Memo released Wednesday afternoon on new ownership of historic site
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Jan. 24 — Since its opening in 1931, the Mimslyn Inn has endured several changes in ownership. Its current owners — Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Asam and their sons Christian and David — have invested millions into renovating the historic 45-room hotel along Luray’s West Main Street and expanding its surrounding offerings for destination weddings. At the end of this month, the Asam family will pass the baton to three partners anchored by a former NATO commander.
On Wednesday afternoon, a press release was issued stating that the “iconic Mimslyn Inn…is to be acquired later this month by a partnership team composed of John Rutherford Allen, a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general, and former commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces – Afghanistan; along with his long term former adviser, Marc Chretien, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and is now the managing partner of Mount Defiance Cidery & Distillery in Middleburg, Virginia. The third partner, Cito Vanegas, CPA, MBA, is the CEO of a leading national talent management organization based in Arlington, Va.”
The acquisition includes a collection of cottages and nearby homes acquired by the Asams over the past decade. That includes the former Luray hospital, built in 1868 and located behind the inn, purchased in 2021. The hospital and grounds were renovated as a wedding venue, featuring a large ballroom that can hold up to 250 guests. The views from the hospital are the inspiration for the venue with George Washington National Forest to the West and Shenandoah National Park to the East.
“We are excited to acquire the scenic Mimslyn Inn properties in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, a 1.5-hour drive from Fairfax, Va.,” Wednesday’s press release states. “Mimslyn Inn is in the rolling hills near the Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns, New Market Battlefield, and the Shenandoah River.”
Henry and Elizabeth Mims wanted to create the most luxurious hotel in the Shenandoah Valley when they added to their Depression-era havens of The Hotel Laurence and the Mansion Inn, also along Luray’s West Main Street. (The Hotel Laurence has been remodeled under new ownership, but the Mansion Inn was destroyed by fire.) The 15-month project concluded in May of 1931. Some 77 years later, the grand hotel where First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once slept was inducted as a member of the Historic Hotels of America in 2008.
“We look forward to continuing the Mimslyn Inn legacy and building on Luray’s Downtown growth initiatives by enhancing the appeal in and outside the regional market,” the press release states.
The announcement also states that, “General Allen, a retired four-star Marine Corps General and noted Civil War historian, will conduct the occasional symposium and battle tour of Civil War actions in the area,” additionally noting that, “Civil War buffs, Luray Caverns, river and hiking enthusiasts, mountain lovers, and the Shenandoah National Park, are major draws to the Valley.”
The Inn will feature some new spirits, as part of the ownership transition.
“My contribution as the owner of an artisanal distillery and a wedding venue, is to bring artisanal spirits to the Inn,” Marc Chretien stated in the press release. “Our master distiller, at Mount Defiance, Peter Ahlf, who is a retired NASA rocket scientist, will curate a new drink menu to add niche specialty spirits to include absinthe, cassis, as well as a wheated Virginia bourbon, made from Virginia grain, all handcrafted.”
The announcement does not list any changes for the Circa ’31 restaurant upstairs at the Inn, or at The Speakeasy bar and restaurant downstairs.
“Our goal is to continue the widely hailed charm of the Mimslyn Inn while serving authentic Southern cuisine and artisanal spirits in a warm and welcoming manner,” the press release concludes.
For more information about the Mimslyn Inn,
visit https://mimslyninn.com/
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