HISTORY

Originally built in the late 1880s, the Deer Mountain Inn has been used at various times as a summer retreat, a church-run camp for underprivileged children and as the annex for The Toppesfield, a grand hotel no longer extant but the foundation of which remains on the property. It’s also rumored that the property once belonged to the Catskill’s most notorious Depression-era gangster, Jack “Leggs” Diamond – with bullet holes to boot. The folklore continues to unfold and be told.

In 2013, Chuck and Deborah Royce purchased the property from longtime owner, Danielle Gortel, and refurbished the six rooms and restaurant/bar to what is now Deer Mountain Inn. In 2023, the Royces and managing director, Dan King, unveiled four new standalone cabins by architect Lewis Jacobson and designer Iliana Moore.

Founders

Chuck and Deborah Royce have a long history of revitalizing historic properties with a focus on authenticity and architectural heritage. The couple has taken on numerous projects, including the restoration of the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, which they completed in 2010.

In 2013, they purchased Deer Mountain Inn, driven by their love for the property and its potential. Committed to preserving the regional character, they undertook extensive renovations, transforming the inn into a premier Catskills retreat while maintaining its historical charm. Their dedication is evident in every aspect of the inn, which stands as a top example of mountain resort architecture.

The Royces continue to invest in the community around Deer Mountain Inn through their work with the Hunter Foundation and Catskill Mountain Foundation.