A historic lodge in Maine, formerly owned by cosmetics mogul Elizabeth Arden, will soon become a retreat location for veterans.
The Associated Press reported that the home, located in Rome, Maine, was constructed by Arden as a summer home in the 1920s. She built an on-site spa and hosted many famous guests, including Judy Garland and Mamie Eisenhower. It was originally situated on 1,200 acres, but the source explained that the land was subdivided following Arden's passing in 1966. Last summer, the property was placed up for sale at $765,000. The Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to provide support to disabled soldiers in their life after service, bought the lodge on Tues., March 2.
According to the Bangor Daily News, the organization was able to buy the building, along with 17 acres of land, for $460,000, since it requires significant repairs. The nonprofit plans to completely renovate the lodge, making it the country's first "smart" retreat center, meaning it will come equipped with state-of-the-art technology that will allow disabled veterans and their families to fully enjoy their stays.
The Travis Mills Foundation plans to offer a number of activities to visitors at the Maine facility. Some of these include adaptive sports, spa treatments, fishing, boating, swimming and yoga.