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Effective September 18, 2019, The Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center has new ownership. Christine Cantone has acquired the majority equity ownership of the hotel and the adjacent cottages. Cantone said that her goal is to elevate Natural Bridge Hotel to the next level; making it a great place to work and a distinguished resort that guests will rave about.
For 14 years Cantone worked at Merck & Company, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the United States and voted “most admired company in America.” Cantone wants to bring this “world class company” experience to the Natural Bridge Hotel to help make it the most sought-after place to work in this region of Virginia.
Cantone and her team expect to spend considerable time at the hotel to help it achieve excellence in hospitality service. Building on the hotel’s culinary reputation, the Cantone Team envision the hotel will be a leader in hosting special events in this part of Virginia.
Tom Clarke purchased the hotel in 2014 along with what is now the Natural Bridge State Park and Caverns at Natural Bridge. The property was heading for sale at auction and Clarke stepped up to save this historic landmark, once owned by Thomas Jefferson, from possible foreclosure or destruction. During his tenure, Clarke invested millions into the hotel and the region to include the reopening of the Guest Rooms on Cottage Hill. He feels confident Cantone will continue to protect and preserve the historic treasure that is the Natural Bridge Hotel.
The Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center is a 152-room historic hotel located on 200 acres in Natural Bridge Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Offering fine and casual dining, nearby outdoor recreation opportunities, meetings and special events, The Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center prides itself on providing authentic experiences and creating lasting memories for visitors to the Shenandoah Valley.