For years, most people looked at the old Coolfont Resort in Berkeley Springs and saw only an abandoned building whose glory days were past. When G. Larry Omps looked, he saw potential for a destination resort with a bright future.
In 1965, businessman Sam Ashelman and associates built the Coolfont Resort. The resort hosted eminent figures from Washington political and social circles in its well-appointed lodging, conference center, spa and recreational facilities. Forty years later, the resort was sold to a development corporation with big plans to remake Coolfont to surpass its former status as a premier resort. When the development company CEO died in a helicopter crash a year later, the renovation project was abandoned and the property fell into disrepair.
Coolfont and its surrounding acres were divided into nine parcels and put on auction in 2016. Several parcels were purchased by bidders who wished to remain anonymous. Omps and his family bid successfully on three parcels.
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