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Lightning Strike Sparks Blaze At Historic Northern Westchester Inn

An over 120-year-old former convent in Northern Westchester that has since been converted to an inn was damaged by a lightning strike and resulting fire. 

The blaze happened at the Abbey Inn & Spa in Peekskill.

The blaze happened at the Abbey Inn & Spa in Peekskill.

Photo Credit: Google Maps street view/Pixabay via automatic6517

The blaze began in Peekskill on Wednesday, July 17 just after 4:15 p.m. when lightning from a passing thunderstorm struck the Abbey Inn & Spa at 900 Fort Hill Rd., according to the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department, which helped respond to the incident. 

Arriving fire crews raced to the 122-year-old building and began cutting into the layers of asphalt shingles, foam insulation, tar, plywood, and lumber in the roof to get to the flames and make sure they had not spread to other locations. 

The fire was eventually extinguished after several hours. 

The historic building, formerly known as the convent of the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary’s, is now a hotel featuring large outdoor and indoor event spaces, a full-service spa, and a successful eatery called Apropros Restaurant & Bar which is now featured on the prestigious Michelin Guide. 

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