Thank you for visiting our website. As many of you know, the Antrim Lodge is a building with a colorful history. The Antrim has been a fixture in Sullivan County for over 120 years. We spent the greater part of 2004 – 2006 renovating this historic inn, only to have the building substantially destroyed in a devastating fire in July 2006, shortly before its grand reopening. Happily, we have now resolved the issues relating to the fire and we are focusing on the reconstruction and refurbishment of the building.
This process has proved rather daunting, however, since much of the building was destroyed in the fire and we lost certain exemptions under the building code. Complying with all current laws and code provisions has tripled the cost of the renovations. This, coupled with the state of the economy, presented challenges to our renovation timeline. Nevertheless, we are working with several private and public organizations to establish a financing package to enable us to restore this wonderful landmark. In fact, we’re proud to announce that we recently were awarded a Market NY grant from the Empire State Development Division of the NYS Department of Economic Development.
During our construction hiatus, we landscaped the Antrim’s substantial lawn to create a beautiful and lush environment for events, and have increased our ownership of the land around the Lodge. We have already reframed most of the exterior of the building and the interior rooms. Most of the work remaining to be done will focus on the inside of the building and creating a kitchen expansion. Once we re-start construction, the process should take slightly longer than a year to finalize.
Although the refurbished building will remain true to its historic roots, the Antrim will be substantially improved to accommodate the needs of the modern guest. The guest rooms have been made larger, with higher ceilings, and each of the 14 rooms will have a private bath, TV telephone line. Most of the guest rooms are designed to be used as two or three bedroom suites. A full size elevator will service the lower ground through third floors. Wireless internet will be available throughout the building and broadband ports will be available in the new Business Center.
The Antrim will have two dining areas. The main dining room will seat approximately 75 people and will have an area for a band or DJ with central dance floor. The second dining room will be located on the lower ground floor next to the historic bar – renowned as “Keener’s Pool”. The dining area will be restored and updated, with many of the historic photos and wall mountings hanging proudly once again. This area will be available for more casual dining or can be combined with the upstairs dining area for larger functions. The fireplaces upstairs and downstairs will remain functioning to create a warm ambiance.
Also on the lower ground level will be a Gear Room where guests can remove their outdoor clothing and securely stow their sporting equipment. The area will be accessible only by card key and will have individual room-keyed lockers. This will give guests more space in their guest rooms. The Gear Room will lead to a sauna and three private steam showers in which guests can relax after a day’s activities.
Although we cannot give you a firm opening date at present, keep up with our latest news as we remain firmly focused on completing the restoration of the Antrim Lodge. Our goal is to have you enjoy the Antrim Lodge and this beautiful area of Sullivan County. We hope to get to know you in the future.