EASTSOUND, Wash. — An iconic resort on Orcas Island will temporarily close this month for renovation work as the business switches to new ownership.
Rosario Resort and Spa in Eastsound will be closed from Feb. 20 to March 31, and reservations have been canceled during that time. Lodging will reopen April 1, but the Moran Mansion, including the restaurant and spa, will remain closed for further renovation work.
The resort, which opened in 1960, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally built from 1906-1909 as the retirement home of Robert Moran and features a museum and a music room with a 1913 Aeolian pipe organ.
Rosario Resort General Manager Christopher Peacock said he didn’t know exactly what the renovations would be but there are several items that need to be addressed. The mansion still has its original single-pane windows, and some need to be replaced. Carpeting and the HVAC system could also use attention, and the building is getting a new roof.
The current owners of Rosario Resort, the Barto family, bought the property in 2008. It has been on the market for several years, and the new owners will close on the sale at the end of February, according to Peacock.
Peacock would not share who the new owners are or the sale price. However, he did say the new owners are local and now live on Orcas Island.
“I’m sure once everyone finds out who the owner is the community will embrace them and love them,” Peacock said.
As part of the sale, nearly the entire staff – 45 people – will be laid off. The new owners will bring in their own housekeeping staff, and two employees will be retained, Peacock said. Rosario has worked to connect employees with new jobs.
Peacock, who has been at Rosario for 43 years, will not stay on after the transition but after decades at the resort, Peacock said he is “looking forward to taking a break.”
The veteran general manager said he has been through previous ownership changes, and each one has been positive for the resort.
“Even though I’m not going to be involved, I’m optimistic for this property,” Peacock said.