Innkeeper's Story

presenting

How Vichy Springs was saved from a bulldozer

from Vichy Hot Springs Resort Inn

Visit Site reservation inquiry

Print

The photo depicts the Vichy Spring a few years ago with Mark Twain having a dipper full of water.

Gilbert and Marjorie Ashoff current owners and proprietors came upon Vichy Springs Resort in 1977. They had traveled around the world several times, visiting 135 countries, and had created a list of 10 businesses not done in the US which they believed they could overlay on the US when they returned. Bottled naturally carbonated mineral water, which is treasured in most developed countries, was and is virtually unknown in the US.

Gilbert set out from Monterey, CA searching county by county and over 500 springs by the time he arrived at the end of his search at Vichy Springs. The warm 100 gallon per minute carbonated springs were better than he thought he would find.

The local plan in 1979 for these springs was to bulldoze and create a mobile home park. Gilbert's option, obtained the year before, allowed him to stop this plan and obtain the run-down resort and renovate it to its former status as a get away destination for San Francisco area residents.

View Inn Listing

Sign up for our B&B Travel Newsletter

Send this Page
to a Friend

Subscribe NOW!

When you sign up for our B&B Travel Newsletter you are automatically
entered to Win:

1st Prize: $250 Gift Certificate to an Inn near you
2nd Prize: Set of King or Queen sheets from the Bed & Breakfast
2nd Prize: collection
3rd Prize: Signed copy of Sweets & Treats for your kitchen.

Tell your hosts Pamela Lanier sent you!

Accolades