This past summer Lynda Ferguson counted a carpenter, a plumber, and an electrician as three of her best friends. She knew their kids' names, their hobbies, their favorite color--all the important conversations that pop up when you are working side-by-side non-stop for a common purpose. The mission: A record-setting renovation of The Inn at Scituate Harbor.

On July 17^th, after a year of sitting dormant and collecting dust, 'The Inn' was back in business thanks to the Leaver, the Cooney and the Ferguson families.  And with the simple passing of papers, these Scituate residents suddenly became local heroes saving what many in this town consider a treasured monument.

"It was all hands on deck and everyone in the group brought something to the table," Lynda said, remembering the frenzy that followed as the team worked to refurbish the bathrooms, paint and redecorate rooms, and purge the pool.  By August 7^th, just in time for Heritage Days, 24 of the 29 rooms were ready and the place was sold-out.

It was a great moment of pride for the families and for the townspeople who had hoped that someday someone would inject life back into this symbolic structure that sits in the center of the harbor.

Built in 1970 and originally called The Clipper Ship, the building on 7 Beaver Dam Road was a coveted destination for weary travelers as well as the residents who bought memberships to use the indoor pool. In 1999 the Clipper Ship was sold and renamed, but remained an economic engine for local merchants that depended upon the cash infusion generated from out-of-towners visiting the seaside community.

In 2005, however, after another change in ownership, The Inn's future was in flux. After a failed attempt to turn the building into condos, the owner at the time, Coronella Properties, was foreclosed upon by their lender. The building went up for auction, and a year later Bruce Leaver, Dave Ferguson, and Michael Cooney formed Cold Brook Partners and purchased the property.

The rest is history.

Now, The Inn at Scituate Harbor is alive once again. "It's like it's been resurrected and people are really happy" said Lynda. The happiness likely stems from the commitment of Cold Brook Partners to create a bustling business.

For example, Lynda, who is managing The Inn, is working with local merchants to put together 'staycation' deals, like a 'Girls Spa' package that combines hotel and a day of pampering. Or, a 'Guys Golf' weekend that may include a tee time at a local course.

And, this coming spring, The Inn will open a new pub that will carry a 'casual elegance' vibe, Lynda said.

In the meantime, the team--including the carpenter, the plumber, and the electrician--continue to update the amenities, creating a whole new look, feel, and energy around The Inn. It's worth a visit!

To book your room with a view overlooking Scituate Harbor, call for reservations at: 781-545-5550 or 877-477-5550

or online at: www.innatscituate.com

By Stephanie Neil

Stephanie Neil is a journalist. Her business, technology, and human interest stories have appeared in a variety of print and online newspapers and magazines including eWeek, Managing Automation, The Harvard Alumni Bulletin, Huggies Baby Network, South Shore Woman, and The Boston Globe.  She lives on the South Shore with her two kids, two cats, and a dog. Contact info: stephanieneil@comcast.net  or 781-378-1652. Follow her on Twitter @StephanieNeil