Milford landmark set for spring reopening

The Elm Inn stands out at Milford’s four corners, but it has stood vacant since closing in 2017.

“We kept driving by and we loved the building and the area,” said Kat and Dan Wifnosky. “We couldn’t figure out why it sat empty for so long. We had such vision for it.”

So they bought it in January of this year. They also packed their belongings to move from Illinois to Otsego County, where they bought a house in the Cherry Valley / Roseboom area, and are working feverishly on the Inn as they target a late March or early April opening for the reimagined landmark.

“We were looking for something we could afford and this is perfect,” Ms. Wifnosky said. “It’s gorgeous here. The pandemic changed everything we were used to. Our lives changed and we had to change.”

The couple has an interesting and varied background, with both in the information technology consulting business. They lived in New York’s Capital District, moved to Las Vegas, then to Illinois, and now to Milford.

“We have history in the hospitality arena as well, and The Elm Inn will let us complete our dream,” Ms. Wifnosky said. With a home that sits on 55 acres, she said the couple will cultivate the land for wine, a job she calls their “passion.”

As for The Elm Inn, the two have big plans.