Woodbine completes two-year renovation
After a two-year renovation, the Woodbine Inn and Restaurant opened its doors to guests.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to experience the renewed charm of the Woodbine Inn,” Michael Emanuelli said. “These renovations have allowed us to preserve the inn’s rich history while providing modern amenities and a more comfortable stay for our guests.”
Michael and his wife, Denise, purchased the property on Dec. 27, 2021. Soon afterward, they started their plan to renovate the downstairs of the building, which included renovations to the kitchen, the restaurant, and the bar areas.
“The first six months focused on these areas, as well as the outside grounds, and we added a new courtyard and fountain,” Emanuelli said. “It was all part of our original dream for the building.”
The site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, inspiring the Emanuelli’s to keep as many original pieces within the building without compromising their dream.
“Our goal was to keep as many antique pieces as possible that fit our vision,” Emanuelli said, “We donated most of everything we didn’t keep to the Madison County Museum and the Son-Shine Outreach Center.”
According to Emanuelli, the artwork and furniture were selected to provide a sense of returning to the Victorian era while remaining functional. Most upgrades modernize the bathrooms with new tile, walk-in showers, and more.
“We wanted people to say, ‘The next time I come back, I want to stay in this room,’” Emanuelli said, referring to the eight distinctly decorated guest rooms with different color schemes.
Looking ahead, Emanuelli’s plans to introduce several new activities for its guests to attract guests from beyond the tri-county area to Madison County, including Victorian afternoon teas, and creating synergy with other business and attractions in Madisonville. Interested parties can now book reservations with Expedia, according to Emanuelli “I think people here are glad that the Woodbine has reopened and that it is bringing people from all over to this county and city,” Emanuelli said.
