The iconic Warm Springs Pools, an integral part of Bath County and Virginia history, has reopened following a 14-month, $4 million rehabilitation by The Omni Homestead Resort. Fed by four natural warm springs, rich in mineral content, the 19th-century bathhouses have been sought by travelers for centuries. The stone basin of the Gentlemen’s Bathhouse was constructed in 1761, making it the oldest spa structure in the country.
“It has been incredibly gratifying to these phenomenal structures restored to their former glory,” says Mark Spadoni, managing director of The Omni Homestead Resort. “The bathhouses are a fundamental component of Bath County, and it was vital we dedicate time and effort to their preservation. Maintaining the historic integrity of the bathhouses was paramount.”
Throughout the process, Omni worked closely with 3North, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and Lionberger Construction to ensure the project adhered to The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The Warm Springs Pools project is considered a rehabilitation, as it acknowledges the need to alter or add to a historic property to meet continuing or changing uses while retaining the property’s historic character.
The goal was to preserve as much historic building fabric as possible while ensuring that the buildings are prepared to serve many years of future use. The scope of work encompassed preserving and/or replacing in-kind the historic wood structure, windows, doors, siding, and roofing along with repairing the foundation piers of both baths and the reception house. In preparing the plans, the team focused on maintaining the existing character of the Warm Springs Pools, referencing the structures as they were when the resort acquired them in 1925.
Taking the waters is a centuries-old tradition that draws travelers seeking geothermal mineral springs to this area. Upon recognizing their popularity, Captain Thomas Bullitt along with Andrew and Thomas Lewis purchased land and built the first Homestead in 1766. Throughout their history, they have been a respite for guests from around the world, including several US Presidents from Thomas Jefferson to Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Unaffected by changes in the seasons, the waters remain at a natural body temperature all year and flow at the astounding rate of 1,700,000 gallons per day. “The therapeutic benefits of soaking in these natural springs are remarkable. Each of the 15 minerals has health benefits from soothing your skin to boosting your blood circulation and relieving pain and we are humbled to have this natural resource as part of The Homestead experience,” adds Spadoni.
The Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Bathhouses will be open Wednesday – Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Reservations are required and are available on the hour priced at $25 per person per 50-minute soak. Family soaking time will be from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (swimsuits required and children under the age of 18 may come with a parent), adult co-ed soaking time (for ages 16+; swimsuits required) will be from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., and adult soaking (by gender, ages 18+; swimsuits optional) between 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Reservations may be made by calling 540.839.3860 or emailing warmspringspools@omnihotels.com.
