Saturday, February 18, 2012

Robles Del Rio Lodge 1928 - 2010

80-year-old Robles Del Rio Lodge in California's Carmel Valley Destroyed by Early Morning Fire

May 24, 2010--The landmark Robles Del Rio Lodge that had stood on its oak-shaded hilltop in Carmel Valley for more than 80 years burned to the ground early Sunday morning.

The lodge was built in 1928 by Frank Porter and had been the center of the community -- Carmel Valley Village was then called Robles del Rio -- and was the first lodge in Monterey County to feature a heated swimming pool, golf course and liquor license.

Bill Wood, a world-renowned hotelier, bought the lodge in 1939 and made it more exclusive. Visitors included Arthur Murray, Red Skelton, Doris Day and Tippi Hedren.

The Gurries family purchased the lodge in 1985 from Wood. In 1997 they won county approval to add 24 units. Financing fell apart, however, and the lodge was closed in February 2000.

Monterey County Herald http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2010_2nd/May10_Robles.html

Photo from: mas'sma1's photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/36826169@N06/

5 comments:

  1. How can we get a hold of Greg.....

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    1. Sorry, I just posted the story, I don't know anybody involved.

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  3. So sad. We had our wedding here in Sept 1981. The owner told us her husband recently purchased the property for her to give her a hobby, and we would be her first wedding. The place was beautiful. In 2015 we were visiting Carmel Valley and decided to drive up to the lodge. We were shocked and disheartened to learn about the fire and see the ruins.

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