Major Enhancements Underway at
Lodge at Glendorn
Established as a family retreat for the Dorn family, which made its fortune during Pennsylvania’s oil boom in the 1920s, the 1,280 acre Lodge at Glendorn was transformed in 1995 into a private retreat for the public. And now, under the caring guidance of new owner J. Clifford Forest, this historic estate which is nestled next to the Allegheny National Forest, is undergoing yet another major transformation, with $5 million in enhancements being made over the next two years.
“Glendorn was in the process of being auctioned off last year,” observes Glendorn general manager Christopher Hampton. “And as soon as Mr. Forest, who had visited the lodge on many occasions in the past, got wind of the fact that a logging company was seriously looking at buying the property, he decided that he had to buy it so that he could preserve Glendorn as an oasis in the woods. And now that he is the new owner, his mandate is to make the overall visitor experience even more unique.”
Many of the improvements to Glendorn are already visible, including adding horseback riding as a complimentary onsite service for guests, with the addition of stables for six horses and the hiring of a full time stable master and riding instructor.
“Few resorts or lodges offer horseback riding as an option in the first place and to make what would normally cost hundreds of dollars for three or four riders a value added experience that is included in your stay, is practically unheard of,” observes Hampton.
In addition to taking advantage of Glendorn’s stables and the 18 miles of riding trails, the lodge has undergone major upgrades to its wine cellar, with the creation of a Pennsylvania Blue Stone and cedar dining area right in the cellar, and a more than five-fold expansion of the cellar from an inventory valued at $20k to over $100k.
Other noticeable changes include the addition of a family friendly dining room which is immediately adjacent to the more formal dining room and a completely revamped fitness centre. All of the private cabins onsite are undergoing major renovations as well, including what Hampton describes as “a beautiful eight bedroom monster cabin that’s ideal for family reunions or small group events.”
Less visible but equally critical to the overall improvement of Glendorn’s visitor experience is the attraction of key personnel to the lodge since this past winter, including Hampton himself, who was lured from his previous position as the assistant general manager at Oakmont Country Club outside of Pittsburgh, the #5 ranked golf course in the country and home to numerous major events, including the Men’s U.S. Open in 2007.
“From our in-house ‘cow girl’ who is a phenomenal rider and equally great riding instructor, to our activities manager – who is one of the top fly fishermen in the country, we’re assembling a team of people whose primary focus is to significantly enhance the experience of our guests,” notes Hampton.
More than half of the $5 million in upgrades have been earmarked for this year including a new business and convention centre and a new spa – both of which are slated for completion later this year.
About Glendorn
Established in the 1920s as a private retreat and visited by several presidents over its long history, the Lodge at Glendorn is now a sanctuary for discerning travelers. Guests can take full advantage of the natural surroundings, with the opportunity to do everything from fishing on the onsite streams and lakes to walking, hiking, biking or riding the 18 miles of private trails. In addition to the main lodge, the family friendly Glendorn boasts eleven private cottages/cabins, making it ideal for couples, family vacations, reunions, private weddings and business meetings and conferences. Glendorn also provides exceptional breakfast, lunch and dinner dining experiences for guests and day visitors alike. For more information on the Lodge at Glendorn, go to: www.glendorn.com or call 1-800-843-8568.
http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/52175-1281376765-major-enhancements-underway-at-lodge-at-glendorna-private-oasis-in-the-alleghenies.html
“Glendorn was in the process of being auctioned off last year,” observes Glendorn general manager Christopher Hampton. “And as soon as Mr. Forest, who had visited the lodge on many occasions in the past, got wind of the fact that a logging company was seriously looking at buying the property, he decided that he had to buy it so that he could preserve Glendorn as an oasis in the woods. And now that he is the new owner, his mandate is to make the overall visitor experience even more unique.”
Many of the improvements to Glendorn are already visible, including adding horseback riding as a complimentary onsite service for guests, with the addition of stables for six horses and the hiring of a full time stable master and riding instructor.
“Few resorts or lodges offer horseback riding as an option in the first place and to make what would normally cost hundreds of dollars for three or four riders a value added experience that is included in your stay, is practically unheard of,” observes Hampton.
In addition to taking advantage of Glendorn’s stables and the 18 miles of riding trails, the lodge has undergone major upgrades to its wine cellar, with the creation of a Pennsylvania Blue Stone and cedar dining area right in the cellar, and a more than five-fold expansion of the cellar from an inventory valued at $20k to over $100k.
Other noticeable changes include the addition of a family friendly dining room which is immediately adjacent to the more formal dining room and a completely revamped fitness centre. All of the private cabins onsite are undergoing major renovations as well, including what Hampton describes as “a beautiful eight bedroom monster cabin that’s ideal for family reunions or small group events.”
Less visible but equally critical to the overall improvement of Glendorn’s visitor experience is the attraction of key personnel to the lodge since this past winter, including Hampton himself, who was lured from his previous position as the assistant general manager at Oakmont Country Club outside of Pittsburgh, the #5 ranked golf course in the country and home to numerous major events, including the Men’s U.S. Open in 2007.
“From our in-house ‘cow girl’ who is a phenomenal rider and equally great riding instructor, to our activities manager – who is one of the top fly fishermen in the country, we’re assembling a team of people whose primary focus is to significantly enhance the experience of our guests,” notes Hampton.
More than half of the $5 million in upgrades have been earmarked for this year including a new business and convention centre and a new spa – both of which are slated for completion later this year.
About Glendorn
Established in the 1920s as a private retreat and visited by several presidents over its long history, the Lodge at Glendorn is now a sanctuary for discerning travelers. Guests can take full advantage of the natural surroundings, with the opportunity to do everything from fishing on the onsite streams and lakes to walking, hiking, biking or riding the 18 miles of private trails. In addition to the main lodge, the family friendly Glendorn boasts eleven private cottages/cabins, making it ideal for couples, family vacations, reunions, private weddings and business meetings and conferences. Glendorn also provides exceptional breakfast, lunch and dinner dining experiences for guests and day visitors alike. For more information on the Lodge at Glendorn, go to: www.glendorn.com or call 1-800-843-8568.
http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/52175-1281376765-major-enhancements-underway-at-lodge-at-glendorna-private-oasis-in-the-alleghenies.html
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