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Hampshire Resort, Acquired by Great American Life Insurance Company Stephen Wright Appointed Managing Director |
| WHITEFIELD, N.H., June 2, 2005 - The Mountain View Grand Resort &
Spa, a four-diamond luxury resort and New Hampshire's most legendary historic
grand hotel, was acquired today by Brothers Property Management Corporation,
a subsidiary of Great American Life Insurance Company, which specializes
in the acquisition and management of luxury hotels. Great American
Life Insurance Company counts such notable properties as Cape Cod's Chatham
Bars Inn, one of the Leading Hotels of the World, among its impressive
collection. Already a celebrated destination, the Mountain View Grand
promises to retain its impeccable standards of comfort, service and amenities
while refining its offerings under the leadership of Stephen Wright, a
tenured industry professional and the newly appointed Managing Director.
The sale coincides with the acquisition of over 1400 acres surrounding
the resort, bringing the combined land value to more than 1800 acres which
will create an opportunity to further enhance the property's world-class
standing. While opportunities abound, Wright maintains that "the
evolution of the property will be germane to its environment and history."
Several immediate possibilities at Mountain View Grand include an expansion
of the golf course to an 18-hole championship layout, a sophisticated tennis
facility with ample indoor and outdoor courts, a state-of-the-art equestrian
center and a full complement of outdoor activities such as skeet shooting
and cross-country skiing. In addition, the hotel is looking toward
an even greater family orientation -- with expansive children's programs
and added water features for family fun.
 In keeping, updates will parallel those underway at other properties such as the Chatham Bars Inn, which has enjoyed over $50 million in renovations since 1994. To date, improvements have included high-tech waterfront meeting facilities with multi-media capabilities, the completion of several new ocean view suites and the refurbishment of over 200 guestrooms as well as integrated renovations to a wide variety of public spaces and complimentary wireless access throughout the resort. Additionally, the resort has created the Chef's Table & Wine Cellar -- an innovative demonstration kitchen with an adjacent 7,500-bottle wine cellar. Plans are also underway for a 15,000 square foot spa complex designed to sit in perfect harmony with the natural beauty of the resort. "It's an honor and a privilege to be joining the Mountain View Grand at such a pivotal point in its history," said Mr. Wright. "With a proud tradition of outstanding accommodations and exemplary service, the Mountain View Grand is first-rate in every way. I am looking forward to extending this standard as we continue to build upon the hotel's amenities to provide an enhanced guest experience." Beyond the guest experience, the Mountain View Grand has a tradition of serving its community. Among other programs, Wright said the hotel will continue to support the Mountain View Academy, a unique hands-on program that teaches vocational skills in the fields of hospitality and tourism to area students. The program affords students a chance to acquire reliable "real world" experience while helping to keep a skilled local labor pool. "The Mountain View Academy affords us a unique way to forge mutually beneficial relationships within our community while preserving the essence of the hotel for future generations," commented Wright. The program is now in its second year. Built in 1865, and nestled on 400 acres, The Mountain View Grand boasts 145 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, all with sweeping, panoramic views of the pristine White Mountains. After nearly 15 years in abandoned disrepair, the hotel was meticulously returned to its original splendor in 2002 by former owner, Kevin Craffey, via a multi-million dollar restoration. As testament to Craffey's vision, the Mountain View Grand was a recipient of the coveted AAA four-diamond award in 2003 -- just one short year after it reopened. Accordingly, throughout the hotel guests find the deluxe appointments and sumptuous decor that have become the hallmarks of this venerable establishment. The hotel also features a variety of contemporary amenities designed to improve each guest's stay including a beautiful indoor pool with a flowing waterfall, a deluxe European-style spa and superlative dining in four distinctive venues. The hotel is within easy access to innumerable year-round recreational activities such as golf, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more. A dedicated conference center, in-room data ports, and 20,000 square feet of meeting space also make the Mountain View Grand an ideal setting for business functions. The Mountain View Grand joins Brothers Property's impressive portfolio of resort properties, each a tribute to the industry and many with architectural significance, including The Biltmore in Coral Gables, Florida, Le Pavillon in New Orleans, Louisiana, The Cincinnatian in Cincinnati, Ohio, The Driskill in Austin, Texas, the Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts and the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Charleston, South Carolina. The Mountain View Grand is located on Mountain View Road in Whitefield, NH, just north of Franconia Notch. |
| Contact:
Brothers Property Management Corporation Web Site: http://www.mountainviewgrand.com |