With the assistance of the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), and the ability to turn a dream into a reality, Kurt and Lisa DuBois of Stamford have refurbished, restored, upgraded and reopened the historic Hidden Inn in South Kortright.
Though numerous modern features and efficiencies, such as a state-of-the-art kitchen including an authentic adobe pizza oven, guest-controlled in-room heating and cooling units, and nearly all new furnishing welcome tourists, visitors and locals, the character of the three dining-room, eight guest room inn has been preserved, with typical and one-of-a-kind amenities.
The DuBoises came into the lodging, tourist and restaurant business with years of experience as owners of Vasta’s Bistro and Pizzeria in Stamford.
First opened in 1893 as a restaurant and inn for travelers to the Catskills, the Hidden Inn was once a thriving eating establishment and operated for 120 years under different ownership and management, until it closed in 2013.
The extensive renovation project has had a positive trickle-down effect on the local economy since opening in July by providing jobs, an increased tax base (the property is now back on the tax rolls), sales and occupancy tax to fill county coffers as well as visitors who bring their disposable income to shop locally, a welcomed financial boost to rural Delaware County which became a relocation epicenter for metro and urban residents yearning to escape population-dense areas during the Covid pandemic.
Stay
Each of the eight guest rooms, located on the second and third floors, are fashioned in an era-specific palate ranging from calming high-end neutral chambray linens that whisper cozy comfort, ideal for a sound night’s rest.
“We love the fact that we are taking over a historical landmark,” Kurt said. “The Hidden Inn used to be the go-to place in this area, People came as friends and left as family - and that’s our motto.”
Play
Opening the Inn allowed the couple multiple income streams: the restaurant and bar, the Inn and the outdoor wedding venue and/or event space on the property.
The outdoor space can hold between 150 and 200 people, and with their love of catering, The Hidden Inn offers inclusive events with a stay and play concept.
The DuBoises are expanding that idea by offering packages which include transportation services for event guests to other nearby lodging. “We have a beautiful place in a tight-knit community,” Kurt said of the property acquisition.
Lisa was enamored with The Hidden Inn, though it was abandoned and in need of TLC. “Kurt and I are both hard workers and we were determined to make her (the Inn) pretty again.”
Her favorite thing about The Hidden Inn is the atmosphere. “Its very cozy here. It feels like home.”
Kurt credits Lisa with decorating the Inn, which has retained a gentleman’s club vibe in the warm wood tavern, offset by key placement of historical photographs, documents and accent pieces in a rich crimson colored lounge complete with a working fireplace and high hat tables and stools.
Dine
Choice offerings of classic tavern gastronomy are served Wednesday through Saturday and includes crab cake sliders with horseradish remoulade, bang-bang shrimp, calamari with a sweet chili sauce, build-your-own burgers, wings, and of course, hand-thrown wood-fired pizza.
Not to be outdone, on-site dining is available with a menu of cooked-to-order prime rib, hanger steak or filet mignon and a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
A menu that marries finger foods with haute cuisine includes prosciutto crostini, balsamic soy roasted garlic baby bella mushrooms, shrimp shooters with mango sauce, chorizo poached in red wine, and tapas, among other delectables.
The couple offers catering services to accompany its event space and is already booking events for 2023.
For more information, hours or to book an event or stay visit thehiddeninn1893.com.
The Delaware County IDA seeks to improve the quality of life in Delaware County by assisting businesses and industry to retain and expand existing job opportunities, attract new jobs, and stimulate the investment of capital in Delaware County. For information about the Delaware County IDA can help start or expand a business visit dcecodev.com/ida.
