus five rustic, finished rooms that provided accommodations for the music acts it hosted.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

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