A century-old inn in Connecticut’s northwestern corner has sold for $3.5 million following approval of a high-profile redevelopment plan that drew significant local attention and opposition.
In a deed recorded Feb. 18, the Wake Robin Inn at 104 and 106 Sharon Road, near Wonoskopmuc Lake in Salisbury’s Lakeville section, was sold to a limited liability company headed by Steven Cohen, of Brooklyn.
Cohen and a partner, Jonathan Morrale, approached Salisbury officials in 2024 with plans to expand the inn from 38 rooms in two buildings to 71 rooms, adding a spa, events barn, pool and food and beverage outlets.Â
Although the developers secured a zone change, they later withdrew that application after public hearings that saw opposition from some residents.
However, a revised proposal submitted by Cohen’s firm, ARADEV LLC, was approved by the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission last October.
The approved plan calls for demolition of a 4,404-square-foot motel-style building containing 15 rooms that was added to the 11.5-acre property in 1970. The redevelopment also includes the demolition of two houses on a neighboring 2.28-acre parcel at 53 Wells Hill Road, which an ARADEV affiliate purchased for $720,000 in August 2025.
Under the approved plan, the existing 15,720-square-foot inn — which dates to 1898 — will be renovated and expanded from 23 to 53 rooms. The proposal also includes construction of four guest cottages, a spa and a fast-casual restaurant, along with additional upgrades intended to create a boutique hospitality experience.
In its application, ARADEV stated the project will incorporate sustainable site design features, including rain gardens, wetland buffer enhancements and natural landscaping. The project, ARADEV stated, is meant to preserve the inn as a community landmark while enhancing its viability and environmental stewardship.
An attempt to reach Cohen and Morrale was unsuccessful.
The main building at 104-106 Sharon Road was built as part of the Taconic School for Girls and became an inn in 1913, according to Cohen’s testimony to the town Planning and Zoning Commission.
The Wake Robin Inn property was sold by Wake Robin LLC, which had purchased it for $2.2 million in 2002. State business records list Shaffin Sharif as principal of Wake Robin LLC.
The neighboring property at 53 Wells Hill Road was sold by Serena Granbery, who acquired it for $468,000 in 2021. That property includes a 2,286-square-foot house built in 1920 and a 440-square-foot cottage constructed in 1950.
