The Reserve at Hot Springs has officially opened as a luxury boutique hotel with 12 guest rooms and suites, with high-qualitfy chef-created food and an elevated take on Southern hospitality traditions.
The Reserve at Hot Springs features the W.C. Brown House, a former private mansion and national heritage landmark, built in the Queen Anne style in 1890 and then later updated with Neoclassic style architecture in 1919. The house is complemented by the surrounding Legacy House, carriage house, Enclave Suite and adjoining Conservatory, sumptuous gardens, and additional space for events, (especially weddings.)
Mark and Rhonda McMurry own The Reserve and wanted to pay homage to the rich history of the Brown House with an extensive collection of antique pieces and design elements. Each room is full of one-of-a-kind relics and antique reproductions.
“Restored to its former glory with a deep cultural importance in Hot Springs, we are thrilled and honored to bring the W.C. Brown House back to life as part of The Reserve at Hot Springs,” said Mark McMurry. “Our goal has been to preserve this piece of history while introducing a whole new way to experience the area. This project has been a true labor of love for our whole family and we are so excited to now begin welcoming guests to our wonderful retreat, where we hope they will feel like an extension of our family.”
With the help of their family and team of hospitality experts, the much-anticipated property opened its doors for a soft opening this month and offers an upscale guest experience and an event venue unlike any other in Hot Springs or beyond.
The Reserve taps further into the rich history of the destination with each unique guest room name paying homage to the area. Room names include “Mountain Valley,” “Ouachita,” “The Buckstaff,” “Oaklawn,” “The Arlington,” and other area icons.
Local interior designer Julie Nichols of Statements For The Home design firm brought the McMurry’s vision to life. Each guest room is as distinct in design as in name, but a thematic palette of bold colors and textures are prevalent throughout the private quarters and communal spaces alike. A colorful hand painted mural, created by former Hot Springs-based artist Randy Groden, is a pivotal piece on the main floor of the house.
Each lavish bathroom is outfitted with Carrera marble floors and wainscoting, marble subway tiles, brass hardware, elegant rain showers, antique reproduction light fixtures, and vintage-esque wallpaper designs. Three of the guest bathrooms also include large porcelain clawfoot tubs with various luxurious hardwares in gold, black, and brass. Additional pops of gold are woven into the mix in the form of antique design elements including various mirrors and frames adorning the walls.
The Enclave Suite, which is adjoined with the Conservatory and situated behind the carriage and Brown houses, enjoys a slight departure from the rest of the decor, with a more rustic-leaning Victorian look. Housed in Mrs. Brown’s former potting shed, who was an avid gardener, the cottage suite contains the original floors and natural wooden elements, punctuated by more opulent features including a crystal chandelier, cascading stone shower, and copper tub.
Guests of The Reserve enjoy complimentary made-to-order breakfast each morning along with a variety of gourmet coffees, teas and pastries served throughout the day, prepared fresh by Executive Chef Joshua Garland and Pastry Chef Brandon Peterson.
Weddings, meetings, and other private events are also a main highlight of the guest experience offered on property, with a variety of unique spaces to choose from, from the charming gardens and intimate Conservatory to the spacious lawn with tent capabilities. The expert team onsite helps guests customize, plan and execute the event of their dreams amidst stunning backdrops.
Opening rates begin at $399 for weekdays and can range up to $655 on prime weekends for The Reserve’s unique guest rooms and suites.
For more information on The Reserve at Hot Springs, please visit TheReserveatHotSprings.