BEDFORD — The Bedford Springs Resort won a 2009 National Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, officials said Wednesday.
In announcing the award, the Washington-based trust said, “This famed resort that once served as the summer White House of President James Buchanan sparkles again after a meticulous $120 million renovation.”
The resort was one of 15 award winners nationwide, which also included the Please Touch Museum at Philadelphia’s Memorial Hall.
Both Pennsylvania sites are popular tourist destinations that were recognized for preservation efforts and for profiling American history.
“These two destinations offer visitors a first-class experience and, through their preserved grandeur, several pages of history,” said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary of tourism for the state Department of Community and Economic Development. “Both offer a refreshing experience while capturing the historical opulence of these irreplaceable landmarks.”
The Omni Bedford Springs Resort was visited by nine presidents in addition to Buchanan.
In 1796, Dr. John Anderson purchased the 2,200-acre property and built a home there. As word spread of the supposedly healing waters on the land, visitors arrived.
The Stone Inn, added in 1806, was built using stone quarried atop the mountain next to the springs.
Additions to the hotel include the Colonial House in 1824; the Swiss Cottage in 1846, and the Evitt and Anderson houses in 1855.
The recent $120 million renovation has restored the resort to its former grandeur.
A Bedford Springs spokeswoman did not immediately return a phone call Wednesday afternoon.
