The Mountain View Grand Resort &
Spa, a four-diamond luxury resort and New Hampshire’s most legendary
historic grand hotel, was acquired today by Brothers Property Management
Corporation, a subsidiary of Great American Life Insurance Company, which
specializes in the acquisition and management of luxury hotels. Great
American Life Insurance Company counts such notable properties as Cape
Cod’s Chatham Bars Inn, one of the Leading Hotels of the World, among its
impressive collection. Already a celebrated destination, the Mountain View
Grand promises to retain its impeccable standards of comfort, service and
amenities while refining its offerings under the leadership of Stephen
Wright, a tenured industry professional and the newly appointed Managing
Director. The sale coincides with the acquisition of over 1400 acres surrounding the
resort, bringing the combined land value to more than 1800 acres which
will create an opportunity to further enhance the property’s world-class
standing. While opportunities abound, Wright maintains that “the evolution
of the property will be germane to its environment and history.” Several
immediate possibilities at Mountain View Grand include an expansion of the
golf course to an 18-hole championship layout, a sophisticated tennis
facility with ample indoor and outdoor courts, a state-of-the-art
equestrian center and a full complement of outdoor activities such as
skeet shooting and cross-country skiing. In addition, the hotel is looking
toward an even greater family orientation—with expansive children’s
programs and added water features for family fun.

In keeping, updates will parallel those underway at other properties such
as the Chatham Bars Inn, which has enjoyed over $50 million in renovations
since 1994. To date, improvements have included high-tech waterfront
meeting facilities with multi-media capabilities, the completion of
several new ocean view suites and the refurbishment of over 200 guestrooms
as well as integrated renovations to a wide variety of public spaces and
complimentary wireless access throughout the resort. Additionally, the
resort has created the Chef’s Table & Wine Cellar—an innovative
demonstration kitchen with an adjacent 7,500-bottle wine cellar. Plans are
also underway for a 15,000 square foot spa complex designed to sit in
perfect harmony with the natural beauty of the resort.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be joining the Mountain View Grand at
such a pivotal point in its history,” said Mr. Wright. “With a proud
tradition of outstanding accommodations and exemplary service, the
Mountain View Grand is first-rate in every way. I am looking forward to
extending this standard as we continue to build upon the hotel’s amenities
to provide an enhanced guest experience.”

Beyond the guest experience, the Mountain View Grand has a tradition of
serving its community. Among other programs, Wright said the hotel will
continue to support the Mountain View Academy, a unique hands-on program
that teaches vocational skills in the fields of hospitality and tourism to
area students. The program affords students a chance to acquire reliable
“real world” experience while helping to keep a skilled local labor pool.
“The Mountain View Academy affords us a unique way to forge mutually
beneficial relationships within our community while preserving the essence
of the hotel for future generations,” commented Wright. The program is now
in its second year.

Built in 1865, and nestled on 400 acres, The Mountain View Grand boasts
145 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, all with sweeping,
panoramic views of the pristine White Mountains. After nearly 15 years in
abandoned disrepair, the hotel was meticulously returned to its original
splendor in 2002 by former owner, Kevin Craffey, via a multi-million
dollar restoration. As testament to Craffey’s vision, the Mountain View
Grand was a recipient of the coveted AAA four-diamond award in 2003—
just one short year after it reopened.

Accordingly, throughout the hotel guests find the deluxe appointments and
sumptuous decor that have become the hallmarks of this venerable
establishment. The hotel also features a variety of contemporary amenities
designed to improve each guest’s stay including a beautiful indoor pool
with a flowing waterfall, a deluxe European-style spa and superlative
dining in four distinctive venues. The hotel is within easy access to
innumerable year-round recreational activities such as golf, hiking,
mountain biking, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more. A dedicated
conference center, in-room data ports, and 20,000 square feet of meeting
space also make the Mountain View Grand an ideal setting for business
functions.

The Mountain View Grand joins Brothers Property’s impressive portfolio of
resort properties, each a tribute to the industry and many with
architectural significance, including The Biltmore in Coral Gables,
Florida, Le Pavillon in New Orleans, Louisiana, The Cincinnatian in
Cincinnati, Ohio, The Driskill in Austin, Texas, the Chatham Bars Inn in
Chatham, Massachusetts and the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in
Charleston, South Carolina.
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