long lodging history and has stayed very much the same. This summer we met a wonderfully charming woman, Frances Bogle whose
great grandfather built the homestead which her family operated until 1976 (an amazing 95 years of hosting what would be known as a
Bed & Breakfast today). Frances who is a very vibrant 92 years young, provided us with extensive history, valuable memories and
wonderful pictures (these will be on display to share with all)!
The original homestead was built in 1881, by Captain William Lycett. William was a Captain in the Civil War and purchased the
property with his muster from the war. It was run as a lodging house, called Spring Valley Farms for many years. From 1910 – 1927 it
was leased to a boy’s camp called Camp Mondawmin. Then later to the Cambridge Tutoring School for rich boys.
Fran’s grandparents and parents ran it as Lycett’s Rooms & Cottages and would be considered a Bed & Breakfast today. Fran and
her 2 sisters grew up and went to school in Schroon Lake.
Our current day office, was the family kitchen – the family slept above the kitchen during peak season. The den, diningroom and living
room are the same. In the main house section, there were 5 bedrooms and 1 bathroom upstairs. The original porch wrapped around the
entire front of the house with the steps coming up at the 45 degree section. There was also a porch off the North wing sliding doors.
The railings were a hand made box pattern, with spoke spandrels along the entire top, including the office section. The North Wing
was added as a grandmothers’ suite and had a living room & kitchen downstairs and 2 bedrooms upstairs. During the winters Fran’s
family lived in this section.
Frances Lycett married William Bogle in 1952, they had no children. Bill owned the Gulf station (were Stewarts is now) and Frances
was the Schroon Lake telephone operator, connecting every call that came in until 1965. And like us today, they kept a boat over at
the dock, which also extended out 120 feet to keep the boat afloat.
In 1953 they built the 6 motel units. They boasted green porches, red planter boxes with white petunias & red geraniums. Around
1978, Guyer combined the rooms creating the existing 3 one-bedroom cottages. They went pretty much unchanged until we
purchased the property in July 2003 - and they have since had a complete overhaul.
There were also 3 housekeeping cottages rented up in the back section of the yard (circa the Northway). Two of them have
collapsed, the 3rd is the current garage. A large barn, used as a garage was at the top of the stone stairs up on the hill, the same exact
location we will be constructing a barn/workshop next spring.
Fran was widowed in the early 1970's and was finding it difficult to run the place on her own, so in 1976 she sold the property to
George Guyer . From 1976 to 1993 the Guyer family owned the property and made numerous changes and conversions. Mr. Guyer
was an industrious sort and we have been entertained by stories of donuts being made in the kitchen and distributed around the area, a
pool being erected in the den, a Beauty Parlor and also a Real Estate Office on site.
During the mid-1990's the homestead had been operated briefly as Bob & Peg's Lakeview Efficiencies, but for the most part was
converted over to year round apartments. The building had been vacant in recent years.
Bob and Patti purchased the Inn, in July of 2003. Bob had just returned home from the war in Iraq and we were looking to
create a new direction for our future.
We intend to rescue the house and return it to its hospitality days --
continuing its long tradition as a Bed & Breakfast.
The story continues below with our renovations stories and plans.
We are just beginning our long journey in this area.
Our goal is to create a Bed & Breakfast experience rich in country charm, casual elegance and unsurpassed hospitality.
We aim to create a warm atmosphere rich in the combined love of experiencing the great outdoors,
appreciation of beautiful artwork and an enriching lodging experience.
The kitchen is almost completed, those finishing touches that always seem to get pushed to the bottom of the list of things to do!! But, it doesn't stop breakfast from being served!
In the Spring, we hope to add that elusive 2nd story deck, off the hallway/door to nowhere!
The deck will have a nice view of the lake and be a great area to relax in the morning or evening.
We are starting our 4th season (wow!), so we are starting to freshen up some things around the Inn.
Past
Renovations
~ 3 wonderfully comfortable guest rooms. Rooms completed!!!
~ Enclose back section to increase kitchen size and include utility room. Done.
~ Renovate Living Room, Dining Area, Den, Powder Room and Entry Way. Done.
~ Replace all windows and exterior doors. There in and look great.
~ Finish front porch, add spandrels and decorative trim work. Done.
~ Landscape behind Inn, in front of Barn (would like to build pond, but probably next year). Spring
~ Install front courtyard and gardens . Done.
~ I most likely forgot a few --- but I think you get the idea.
~ Summer 2004 Projects ~
We had a very ambitious summer.
*** First off, the two large "monster" trees have been removed from the front yard (yea!).
*** The new roof and painting projects are complete, the burgundy shutters will be put up in the Spring.
Our new color scheme is Fawn Beige, with Hunter Green and Burgundy accent colors
*** The front porch has been ripped off the main house, new railings and a wood ceiling have been installed.
Victorian style - spandrels and decorative brackets will be installed in the Spring.
*** Landscaping around the cottages, office and front porch have been planted and new drive way stone laid.
~ Summer 2003 Projects ~
We concentrated on the complete renovation of the 3 one-bedroom connected cottages, they are now ready for the 2004
season. We are very pleased with the outcome and think everyone will enjoy the new interiors and modern amenities. They
still boast beautiful knotty pine interiors and cozy front porches - but most will appreciate the completely remodeled
bathrooms and kitchens.
We are in the process to renovate and completely convert the house to accommodate the Bed & Breakfast. The plan is to
have 3 oversized guest rooms all with private baths and whirlpool tubs and one 2-room suite, with fireplace and whirlpool.
We will have 3 rooms available for the 2005 season.
Our goal is to create an experience rich in country charm, causal elegance and unsurpassed hospitality. Providing an
atmosphere to explore, enjoy and expand ones love of the great outdoors and th e Adirondack Park, while appreciating the
comforts of an enriching lodging experience. In addition, we will promote the appreciation and creation of beautiful artwork.
To help create, nurture and explore these interests - outings, clinics and workshops will be offered. Workshops will be
conducted in the Spring and Fall seasons, we will highlight and combine different interests and activities, to keep things
rewarding, fresh and exciting.
Outdoor Experiences
* Promote and encourage the enjoyment of our beautiful park, offering unlimited information, resources and guidance to plan
outings for all abilities and interests. (See things to do & outdoor activities pages for extensive information)
* We would like to begin a local outfitting service, that provides Adirondack adventure that all ages and abilities can enjoy.
Such as full day kayak trips down the Schroon river, mountain biking trips into Great Camp Santanoni and guided
bushwhacking trips up to the unmarked peaks. We are very excited about this future project.
* Begin a Schroon Lake division of the Adirondack Mountain Club, to promote the exploration of the 5 surrounding
Wilderness areas. Strive to become 46'ers, while supporting and encouraging others to embrace the same aspiration.
Workshops
* Art Workshops - These will be hands on workshops with various types and styles of art and mediums being offered. Such as
mosaics, sculpting, watercolors, oils, pottery, stained glass, drawing - using charcoals and pastels, and scrap booking.
* Renew & Rejuvenate weekends - Get away from the everyday stress and strain and pamper yourself - bring your partner,
friends or come to meet new ones. The weekends will include, massages, facials, pedicures, basic body and soul Yoga, and many
extras geared to pamper and rejuvenate you.
During every workshop weekend there will be amble free time for you to relax, play or shop.
Organized trips will also be available, such as white water rafting, hiking trips,
Olympic complex tours and historic tours.
Calender
Contact Us & Directions / Things to do / Activity Details / Attractions & Amusements / The Arts / Historical
Activities / Outdoor Activities / Outfitters / Hiking Trails / Waterway Trails /
Bike & Horse Trails /About Adirondacks / Policies & General Information / B&B Renovations
