The following article was written by Lisa Pellegrene, and was originally published by Patch.com on April 18, 2019.
Victoria Filonenko plans to restore The Westholm Hotel to a healing center with beautiful gardens. This is a historic property in Stamford.
Victoria Filonenko, owner of The Westholm Hotel, has plans of restoring the historic property to a healing center. In a recent interview, Filonenko discussed her initial interest in the property, namely the remarkable history which lead to her desire and willingness to restore it as the new owner. “I am fascinated by the beauty and the history of this hotel. When I visited the property initially I sensed warmth, love and maybe even the mystery.” She continued, “when I saw the murals by Lamont Warner, I knew right away that I wanted to buy the hotel in order to save what could be saved.” This was in April of 2014. Filonenko didn’t purchase the property at that point. Her serious thoughts of purchasing and restoring the property resurfaced in 2016. “It was still for sell, and at that point I felt as if it was waiting for me and I started making plans to purchase and to restore the hotel to its splendor.”
Lamont A. Warner, the artist of the murals inside of The Westholm Hotel was an American designer, teacher and an artist. He was also an industrial designer of furniture. Warner’s work is known from initial drawings in the Craftsman, and Stickley’s Magazine, which promoted his company’s products. Warner designed the interiors of several YMCA buildings throughout the country. He taught at Columbia University, Cooper Institute, NY University and 26 years at Stamford Central School. During his lifetime of 96 years, he created many paintings on canvas depicting and truly recreating through art, the stunning landscapes of the Delaware County Scenery. Lamont Warner’s murals reflect the landscape of Stamford in the fall. According to Filonenko, “Mt. Utsayantha, Odell Lake, as well as the Mohican Tribe who lived in the Stamford area are painted on the walls of Grand Hall of the Westholm.” Continuing, “There are still murals in the Grand Hall. A total of six Lamont Warner murals remain in the hotel.” Victoria Filonenko brought one of the murals home with her and has restored it, and explained the one was in disrepair, due to water damage, it could not be restored.
Dr. Stephen E. Churchill is another Stamford Native who Victoria Filonenko mentioned when discussing the history of the town. Dr. Churchill is known for devoting his life to the improvement of Stamford. He promoted education, and he was also responsible for the water and sewage system. He was the founder and developer of two of the largest hotels in Stamford, Churchill Hall and the Rexmere. Filonenko learned that The Westholm Hotel was a favorite place of Mama Gabor and her daughters. Some have shared their memories with Filonenko of Jolie Gabor driving her pink Cadillac. “She would go out for afternoon tea with her friend, Mrs. Reynard, who lived near The Westholm Hotel from what I’ve been told,” as stated by Victoria Filonenko.
A woman who follows The Westholm Hotel page on Facebook recalled a story which indicates the thriving economic
The Westholm Hotel is due for restoration and Victoria Filonenko is determined to do just that.
Filonenko is looking forward to complete restoration of the hotel. According to the current owner, Victoria Filonenko, she had a new foundation built under a rear collapsing wall, which has been repaired and reinforced. One of the buildings on the property, outside of the main hotel will have to be torn down due to the loss of structure over the years since its closing. Concluding the article, Victoria Filonenko also mentioned what she referred to as “The Story of Utsayantha” or “The Legend of Utsayantha,” stating, “I was told that this story was made up to attract tourists, yet in my opinion I wonder what truth there is to this legend.”
In addition to restoring the hotel to a healing and meditation center in the future, Filonenko plans to build beautiful serenity gardens. Dates for additional restoration efforts have not been confirmed yet, although she did state she is moving forward to garner additional support for her efforts to restore the property. Filonenko worked with photographer Thomas W.P. Slatin to document the property through photographs, prior to commencing further restoration efforts. More photographs of The Westholm Hotel may be found on the Facebook page for The Westholm, and on Slatin’s website, www.tomslatin.com.
Be sure to follow the Facebook page for The Westholm Hotel to stay updated on the progress of the restoration efforts.
###
Article written by Lisa Pellegrene.
18 thoughts on “Hotel Owner Discusses Intriguing History of The Westholm Hotel”
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I am truly amazed at this woman, it seems that there is a connection between The Westholm Hotel and her. Hopefully everything can be realized well and smoothly.
While people see a decaying building, this woman is seeing a goldmine..I admire are gritty determination..I hope the building is restored in no time..
Ms Victoria is for sure a kindhearted person. Imagine that she wants to restore that historical building into a healing center. It is very appreciative.
This s a good thing to do, I can imagine how beautifull wioll look this building after being restored.
I will keep myself updated by following on the restoration. Lets wait and see what the hotel will offer.
This is a grand idea anything that will help healing to all humans will be a great relief. So I’m all for it
If it is for a good cause why not. It is way better than just abandon it and letting it rot. Where is Stanford? Scotland?
The idea is very much overwhelming. From the structure of the building, once restored will be a very nice place, that’s for sure.
I think this will be a great idea for Victoria. In that since the hotel is historic people already know its location thus the business will boom very fast.
The hotel has such a rich history. It’s practically a museum of sorts.
This is the perfect person to take charge of this Hotel. She has such an in-depth knowledge of it.
I love everything about this establishment. Walking in it is basically like taking a stroll through history.
I think the government should help in the preservation and restoration of the hotel. It is a great tourist destination.
I would do anything to visit this hotel. It so antique and classic.
The place looks very relaxing. I hope they could restore it the way stated.
That was a good history to tell. I hope the best for this hotel.
The story is really intriguing. I love how she told the story and the connections of the hotel and her. Hoping for the best!
I love their concept in restoring the place. I want to go there someday.