OM Sanctuary announces plans for wellness center at Richmond Hill

Even with the charred Pearson mansion still standing on its grounds, plans to transform the historic Richmond Hill Inn into the Oshun Mountain Sanctuary are under way. OM Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization, held a press conference on Friday, Aug. 5, to talk about plans for the site and give a tour. OM Sanctuary purchased the historic property for $4.5 million with plans to raise $5 million more before it opens as a wellness-oriented retreat center. The group, in partnership with RiverLink, announced the purchase on Aug. 1, and according to Shelli Lodge Stanback, OM Sanctuary board chair, a business plan with conceptual drawings will be complete within the next few weeks.

But, she also says there’s plenty of work to be done. In March 2009, the Richmond Hill mansion burned to the ground in an arson that remains unsolved. Built in 1889, the mansion overlooked the French Broad River and had once been the home of congressman Richmond Pearson. According to court documents, the loss was valued at $7 million. Though Stanback says the inn has seen plenty of difficult times, the OM Sanctuary will honor its history through a book with pictures and stories about the site. “There’s really not much of the Pearson house left, unfortunately,” says Stanback. “We’re going to clean it up.”

Once the inn gets some maintenance and renovation work completed, there are plans to build a movement center, spa, life-enhancement center, and a new welcome center. According to Stanback, OM Sanctuary should not only be a tourist destination, but a nearby place where locals can go to relax, listen to a health lecture, or take a class. “For a lot of people in Asheville who travel away to go to a place where they can stay and have more of a wellness-oriented experience or have the programs available, now they can stay home and come here,” she says. “It’s really important that we start teaching people how to slow down and know what wellness means for them.”

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “OM Sanctuary announces plans for wellness center at Richmond Hill

  1. Caitlin Byrd

    Not sure if they’ve got wifi right now. According to Stanback, the inn will remain closed until they are ready to open for business as a wellness center.

  2. Leah

    Caitlin…do you know who to contact for more info about hiring? I cannot find any contact information anywhere.

Leave a Reply to Caitlin Byrd ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.