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Once a refuge for America’s most
prominent families, The Homestead now caters to travelers eager to
sample the luxury and comfort of one of America’s premier
resorts and spas. The nearly 250-year-old resort caters to lovers
of golf or the great outdoors, fine dining, romantic getaways and
spa treatments.
In the 1720’s colonial
explorers and surveyors began to visit the area and discovered the
natural mineral springs prevalent throughout the region.
Settlements and guest cabins sprouted by the middle of the 18th
century, leading many visitors from the Eastern seaboard to seek
refuge in the beautiful and therapeutic Hot Springs area. Similar
to the neighboring Greenbrier resort, Homestead history is closely
intertwined with wartime activity. The 23-year-old commander of
the Virginia militia, George Washington, paid a visit to the
ever-popular springs and befriended Thomas Bullett, a regional
officer. Bullett would soon play a prominent role in the
development of the modern day Homestead. Upon being paid for
militia service in the form of 300 acres of land encompassing many
of the famed mineral springs, Bullett and some partners improved
spring pools and erected a rustic lodge on land which is today the
heart of the resort. Interestingly, it was on this land which the
first tee of the Old Course was placed, a tee that today holds the
distinction as the oldest first tee still in use in America.
In 1832 Dr. Thomas Goode, who
set about to introduce fine dining to a resort destination famed
for its natural hot springs, acquired The Homestead. Dr. Goode’s
death and the onset of the Civil War saw the resort languish for a
few decades until famed banker J.P. Morgan cobbled together an
investment group and oversaw the rebuilding and expansion of the
historical destination.
New
facilities were added at a quick rate. The spa, stables, guest
rooms, and of course a wide range of outdoor activities blossomed.
The modern-day Homestead features many of the characteristics and
personal touches contributed to the resort’s development by
Bullett, Goode, Morgan and others. The Spa and dining facilities
so dear to Dr. Goode’s heart highlight any trip to this
beautiful spot. Hiking, tennis, horseback riding, skiing, fishing,
and shooting remain central to the Homestead experience that J. P.
Morgan himself conceived of. The purchase of the resort by the
Pinehurst Company and the subsequent refurbishing of the centuries
old destination surely signals continued luxury and elegance at
the Homestead.
WHERE
TO STAY
In one of the recently
refurbished rooms or suites, with more then 500 to choose from.
You will notice different flavours depending on the wing you are
in. All rooms are tastefully furnished, and suites
containing alcove-type reading rooms offer the finest view of the
countryside short of a hike in the hills.
WHERE
TO EAT
The Dining Room
is the choice for formal dining with a jacket and tie required in
the evening. The breakfast buffet here before a round is
truly one of the great treats to be found, and live music will
grace guests in the evening.
1766 Grille, boasting American and French cuisine,
commemorates the birth of the Hotel, and is widely praised for its
memorable tableside food preparation.
Sam Snead's Tavern is located just down the street and is
the choice of many golfers looking for a casual dinner. Meat
is the local favourite, and the Slammers career surrounds you on
the walls.
For a relaxing cocktail head to the grand Presidents Lounge,
a room adorned with he portraits of former Presidents who have
guested at the Homestead.
NON-GOLF
RECREATION
There is great fly
fishing to be had, as well as biking and hiking. For those
guests who would rather stay indoors, can choose from a variety of
offerings in the Spa, which gets rave reviews.
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