Rosario Resort is a popular destination for tourists in the Pacific Northwest. The resort is situated on Orcas Island, one of the largest islands in the San Juan archipelago.
It boasts beautiful views of Cascade Bay and Moran State Park. But have you ever wondered who built this stunning resort? Let’s take a closer look.
The Beginnings of Rosario Resort
The story of Rosario Resort begins with a man named Robert Moran. He was born in England in 1857 and later immigrated to the United States with his family. He became an accomplished shipbuilder and eventually moved to Seattle.
In 1904, Moran purchased land on Orcas Island with the intention of building a summer home for his family. He named it Rosario after the chapel in Italy where he and his wife were married.
The Construction of Rosario Resort
Moran’s vision for Rosario was grander than just a summer home. Over the next several years, he built a massive mansion that included 105 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and even a pipe organ.
But Moran didn’t stop there. He also built an adjacent boathouse that housed his extensive collection of boats, including steam yachts and sailboats. This boathouse is now home to the resort’s spa.
The Transformation into a Resort
After Moran’s death in 1943, his family sold Rosario to Donald Rheem, who was part of the Rheem Manufacturing Company that made water heaters.
Rheem transformed Rosario into a resort by adding additional guest rooms, a restaurant, and other amenities. The resort quickly became popular among tourists from Seattle and beyond.
Over the years, Rosario has changed hands several times but has remained one of the premier resorts in the San Juan Islands.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the story of the man who built Rosario Resort. Robert Moran’s vision for a summer home turned into something much greater, and we’re fortunate to be able to enjoy it today. If you haven’t visited Rosario Resort yet, it’s definitely worth checking out for its rich history and stunning views.