Coolfont Resort: A Vacation Gem in Berkeley Springs, W.V.

(By Elizabeth Tuico) If you grew up around Berkeley Springs, W.V., Coolfont Resort played a part in your family history. Snuggled in the hills above the town, Coolfont Resort enjoys a storied past as a rustic retreat for thousands of visitors. Many residents worked at the property or attended events during its first 40-year run as a getaway destination.

Coolfont Resort successfully operated from 1965 to 2005 until the founder sold the buildings and 1,200 acres to a young developer with ambitious plans for the property. Unfortunately, the new owner died in an accident a year after the sale, and Coolfont Resort lie dormant for a dozen years. In 2016, Larry Omps rescued the resort, purchasing what remained of the Coolfont structures and 252 acres. After a careful restoration, a reimagined Coolfont Resort opened to guests in late 2019.

Coolfont Resort appeals to travelers who want to connect with nature, recharge, and get away from the bustle of daily life. An affordable vacation destination, the property offers comfortable accommodation, hearty dining options, and activities for families and groups.

Lake at Coolfont Resort in Berkeley Springs, W.V.

History of Coolfont Resort

In 1961, Sam Ashelman bought 1,200 acres in the hills above Berkeley Springs, W.V. A home built in 1913 by John Herbert Quick called Coolfont was the only building on the property. (The name refers to the famous nearby springs.) Work soon commenced on a hospitality project. In 1965, Mr. Ashelman opened the Coolfont hotel followed by cabins, spa and wellness center, conference center, and recreational facilities.

Until it closed in 2005, the resort remained a popular destination, especially with government officials from Washington, D.C. One story I heard from locals is how Al and Tipper Gore got lost in the woods around Coolfont Resort after the 1992 election. Secret service agents quickly found the couple who were never in danger. Some people claim Mr. Gore’s frequent visits to Coolfont Resort sparked his environmental consciousness.

The Carl M. Freeman Company bought the property from Ashelman that year and developed grand ideas for a bustling resort. However, a year later company president Joshua Freeman died in a helicopter crash. Without Joshua, The Freeman Company abandoned their plans and the property. The buildings fell into a dismal and decaying state for over a decade.

On June 21, 2016, Larry Omps bought a 252-acre tract and the Coolfont structures at an auction at Cacapon Resort State Park. The necessary utility permits came with the sale, but a long and complicated renovation lay ahead.

Coolfont Resort

Renovation Details

The daunting challenge of restoring Coolfont Resort required a developer with a vision, patience, and resolve. Over the years, the deserted resort attracted vandals who broke every window in each building which allowed the structures to rapidly deteriorate. Years of neglect along with the cumulative effects of harsh winters left little to be salvaged in the Lodge. “Only the ceiling beams are original,” said Mr. Omps. “We replaced everything else with new materials.”

This YouTube video shows the horrible condition of the Lodge and pool house in 2015 prior to the auction: Abandoned Mountainside Chalet (youtube.com)

The Omps family tackled the infrastructure issue first, primarily how to revive an outdated sewage system. Thrasher Group engineers created a simple yet effective wastewater collection system that adheres to the Chesapeake Bay requirements. Coolfont Resort gets its water from a well system. Confirming that the aquafers that propagate the wells functioned properly was another important task.

To his credit, Mr. Omps did not want to tear down the original Coolfont structures. (One could argue that it would have been cheaper to demo what was left and build all new lodging.) His focus revolved around keeping the historic character of the resort, adhering to state conservation standards, and uplifting the guest experience.

“The key to the renovation was planning the work in stages,” said Mr. Omps. “We took it step by step, starting with the necessary infrastructure which was tremendously challenging. Then we began the renovations, starting with the Lodge where we wanted to maintain the warmth of the wood. That theme carries throughout the property.”

Mr. Omps did not hire an architecture firm for the project. He managed the construction process and drew inspiration from Adirondack Mountain lodge resorts and his trips to Wyoming. What guests see represents his vision. The lodge maintains a cozy, rustic feel. “And I really wanted to create a Cheers-like atmosphere in the bar to foster a sense of community for guests and locals,” said Mr. Omps.

Reimaged Coolfont Resort Opens to Guests

Mr. Omps completed enough renovations to open the Coolfont Resort to guests in the fall of 2019. Located four miles above the town of Bath and the heart of Berkeley Springs, W.V., the 252-acre property offers guests a variety of accommodations, fine and casual dining, and amenities in a tranquil setting among trees, streams, and a large lake. The pandemic shut down the resort for most of 2020. After an unpredictable reopening, Coolfont has steadily welcomed back guests to the property over the last few years.

Back of the Lodge at Coolfont Resort

Lodging options include Treetop Lodge (lake view rooms with Jacuzzi tubs), Woodland House (two-room, pet-friendly suites), Bear’s Den Cottage (cozy two bedroom adjacent to the Lodge and perfect for a bridal party), and over a dozen chalet cabins (one-, two- and four-bedroom options). Under the helm of executive chef Greg Bishop, Treetop Restaurant & Bar prepares fresh and hearty dishes for resort guests and the locals.

Up the hill from the lodge, the A-frame cabin renovations are nearly complete. These wooded retreats offer comfortable accommodations, kitchen facilities, Jacuzzi tubs, and Dish TV, but no Wi-Fi or cell service. At the time of my visit, one original cabin still stood untouched in Coolfont’s Alpine Village. You can see the arduous work the Omps family and the staff poured into the renovation.

Coolfont Resort takes you back to a simpler time. Guests enjoy long walks in the woods, tennis, pickleball, and swimming in a large salt water indoor pool. (I love to swim, and the pool does not disappoint. Forty-eight laps equal one mile.) Summer family fun happens at the lake with pedal boats, double-man kayaks, canoes, and single-man kayaks available for rent. A fitness center provides all the equipment for a good indoor workout. Additional activities include volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, cornhole, frisbee golf course, and a game room. The new outdoor restaurant deck offers the opportunity to relax with beautiful views of the lake.

Coolfont Resort

Treetop Restaurant and Bar is a hit with hotel guests and locals. Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the menu features homemade soups, hearty entrees, creative salads, and rich desserts. To add to the festivities, management books musical acts throughout the summer weekends.

Berkeley Springs Brewing Company operates on the Coolfont property. Mr. Omps owns the building, but the brewery and restaurant remain separate entities from the resort. It is a short walk from the Lodge to the brewery which offers a variety of beers, burgers, and tasty pub fare. This warm and welcoming venue is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Check their website for trivia nights and musical performances.

Perfect Rustic-Chic Wedding Venue

Under Ashelman ownership, Coolfont hosted conferences for federal employees and family events. Today, Coolfont Resort continues to be a popular venue. With large indoor spaces and picturesque outdoor areas, the property is the perfect backdrop for weddings, meetings, conferences, and parties. “It is also a great place to host family reunions,” said Mr. Omps. Don’t worry about bringing in a caterer. Treetop Restaurant provides onsite event catering for all budgets.

Weddings are special when they are meaningful, memorable, and unique. The perfect location for a mid-size wedding, Coolfont Resort hosts dozens of celebrations every year. Lodging around the resort can accommodate up to 190 people. (This number does not include the campground which is slated to open sometime in 2024.) Bear’s Den Cottage offers a bridal party enough space to prepare for the big day and easy access to the outdoor gathering space and indoor areas. After the reception, the happy couple can retreat to the private honeymoon suite in the Lodge. Brides can easily achieve a rustic-chic vibe with a Coolfont Resort wedding in a beautiful setting with delicious, fresh fare. Chef Greg can develop a creative menu at a variety of price points to delight your guests.

Opening Soon

Work is underway on a Coolfont campground for tent camping and RV’s along with a camping general store and bathhouse. Other plans include more activities for children such panning for gold.

Coolfont Resort

When To Visit Coolfont Resort

Coolfont Resort is open all year long and often sold out during the summer holidays of Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day. Fall wedding season is a popular time at Coolfont as well as Thanksgiving Week when Treetop Restaurant prepares a traditional feast.

Tourists also flock to Morgan County, W.V. for the Apple Butter Festival every October. The 49th Annual Apple Butter Festival will be held on October 11-13, 2024, in downtown Berkeley Springs. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce, the festival features two hundred vendors, food trucks, wine and beer tastings, a Saturday morning parade, live entertainment, and a baking contest.

How to Get to Coolfont Resort

Coolfont Resort is about sixty miles west of Hagerstown, Md., off I-70. It is a 15-minute drive from Hancock, Md. Visitors cross the Potomac River on Route 522 into West Virginia. The resort is a four-mile drive from the town of Bath, more commonly known as Berkeley Springs, W.V. The closest airports are Hagerstown, BWI Marshall, and Washington Dulles.

Coolfont Resort: 3621 Cold Run Valley Road, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

Phone: (304) 500-0500 | https://coolfont.com/

Coolfont Resort’s natural beauty is an essential part of the property’s appeal: put your phone down and get back to nature. Guests enjoy Internet access in the Lodge, Bear’s Den, and Woodland House. However, cell phone service or Wi-Fi is not available in the cabins. Landline telephones connect the cabins with the front desk. Dish TV is available in all accommodations.

Elizabeth Tuico owns Rebel Road Creative, a marketing and content consultancy based in Washington, D.C. An avid traveler, Elizabeth enjoys exploring near and far. This article is part of her On the Road with Rebel Road Creative series.