Announcing the Ground Breaking of Le Spa Forét at The French Manor.SOUTH STERLING, PA, October 1, 2008 - The French Manor broke ground on their new spa facility, which will be incorporating environmentally safe building products, including a salt-water pool and hot tub. The salt water system uses UV technology to break down simple table salt into sodium and chloride to naturally chlorinate the water. Not only is this safer for the environment, but it is also gentler on the skin, eyes, and the air you breathe. Outlook Construction, an NAHB certified green builder, is excited to be involved with a commercial green project and has been instrumental in implementing designs to incorporate green construction and sustainable materials.
The French Manor Inn and Spa is situated atop a mountain in a forest known as “Sherwood Forest”. And they intend to make this new spa an extension of its surroundings, as did Joseph Hirshhorn when he had the original estate built in the mid-1930’s using locally quarried stone and timbers from Huckleberry Mountain.
This building will also include five new spa suites. Amenities will include organic spa bath products and linens. Le Forét (the forest) will be the inspiration for all the décor, technology and general guest comfort. The initial cost will be more significant, but in the long run will pay for itself over and over again as the building gives back to its natural surroundings.
The Logan Family envisions that the French Manor Spa will bring guests closer to nature and give them a meaningful understanding of conservation and how everyone can play a role in being “Green”. However, the French Manor plans on “Rolling out the GREEN carpet” when it comes to luxury and attention to detail, consistent with their 4-diamond reputation.
History of the French Manor:
While most of the world was struggling to survive in the midst of the Great Depression of the 1930's, mining magnate Joseph Hirshhorn found himself awash in money. He decided to build a manor house to spend summers and the Holidays with his friends and family. To this end, he brought some 165 German and Italian craftsmen and artisans to 500 acres on Huckleberry Mountain in the heart of the Poconos of Pennsylvania to construct his "summer retreat."
Using natural lumber and fieldstone from local quarries, the men spent the years 1935 to 1937 building Hirshhorn's stone chateau with care and distinction. The roof is made of imported Spanish slate, the windows are all leaded glass and much of the interior wood is pecky cypress and cedar. The manor has an elegant Romanesque arched entranceway and massive stone fireplaces in the Great Room, now used as the Dining Room.
Upon its completion, Hirshhorn filled the home with part of his vast art collection. Many of the artisans and craftsmen settled in the area and their descendants continue to live here. Hirshhorn (who eventually donated much of his collection to the Smithsonian) eventually sold his home to Samuel H. Kress.
Biographical references to Samuel Henry Kress (1863-1955) typically divide his life into three distinct phases: the hard-won struggles of his youth in rural Pennsylvania, the brilliance of his mercantile success with the S.H. Kress & Co. variety stores, and the extraordinary philanthropy associated with his incomparable collection of Italian art. Once common knowledge, the Kress story epitomized American opportunity and the virtues of stern discipline, vigorous hard work, and patriotic generosity. Upon his death, his wife gave the manor and its vast grounds to Bucknell University. Bucknell used the manor briefly for art restoration but eventually sold it to a developer who broke up the estate into smaller parcels. Dan and Carolyn Balish bought the manor house and the land around it and opened it up as a bed and breakfast in 1984.
After Dan's death, Carolyn sold the French Manor to Ron and Mary Kay Logan. Ron had thirty years of inn-keeping expertise and saw the French Manor as an opportunity to create a uniquely elegant inn. Since purchasing the property in 1990, the Logans have transformed the French Manor into a full service country inn. They have endeavored to keep the elegant flavor of the manor while making subtle and important changes. The kitchen was upgraded to accommodate dinner service and, the unoccupied Carriage House was remodeled into a guesthouse with two rooms and two suites. Most recently the Logans constructed the La Maisonneuve building (meaning the New House in French), which now houses six beautiful suites each with a fireplace, Jacuzzi and a private balcony with a 20 mile view of the Northern Pocono Mountains.
The Future of The French Manor:
The Logan Family, with the opening of Le Spa Forét, plans on continuing on the elegant retreat philosophy while taking it that one step further into nature. Guests will feel a sense of peace and contentment while enjoying all the added amenities the spa will offer. Building this spa is the natural progression towards a healthy growth for the French Manor.
More information about the Spa will be available at an official Ground Breaking Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 at the French Manor. You may also visit http://www.thefrenchmanor.com/ to view a comprehensive overview of the French Manor, or call 1-877-720-6090. The French Manor has been a proud recipient of AAA’s four-diamond award for both the restaurant and accommodations for the past 5 consecutive years.
The Future of The French Manor:
The Logan Family, with the opening of Le Spa Forét, plans on continuing on the elegant retreat philosophy while taking it that one step further into nature. Guests will feel a sense of peace and contentment while enjoying all the added amenities the spa will offer. Building this spa is the natural progression towards a healthy growth for the French Manor.
More information about the Spa will be available at an official Ground Breaking Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 at the French Manor. You may also visit http://www.thefrenchmanor.com/ to view a comprehensive overview of the French Manor, or call 1-877-720-6090. The French Manor has been a proud recipient of AAA’s four-diamond award for both the restaurant and accommodations for the past 5 consecutive years.
