Abbey Inn in Peekskill reportedly struck by lightning: See photos, video of fire

A fire broke out Wednesday at Abbey Inn and Spa in Peekskill, a luxury hotel that was converted from the St. Mary's Convent, due to an apparent lightning strike, Peekskill fire chief James Seymour said Thursday.

"It appeared that lightning did strike the structure that led to a fire involving a lower roof structure," Seymour said.

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Abbey Inn part of revitalization of Peekskill

A 2019 feature with a tour of Abbey Inn referred to the spot as part of Peekskill's revitalization — much driven by private investment. There's a restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, valet service and a concierge. Its scenic setting and ties to history made the inn a destination for Northern Westchester.

Ginsburg Development Companies converted the vacant former St. Mary's Convent building into the Abbey Inn and Spa with Apropos restaurant (recommended by the Michelin Guide) several years ago, positioning the property as a destination for weddings, business conferences and tourism. The goal has also been to draw tourists exploring the Hudson Valley, businesses holding corporate events, people headed to West Point, autumn leaf-peepers, and history-buff gatherings for a nearby George Washington barracks.

Related: Look inside Peekskill's new Abbey Inn overlooking the Hudson

The 42-room inn and spa, at 900 Fort Hill Road, were part of a Ginsburg development that, elsewhere on the property, includes the 178-units Fort Hill Apartments , in Peekskill's northwest, with stunning Hudson River views.

The developer planned to to donate land to designate about 60 acres, adjacent to the apartments and inn, as hiking trails. The Fort Hill site was a lookout post for George Washington's army during the Revolutionary War, according to the developer. The property became home to the Sisters of St. Mary, an Episcopal order, in the late 1800s.

One of the inn's rooms, the Cornerstone room, is a former chapel space with stained-glass windows and hand-painted wall coverings that a curator restored.

Reporter Michael P. McKinney contributed to this article.

Check out this photo gallery of when Abbey Inn and Spa was under construction.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Abbey Inn in Peekskill reportedly struck by lightning: See photos, video of fire