History of the Stone Bath House
European Style in the Rockies
Our magnificent Stone Bath House was designed by Austrian-born civil engineer and architect Theodore Von Rosenberg and was built of local red sandstone from the Peach Blow Quarry Company.
Originally positioned at the center of a park-like setting, with terraced lawns and pleasant walks, the resort was modeled after the most luxurious European spas of the day.
The interior of the Stone Bath House was done in brick and stonework supervised by master stonemason James G.T. Goldie, finished with pine woodwork and floors of imported blue and terracotta mosaic tile. The 2-story ladies’ east wing was home to 12 private Roman baths, an elegant ladies’ parlor, reading room, special treatment room and observatory.
The 2-story gentlemen’s west wing contained 30 private Roman baths and dressing rooms. The 3-story main building contained the stairway and elevator, business office, a coffee kitchen, resident physician’s office, and on upper floors a men’s smoking salon, with a billiard parlor and casino.
Electric lighting, a private bell system for calling attendants, and hot and cold running water throughout the building provided luxury and convenience uncommon for the time. Costing approximately $100,000 at the time of construction, the Stone Bath House was said to be “the finest building of its kind in the United States.”
Other iconic landmark buildings in Glenwood Springs were also designed or engineered by Von Rosenberg, giving the town its unique character, including the Train Station, the Hotel Colorado on the north hillside above the hot springs, several large and stately homes, and the old State Bridge.
Luxury in the West
Walter Devereux knew the well-to-do, health-seeking traveler would pay good money to make the journey west to Glenwood Springs. And the railroad’s completion through Glenwood Canyon made it possible.
Visitors, who were often suffering from nervous exhaustion, would arrive by train or stagecoach, some having traveled for a week or more to arrive here. They might stay for two to three months during the summer to relax in the manicured gardens, take in the mineral waters, admire the natural splendor and grandeur of the mountains, and enjoy the amenities of the luxurious Stone Bath House.
During the day, visitors could occupy themselves with motoring, fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding in the surrounding area. Walking the gardens, reading, socializing and playing cards were popular with the ladies, who did not often swim in the large hot springs pool per the custom of the time. Swimming costumes could be rented: wool for the wealthier guests, and cotton for the more common visitor to the pool. With extensive gardens and ponds surrounding the hot springs, plus all the outdoor sport, there was plenty to do to amuse guests.
East of the pools was a complex devoted entirely to health. The Inhalatorium was a cottage where guests sat and breathed the thick, foggy, healing vapors from the Yampah Source Spring. Guests could drink, snuff or gargle the mineral-rich water from the Drinking Spring. And the Yampah Vapor Caves were used for steam bathing with alternating times for men and women.
In the evening, full formal dress was required at the Stone Bath House: white tie and tails for men, long gowns and white gloves for women. Wealthy gentlemen enjoyed billiards and cards in the upstairs casino, while ladies relaxed in one of the elegant parlors or the reading room. Occasionally groups of musicians would play live music in the gardens, or even from the cupola of the Bath House, for the enjoyment of all.
OPENING JUNE 12, 2025
Call 1-800-537-7946 for reservations
