Homestead, The
Why it's listed
Set in the Warm Springs Valley of Bath County, Virginia, the Homestead is a sprawling resort hotel built around natural thermal springs. After a fire in 1901 destroyed the earlier hotel, Cincinnati architects Elzner and Anderson designed the present brick Georgian Revival main section, completed by 1902, with a six-bay Ionic portico and a 200-foot lobby lined with Corinthian columns. Wings followed in 1903 and 1914, and major additions in 1921. In 1929 the New York firm Warren and Wetmore added a ten-story Colonial Revival tower topped by a clock tower and cupola. Several buildings from the 1890s survive nearby, including the Bathhouse, the Casino, the Virginia Hotel and eleven frame cottages. The property was recognized for its architecture and for its long role as a leading American resort, which drew national figures, hosted Olmsted-designed grounds and golf courses, and later introduced southern skiing in 1959.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the Homestead is an excellent example of Georgian or Colonial Revival architecture, with its 1929 ten-story tower serving as the resort's symbol. It is also significant in recreation history as a nationally known resort hotel and spa that drew political figures and wealthy guests, and later pioneered southern skiing.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 84003494, listed May 3, 1984. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | US 220, Hot Springs |
|---|---|
| County | Bath County |
| Listed | May 3, 1984 |
| Reference number | 84003494 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1892-1940 |
| Architect / builder | Yarnell and Goforth; Elzner and Anderson; Warren and Wetmore |
| Architectural style | Georgian Revival; Late 19th & 20th Century Revivals: Colonial Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History, Commerce, Entertainment/Recreation |
| Level of significance | National, State |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated July 17, 1991 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still operating as a hotel and resort; the Virginia Hotel is used for employee accommodations and the Casino still serves luncheons. |
| Acreage | 27 |
| Coordinates | 37.99740, -79.83016 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 84003494.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7740098
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.