The Dunay Family waited for many years in hopes of a buyer that would not only purchase the Wood Hotel, but would also restore it instead of tearing it down.

In 2003, Joedda McClain and Jay Latterman appeared as the ideal buyers. They had many years of experience in restoring aging, rundown and burned out properties and houses. They had owned and operated bed & breakfasts, a restaurant and a celebration hall with in-house catering.

Latterman is a lighting design contractor, owns a successful business in Pittsburgh, and McClain has 18 years experience as a restoration contractor and owned Pine Lodge Camp on Fourth Lake.

The couple no sooner took ownership of The Wood Hotel, than they were at the Town of Webb Historical Association's fundraiser auction buying back furniture and other items that were original to the old Wood Hotel.

They set their dual goals for the property of securing historic designation and restoring it to current building codes while still retaining its vintage Adirondack hotel character.

The first they achieved by the summer of their initial year of ownership. The second was a loving but longer, more labor intensive process.

They renamed the old Wood Hotel The Woods Inn while at the same time winterizing it and replacing all the utility systems.

The warp around porches and stairs, with the panoramic views of Fourth Lake and the surrounding mountains, were restored to their original 1897 appearance. The 39 rooms and six baths became 21 beautifully appointed rooms, each with a private bath, and the lakeside cottages are as Fred Hess built them over 100 years ago (but much more comfortable).

Behind this monumental effort was the new owners' stylistic/philosophical view to recreate the generous ambiance with modern amenities, a fun and stress-free destination.

So The Wood Hotel is born again. After months of anticipation, the grand opening celebration for the Woods Inn was June 27, 2004. The hotel, the restaurant and the tavern are open for business. When before World War II, Inlet boasted 10 Adirondack hotels, The Woods Inn is now the last historic hotel open year 'round.