WHITE LAKE — After more than 70 years of on-and-off proposals, neglect, and abandonment, the White Lake Mansion House is seeing light from the brink of demolition, all thanks to Dimitri Simanovsky, the property’s new owner and New York City-based affordable housing developer.

First constructed in 1848 and considered Sullivan County’s first hotel, the historic building is in the process of emergency stabilization and beginning a long-term restoration plan.

To Simanovsky, who has a history of witnessing the building’s decline, the project is deeply personal and urgent.

“Our main goal is to save the structure because I don’t think it would have survived another [winter] season,”   Simaovsky told the Democrat. “What we did was … we got permits to do emergency shoring and stabilization work. Once the building is structurally stabilized, I will then go in [with] my own design, and then probably have an architect.” 

Sticking to his goal of being safe, up-to-code, and as faithful as possible, he ensures that the stabilization is being supported by engineers familiar with the site.

“We’re using the same engineering company that a previous buyer was using, because they have all the site work. We also [are] using Ken from Keystone because we needed an engineering plan to commit to the town before we were able to get our shoring permits, and it just made sense to use somebody who knew the property well,” Simanovsky said.

In the way of artifacts, the Mansion House has been stripped clean over years of neglect, but the team is still salvaging what they can, as Simanovsky has noted how there isn’t much to save. 

Simanovsky stated how they’re “trying to save staircases, but a lot of them have been damaged already, and [we’re] trying to document the best we can… so we could replicate it.”

The team will attempt to stay true to history by referencing available photos and postcards for accuracy. 

When the project is finished, the building will reopen as a 20-room boutique hotel featuring modern amenities and a staffless operating model.

“The hotel itself will be historical, but we’re not trying to recreate a lodging experience from the 1800s,” Simanovsky told the Democrat. “Your lodging experience is going to be 2025 or 2026.”

Rooms will include private bathrooms, high-speed internet, and self-check-in/check-out. 

“It will be a unique stay because you’re staying in an historic property,” Simanovsky says. “Everyone’s been driving by this hotel for 40 years, 50 years, 70 years… and they’ve always wondered what it was like.”

Through his team’s extensive rehabilitation, Simanovsky credits the Town of Bethel in helping make the restoration possible.

“The town was starting to give up to demolish the building,” Simaovsky said. “I appeared at their town board meeting, and I just introduced myself to let them know, ‘don’t demolish this building, because if you do, I no longer have any interest in it’. I would not spend the millions of dollars… unless I’m spending them in this building specifically.”

“I think we would not be here if it wasn’t for the town and how receptive they’ve been,” he continued. “The Building Department and the Town [Supervisor] is really the only reason probably we’re here, because they were very receptive.”

Town of Bethel Supervisor Dan Sturm told the Democrat, “The Town of Bethel is grateful to see new ownership of the Mansion House property. The former plans for a larger hotel and spa was not very well received by the public, especially since it involved the removal of that original important historic structure. We are pleased that at the moment they are making efforts to make it safe as we await further plans.”

The restoration is expected to cost up to $3 million, according to Simonovsky who cited in-house design work and established vendor relationships. He also said they will be utilizing state programs to assist with rehabilitation costs. 

The goal is to open in 2026, but Simanovsky made clear that the project is more than business. 

“Sometimes, you know, doing something, even if it maybe isn’t the best financial decision, is more important than not doing something,” Simanovsky said. “To me, it’s a fantasy that I’ve shared with everyone. I didn’t win the lotto, but I was fortunate enough to do well in life, and I would love to be the person that actually brings this to the finish line.”