The historic Lodge at Glendorn estate nestled next to the Allegheny National Forest at Bradford, Pennsylvania is to see $5 million in enhancements over the next two years.
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. Now, under new owner J. Clifford Forest, the estate is to undergo another major transformation.
“Glendorn was in the process of being auctioned off last year,” says Christopher Hampton, Lodge at Glendorn’s general manager. “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.”
The accommodations at the Lodge of Glendorn in Bradford, Pennsylvania next to the Alleghenies National Forest offer guests a cozy stay
Many of the improvements to Glendorn are already visible, including the addition of horseback riding as a complimentary on-site service for guests, with the construction 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 Glendorn’s stables (the lodge offers 18 miles of riding trails), the lodge has received a major upgrade to its wine cellar, with the creation of a Pennsylvania Blue Stone-and-cedar dining area in the cellar and a more-than-five-fold expansion of the cellar’s wine stock from an inventory valued at $20,000 to a stock valued at more than $100,000.
Other noticeable changes include the addition of a family-friendly dining room immediately adjacent to the lodge’s more formal dining room and a completely revamped fitness center. All of the private cabins on-site are undergoing major renovations as well, including one that 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 last winter. New staff include Hampton himself, who was lured from his previous position as the assistant general manager at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, which is the No. 5-ranked golf course in the United States. Oakmont is home to numerous major events, including the Men’s U.S. Open Golf Championship 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,” says Hampton.
More than half of the $5 million in upgrades have been earmarked for 2010, including a new business and convention center and a new spa – both of which are slated for completion later this year.
Established in the 1920s as a private retreat and visited by several presidents over its long history, the Lodge at Glendorn now offers guests a sanctuary in natural surroundings, providing them with the opportunity for a wide variety of outdoor activities that include fishing in the on-site streams and lakes, walking, hiking, biking and riding the lodge’s 18 miles of private trails.
In addition to the main lodge, the family-friendly Glendorn boasts eleven private cottages/cabins, making it suitable for couples, family vacations, reunions, private weddings and business meetings and conferences.
Glendorn also provides high-quality breakfast, lunch and dinner dining 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.
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Bradford, Pa. From Bob- former N.Y. State, Canadian National title holder and former private instructor to Jimmy Arias who was 5th in the world. Part of my credentials that led me to Glen-Dorn. I at the time in the 1950`s was hired as the first Tennis Professional for the Forest Oil Company estate (headquarters in Denver). I remember on the courts with Bill Miller-who told me that there was no problem finding oil. Find a couple of producing wells and then drill in a straight line. At the time I was there- they waited for weeks for “Jumbo” to produce in Alaska. When it came they celebrated for weeks. Clayton Dorn (whom I really liked- real nice guy, gave me a $50. tip at end of season). At the time they had one tennis court. Then I suggested they needed 2 more and picked the spot. Went home on a week-end and when I got back two Rubico courts were being put in. Clayton`s wife Wife JoAnn became a good tennis player along with Bill Miller`s wife Rita. Made a great doubles team. Clayton Dorn that night when Jumbo came in put his hand through a glass window celebrating. Next day he came on the tennis court with a hole made in his cast to fit a tennis racket. Memories of good times working for good oil people. I remember the elder Mr. Dorn always waved to me on the tennis court when driving past. I remember when Clayton and Johnie played doubles against Dale and Tucker (around 13). Johnie blamed Clayton for the loss and chased him down the road waving his racquet (in fun of course). Leslie Dorn learned then around 10 yrs of age to hit a forehand as hard as mine. I remember JoAnn, Rita, Dale John, Clayton Jack which I undertstand has a office in Bradford, Bill, B Lee, Tucker, Jack, Arthur, (hd of the big house), etc. In fact I can visualize each of them now. When the elder Mr Dorn passed away they donated about $300,000 of medical equipment which was used to treat Mr. Dorn to the Bradford Hospital. His ashes were spread over Glen-Dorn the yr after I left. Today Glen-dorn is public. Anyone can stay there. If you go- tell them Bob sent you- Glen-Dorn`s 1st Tennis Pro in the 50`s. And I am not getting paid to say this. Just fond memories. Any family members that want to know more let me know, I have fond memories. Remember many stories, many humorous that you may not have heard about. And many of those fine family members are no longer with us. I was 18 at that time. 75 now- how time flies. Bob Olear, tel. 1 716 731 4508, 3234 Lower Mt Rd, Sanborn, N.Y. 14132
Email OLEARB382@AOL.COM As Bob Hope would say “Thanks for the memories”.