Chestnut Inn on Oquaga Lake sold to Pa. company. What's next for Broome County destination

The Chestnut Inn, a popular destination on Oquaga Lake, is expected to have new ownership this month.

Settlers Hospitality is under contract to purchase The Chestnut Inn, located at 493-510 Oquaga Lake Road in Sanford, from the Maines family. Settlers Hospitality is based in Hawley, Pa. and owns about a dozen boutique, multi-concept hospitality businesses.

“We are extremely excited to have Settlers Hospitality take ownership of The Chestnut Inn,” said Bill Maines. “Settlers shares the same vision and values for restoration of historical properties, and they have the appropriate experience and success in the industry to propel Chestnut forward for the years to come.”

Here’s what you need to know.

What is The Chestnut Inn?

Settlers Hospitality is under contract to purchase The Chestnut Inn, located at 493-510 Oquaga Lake Road in Sanford. The Inn has 17 guest rooms.
Settlers Hospitality is under contract to purchase The Chestnut Inn, located at 493-510 Oquaga Lake Road in Sanford. The Inn has 17 guest rooms.

The Chestnut Inn is a Broome County landmark with roots dating back to 1927. It is a bed and breakfast, restaurant and event venue with roughly 400 feet of waterfront on the western shores of Oquaga Lake.

In addition to the main lodge, the 12-acre property features two cottages, a lakefront restaurant, a conference room, outdoor terraces and seven boat slips surrounded by forest and farmland. The Inn has 17 guest rooms and has traditionally offered a summer retreat for residents of the Binghamton area. It sits 30 miles east of the City of Binghamton and 140 miles west of New York City.

The Waterfront Terrace offers outdoor dining for guests and visitors, complemented by a formal dining room and the Waterside Tavern. Other attractions include the Sunroom, which features lake views from a wall of windows. The inn also offers a tented lakeside event space accommodating gatherings and receptions for up to 200 guests.

Opportunities for golf, hiking, swimming, boating and casinos are available in the area.

How did the Chestnut get its name?

The Inn was constructed using lumber from the majestic North American Chestnut tree, which was devastated by a blight in the 20th century. The rare chestnut woodwork graces each room.

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When will the Chestnut Inn open?

Settlers Hospitality has planned minor refurbishments of the property. The Inn is expected to reopen to guests in June for the summer season on the lake.

What did The Chestnut Inn sell for?

The sale price was not disclosed, but the property was recently listed for just under $2.8 million.

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What is Settlers Hospitality?

Settlers Hospitality is under contract to purchase The Chestnut Inn, located at 493-510 Oquaga Lake Road in Sanford. It is a bed and breakfast, restaurant and event venue with roughly 400 feet of waterfront on the western shores of Oquaga Lake.
Settlers Hospitality is under contract to purchase The Chestnut Inn, located at 493-510 Oquaga Lake Road in Sanford. It is a bed and breakfast, restaurant and event venue with roughly 400 feet of waterfront on the western shores of Oquaga Lake.

Settlers Hospitality is a family-owned company with roots in the Northern Pocono Mountains. The company operates a variety of enterprises that offer food and lodging, such as Sayre Mansion, The Settlers Inn of Hawley, Pa. and Silver Birches Resort on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos.

The company said it “brings a deep understanding of the lake community and a dedication to developing strong ties with its neighbors.”

“The addition of The Chestnut Inn to our portfolio of properties is a natural fit,” said owner and CEO Justin Genzlinger. “Like our flagship property The Settlers Inn, The Chestnut Inn opened in the 1920s and was also a family run business. Operating historic properties is our niche, and our passion.

"We are excited to continue the legacy and bring our unique brand of hospitality to this venture in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains.”

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Sanford's Chestnut Inn on Oquaga Lake sold to Settlers Hospitality

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